Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Tourism Highlights of Hong Kong, the City of Life

They call Hong Kong the ‘City of Life’ because it has always been so vibrant and full of energy. It’s a city that’s both exotic and cosmopolitan making it a perfect destination for first time travelers to Asia. Being a former British colony, there’s enough English signs and people able to speak the language there to make it a user friendly place. At the same time, it’s foreign enough that to. . .

Amsterdam Sightseeing and Hotels

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and is one of the largest historic cities in Europe. The city lies near two bodies of water, the Amstel river and the IJ bay. For many tourists, Amsterdam is a city which is well known and praised for its entertainment and culture. The city at this time has a population of over 700,000.Amsterdam is a city, which had very humble beginnings. It wa. . .

Get Cheap Air Tickets

Here are some tips for you to get cheaper air tickets.1. Shop in the Internet: This is the most convenient way of checking air tickets’ price. You won’t have to canvass travel agencies. Some internet sites even offer internet only discounts that you can benefit from if you avail of their services. 2. When you do shop on the internet: Check first with travel agents regarding prices, Internet pri. . .

South Pacific Island in the Caribbean Sea

St Lucia would be just at home in the South Pacific, but it resides in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, and is part of the Windward Islands.Just north of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago lies a tropical paradise equal to the Pacific islands of Tahiti and Fiji. The calm waters of the Caribbean Sea which is usually compared to the color turquoise, appears to be royal blue around the island of St Luci. . .

10 Must-Dos When In Barcelona

High spirits and vitality govern in abundance when in Barcelona. This infectious capital of Catalonia, and second largest city in Spain, exudes soul and energy, living life to the full. Barcelona’s verve is matched by its magnificent architecture, characterised by one man’s signature, Antonio Gaudi.1. Las RamblasRunning from seafront through to Placa de Catalunya, Las Ramblas is a fusion of mar. . .

Lake Rental Tahoe vacation : Affordable vacation Rental i...

Perched atop the Sierra Nevada is the world’s second largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe. Vacation rentals in Lake Tahoe are situated in the midst of all major attractions such as world-class ski resorts, magnificent golf courses and excellent casinos. Lake Tahoe vacation rentals offers you a wide range of vacation homes ranging from affordable vacation rental homes to luxurious condos in both the . . .

Are They Really Cheaper

The websites dedicated to helping you book a vacation, such as Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz amongst others, are not all they are advertised to be. They advertise that you can save money booking your whole vacation with them. In some cases it may be true but more often than not I believe you can do it cheaper yourself.I previously looked into booking a vacation for my family to Disney. I . . .

All The World Wants To Travel To New Zealand

Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched New Zealand big time onto the world’s cinema screens with epic block busters such as Lord of The Rings, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wants to visit. In fact, New Zealand is one of the most popular travel search destinations, with almost two million online searches for information each year, even beating out firm favorites such as Ho. . .

Keep The Kids Entertained While Traveling!

Family vacations can be one of the most anticipated highlights of the year. Maybe it is crossing several states to a favorite amusement park or driving 100 miles to see the grandparents. Whatever your case may be, if the kids are going they will need to be entertained while traveling to make it easier on everyone.Today there are many items to keep the kids entertained while traveling compared . . .

How To Find Cheap Airfare

Air travel is no longer considered a luxury only available for the wealthy and is now almost essential to our way of life. Instead of driving hundreds of miles to visit friends and family, attend a business meeting, or enjoy a vacation hotspot, a flight can whittle your travel time to a couple of hours instead of a couple of days. Also, more and more individuals are seeking to explore all corne. . .

Myrtle Beach Golf Packages

If you are looking for a place to go where you can play a different course every day and not pay a fortune for it. Then, come back year after year and still not play the same course twice? Then, Myrtle Beach is your place. There are over 110 courses that offer just about any style of golf that you may enjoy. The area is also known as The Grand Strand and stretches from southern North Carolina d. . .

Find Out How You Could Find Low Airfares

Unless you are planning a short domestic trip, the cost of airfare is usually a deciding factor in an overseas trip. Most people with moderate incomes simply can't afford to fly regularly, as much as they would like to. There are, however, some people out there who are flying all the time on regular incomes. The secret to achieving this is a willingness to be flexible and shop around with airfa. . .

Have A HolidayTo Remember In Galway, Ireland

For a truly unique holiday, try Galway, Ireland for your next vacation. It will prove to be a special time that the whole family will enjoy and have you returning to. Ireland is becoming more and more popular as a vacation spot, and Galway is one of the reasons why.The island of Ireland is approximately the same size as England or Scotland, and it sits directly to the west of them, with the I. . .

Safe Driving on Ski Trips -– Part 2 -– If You Get in Trouble

Whether you’re leaving the city heading to the Mammoth Mountain/Lake Tahoe High Sierra country for its beauty and relaxation, or planning that ski trip from Scottsdale to Snowbowl, here are some tips for a safe and pleasant journey, and how to deal with trouble, should it arise.Slow down. A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow and. . .

Cruising Alaska by Ferry

Here's an all-Alaskan suggestion for cruisers who would like to:• travel at their own pace;• choose their own ports-of-call;• lay over in any port for as many days as they desire;• share their travel with Alaskan locals;• have the option to bring along the family RV or auto; and• cruise to Alaska one way and drive home by highway.If this sounds good to you, Alaska's state-owned ferries may be j. . .

Why Sydney Is The Best City In The World In Summer

Sydney is the best city in the world in summer.Why?Because everything can be done in the open air. There's open air cinema, open air concerts and open air dining. Let's look at each in detail. 1) Open air cinemasThere are three stunning outdoor cinemas in Sydney in summer. The OpenAir Cinema at Sydney Harbour (to be seen to be believed), the Moonlight Cinema at Centennial Park and the Starlight. . .

Have You Ever Watched a Flame Thrower While Eating a Taco?

Those who visit the Hotel Playa Mazatlan have the option of attending one of the longest running dinner shows in Mexico. The Fiesta Mexicana has been delighting guests of the Hotel Playa Mazatlan for nearly forty years. This night of food, drink and entertainment is a night of enjoyment that all who attend are sure to remember. Currently the Fiesta Mexicana takes place three nights a week at. . .

Tips For Travellers To The Tropics

I went on my first holiday to the tropics recently. I was afraid of catching a disease, so I did a bit of research, and took some precautions. Here are some tips I found useful. 1. Get your shots.I spent a short time in areas relatively free of mosquito-borne disease. The key word is 'relatively'. A two week holiday in an urban area is probably alright. If you're staying for months, or in an ar. . .

Travel To China And See What All The Fuss Is About

China is one of the most glorious countries to visit and this year you can see it all. China is a magical country full of old and historical sights and many wonders. There is no other country that has sights as fantastic as the Great Wall of China and all of the old places where the monks used to live thousands of years ago. Add to all of this beauty the supreme glory that is the scenery and yo. . .

The Island With the Most Return Visitors

Fourteen years ago, my husband and I visited the island of Barbados on a cruise ship. Barbados is the farthest island of the Caribbean chain, and once we stepped off the ship, our love affair with the island started.Being a travel consultant, I had read up on the island, and the images of "flying fish" and "green monkeys" stirred my imagination. Also the fact that there is nothing but water sep. . .

The Trimurti Shrine – in the quest for true love at the L...

The Trimurti Shrine is located at the busy Ratchaprasong junction in downtown Bangkok at the corner of the Central World Plaza, (former World Trade Centre) across the road from the famous Erawan Shrine.Though less hectic than the Erawan Shrine, the Trimurti Shrine has an aura of its own. Legend has it that those who pray here for true love will have their dreams fulfilled. Worshippers are mostl. . .

Ontario The Gaint

Ontario is a province located between the province of Quebec to the east, and Manitoba to the west. To the north is Hudson Bay and James Bay. To the south are the United States of America, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and New York, Pennsylvania. The border between the two countries are filled with rivers and lakes, Saint Lawrence River, it passes through the four Great Lakes, Lakes Superior, Erie. . .

For the Air and Space Enthusiast

If you are looking for a vacation idea and are an air and space enthusiast, look no further. The National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport is the place for you.I am fortunate enough to live in the Washington, DC area, so I can take advantage of all the available free attractions offered. Today (2/19/2006) I wend on a field trip to th. . .

Safe Driving on Ski Trips -– Part 1 -– The Basics

Whether you’re leaving the city heading to the Mammoth Mountain/Lake Tahoe High Sierra country for its beauty and relaxation, or planning that ski trip from Scottsdale to Snowbowl, here are some tips for a safe and pleasant journey. Be sure to see also Part 2: “Don’t get in Trouble, but if you do -–.“Driving in winter conditions tests your car to the limit. If something isn't working properl. . .

Booking Travel Online - 5 Tips You Must Know

Booking travel online is big business these days and on the plus side puts a lot of power in the hands of the consumer to reserve their own travel arrangements. But it’s critical you know 5 things to get the best deal and discount available. So before you begin your travel research and booking online start here.ALL TRAVEL WEB SITES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL When booking travel online they’re two t. . .

Discount Travel - The Idea Of Staying Put

Due to the high costs involved, most people don't travel nearly as much as they would like too. Unless you are well off, chances are that traveling is something you only do a handful of times in your life, and there is therefore a tendency to try and get as much out of the experience as possible. There is, of course, nothing wrong with this idea, but a slight shift in your priorities can save y. . .

Discount Travel - Finding Low Airfares

Unless you are planning a short domestic trip, the cost of airfare is usually a deciding factor in an overseas trip. Most people with moderate incomes simply can't afford to fly regularly, as much as they would like to. There are, however, some people out there who are flying all the time on regular incomes. The secret to achieving this is a willingness to be flexible and shop around with airfa. . .

Cockney Rhyming Slang

Sir Winston Churchill once observed that Americans and the British are 'a common people divided by a common language' ...Never was that as true as when describing the Cockneys.You've certainly heard their accent, made famous in everything from movies based on Dickens and George Bernard Shaw novels to computer-generated gekkos telling real gekkos how to go forth and sell car insurance. The Austr. . .

Niagara Falls--Worth The Trip?

For years Niagara Falls has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. Visitors from abroad and North America cannot seem to shake their desire to visit this dramatic aquatic spectacle. But why exactly? The falls are not particularly convenient to any major U.S. city (apologies to Buffalo), which means visitors to the US will need at least two days to fit. . .

Alicante Is More Than Merely A Runway

Alicante is perhaps best known as the gateway to the Costa Blanca, famed more for its airport than for the tourist trapping provided by more familiar neighbours, Benidorm and Denia. Most visitors to Alicante use the town as an arrival and departure point, not stopping long enough to see what the area has to offer. But whilst the bright lights of the aforementioned neighbours beckon for most, Al. . .

Add Some White Water To Your Next Adventure Vacation

Sometimes I will meet someone who appears to lead a happy and fulfilling life. but then I discover this person has never been white water rafting and I realize it’s all a mirage. No one who has never taken an adventure vacation that includes riding the white water can truly be happy. ”Oh sure,” you may be thinking, “isn’t white water rafting … dangerous?” Well my timid, rubber-spined, cowardly . . .

Masai Tribe

The Masai tribe or Maasai are an indigenous African tribe located mainly in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They live along the Great Rift Valley on semi-arid and arid lands. The Maasai are the most well known tribe from East Africa. They are characteristically tall and slender. The Maasai are popular for their tradition of hair plaits, heavy iron necklaces, and fierce warriors. They are . . .

Put Your Budget Travel Plans on Autopilot

Face it, the biggest cost of travel is usually just getting there. Airfare these days is driven by fuel costs, which are driven by whoever is about to sneeze in the Middle East. So what is a person looking for budget adventure travel to do?I'm glad you asked.Here are three sites that can help you track down the cheapest airfare like Pooh on the prowl for a jar of honey. (Hey I'm a father who. . .

Skiing at Breckenridge Mountain

As you drive into the town of Breckenridge, you can see Breckenridge Mountain and many of the lifts. Breckenridge Mountain has four peaks and each is labeled peak 10, peak 9, peak 8 and peak 7. You can ski all four of Breckenridge's peaks in one day if you are up for a hike. The only peak accessible by lift is Peak 8.Breckenridge has many green trails which are perfect of beginners. So do not b. . .

Using Courier Flying For Discount Travel

Unless you happen to be wealthy and have a lot of free time, chances are you wish you could fly more often than you currently can. Airfare is, of course, the most cost prohibitive element of long distance travel. Many people find themselves in situations where they know someone they could stay with in another city - so accommodations would be free - but there's simply no way of being able to ge. . .

Using Charter Flights For Discount Travel

Almost anyone will probably agree that in a perfect world they'd be able to travel more. It is one of the most natural human desires to want to see different parts of the world and experience new things. And anyone who has traveled will probably agree that you don't really appreciate or think about your home too much until you have the perspective of seeing how people live in other parts of the. . .

A Great Vacation Begins At Home

Great budget adventure travel begins at home. If you prepare for your trip before you walk out your front door, your vacation will be better organized, more full of all the exciting extra experiences to make it more memorable and you will almost certainly save significant money. Not only that, you will be better able to put together a budget adventure travel experience to give you an insurmount. . .

Romantic Travel Ideas for the Romantically Challenged

Are you romantically challenged? Do you want to show that special person your romantic side but just cannot come up with those great ideas that will sweep him or her into your arms? (Me too).Anyway, I was doing a Google search for “romantic travel ideas” and came across the following list on Romantic Getaway Ideas. Not only does this list already contain such great ideas as romantic strolls . . .

Save Money On Your Walt Disney World Trip

My family visit Walt Disney World several times a year. The biggest question we are often asked is "How Do You Afford It". There is no simple answer to this question - We save money and make money for our Disney trips in many different ways. You can find more mays to make money to fund you're trip by going to http://www.richerbrat.com and signing up for the FREE Brat Insider Newsletter. You. . .

Summer Vacation, Here We Come!

Before we know it the daffodils will be blooming and the school doors will be flung open, ending the school year. Now is the time to start planning your family’s next summer vacation. Here are some destinations to consider. There is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy! For those who like roughing it, backpacking might be your next family adventure. The Grand Teton National Park, Yellowst. . .

Go Discount Shopping Before You Pack

For frequent travelers, it feels like you're always on the road, on your way to the airport, or waiting in line at hotel registration. Most of all, it feels like you're constantly packing and unpacking your luggage. Even those of us who travel less frequently - a trip home to visit our mother and father at the holidays, a quick trip to the mountains to enjoy the great outdoors, and an annual va. . .

Hawaii - Don’t Hire a Tour Guide, Guide Yourself

When you visit Hawaii there are many islands that offer plenty of exciting activities, natural wonders, and enjoyment for all who visit. However, Hawaii is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, so you can only imagine how traveling in the area might affect your budget. Because of this you might prefer to guide yourself through the islands with some suggestions of the be. . .

Planning For Costa Rica

When traveling it is essential to plan ahead, so when you arrive at your destination, you lessen the chances of being at a loss of what to do. Knowledge gained from other's travels can be invaluable, especially when planning to travel to somewhere you have never been before. The advice on this page is helpful to everyone planning a trip to Costa Rica.MoneyThe money used in Costa Rica is called . . .

Dubai - A tourist destination

Dubai is the second largest of the emirates comprising the United Arab Emirates. It was established in the late 1950’s to serve a tiny coastal settlement. Today, Dubai is a modern metropolis with a population of over 700,000.It offers its citizens the finest in modern comforts. It is known internationally as a premier tourist destination.Dubai has something for everyone, from vacationers seekin. . .

Bed and Breakfasts - Romantic and Relaxing

Thankfully the days are long gone when staying at a bed and breakfast entailed sleeping in someone’s spare room with basic amenities (possibly including a tired shag carpet) and a shared bathroom “down the hall”. Hardly romantic!In fact, the change is so pronounced that smaller boutique hotels are now incorporating some of the successful qualities of bed and breakfasts into their renovations. T. . .

Journaling on Vacation

You can take plenty of photographs on your vacation, even digital video is fairly easy, but those things won’t help you record the little incidents that give meaning to your vacation. That is why keeping a travel journal is so helpful. The journal of your vacation is the place to keep notes of the small things that give color to your trip. It is also the place to keep the details of the big . . .

Castle-like B&B on Oregon Coast Changes Name

The stunning, castle-like bed and breakfast formerly called St. Bernard's Bed & Breakfast now has a new name. St. Bernard's has added another business partner, changed its name to Arch Cape House, and is in the middle of other shifts in direction.This fall, owner Barbara Dau joined forces with a new business partner, on-and-off Arch Cape resident Robert Shaw. The result was St. Bernard's B&B be. . .

Roadtripping Across America

Right now I am reading a truly wonderful book that I highly recommend. It is Reader’s Digest Most Scenic Drives in America (from now on I’ll be calling it RDMSDIA because I’m way too lazy to type that long a title every time). As you might have already imagined, RDMSDIA portrays over 120 extremely beautiful road trips, and after reading this book, I want to take every single one of them. So let. . .

What are the Must-see attractions in Orlando?

Orlando, Florida is filled with attractions for vacationers of every age group; it is known for its beaches, golf courses, night life, museums, restaurants, and theme parks. Three all-time tourist favorites include Disney World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios, Florida.Disney World:The home of Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck is a perennial favorite with not just kids for whom it offer. . .

Travel in the United States since the terrorist attacks o...

Long gone are the days when an airline passenger is able to go straight to the gate and catch their flight. As you all know, the way we think about travel has been profoundly changed by the events of Sept. 11 and their aftermath. These shifts have had a practical and psychological impact on all of us. Most of these changes have taken place in the airline industry although other parts of the tra. . .