Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Budget travel to Beautiful Paris:

My first draft of this article began something like, “here are the top ten things to do and see when you travel to Paris.” My plan was to show how to plan a cheap travel excursion to Europe in general and France in particular. But three drafts later, I finally realized that the entire City of Paris is a stunning and unforgettable attraction. Sure, there are a few places you have to see when you. . .

Making Memories Last a Lifetime

After every vacation it's great to have pictures and small souvenirs that bring back memories of your vacation. One fabulous way to create these memories is by making a scrapbook on your family vacation. While eliminating, "Honey, where were we again when this was taken?", it also gives your children (toddlers and up) something to do on a rainy day.To start out with, get your children in the ha. . .

Destination Wedding - Maui’s Maluaka Beach Park

A couple seeking a truly magical wedding may opt for a destination wedding on the beautiful Maluaka Beach in Maui. Maluaka Beach is an ideal location for a destination wedding because it offers the picturesque scenery of a typical beach that is also adjacent to a beautifully landscaped park and picnic area that is ideal for the reception of your destination wedding. The landscaped area serves. . .

Vacation in Italy - Private Holiday Homes versus Hotels

Vacationing in Italy is a dream come true for so many Americans. Those who have Italian heritage often wish to see where their families originated. Those who have no Italian lineage still look upon Italy as one of the foundations of Western civilization. Rome, Venice, Tuscany, Florence, Umbria, Chianti, San Gimignano, Siena, Orvieto, Todi, Assisi, Spleto and Montepulciano are all legendary t. . .

Travelling? Serviced apartments are cheaper!

The cost effectiveness of serviced apartments makes them an ideal second home for expatriates as well as business executives from overseas who require comfort to work and relax during short-term projects.According to a recent survey carried out by Executive Roomspace, companies increasingly require accommodation for serviced apartments between 1 and 6 months.Foreign banks and multinational comp. . .

Edinburgh City Guide, Including Hotels

Introduction:Edinburgh is one of the most famous cities in the world. It is the fastest growing place on the planet and there are a lot of reasons as to why this festival city is one of the most sought-after places for tourists to visit. The city is abuzz with activities the whole year round, be it the fireworks and stranger-hugging frenzy of the world famous New Year “Hogmanay” street party or. . .

Melbourne Restaurants – 4 restaurants in Melbourne provid...

Melbourne restaurants are known as some of the finest in the world. If you are planning a trip to Melbourne and looking for a “uniquely Melbourne” experience, visit one of the following Melbourne restaurants for more than a dining delight. 1. The Colonial Tramcar RestaurantCruise the scenic streets of Melbourne aboard a converted 1927 tram that is the first traveling tramcar restaurant in the w. . .

Coventry City Guide, including hotels

Coventry is a city with a thousand years of history that has plenty to offer the visiting tourist. Located in the heart of Warwickshire, which is well-known as Shakespeare’s county, there are easy transport links to historic Warwick, Rugby and Stratford-upon-Avon. Additionally, there are many things to see and do in and around Coventry itself.The city has many places of interest to the visitor.. . .

New Zealand Car Rental

As I planned my first visit to the stunningly beautiful country of New Zealand, I knew that I wanted the freedom and flexibility to visit everything from the Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island to the vineyards in Hawkes Bay on the North Island. Because I didn't want to waste a minute of my limited time waiting for buses or being constrained by a tour groups itinerary, I knew that I needed . . .

New Zealand Car Hire

As I planned my first visit to the stunningly beautiful country of New Zealand, I knew that I wanted the freedom and flexibility to visit everything from the Franz Josef Glacier on the South Island to the vineyards in Hawkes Bay on the North Island. Because I didnt want to waste a minute of my limited time waiting for buses or being constrained by a tour groups itinerary, I knew that I needed a. . .

Two Innkeepers Give First-hand Accounts of What Visitors ...

BnBFinder.com recently spoke with two Bed and Breakfast owners in New Orleans about their experiences and impressions of their city in the aftermath of September's hurricane disaster. Hopes are high and nearly all city-center businesses are up and running. In fact, all but two of the 15 New Orleans Bed and Breakfast Inns listed on BnBFinder.com are open for business. According to Innkeeper Al H. . .

Camper Vans - A Brief History

Hiring a camper van for a vacation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking new adventures. The lure of the open road and freedom to roam wherever you please is an appealing thought for many. Knowing a little about the history of the camper van can give you that sense of belonging whilst out on the road.A traditional camper van has a folding roof that pops up to provide room. . .

16 Things To Do In Belfast, Ireland

If you are looking for a nice get-a-way weekend, with all the charm of a country town and yet all the opportunities of a thriving city, then Belfast is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy life! Belfast is the second largest city in Ireland, Dublin being the largest, and with a population of over 200,000 it is filled with the charm of an old town shipping port alongside a thriving metropolis. . . .

Holiday in Greece - Rent Private Vacation Rentals at a Ba...

If you have an interest in beauty, art, architecture and the classic culture that gave us our civilization, then a visit to Greece is just the ticket. And a vacation rental of a villa, a beach house or another type of private home will give you a chance to experience this wonderful country that is impossible when going from hotel to hotel. There are so many places in Greece that choosing a lo. . .

Living On A Cruise Ship Is Catching On

Well, living on a Cruise Ship is catching on.Quite a few couples are now subscribing to world cruises and it is affecting the Cruise Ship industry.In 2006 the Holland America Line is experiencing a 20 percent increase in the number of cruises longer than 12 days. For 2007, the demand for world cruises for Cunard is so great the company is having two world cruises, including the Queen Mary 2. . .

Motor Home Living Part 1

Motor Home Living - Part 1So here we are, in our forties, the kids have moved out, and we are tired of the rat race. Then the idea came, lets look into full time Motor home living.Since I have a virtual career, and my wife is in accounting, this just might work.No more mortgage payment, property taxes, sewage, water, home repair, and most of all, if I hate my neighbors, I can move in a day. Bu. . .

How Much Do You Know About Westminster? Take A Two Minut...

Well, did you know........ That the Westminster Abbey that we tell you has been there for 900 years has not really been there, as you see it, for that long at all? The original Abbey, as created by Edward the Confessor, was completely different and was built in the Norman style. And did you know that this great man was for a long time England’s patron saint? And did you know that Westminster . . .

Portsmouth City Guide, Including Hotels

Introduction:Portsmouth is located on the south coast of the scenic county of Hampshire. The city has a long established historic naval presence. The city of Portsmouth was established in the year 1623, being a community that swears by its influence to world history. As well as being an important naval town, Portsmouth has a nostalgic feel with it’s cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, m. . .

Secret Holidays in England

When you think of holidays in England I wonder what images enter your head first? Maybe the famous red buses in London? Or possibly the splendour of Windsor Castle, the Tower of London or Buckingham Palace?All of those images point to some great features of England for visitors but there is a hidden side to the country. If you try and move away from the well-trodden routes of the tourist trail . . .

Southampton City Guide, Including Hotels

Introduction:Set on the coast of Hampshire, south of Winchester, this is a place that abounds with a fascinating heritage. The Romans, who established it as a seaport, founded Southampton approximately 2,000 years ago. This was the port from which the ill-fated Titanic had set sail on her maiden voyage in 1912. Even though the place was affected during the Second World War, Southampton has grow. . .

Take a Look at the Florida Panhandle - Part 1 - Tallahass...

To the East is Florida's state capital, Tallahassee, withits streets of graceful old Southern mansions. To the farwest lies Pensacola, which it is said, is the country'soldest settlement, dating from 1559.Between these towns, is the potential for a whole range ofdifferent holidays.Tallahassee was named by the Apalachee Indians. It is best enjoyed by traversing along the Canopy Roads.Which as th. . .

Sheffield City Guide, Including Hotels

Sheffield is a city that is steeped with the history of steelmaking in England. Take a look at any knife and fork and see the inevitable ‘Made in Sheffield’ sign. Most of the tourists come here especially to be the part of the scenic beauty that surrounds Sheffield. The city is located towards the centre of England in the county of South Yorkshire.The city was actually the country’s first Natio. . .

Southend-On-Sea City Guide, Including Hotels

Southend-on-Sea is Essex’s largest town and its close proximity to London makes it a popular tourist destination year after year. Better still, it is located in the south east of the country in an area widely regarded as the driest part of Britain.The town is chock-full of interesting attractions which are aimed at all the family, whether you’re looking for local history, the arts and culture, . . .

Southampton Airport: a Cheap Gateway to the UK?

The rise of the internet seems to have brought many benefits, one of which has undoubtedly been the increasing flexibility that we now have at our disposal when booking holidays.This is particularly true in the case of flights. Online flight price comparison websites ensure that we can shop around to seek out the best deal from a variety of agents and airlines.People flying to and from the Unit. . .

The Neat New Brunswick

The province of New Brunswick is located on the east coast of Canada. There are about 757,100 people living in the province of New Brunswick. They have the 8th most people in Canada by province. The people of New Brunswick speak mostly English, but a lot of people are bilingual, this province is the only officially bilingual province in Canada. Most of the people living here are either French o. . .

Don’t Miss the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

Alaska is known as the “Last Frontier State” and is famous for its pristine wilderness, abundant wild animals, beautiful scenery, and fun loving people. The most prominent display of fun and festivities during Alaska's winter is known as the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous. If you are under the impressing this unique event is “just another sled dog race,” think again! Although Alaskans love their s. . .

Ideas For Your Next Cruise

Have you thought about the destination for your next cruise? Could it be the Caribbean which many cruise ships cruise around. Where will you visit? How about Belize, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grand Antigua, Cayman, South Carolina, Martinique, Barbados, St. Lucia, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, the Bahamas or Mexico. These are all destinations from cruises setting out from places su. . .

Edinburgh city guide, including hotels

Introduction:Edinburgh is one of the most famous cities in the world. It is the fastest growing place on the planet and there are a lot of reasons as to why this festival city is one of the most sought-after places for tourists to visit. The city is abuzz with activities the whole year round, be it the fireworks and stranger-hugging frenzy of the world famous New Year “Hogmanay” street party or. . .

6 Free activities for families in Sydney

Can you take your family out for a day in Sydney and not spend a cent? Pack your lunch and your comfortable shoes and make your way to Circular Quay. From there, the world is your oyster. You won’t believe how much fun you can have without spending money.1. Circular QuaySince first European settlement, the Quay has been at the centre of Sydney’s maritime life and its heart of transportation. Ci. . .

Scarborough City Guide, Including Hotels

Scarborough is one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts and has been for more than four centuries. Located on the east coast of Yorkshire, Scarborough has always attracted visitors thanks to its beautiful and lengthy sandy beaches, picturesque cliff tops and family-oriented attractions. The location offers spectacular views of the North Sea but is also far more than just another seaside town;. . .

Wholesale Travel Gets You There Cheaper

Traveling is one of life's greatest adventures. It can bring joy to the heart and peace to the soul. Unfortunately, traveling can be an expensive proposition, and one that makes adventurous vacations out of reach for many people. When you take advantage of wholesale travel packages, though, you can go on cruises, relax at resorts, luxuriate in the best accommodations at hotels, and fly with air. . .

10 Things To Do While In Ireland

Ireland has become a secret hide-a-way for vacationers in the past 20 years, and there is plenty to do while in Ireland. In the early 1990’s, Ireland took an economic turn upwards, and the country began to establish itself with economic success. Since then immigration has increased from the European countries, Russia, and even Australia and the U.S. The well-hidden secret of the wealth that . . .

Great Reasons to Take a Maui Vacation

When individuals start thinking about planning their vacation, they may have a variety of places in mind from which to choose. These choices can often be narrowed down by considering factors such as choice of climate, tourist popularity at that time of the year and overall cost of the vacation. For those who are looking to vacation in a spot where sunshine and beautiful views are ever present, . . .

Experience The Quest: Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race

Known as the “Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World,” the annual Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race annually covers over 1,000 miles between the Yukon and Alaska. Alternating starting and finish lines between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska, this sled dog race is not for the faint of heart! The terrain is some of the most difficult on the planet and the demanding trail constantly keeps s. . .

Rental Booking Tips For Vacationers

You’ve found the perfect vacation rental and now you’re ready to book it. Overall, the process should be easy. Hopefully, the owner has attached a calendar showing the property’s availability. Most will do this as it makes no sense to pursue a vacation rental property if it’s not available at the time you want to travel.If you’ve never physically seen the property, you might be nervous about bo. . .

Finding Cheap Hotels

Cheap hotels for your travels can be easy to find if you know where to look. In every town there are cheap hotels that can make the difference between having a vacation or not. Where should you look for these hotels? Accommodation costs are a significant chunk of the total vacation expenditure and by staying in cheap hotels vacationers can afford to experience more of what a holiday destination. . .

Manitoba The Eastern Prairie

Manitoba is one of Canada's provinces. It is the fifth Canadian province created by the government in 1870. Manitoba’s population is around 1,176,132. To the west of Manitoba is saskenwan and to the east is the province of Ontario. It is considered a Prairie Provinces. It also is the most eastern prairie province in Canada. The largest city and capital of the province is Winnipeg. Morden, Flin . . .

Five Family Friendly Vacations Ideas and How To Make Them...

Does the cost of travel have you wondering whether or not you can afford to take your family on a vacation this year? Your much needed and well deserved vacation should be a priority in your life and we are providing ways to make your family vacation time more affordable and more enjoyable. 1. Kids and Cruises –Traveling by ship is a way for families to visit several places on one trip without . . .

A Natural Wedding Location - The Beaches of Caneel Bay in...

Couples wishing to enjoy a truly natural wedding location should consider hosting their nuptials on the glorious beaches of Caneel Bay in the United States Virgin Islands. The natural setting of this location offers beauty that far surpasses any luxuries that can be offered by the finest catering halls. The magnificence of this natural wedding location provides the couple and their guests wit. . .

Alps and the Neuschwanstein Castle

My love affair with the Alps began inside the tight cabin of the now defunct Pan Am airlines. When I saw the wrinkled, craggy mountain tops breaking through thick clouds, I held my breath. Nothing like this majestic splendor had ever crossed my eyes. Immediately, I took a few pictures, not minding that a 126 box camera wasn’t the proper tool for such a sight. Ever since then, we got lucky enoug. . .

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 others travel 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 co. . .

The "Grand Dame" of Mazatlán, Rich in Atmosphere

Mazatlan offers a great variety of hotels for those looking for a beach vacation. The hotels in Mazatlan range from the simple to the luxurious. Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find a Mazatlan hotel to suit your needs. The Hotel Playa Mazatlan is one popular Mazatlan hotel that has a great deal of fun and adventure to offer to visitors. The accommodations at the Hotel Playa Ma. . .

Modern Wonders

Apparently, it's time to turn the page on the original Seven Wonders of the World ...Since only one of them is left standing, and since most people can't remember what the rest of them are, anyway, this is a good idea for someone who has too much time on their hands and the ability to raise money.In this instance, that would narrow the candidates down to one Bernard Weber. He's a Swiss idealist. . .

Brief history of Italian Fashion

Italy and Fashion have a very unique and special relationship, and when you consider such names as Dolce&Gabbana, Versace and Armani, to name but a few, it's not difficult to see why. But if we look back into the history of Italian Fashion, (e.g. see also the article on Nina Ricci) we start to understand what gave Italy such a status in the Fashion World. Count Giorgini started the 'Italian Fas. . .

Don't Worry, Be Happy, Rent a Villa

A family vacation to “The Happiest Place on Earth” is a rewarding experience you will never forget. With so much to see and do, it has become increasingly important to a lot of visitors that they plan accordingly and reserve comfortable and spacious accommodations. If you are traveling with children, the open spaces in a vacation home or villa will translate into added silence and downtime afte. . .

Zermatt, the Eternal Alpine Snow, and a Peek at Switzerland

Mont Blanc stands proud as the highest Alp. Yet one of the most photographically reproduced is Matterhorn with the village of Zermatt at its feet. When I first saw Matterhorn from the ground up, I felt as if I was looking at a solidified ardent flame. A native who saw me look at it with awe said: “You can climb it,” as if it were nothing. I laughed...not at him but at me. I wouldn’t dare think . . .

Mdina, ‘The Walled, Silent City Of Ghosts’…

No visit to Malta would be complete without a visit to its elegant, walled city of Mdina and its suburb, Rabat, in the Old City. Mdina and Rabat are steeped more than 4000 years in history when they formed part of a Roman settlement. Walking through Mdina, one feels as if one has been transported in a time capsule to another era of bygone yesteryear. It was here, in AD 60, that the Apostle S. . .

See Naples and Die!

There is a saying in Italy that goes 'vedi Napoli e poi muori'. Translated, this means 'see Naples and die'. The actual meaning of this refers to being overwhelmed by what a beautiful and an incredible city Naples is. (although some may argue that what it really means that Naples is such a dangerous and chaotic city that it will kill you!)Love it or hate it, Naples really is a city and a half. . . .

Italian architects in Bangkok – monuments to their artistry

Italian architects in Bangkok, Annibale Rigotti and MarioTamagno have created magnificent landmarks in the city, a throne hall, two palaces, an old Catholic church of Portuguese origin, a memorial library for a Danish Protestant and the building housing the seat of government, Government House.The two architects came to work in Bangkok at the turn of the 20th century during the reign of King Ra. . .

Travel to Romantic Asian Locations

Asia is one the more visually stunning areas in the world. If you are looking for romance, here are some top-notch destinations.Asia is hot and sticky, much like romance. More importantly, it tends to be fairly cheap due to a currency disaster in the late 1990s. Although luxury resorts can be very pricey, you can find a romantic location for just about any budget. If cost is of no concern, the . . .