Travel Info Blog

So many sights and sensation make up the country that is India. There are tiger parks and magnificent residences of Maharajahs, cool hills resorts with tea plantations with views of the distant Himalayas, there are the beaches of Goa and the pepper ports of the Malabar Coast to mention just a few. Here's a look at three of the marvels that define this vast and varied land - the Taj in Delhi, the Gateway of India in Mumbai, and the National Library in Kolkata.

Everyone visits the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, but in Dehli stands its precursor, Humayun's Tomb. Humayun was a Mughal Emperor during the 16th century. A native of Kabul, Humayun took the throne of Agra in 1530. He was a studious man and was fascinated by mathematics and astronomy. He also brought in Persian artists to add their stylistic influences to result in the classic Mughal form of architecture. He died in 1556 after falling down the steps of his library.

The garden tomb built by his widow Baga Begam in the years 1565 - 1569. It was India's first full-blown example of Mughal architecture in all its glory with the expansive gardens replete with water channels and fountains. 70 years later, this style of architecture was to reach its apex with the construction of the Taj Mahal.

In the port city of Mumbai (Bombay) in western India on the Arabian Sea stands the Gateway of India, a 26-metre structure of yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. This ceremonial archway is a symbol of the British Raj, the colonial government that ruled India from 1858 until 1947.

The Gateway of India was constructed to commemorate the arrival of King George V and Queen Mary in India in 1911 to attend the Delhi Durbar. The monarchs passed through a plaster of paris replica of the gateway which was constructed over the following years. The actual gate was inaugurated in 1924. Later governors and colonial officials arriving by sea would pass through this archway.

When India gained independence, the last British troops, the first battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, marched under the gateway to their waiting ship to sail away from India forever.

The eastern coastal city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) has long been the intellectual hub of India. Nicknamed the "City of Thinkers", it's long been the haunt of the country's leading artists and writers. This makes it the fitting place to be home of the National Library of India.

Other than its impressive collection of two million books, the National Library’s setting makes it worth a visit. It’s located on the Belvedere Estate, site of the 300-year-old former summer residence of Prince Azim-us-Shan.

India has so many treasures; it's hard to know where to start. But a visit to these three sites makes a great introduction to this sprawling and fascinating country.

The Herault is a spectacular Department in the Languedoc Region of France. It gets it's name from the beautiful River Herault, which meanders through it.

The French, when it comes to where they would most like to live, permanent or retirement, opt for the Herault, it's their favorite location in all of France! Many buy homes in the area and house prices are rising steadly. Lots of foreigners have also discovered this and bought vacation or permanent homes in this tranquil area, where the main concern of the day can often be "what will I do today?" The pace is slower, the food healthier, life expectancy is longer, the worries are less...yes it's tough.

Real estate prices are still pretty reasonable, in the Languedoc region, making it a good time to buy. You can choose from a chalet, apartment, village/town house, or luxury villa with swimming pool. Prices vary, depending on how close to the sea or a particular town or village. Each village or town has Estate Agent's Offices (Immobiliers) with plenty of photos in their windows, call in and have a chat, more than likely they'll show you properties that same day.

When buying real estate in France you can save paying the agents fee's. Just travel around and find properties being sold privately by their owners. In most cases you will see a hand written sign saying "A Vendre". If you have the time, travel from town to village looking for your potential dream home, if possible staying overnight, meeting the locals and experiencing the place.

It's easy to understand why the Herault is so popular. Montpellier is the major city in this department, with it's international airport and first class train service, this beautiful historical and modern city, offers an abundance of places to see and things to do, it's a great base and starting point to commence your exploration of the area, be it by car or rail.

The major towns and villages of Beziers, Marseillan, Sete, Agde, Meze, Pezenas and lots more, each with their own unique style and character are all within an hours journey by rail or car.

You can experience the breath taking landscape of small villages nestled and embraced by dramatic mountains and vineyards. Take a stroll along the many rivers and canals, relax on the banks of the Canal du Midi watching the colorful barges quietly float by. Let the day drift along, picnicking on the shores of serene lakes.

The Herault Department is well known for its miles and miles of clean, sandy, sun drenched Mediterranean beaches. With over 300 days of sunshine per year it's a magnet for holiday makers, especially the French themselves, (need I say more?)

Every village and town in the Herault has at least one market a week, selling breads, cheeses, meats, fish and vegetables along with clothes, bric a brac and the kitchen sink. They are lively and colorful events with plenty of bargains. No matter how small the village or town you're in, you'll find copious amounts of shopping malls, nearby or a short distance away.

For the young and not so young, there's plenty of things to keep you occupied. Theme and safari parks, water sports, cycling/walking trails, museums, galleries, golf, tours, bullfighting and the best cuisine and wines in the world. Visit some super ancient castles, forts and chateaux, marvel at the original roman viaducts bridges and towers, still in a state of great preservation. Walking around the villages your sense of smell will be charged by the local cuisine...bon appetite.

The Herault in the South of France is certainly well worth a visit and is definitely a great place to buy a home!

Don't worry - Lassen Volcanic National Park's volcanoes aren't going to explode and spill fiery doom all over you and your motor home. Although once a roaring caldron of magma, the volcanoes are now quiet and still. But, if you wander the park, you can still find among the pristine wilderness and pine forests some boiling pits of mud and steam hissing out of the cracks in the earth. These are just some of the attractions that make Lessen Volcanic National Park one of Northern California's greatest RV destinations.

The park is located about 50 miles west of Redding, California in the northeastern corner of the state. It is about 180 miles from Reno, Nevada. Its location puts it right in the middle of some of America's prettiest country, not far from the parks and wilderness areas of California, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

What is there to do at the park?

There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails, which means that you will never walk it all, and the wide range of different scenery makes each hiking trail a real journey. The park is close enough to the Cascades and Sierras that you can see great views of the mountain ranges from some areas of the park. There are beautiful mountain lakes, as well as hydrothermal attractions you won't find anywhere else. These include huge vents leading to the depths of the earth that discharge steam and volcanic gas; steam coming straight out of fissures in the ground; and boiling mud and water pools (they're a little too hot for a dip!). At Lassen, you can really get close to what's going on underneath the earth's surface.

And what about the eruptions?

Of course there is always a possibility of a volcanic "event", but there are a few things that should set your mind at ease. First off, although there was an eruption as recently as 1915, eruptions are few and far between at Lassen, occurring usually once every 10,000 years. Lassen is part of a volcanic corridor stretching from northern California up to Mount St. Helens, and there are occasionally small eruptions here and there. The other thing that should set your mind at ease is that there are a large number of scientists constantly keeping an eye on the park. They will definitely let you know well in advance if you shouldn't park your motor home nearby.

There are lots of places to stay around Lassen Volcanic National Park. One of the best motor home sites in the area is Lassen Pines RV Park, located in McArthur, California. Lassen Pines is located in the Fall River Valley among the tall pines and juniper trees. It is a friendly, family-oriented campground with lots of RV sites. They also offer fishing, golfing, hiking, biking and other activities. You can find them online.

If you want to add some great fishing and hunting to your volcanic hikes, try Rancheria RV Park located on Lunker Lake, 36 miles from the park. Rancheria puts you close to other northern California attractions such as Hat Creek, the Pit River Casino and Subway Cave, as well as the fishing and hunting activities around the lake. The park has tent camping, cabins and motor home sites, from very rustic to fully equipped. Check them out online.

Lassen Volcanic National Park makes a great RV destination, or a wonderful stop along the way to any of northern California's parks. It offers sightseeing and scenery that you won't find anywhere else.

Imagine this - You are standing in the middle of the desert. The ground is all saguaro cactus and shrubs. Rocks and hills rise all around you, some of the rock outcroppings reaching well over your head. And, in the distance you can see the valleys stretch to the horizon, where grey shadowy mountains stand, making a dim outline against the cloudless sky.

This is the view from the heart of Tucson Mountain Park. Located just west of Tucson, Arizona, it boasts a stunning 20,000 acres of sonoran desert, full of majestic desert mountain views and saguaro forests. The park's saguaro forest is considered to be the best in the world, and watching the sun set from its foothills is awe-inspiring.

Before getting to the heart of the park, you have to hike a little ways. Many visitors are surprised to find the walk into the park is one of the best parts. The trail leads you through Gates Pass, where it winds and meanders, offering some of the best scenery you're likely to see in the entire state of Arizona.

If you're not up for the hike, or, if you want to enjoy the scenery from the luxury of your motor home, you're still in luck. There is a scenic drive that takes you through Gates Pass and right along the edge of the park. There, you'll see all the amazing scenery, and you can also stop at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which is full of exhibits about the unique saguaro desert climate. There are also a number of short hikes, picnic areas and campgrounds.

For some real adventure at Tucson Mountain Park, bring along your mountain bike. The area is known all over the country for its more than 30 spectacular mountain bike trails, varying in length and difficulty. Some parts of the park are flat and sandy, while other areas have some steep hills and more vegetation.

The good news is that nearby Tucson is full of great motor home friendly sites. Because it is one of the number one motor home destinations in the country, you can find lots of great places to stay. Here are just a few places to check out.

- Voyager RV Resort - This is a big, friendly RV campground with more than 1,500 spaces. They have swimming pools and lots of other family fun to enjoy while you stay, and prices range from $25 to $40, with long term stay discounts available.

- Adventure Bound Camping Resorts - This commercial campground with 250 RV hookups, tries its best to live up to its name. They have a number of fun activities, and are located a little off the beaten path.

- Valley of the Sun Mobile Home and RV Park - This site is located in the suburb of Marana, and gives you a little more peace and quiet than the other motor home locations. This is a nice, clean park with full hook-ups, access to activities, and pretty desert scenery. They offer overnight rates, as well as long-term stay deals.

San Diego is one of the places on the earth where you find out that the time just flies by leaving you in the realm of fantasy and enjoyment. San Diego is an interesting journey altogether and an enchanting experience which makes your visit an everlasting experience down your memory lane. This wonderful city is full of skyscrapers, beaches, mountains, flamboyant landscapes and life.

It would be no exaggeration to say that you will enjoy every moment being here. It is the second largest city in the sate of California. The city has an interesting combination of the modern life with the slow paced and leisured country life. You will find international golf courses here, miles of long beaches, unlimited opportunities to drag yourself in adventure and a fast growing hub for tourists as well as an important business destination. It is all there in San Diego.

In this city, you will find numerous avenues to keep you busy. One such is the Sea World which is a renowned biological park for marine animals. You can wander on the beaches and take part in the activities going on there. Art lovers can go through the numerous options available in the city.

Many popular museums, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Man, and the Museum of Photographic Arts are located around the Balboa Park. You can go for golfing on the international golf courses and if that's not enough can see the exciting and diverse wildlife on exhibit at the city Zoo.

Evenings can be planned for the exciting nightlife of the city which offers many opportunities to freak out as well. You can go for the shows or concerts taking pace regularly in the city or just take a stroll upon the beach in the evening which gets livelier by that time.

The numerous possibilities the city offers has resulted in the increasing flow of tourists each year. To serve the ever increasing flow of tourists there are many hotels in this area which are always welcoming their guests. Of the many hotels providing services to the visitors the San Diego Airport hotels are also much soughed for by the visitors due to nearness to the airport.

There are many hotels located near the International Airport of the city which cater to the visitors needs. These hotels offer the best services and excellent food and suit for every budget. So whatever budget you are on, you will find hotel which fits in.

The facilities provided by these hotels include air conditioned rooms, swimming pools, airport pickup and drop facility etc. The food offered by the restaurants here caters to the taste buds of international visitors with delicacies around the world. The San Diego airport hotels are a best place to stay and plan your vacation.

Apart from an absolute mystical charms and entertainment value, this majestic island caters for those who really need that well deserved break. You can find a variety of Holiday rental villas in Cyprus whether you are looking for extreme luxury or just the chance to be by the sea. Holiday villas in Cyprus are all idea for short breaks where you can spend a special time with loved ones in peace and tranquillity.

So if you need to just get away from your daily routine just rent a villa on the exotic island of Cyprus for a memorable weekend of intense relaxation. If it's a lazy time on the beach you want to soak up all that lovely sun, then choose a Holiday Villa by the sea front in Cyprus. Bridal suite villas are also on offer on the island of Aphrodite, an ideal location for a romantic wedding and so handy for a really special honeymoon in your own private villa.

Holiday villas in Cyprus are now affordable to almost everyone and on a large scale ranging from low budget holiday homes to luxury villas. The complete package being offered is very reasonably priced taking into account the magnificent scenery and all the amenities that are included. The facilities available are more than acceptable for all of the guests with amazing swimming pools, barbecue areas and modern gymnasiums.

While on holiday in Cyprus you don't need to worry about anything. The holiday villa rental deals in Cyprus include car hire for easy accessibility, WiFi for you portable computer, and hot and cold air conditioning for all year round holidays. For additional comfort you will find Spas, Jacuzzi and even Sky TV which all help to give you the holiday of a lifetime. The villa packages can also provide for household accessories, recreational activities, shopping requirements and even guided tours so you can really enjoy the delights of Cyprus.

There are so many resorts available such as Paphos, Pomos, Argaka, Latchi, Peyia, Goudi, Coral bay and you can explore the scenic parts of this unspoilt island which offers golden sandy beaches, hot sunny days, mountain peaks, lush green forests and a people second to none. Cyprus holiday villa packages have thought of every single detail that assures the holiday of any lifetime.

The villas themselves are kept up to a very high standard in both cleanliness and sanitation for their holiday visitors. It has become so easy to book a Cyprus holiday villa rental on line by either filling out a form or sending an e-mail. You are given a great insight into what is available and what you can expect while on holiday. It really has made booking a rental villa so simple, so go ahead and get cracking on with your holiday plans.

The Dorset coast, also known as the Jurassic, is a World Heritage Site, and includes some unique geographical features.

There is Lyme Bay, including the 18 mile long Chesil Beach. There’s the Isle of Portland, where the world famous Portland Stone has been quarried for many centuries, to build some of the most spectacular buildings around the world.

Poole Harbour is the second largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney harbour. Much of it is given over to nature reserve, making it a fabulous place to walk, spot rare species of wildlife, and for those who like the water, it is a superb and safe place to explore in a sailing dinghy or canoe.

The South West Coast Path stretches from the north of Somerset, along the north coast of Devon and Cornwall, then along the south coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. The Dorset stretch of coast path takes in some spectacular cliff top and beachside paths.

Nestled in between the cliffs, just to the east of the holiday resort town and fishing port of Weymouth, is Ringstead Bay.

It is a small hamlet, with no more than 20 private houses, one small shop and a small chapel (which is halfway up the cliff to the east). You can drive to the bay, taking a narrow track that heads down between the cliffs. There is a car park, only 50 yards from the beach. You can pay your car park fee to the shop, and then spend the day exploring on foot.

The beach, which is mostly shingle, but with some patches of sand, stretches around the bay in both directions. The part nearest the car park is sheltered by a reef that protects it completely from the waves for most of the day, except for an hour or so either side of high tide.

This makes the water especially safe for swimming and messing around in boats or inflatables, and has the added bonus at low tide of being a bit warmer than the usual sea temperature.

If you have access to a boat, a short trip off the beach, especially early in the morning or late afternoon, gives you good access to some great mackerel fishing.

If walking is your thing, head east from the car park, and you will quickly begin the climb up White Nothe, one of the highest cliffs along the Dorset coast. Just below on your right hand side as you ascend, is an area called “burning cliff”. The composition of the soil here is such that it is flammable, and on rare occasions it has been known to catch alight.

If you are a brave walker, then instead of heading along the coast path, walk along the beech, right around Ringstead Bay. At the end of the bay, you can pick up a path that then winds right up the front of the cliff. Don’t take this route if you don’t like heights !

At the top of White Nothe there is are some old coast guard cottages, and a World War Two look out point, offering superb views across to Portland and Weymouth.

If you continue the walk eastwards, up and down hills and cliffs, eventually you will be rewarded with a view of Durdle Door, a huge natural archway, and just afterwards you will reach the picturesque village of Lulworth Cove.

To the west of Ringstead Bay, a shorter and slightly more gentle walk of about a mile, will take you to Osmington. The Smuggler’s Inn is a good place to stop for a lunchtime beer, an afternoon tea or an evening meal. Remember though that walking back to Ringstead Bay along the cliff paths after a beer, or in the dark, can present some challenges !

In summer, Ringstead Bay can get quite busy, but you only have to venture 50 yards or so away from the main part of the beach, and you’ll find plenty of privacy.

In winter the beach is usually deserted, with just a few brave kite surfers or windsurfers for company.

Some of the houses in the Bay are Holiday Cottages, and make a superb base for a longer holiday. There is also a holiday park in the Bay, with caravans for rent, and occasionally for sale. Otherwise, there are plenty of places to stay in the surrounding towns of Weymouth, Dorchester and the surrounding countryside.

The south west of Australia has plenty to offer the intrepid campervan explorer. Thick, towering forests lie side by side with rugged, rocky coastlines and beautiful beaches, all interspersed with quaint towns steeped in history and culture. In a far flung corner of the south west lies the bustling city of Albany, which at 409 kilometres from Perth is the ideal destination for a motorhome tour. Surrounded by three high mountains and facing the blue waters of the King George III Sound, there are enough natural attractions in and around this city of 30 000 people to fill a thousand holidays, and no visitors leave here disappointed.

The most striking thing about Albany and its surrounds is the scenery. Clear, cloudless skies are the only thing bluer than the azure seas, and the brilliant white of the beach sands adds to the rich kaleidoscope of colour. Middleton beach is a favourite spot for visitors because on the scenic drive there are a number of places you can pull off the road and take in the stunning seascape. The beach is the favourite swimming spot amongst locals, and anglers are often found trying their luck off the shore here. Nearby is Ellen Cove, another safe swimming beach with barbeque and picnic facilities. The waters here are calm, protected from the waves of the Southern Ocean by the King George Sound, which makes them perfect for family-oriented beachside activities.

Albany is an important business centre and port for this part of Western Australia, but in years gone by it was notorious for something else- as a base and a processing plant for the numerous whaling ships that operated in this area. These days the whales are still an attraction, but for all the right reasons! Often they can be seen from the shore between July and October, frolicking in the waters around Albany with their newly born young, passing the time before they migrate north again. There are tours that can be taken out close to the whales, and the old whaling station is now a museum and information centre where a whaling ship has been preserved for visitors to wander through. Often whales can be seen from the museum, breaching in the waters where they used to be killed.

Spectacular coastal scenery lies ten minutes south of Albany, in the Torndirrup National Park. This is a great park to tour in your campervan because sealed roads lead to all the major features. The most well known of these is 'Natural Bridge', a large granite formation where the ocean has worn away the rock to leave a large strip of granite crossing the water like a bridge. Another attraction is 'The Gap', where the waves have battered a large chasm into the 50 metre high granite walls. Close by there are a series of blowholes which spray water and blow air as the waves crash into the rocky shore.

The town of Albany is a joy in itself. Its long history and heritage is evident in the old (and well preserved) buildings that line its streets, and the cityscape is dominated by the Princess Royal Harbour, which the main street leads directly to. There are a number of interesting historical sites to visit, the most popular being the Old Gaol, wich was built by convicts as their own prison and now is a captivating museum. Another impressive spot to visit is the Brig Amity, a full scale replica of the original ship that brought the first settlers to Albany. You can go on board and below decks and learn of the voyage of this important ship.

Saturday mornings are a busy time in Albany, because Aberdeen Street in the middle of the city turns into a thriving open air market where farmers, artists and entrepreneurs sell their wares. Its a great place to stock up your picnic baskets, and soak up the fun atmosphere which is enhanced by the presence of numerous buskers. Once the baskets are stocked, you could always hop into your camper and head off to the Albany wind farm, where twelve of the largest turbines in the southern hemisphere tower over the coastline- an impressive sight.

The range and diversity of attractions in Albany is what keeps visitors coming back again and again, and is really helping to elevate its status as a tourist destination. For you in your camper it is like the cherry on the cake- a beautiful destination to top off your drive through the magnificent scenery of south west Australia. And if that doesnt tempt you to go on holiday, then nothing will!

If you are airborne into a San Francisco and do not have anyone to receive you at the airport, then how can you get into the hotel? Take a taxi? Rent a vehicle? Well, one of the most popular options is the airport shuttle service in San Francisco. An airport shuttle transport is a company, which runs vans, buses, and also sometime limousines to the transport travelers to and from the home airport. Most of the airports of any size trait some type of airport shuttle service and the traveler could usually ask about it at the airport’s data booth for getting reliable information.

Price and handiness are the two chief reasons to deem when selecting an airport shuttle company. While regularly cheaper than a cab, airport shuttle fares might differ from one company to another. Some companies do offer great group discounts, so that many people can travel together and easy for them to split the fare. If an individual desires to be picked up at the San Francisco airport and dropped off again at the same place after few days, he might be capable to get a low-priced round-trip price from the company that he heir for airport shuttle service. Many countrywide airport shuttle companies as well have Websites online, so a passenger can make a better choice and get an even superior fare by booking the shuttle via the website and taking benefit of any Internet unique discounts.

Another benefit of booking airport shuttle services is that they will drop you at a home, business or hotel, and would as well pick up at these or other locations. However, price may be a concern and it further relies on whether the airport shuttle makes use of vans or buses, or in addition if the traveler desires somewhat like a limousine. Limousines and personal cars are of course pricier. Some of such companies have vehicles, which operate substitute fuel sources that might be a bit inexpensive since they don’t exhaust much of gasoline.

As said earlier convenience is one more feature in selecting an airport shuttle service company. Some of these services work only at particular hours, or just make a fixed number of journeys from the airport each day. A passenger requires knowing whether service would be obtainable if his/her plane lands up extremely early in the morning or may be at late night. He/she might as well desire considering what the regular wait time is for any airport transport, and decide a company accordingly; reliant on when his/her flight lands up. This service is very useful for the people that do not have a car, or for those people that don’t desire to leave their means of transportation in the long-term parking lot at the airport.

USA is among the most developed countries and popular for its big and developed cities. These big cities of US offer all variety of facilities to their visitors. Boston, Chicago and Las Vegas are such few cities those have their own charm and attraction.

Las Vegas also known as ‘City of Gambling’ is famous for its casinos, themed hotels, amusement parks, night parties and colorful life style. The wonderful city is located in the middle of a Nevada desert. There is something for everyone, from day to night because the city never sleeps. Every year more than 35 million people visited the city. City has many attractions of all type. The City also provides world class accommodations facilities in all possible categories. Not only Luxury hotels while quality cheap Las Vegas hotels are also available. Excalibur Hotel Las Vegas, Mirage Hotel Las Vegas, Tropicana Hotel Resort and Casino, Golden Nugget Hotel, Monte Carlo Hotel and Bellagio Hotel are some cheap Las Vegas hotels.

Chicago is one of the important business cities of US. And that’s a reason it is among the most visited cities of US. City offers world class hotel facilities to their visitors. Not only luxury hotels although quality cheap Chicago hotels. Crowne Plaza the Silversmith, Four Points by Sheraton Chicago Midway, Holiday Inn, Hotel Inter-continental, The Inn at Lincoln Park, Renaissance Chicago North shore Hotel Northbook, Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center and The Sutton Plaza hotel are a few new name among the long list of quality cheap Chicago Hotels.

Boston is another important city of US. Boston is considered the cultural and economical center of the entire New England region in US. Every year great number of visitor visits the city and city offers a good number of hotels for stay in all categories from luxury to cheap Boston hotels. Some well known cheap Boston hotels are Best Western, Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Tower, Fifteen Beacon, Hampton Inn and Suite, Holiday Inn, The Colonnade Hotel, Judy’s Boston Hotel and The Copley Square Hotel.

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France is the largest country in area in the European Union and has a wide range of places to see from coast in the north and the west to the mountain ranges of the Alps in the south-east. With so many things to do and see, the best way to see everything at your own place is to hire a car. An interesting fact is the French public often refer to their country as “L’Hexagone” due to shape of its territory.

With over 400 airports in France the possibilities to travel to France are endless; all major cities have airports including Paris, Marseille and Lyon and many of the smaller cities too. When visiting France, car hire can be the best and easiest way to get around and having to avoid the monotonous wait for tour buses and taxis.

Over 79 million people choose to visit France each year which makes it the most visited country in the world and if you are one of them, Paris is a must see. With sights including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, The Louvre and much more, cheap car hire should be a priority when booking your holiday. Paris is one of the largest cities in Europe and can be extremely hard to get around without the use of a car. Whether you want to experience the amazing culture of France, see the arts or see some sport, there is everything to suit varying tastes.

For cheap car hire in France shop online to find the best deals, another interesting fact about France is that is borders 8 different countries so once you have seen all there is to see (which unlikely given the amount of activities to do night and day!) you can always drive across the border to Belgium or Spain and experience a different culture.

India the country which evokes mixed emotions of pride and respect is as kaleidoscopic as its culture and traditions. You can fly down to this beautiful country from any corner of the world in no time. Your purpose of traveling to this nation may be as varied as business, pleasure and education. Recognizing your needs and purpose, the Taj Group of Hotels in India has devised magnificent facilities and services that cater to your multifarious interests efficiently. The Taj Mahal Hotels is a venture of the Taj Group. The Taj Mahal hotels are located in the metropolitan cities as well as in few small towns of India. This jewel of this reputed chain of hotels is the famed Taj Mahal Hotels of Mumbai.

The Taj Mahal Hotels, India are acknowledged for offering guests who prefer to bask in the royal charm of India with a base which not only symbolizes comfort and luxury but also reflects upon the core Indian hospitality values like ‘Athiti Devo Bhav’ meaning ‘Guests are God and Guests should be worshipped like God'.

The Taj Hotel of Mumbai has played host to many dignitaries and top-notch officials of high repute to the nation. It is indeed the forte of the Hotel Taj Mahal that with whatever aim you arrive in India, it will facilitate your stay and serve every need and requirement of yours at its best.

You will be allured by the fabulous designs and decorations of the rooms and suites of the Taj Hotels. The Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai epitomizes all that the Taj Hotels stand for. After retiring into any of the comfortable cocoons of the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai, you are sure to experience the royal style of living which is most particularly associated with the Maharajas or the royalties of the nation. However, what accentuates the pleasure of stay is the assorted mix of old and new. The colorful paintings and carved wooden furniture, tapestries and trimmings lend a royal look to the rooms. The smart addition of contemporary amenities makes them ultra sophisticated.

The Taj Mahal Hotels are also the gateway to explore the refined culinary art of the nation. The Taj Hotels feature a wide gamut of food and drink outlets which along with providing a rich choice of multi cuisine recipes also offer you different dining settings to suit your mood. Formal or casual - whichever dining mood you have the Hotel Taj Mahal is all there for you.

The Taj Hotels of India are widely acclaimed among the corporate guests. The Taj Hotel offers wide-ranging business amenities incorporating cutting edge business equipments, efficient secretarial services and banquet facilities. It extends invaluable assistance to its esteemed professional guests and ensures optimum customer satisfaction.

Realizing that your tour to India can not have only one reason or facet, the Taj Mahal Hotels also provide you with a complete fun and entertainment solutions. Indoor and outdoor games, spa therapies, sightseeing tours are to name a few facilities of the complete recreation package.

With these and more the Taj Mahal Hotel will make a special place for itself in your heart and you are sure to say that it was one of your best Indian holiday experiences.

n your dream bed and breakfast, you'll be greeted by the charming and gorgeous couple that owns the home. They obviously love each other deeply and want nothing more than to share their good fortune with their guests - everyone of whom will become a lifelong friend.

Your room is beautifully decorated, creating a mood of calm and luxury. In the evening, perfectly chilled wine awaits you on the simply but charmingly furnished porch, from where you watch the sunset as you gently swing in the rocker that hundreds of other happy couples have shared.
Well, this idyllic picture really does exist, but it's by no means guaranteed. If you're unlucky, the bed and breakfast you reserve from hundreds of miles away will turn out to be a shabbily furnished wreck - freezing and damp in the winter, hot and stuffy in the summer - with rude owners made miserable by the relentless daily drudgery of serving unhappy guests.

To avoid that unfortunate scenario here are some of the questions to ask before you book, in order to enjoy a wonderful bed and breakfast getaway.

- Where is the bed & breakfast located?

While they may be found almost anywhere, from a busy New York apartment building to an isolated cabin in Montana, most bed and breakfasts are in smaller towns that are popular with tourists. Would you prefer to stay in the center of town, close to restaurants, galleries, shops, and other attractions? Remember though, that even small towns can be quite busy at night, especially those that rely on the tourist trade to fill their restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. A bed and breakfast on Main Street may be too noisy for your tastes.

Perhaps you'd rather be on the outskirts of town, where you can enjoy the quiet and peace of small-town life. The downside of this, however, is that a location some distance from town may be inconvenient if you don't have a car with you.

- Does my room have a private bath?

They're becoming rarer, but it's still possible to find yourself in a bed and breakfast where you must share a bath with other guests. If that's an unappealing thought, be sure to ask if your room has a private bathroom.

- What kind of breakfast is provided?

Almost by definition, you can expect to enjoy breakfast during your stay. But different hosts may have different ideas of what constitutes a good breakfast. You should ask whether to expect a continental breakfast of baked goods, coffee and juice, or a full breakfast which will include hot dishes. Now is also the time to mention any dietary restrictions - allergies, vegetarian, medical etc. - and whether your hosts can accommodate them.

- Are pets welcome in the bed & breakfast?

It's not common, but some bed and breakfasts will accommodate your pet. If so, you should be sure to check which rooms animals may enter; what restrictions you should be aware of; and if any additional fees are required.

And conversely, those of us who are allergic to dogs, cats, or other pets should make certain that the bed and breakfast doesn't allow animals of any sort. There's nothing pleasant about wheezing and sniffling your way through a romantic weekend.

- When is check-in, and check-out?

Unlike hotels, bed and breakfasts don't have registration desks staffed at all hours. Clarify when you should arrive, since most hosts prefer to greet their guests personally and make sure that they're settled comfortably. Check in is likely to be in the late afternoon or early evening. And if you need to leave early to catch a flight, or to set out on a full-day outing, be sure to ask about checking out, settling your bill, and perhaps even taking a simple packed breakfast or snack for the road.

Staying in a bed and breakfast is a lovely way to pamper yourself, to see a town from the inside, and to relax in a cozy and comfortable environment. By checking some basic issues before you travel, you can be sure that your trip will be the special experience you're hoping for.

Being located near the Latin American market, the republic of Panama is the ideal Country for financial privacy, with no taxes, either personal or corporate. According to the international living's annual global retirement index, Panama is ranked No 1 country for investing.

There is no need to change currency in Panama, as the US dollar is the national currency. Officially the currency is balboa, but it is available only in the form of coins which is identical to the size of the US coins. This is also one reason why the economy is stable and inflation is very low.

Here are the reasons, why you need to invest in Panama:

1. Panama has excellent infrastructure, hence the Panamanian highway is excellent and takes you to a variety of destinations, including Azuero Peninsula and Pedasi. Panama also is financially very sound, with the help of ATM machines you can access any account anywhere in the world.

2. With 90 commercial banks, Panama is the second largest international banking centre in the world, after Switzerland. Panama is also the second largest home to offshore corporations in the world next to Hong Kong.

3. Panama's geographical position is very unique, no earthquakes or hurricanes occur; hence any investment done here is very safe. Panama has one of the best and affordable medical treatment facilities, very much similar to the facilities available in US, most of the doctors speak English, the medical insurance polices are reasonably priced. You can drink tap water in Panama, which is very rare in Latin America

4. The communication facilities are excellent, Panama has the best fax, phone, cellular and internet connections. Panama is a shoppers paradise, where you can find almost anything!

5. Panama has excellent schools for your kids; Panama also has 3 American accredited schools, oxford international, balboa academy and the international school.

6. In Panama city English is widely spoken, and Spanish is the official language. Situated near North America, Panama is around 4 to 5 hours by flight from US.

7. There are daily flights form NY, Miami, Houston, Orlando and LA. There are weekly flights from Montreal and Toronto too.

8. Foreigners can sell and buy property in Panama easily and legally, and are protected by the same rights as enjoyed by Panamanian citizens, the real estate prices are very reasonable

9. Panama is financially secured than its neighboring countries. The annual inflation for the past 35 years is around 1.5% and in the 1990's it exceeded 1% per year. The main source of income for the government and the majority of the people is the 'Panama Canal'. The annual revenue by means of the Panama Canal has been $650 million, where most of the money is used for the Panama Canal's regular maintenance. The canal is due to be widened and bigger locks are to be built, which would automatically bring in more revenues.

10. In order to attract foreign investment, the government of Panama has set up special economic zones and introduced attractive programs which give people a tremendous opportunity to set up businesses in Panama.