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 to those of us raised in the "new world" and for many are simply places we?ve read about in our school books, or seen on television or in the movies. Many Americans, sadly, know little of the geography of Italy, but do appreciate the food. After all, pizza and spaghetti are considered as American to us as apple pie and hot dogs. But only on a trip to Italy can a person really appreciate this magnificent country, home to Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, and Christopher Columbus.

When you are ready for that once in a lifetime experience of an Italian vacation, consider a private home rental for your source of lodging. Hotels can be nice, but staying in a private home rented for the occasion can give you a chance to see the real Italy. Explore the countryside, walk into the village and visit with the residents, and see what it feels like to actually go home, to a cabin or villa at the end of the day, living as the Italians do. Or, try a beach house if that suits you or an apartment if you prefer a more urban setting. Getting to know the local people by living among them for an extended stay of a few weeks will give you a chance to learn some of the language, or if you already speak Italian to brush up on your skills. It will also give you a chance to learn local history in a very unique way, from the people themselves. You will appreciate all of the similarities of Italian culture with your own, and learn to appreciate the differences as well. The Italians are a wonderful, friendly people with a rich culture and history. Taking the time to live among them, getting to know them as friends and neighbors, is truly an experience you will always remember.

Private homes for rent to vacationers in Italy can be found in various price ranges. If you are looking for luxury, there are villas available. If something more rustic suits your taste and budget, then smaller homes and even old farmhouses are available to appeal to all tastes. Just as an example, one property includes two bedrooms, queen size beds, kitchen, laundry area, bathroom, central eat and the satellite television, telephone and VCR that most Americans are used to having. Imagine though the coziness and comfort of coming back to the house after a day of sight seeing to sit by the fire place, drinking a glass of a local wine, having a light dinner of pasta, and enjoying the peace and quiet of your surroundings. Staying in a hotel in a major city will certainly show you the tourist hot spots, but staying in a private home will show you the real Italy.

Rent holiday home or vacation rental in Italy and enjoy your stay!

http://arrangeyourvacation.com - Holiday Homes and Vacation Rentals Worldwide is a leader in luxury vacation rentals worldwide, with an extensive portfolio of luxury villas and homes. To place a free advertisement for your vacation rentals or holiday homes in Italy or find the perfect lodging for you - visit http://italy-vacation-homes.com

Florida Attracts UK Holiday Makers To Property Investments- Condo Hotels

Florida investment property attracting UK holiday makers

Those who travel to Florida for a holiday from the UK are wasting well earned pounds on holiday homes and hotels rooms. The regular Florida holidaymaker is now realising that they should consider becoming a Florida home owner and have access to their very own holiday accommodation. UK home owners tend to be cash rich from retirement and the spoils of the generous UK property market. Sensible investment in Florida property can make investing in Florida real estate very profitable.

Buy a hotel

Instead of paying to stay in a luxury hotel with all the facilities you would wish for, why not buy one!Florida property investors are showing the overseas property investor a new way to make this dream come true. This dream is turned unto a reality via the condo hotel concept.

About Florida property investments and the Condo Hotels concept.

Property developers and Florida property investors can both benefit from the condo hotel concept. The arrangement provides a real estate investment for owners and gives hoteliers an increasingly popular vehicle for financing hotel projects. Property investors typically purchase an apartment being built in a prestigious hotel development. These apartments or condos can be fully fitted with furniture and all the trappings of a luxury apartment. The apartments are then managed by a hotel management group who will work to fill your hotel condo. The money raised from each hotel booking forms part of your income. The management company will expect to be paid for their service however in most cases investors are set to benefit from the arrangement. This type of investment property in Florida is going to make the property desirable and where there is demand their is capital growth.

This concept makes the location essential

The very fact that property investors buy hotel accommodation means that a good location is essential. Florida is ideal because of its many attractions. State of Florida.com provides the following information: ?Florida tourism is increasing - with 76.8 million visitors in 2004 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida?s economy? Florida is an ideal location for overseas property investors and very suitable for condo hotel opportunities. Some of the attractions the huge attractions in Orlando and central Florida include

Armchair investors get out of that seat

The condo hotel is ideal for the armchair investor. Investing in Florida busy tourists area is sure to make for a relaxing but profitable investment. UK repeat visitors to Florida are starting to learn its better to own than let thier holiday accommodation.

Nicholas Marr is life time property investor and director of Marr international Ltd. His UK based company markets real estate on behalf of sellers worldwide. His company runs http://www.homesgofast.com one of the fastest growing overseas property websites in Europe.property http://www.homesgofast.com/United_States/Florida_real_estate.php

Pet Friendly Hotels

If your travel companion happens to have fur, or walk on four paws instead of feet, then you will probably need to locate a few pet friendly hotels for your travels. Most hotels will not allow you to bring your four legged friend in for a nights stay, so its important to call ahead to any hotel you plan on staying in to make sure that except pets as well as people.

You can find pet friendly hotels in almost any area, and at almost any price range. Pet friendly hotels are typically just like your normal hotels. You can visit a bed and breakfast, or a spa; all with your cat or dog right there beside you. Since pet friendly hotels are a rarity, the will often book up a little quicker than other similar hotels will. For that reason it's important to call ahead and book your room early if you know you will be traveling with your pet, and be in need of accommodations. Particularly if you are traveling to a cat or dog show in a particular area, the rooms will book up exceptionally quickly in a pet friendly hotel, so you will want to be sure to secure yours before they are all gone.

In many pet friendly hotels the hotel will set aside certain rooms of the hotel specifically for use by pet owners. By setting aside a room specifically for pet owners, they allow other hotel guest to be able to spend their stay in the hotel in a room free from pet dander, as well as the hassle of running into, or hearing other people's pets. For dogs, many pet friendly hotels will sometimes have a special place for you to take your dog outside to relieve him or herself, occasionally the better pet friendly hotels will have some sort of dog park or recreation area as well where you dog can have the opportunity to get some exercise and socialize with the other dogs who are also staying in the hotel.

Hotels that are not only pet friendly, but also those that have the pets in mind with things such as recreation areas and pet friendly dining are usually some of the best to take your pet to. In these situations you pet is often invited to do everything that you are in the hotel, and the hotel sometimes s will offer addition activities for the pets as well, such as a dog day camp that can allow you to go out on the town and have fun, while leaving your dog behind having fun as well.

In most cases be prepared to pay a little extra for your pet to stay in the hotel along with you. While pet friendly hotels do allow pets, most require some sort of supplement for the privilege of having your pet stay along with you in the same room. The supplement is usually not as expensive as having another person stay along with you, but it can get a little expensive depending on the hotel that you select.

Before traveling to any pet friendly hotel do your research. Talk to friends who also travel with their pets that have gone to the area and visit a hotel that they particularly enjoyed. Your friends are often your best resource in locating the very best places to visit. If you know you are traveling to a certain location and want to stay in a particular hotel then book your room as advance as you can. In most cases the earlier you book your room the less expensive it will be, and the better your chances of getting the room and location that you want. Booking your hotel room late or at the last minute could mean that all of the pet friendly hotels are booked up, and you will have to leave your pet at home.

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk offers affordable hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout the London and the rest of the world.

City guide to Oxford, including Oxford hotels

Introduction

Oxford is a city and local government district in Oxfordshire, England, with a population of 134,248 (2001 census). It is home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is known as the "city of dreaming spires", a term coined by Matthew Arnold in reference to the harmonious architecture of the university buildings. The Oxford suburb of Cowley has a long history of carmaking, and still produces BMW MINIs.

History

Oxford was first occupied in Saxon times, and was initially known as "Oxenaforda". It began with the foundations of St Frideswide's nunnery in the 8th century. The University of Oxford is first mentioned in 12th century records. Oxford's earliest colleges were University College (1249), Balliol (1263) and Merton (1264).

During the English Civil War, Oxford housed the court of Charles I in 1642, after the king was expelled from London, although there was strong support in the town for the Parliamentarian cause. In the 19th century the controversy surrounding the Oxford Movement in the Anglican Church drew attention to the city as a focus of theological thought. Oxford's Town Hall was built by Henry T. Hare, the foundation stone was laid on 6 July 1893 and opened by the future King Edward VII on 12 May 1897. By the early 20th century Oxford was experiencing rapid industrial and population growth, with the printing and publishing industries becoming well established by the 1920s.

Places of Interests

Oxford has numerous major tourist attractions, many belonging to the university and colleges. As well as several famous institutions, the town centre is home to Carfax Tower and a historical themed ride, The Oxford Story. In the summer, punting on the Thames (sometimes called the Isis as it flows through Oxford) and the Cherwell is popular.

Other notable attractions include:

Christ Church Cathedral The Church of St Mary the Virgin (the University Church) Martyrs' Memorial Ashmolean Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Museum of Natural History Museum of the History of Science Science Oxford University buildings The University Parks The University Botanic Garden Cornmarket Street, Oxford Turl Street, Oxford Little Clarendon Street Oxford Covered Market Westgate Shopping Centre

Museums and Art Galleries

Oxford has a large number of museums and galleries open for public. Following are the world famous and a major tourist spot in Oxford:

Ashmolean Museum, Britain's oldest museum Pitt Rivers Museum Museum of Natural History, home of (the remains of) the Oxford Dodo Museum of the History of Science, in Britain's oldest purpose-built museum building Museum of Oxford Museum of Modern Art Science Oxford

Shopping

Golden Cross, an arcade of first-class shops and boutiques, lies between Cornmarket Street and the Covered Market. Parts of the colorful gallery date from the 12th century. Many buildings remain from the medieval era, along with some 15th- and 17th-century structures. The market also has a reputation as the Covent Garden of Oxford, with live entertainment on Saturday mornings in summer. In its way, Alice's Shop, played an important role in English literature, it functioned as a general store (selling brooms, hardware, and the like) during the period that Lewis Carroll, at the time a professor of mathematics at Christ Church College, was composing Alice in Wonderland. It is believed to have been the model for important settings within the book. Today, the place is a favorite stopover of Lewis Carroll fans from as far away as Japan, who gobble up commemorative pencils, chess sets, party favors, bookmarks, and in rare cases, original editions of some of Carroll's works. The Bodleian Library Shop, specializes in Oxford souvenirs, from books and paperweights to Oxford banners and coffee mugs. Castell & Son (The Varsity Shop), is the best outlet in Oxford for clothing emblazoned with the Oxford logo or heraldic symbol.

Food and Drink

Oxford offers European and Middle-East and Asian cuisine. Some of the restaurants are:

Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant Gee's Restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons Rosamund the Fair Al-Salam Browns.

Except these restaurants Oxford hosts some Traditional and historic pubs

The Eagle and Child The Turf Tavern The Lamb and Flag The Bear

Education

The University of Oxford, located in the city of Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Events and organizations and institutes officially connected with the University include:

Worcester College, Backs of medieval cottages The Oxford Union Society The Oxford University Press, the world's oldest and largest university press The Bodleian Library Major Research Libraries (including the Sackler Library) Oxford University Department for Continuing Education The Taylor Institution The Oxford University Student Union Oxford University Newman Society -- Catholic speaker society The OICCU, the undergraduate Christian union The Oxford University Museum of Natural History (sometimes called The Oxford University Museum) The Pitt Rivers Museum The Ashmolean Museum The Bate Collection Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum Oxford University Sports Federation Oxford University Boat Club The O'Reilly Theatre Moser Theatre Rothermere American Institute Said Business School The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art Computing Laboratory Isis Innovation

Sports

Oxford City FC and Milton United FC among others are two famous football club and play regular club and league matches. Oxford Cavaliers Rugby League Club is the rugby club playing for Oxford city. Drayton Leisure Golf Driving Range is the golf course with 9 HOLE (PAR 3) COURSE and 6 HOLES FLOODLIT. As a city in UK it has a number of cricket teams and hosts tournaments like Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup, National Cricket Club Championship, The Cricketer National Village Championship etc

Tours and Sightseeing

There are a number of tour operators in Oxford. The tourist information center is also very helpful to find out a way to enjoy the visit of Oxford.

Hotels and Accommodations

Accommodations in Oxford are limited, though recently, motels have sprouted on the outskirts -- good for those who want modern amenities. In addition, if you have a car, you may want to consider country houses or small B&Bs on the outskirts of town

Some of the notable hotels are:

Victoria House Hotel Cotswold Lodge Classic Hotel Westwood Country Hotel Ltd Holiday Inn Oxford The Oxford Hotel Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel Express by Holiday Inn Oxford Kassam Stadium The Bat & Ball Inn The Upper Reaches Abingdon Four Pillars Hotel Oxfordshire Inn Days Inn Hotel Oxford The Plough at Clifton Hampden Marlborough Arms Hotel The FEATHERS Macdonald Bear Hotel White Hart Hotel

Transport

Oxford is located some 50 miles (80 km) north west of London; the cities are linked by the M40 motorway, which also links northwards to Birmingham.

Rail connections include services to London (Paddington), Bournemouth, Worcester (via the Cotswold Line), and Bicester. The city also has regular train services northwards to Birmingham, Coventry and the north. The railway service connecting Oxford and Cambridge, known as the Varsity Line, was discontinued in 1968.

The Oxford Canal connects to the River Thames at Oxford.

Oxford Airport at Kidlington offers business and general aviation services.

Local bus services are largely provided by the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach South Midlands.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams Occupation: Traveller Website: www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of discounted hotels to make your stay in the UK as comfortable as possible.

Book Cheap Flights, Hotels And Arrange Weddings In India!

By Annie Jones
December 17, 2005

Located just a short drive from the capital city of New Delhi and close to Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), the royal city of Jaipur (also known as 'The Pink City' due to the predominant colour of its buildings), is well established as one of the most romantic places on earth to get married. From the rich history of its palaces to the gorgeous landscaped gardens of the luxury hotels to the serenity of the floating palace on Ramgarh Lake...everywhere you look there is pink...the colour of romance.

Jaipur is the throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city's numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enter this mystical city through a narrow, cobbled street where street vendors selling everything from sweetmeats to silver trinkets and leather slippers call out to passing trade. Pass the huge hill on the right with its stunning royal residence where decorated elephants obediently transport delighted tourists to the top for its amazing vistas of the city spread out below. Follow the winding road until you begin to see the glittering lights of the city's numerous palaces begin to emerge on the left hand side across the glistening waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Stop to take pictures or simply gaze in stunned silence at the beauty of the floating palace of Ramgarh - perfectly illuminated by golden lights strategically placed on all four corners of the palace.

And then comes the main city...surprisingly wide, clean roads with some of the most well known brand names dotted on each side...from the newly opened Hilton Trident to the Sheraton and Le Meridien...you will find a massive choice of premium accommodation in Jaipur. Each hotel has retained the city's former glory and royal demeanour and the service excels itself. Just remember to book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment, as it is busy year round in this city of royal romance. Some of the most highly recommended hotels to stay in whilst visiting Jaipur include the Taj Group's Rambagh Palace and the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel. The opulence of both hotels will literally take your breath away and many a wedding takes place in the perfectly landscaped grounds of these hotels with their backdrop of lush palms and fountains.

A quick tip: whether staying at the Rambagh Palace or not, do take time to enjoy the delicious al-fresco breakfast buffet where the smart Jodhpur & waistcoat clad staff will treat you like royalty. With eggs made to order and succulent sausages and bacon following plates of the freshest, sweetest fruits, the plump muffins and Danish pastries are hard to refuse especially when accompanied with a choice of teas, coffee and piping hot chocolate. And all served in the finest china and silver.

Drive further down the main boulevards of Jaipur city and you come to a set of intricately carved arches, which divide the Old City from the New City. Once through the arches, your senses are immediately assaulted by the noisy onslaught of rickshaws, buffalo carts, taxis, bicycles, scooters, elephants and cars all jostling for space on the same road. Whistle blowing policemen, horn blowing cars, mooing cows and convincing street peddlars create a melodious harmony of ethnic sounds, which to the first time visitor to Jaipur, can be quite startling!

In addition to booking your flights and accommodation, we can also arrange:
Meet & Greet at Airport
Assistance of a Wedding Planner
Wedding Day schedule
A beauty treatment for the bride (manicure /pedicure /hair styling etc)
A professional wedding photographer to record memories of your special day
Assistance with all legal paperwork
Appointment at the Registrar's Office the day before the Wedding

With the romantic hues of pink all round you, this romantic city of Jaipur never fails to satisfy all your touristic senses. It is no wonder then that Jaipur has fast become one of the most popular places on earth in which to tie the knot? Yes, more and more couples are choosing to get married Maharajah-style at one of the opulent palaces in a style reminiscent of the British Raj. For more information on wedding & holiday packages to Jaipur, check out www.ticketstoindia.co.uk for great deals on air fares and discounted hotel rates. Do not even try and book a hotel in Jaipur directly yourself...unless you have just won the lottery! Prices are sky high and it is only through a specialist tour operator like Tickets To India that you can be assured of excellent quality combined with low prices.

Plan your wedding in the romantic pink city of Jaipur. Log on to www.ticketstoindia.co.uk and get connected to your very own Wedding Planner who will take you through all the options available to make your special day all that more special!

Annie Jones writes about "Weddings In India". Get more information about Indian Weddings and Cheap Flights To India at "www.ticketstoindia.co.uk"

Sundry Thoughts On Hotels In India

Hotels in India have an infinite variety that you can hardly fathom. Much like the diversity of its national culture, the hospitality industry in India too has different ways of treating different guests coming from different parts of India as well as from all over the world. Hotels in India have understood that the only way to survive in the rat-race is by providing anything and everything that a customer asks for. The hospitality industry has taken up the arduous task of providing guests with an unprecedented level of comfort. Be it hotels in Mumbai or hotels in Delhi, the wish of the guest is their order. People stay in hotels for various reasons and the hotels are trying to identify the exact requirement of the guest in order to provide customized service.

Hotels in India have an infinite variety that you can hardly fathom. Much like the diversity of its national culture, the hospitality industry in India too has different ways of treating different guests coming from different parts of India as well as from all over the world. Hotels in India have understood that the only way to survive in the rat-race is by providing anything and everything that a customer asks for. The hospitality industry has taken up the arduous task of providing guests with an unprecedented level of comfort. Be it hotels in Mumbai or hotels in Delhi, the wish of the guest is their order. People stay in hotels for various reasons and the hotels are trying to identify the exact requirement of the guest in order to provide customized service.

The economic growth of India has had an impact on the hospitality industry too. Traveling is now no more limited to leisure tourism only. People travel extensively for the sake of business and the hotels are cashing in on it. Today, the utility of a hotel is not just limited to being a place for relaxation, it is also used as a place of meeting. No wonder, hotels across India are furnishing themselves with meeting facilities. Hotels in Pune and Mumbai, the economic nerve center of India, are making sure that the guests on business tours get the best of facilities and are not troubled by petty matters. To help them focus on the business, the hotels are going all out to make them as comfortable as possible. Food too is not a problem. Whatever your food-habits are, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, hotels throughout India will serve you according to your choice of food.

Making hotel reservation in India is not at all a difficult proposition or a cause of concern. Most hotels now-a-days have the facility of online hotel booking. With the click of a mouse you can reserve a room in luxury hotels across India. If you are on a tour and are on the look out for unadulterated luxury, there are many hotels in India from which you can pick and choose.

Eco-tourism is gaining momentum and hotels are upgrading their facilities so that people who come to enjoy nature do not end up confined in a jungle of brick and concrete. Various hotels and resorts in India are offering package tours and safari tours to the guests. Hotels located near reserved forests and sanctuaries are especially benefited by the prospect of eco-tourism. Indian hotels are offering facilities that match international standard. Know more about some of the finest hotels from across India from http://www.desiya.com

Santo Domingo Imperfect yet IrresistibleAl Smith & Ruth Ramos

(Permission is freely granted to use this article so long as our about the author/resource box remains at the end of this article and with all links live.)

When Ruth and Esther Ramos embarked on their labor of love, the creation of a wide-ranging resource of information about the Dominican Republic they just knew that a feature focussing on the Dominican Republic's captivating capital City, Santo Domingo, was more than a must!

Santo Domingo is often referred to as 'the oldest city in the New World' for it was here that Christopher Columbus, smitten by the many charms of Hispaniola - the Isle he thought the most beautiful land in the World eventually made his base. Having abandoned La Isabella their ill-fated first settlement (whilst Columbus was addressing a request by the Queen to return to Spain) - Columbus' brother Bartolome embarked upon the foundations of what has become today's capital city, in the area now known as the 'Zona Colonial'. Indeed, the Columbus palace still stands in the midst of this, the oldest part of Santo Domingo, the city this famous family not only founded but also 'presided' over for several years.

But Santo Domingo, like the Dominican Republic itself, has had a chequered history. In many ways it might be considered a City of 'dubious firsts'!

It was from Santo Domingo that the 'conquistadores' first set out to dominate the rest of what has since come to be called the 'West Indies', or Caribbean, as well as most of the Americas. From here these Europeans invaded the 'New World' generally usurping local natives, slaughtering, pillaging and vastly enriching the Spanish empire in the process.

Santo Domingo also has the infamous claim to being the original home of 'the slave trade' as it was here that Africans were first 'forcibly imported' and set to work as enslaved labourers on the burgeoning sugar plantations which made Hispaniola such a valuable asset to Spain for so many years.

Even today the Capital of the Dominican Republic may still be judged a mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly! But let's start with something positive...and there are some truly excellent aspects to this vibrant, thronging city of life, color and sound - Santo Domingo.

The old colonial district, for instance, is a wonderful place, there is no doubt. Its antiquity is almost 'crystallised' as there are still so many well preserved aspects of the original City of Columbus' time that survive. Many of those travelers who have ventured into Santo Domingo on their first trip to the Dominican Republic have become entranced by its atmosphere and ambience. Like an illicit substance, many have found themselves drawn back again and again by the addictive spell the city seems to cast upon their soul.

Situated along the west bank of the Rio Ozama, which empties itself into the Caribbean Sea just here, many of the ancient limestone buildings, memorials to that fateful fifteenth century adoption of Quisqueya by the brutal Spanish, still reign majestically over the harbour area. Here in the heart of the Zona Colonial, a inviting selection of superb restaurants, enticing bars and classy small hotels clamour, cheek by jowl, for your attention as you cruise the ancient cobbled streets.

This atmospheric enclave is alive with the sounds for which the Dominican Republic is justly renowned: the mesmerising rhythms of marvellous 'merengue' merge with those of brash and bawdy 'bachata' and the strains of scintillating Cuban 'son'. This mellifluous melee of spirit-quickening, soul-enhancing, sun-filled music almost seems to illuminate the humid Dominican nights as it pumps insistently until the early hours, from the hive of hot and 'steamy' clubs that insinuate themselves into the City's myriad of alleyways.

By the cold light of day, however, the transient visitor to the Dominican capital will soon become aware of an alternative reality as they absorb the 'bigger picture' of Santo Domingo.

It is a sad fact that 80 percent of Dominicans live below the poverty level. Inevitably, attracted by the merest possibility of scraping a meagre living from some form of activity in the thronging capital, destitute families live in desperate hovels cobbled from bric-a-brac and other junk. Such shantytowns form the basis of the City's suburbs as you travel further from the Sea.

Long before the itinerant tourist may even become aware of these unfortunate favelas, though, their lungs and eyes will already be testifying to the insidious incidence of airborne pollution that furiously fogs the Santo Domingo air. Petro-chemical emissions endlessly emanate from the slothful streams of teeming traffic that tediously transit the Cities streets in a constant state of imminent grid-lock. Standing out amongst the tumult of traffic the manifold three spoke logos of innumerable Mercedes (Santo Domingo has the highest proportion per capita ownership of the marque in the world!) may jar their senses as the dramatic contrast between the city's Dominican denizens dawns upon them.

The Dominican Republic, the country often referred to as Santo Domingo by Dominican themselves, hosts a truly amazing capital city. So, for anyone visiting the DR for the first time (which is no small place by comparison to most other Caribbean venues) if proximity allows, a visit to Santo Domingo, the City, is undoubtedly mandatory! Ruth and Esther Ramos provide some useful insights to the numerous culturally and historically significant sights, and sites, that may be found around the city via their increasingly useful Dominican Republic travel information resource at www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com. You will soon realize that it is little wonder that some visitors to the Dominican Republic never find time to stray beyond the bounds of this enthralling City during their whole stay!

All in all, as a total experience, it is guaranteed that for anyone with a 'true' travelers spirit the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, will make its indelible mark upon their heart. Like so many before them, they will discover that it is unlikely that one visit will ever be enough!

Ruth and Esther Ramos, www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com Copyright 2005, All rights reserved.

Article must be published as is (unedited) and with the author's bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information included.

Ruth Ramos and her sister Esther are native Dominicans who publish and maintain www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com a wide ranging Dominican Republic travel and tourist information resource . They also provide website consultancy, sales and design services. They may be contacted through the site