Sleeping In Style: Luxury Hotels

No matter what type of vacation you prefer, there is a luxury hotel awaiting you! One of the benefits of staying in a luxury hotel is that, even if you choose a rustic vacation setting, you can return at day's end to comfort and pampering that makes a vacation truly enjoyable. Whether you're hitting the mountains for hiking or skiing, heading to the ocean beach, or visiting a foreign country, luxury hotels abound.

Why stay at a luxury hotel? It's great to be pampered. Four and five star hotels offer a level of service and hospitality that can't be found in other establishments. You are guaranteed a beautiful setting, and the additional services offered in a luxury hotel are often enough that you don't even need to leave the hotel to enjoy a fabulous vacation!

Many luxury hotels are perfectly situated in areas of high interest for the vacation traveler. When seeking a hotel for vacation purposes (rather than business, for example), determine the location and nearby attractions. Many hotels offer an array of accommodations, such as those included in resort settings or combined with a city's downtown entertainment.

When traveling with children, it's important to determine ahead of time a hotel's policy for young travelers. Some do not allow children under a certain age, while some luxury hotels cater to families. Many offer childcare and children's clubs, so the parents can get a few hours away while the kids enjoy learning something new such as archery or rock climbing.

For those seeking a vacation experience, it is also wise to find out if there are any conventions or other large events taking place while you are there. Hotels located in areas where multiple activities take place (such as in a city as opposed to a resort) are more likely to be busy, so find out ahead of time. This won't guarantee that something won't be booked, but you can lower your chances of booking your stay during a large event. Also, find out if any large tour groups are scheduled for the same time.

Traveling during the off-season is a great way to minimize crowds and maximize your experience. Rates are lower during this time, and many hotels offer package deals. These may include multiple nights or combining local activities with your stay. Be sure to inquire about any promotional offerings when you book your stay. Determine whether the hotel chain offers any promotional memberships or price matching guarantees. If you travel frequently, this can be a money-saving option. Your frequent flyer program may also have specials with certain hotels. Also, find out if any organizations to which you belong have any programs that include travel.

When planning your vacation, do some research yourself before seeking the assistance of a travel agent. Many people prefer to book their own travels, and this is fine, as long as you use a reputable source. For those who travel often, this is a good way to go, and many deals can be found online that are not available elsewhere. When traveling to a new destination, however, it may be wise to use the help of an agent when booking the trip.

Staying in a luxury hotel is a luxury that you'll definitely appreciate. Enjoy your vacation and sleep well.

Luxury Hotel Facts Facts is an information site that contains articles, a directory and other Luxury Hotel Resources. It can be found at: http://www.luxuryhotelfacts.com

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 National City of Sport in 1995. That year triggered an interest of the populace towards sports. Since then the city has an excellent reputation of being one of the prime cities for sport and sporting venues. Be it sports research, sports medicine and sports related engineering, the city has endeavoured to keep no stone unturned in the world of games and sporting expertise.

An estimate of seven million people reside here, within an hour?s drive. All in all it is a modern multicultural city with a prosperous heritage and a diverse culture. Every day is a day for the city to pave the road to further progress.

Places of interest:

Sheffield is a popular UK destination - a tourist?s paradise. If you are passionate about arts, someone who likes diversity in culture or someone who swears by exciting nightlife, then you ought to have Sheffield in your mind. Combine these things with excellent shopping locales and eye-soothing scenery and you know you are in the right place.


Chatsworth House - This is one of the treasure houses of England. Chatsworth House is located right at the border of Sheffield and in the heart of the Peak District National Park. It is one place that should never be missed. The spectacular woodland adventure playground, the scenic farmyard or the 105-acre garden with its cascading fountains and maze are breathtaking.

Millennium Galleries - This is just the place where intricate art meets exquisite design. Situated in the heart of the city centre, it has an outstanding impressive metalwork gallery, attracting immense and grand exhibitions from national galleries. It has beautiful works in traditional craftsmanship and contemporary examples. It links directly to the stunning winter garden, which is Europe?s biggest city centre temperate glasshouse.

Hardwick Hall - Hardwick Hall is a spectacular National Trust Elizabethan home with more glass than wall. You will love the embroideries and tapestries put on display here. Of course, this place has no dearth of gardens and scintillating parkland walks.

Magna - Magna, the UK?s first science adventure centre, is an awe-inspiring day out for the family. It is a tribute to the powerful elements of earth, wind, fire and water. You can take controls of a JCB digger, blast water cannons at human targets and also feel the heat of a fire tornado.

Trans-Pennine Trail - You can walk and bike on this regional trail that spans east to west and breezes through Derbyshire and Yorkshire locations.

Things to do:

Hailed as the safe city, you can rest assured that you will feel secure in this city. In fact the city has undertaken a lot of initiatives to keep crime and anti-social behaviour at bay. You can shop till you drop and enjoy the exciting local events.

Shopping - Sheffield is a shopper's resort. The retail outlets have a lot of variety in the products they offer. The indoor and outdoor markets are always bustling with lively activity. There are trendy shops as well as those that specialize in selling designer brands. Fargate is a famous pedestrian shopping area right in the heart of the city with an emphasis on fashion and trends. The Moor is another broad and famed tree-lined thoroughfare, having over 100 shopping outlets, banks, department stores, caf?s and restaurants. It is also famous for its open-air market.

Transport- Sheffield is wonderfully connected to the rest of Britain by road and rail. There is a comprehensive bus network and the efficient Supertram system in the city also. This place is also remarkably close to most of England?s major airports. Leeds Bradford, Nottingham East Midlands, Manchester, Humberside and Birmingham International airports all within about an hour and a half by road. The Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport was the first full-service international airport to be built in the last thirty years. It has flights to major European cities and resorts like Rome, Rhodes, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Belfast. The Supertram, silent and sleek as they come, constitutes one of the most successful urban transport systems in the whole of Europe. The Supertram network is 29 kilometres long. Each tram can carry 250 passengers.

The Nightlife - The nightlife is pretty hep here with the best of DJs and big name artists thronging this city. The place is a regular clubbing haunt. The late-night venues for music and pubbing would be Leadmill and the renowned Gatecrasher One. Those looking for live music could head to Eleven jazz club, Ruskins ? a contemporary wine bar adjacent to Sheffield?s Theatres, The Leadmill, The Boardwalk or Trippets Wine Bar to listen to popular live music and bands.

Special events - A city full of vibrant arts, passion for music and literature has a lot of festivals in honour of these pursuits. There is a much acclaimed Children?s Festival, a five-week event involving more than 135 schools, colleges and community groups. There is Lord Mayor?s Carnival Parade each July, which sparks off a party mood in the minds of the general public. You will see hundreds of people moving their way through the city streets carrying spectacular carnival structures and donning colourful costumes. There is a literature festival called Off the Shelf Literature Festival that has prominent literary figures pouring to the city. One cannot forget Europe Week, a celebration event which grows better with every passing year! It is comprised of a chain of events celebrating Sheffield?s role as a major European city. The events include the European Youth Parliament, the Taste of Europe continental food market, European Question Time and Opportunity Europe for Business. The famous Lovebytes Digital Arts festival, the longest running event of its kind for celebrating digital innovation in photography and culture, is also celebrated here with grandeur.

Food & Drink:

Sheffield is an incredible place to dine. You can get a sumptous variety of food from all over the world here. There?s the best of Indian, Italian, Cuban, Chinese and seafood restaurants to choose from. There is also no dearth of bars, bistros, caf?s, and of course, pubs.

Rutland Arms?- Rutland Arms? is a beautifully painted award-winning beer joint.

Gastro Pub - Gastro Pub merges the best of a traditional pub with contemporary dining and a wide selection of drinks.

Marco at Milanos in Millhouses ? Marco has been ranked one of Britain?s top 10 Italian Restaurants in the Observer Food Monthly magazine in June 2004.

Rafters - This is recommended in most of the food guides in the UK, offering the best of European menu.

The Old Vicarage at Ridgeway - Is the restaurant owned by the award-winning TV chef Tessa Bramley. You can expect to get an innovative mix and taste of modern British dishes.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Whether you want to come here for a long weekend, a business trip, or even spend your honeymoon, you will find that the choice of where to stay may be a difficult one. The hotels and accommodation could be bed and breakfasts, discount hotels, guesthouses, four or five-star luxury hotels and accommodations, etc. The benefits in most of them multi-functional rooms, swimming pools, gyms, saunas, Jacuzzis, and Internet access at a good price.

Hotel Bristol
Rutland Hotel
Cutlers Hotel
Holiday Inn Sheffield
Sheffield Park Hotel
Carlton Park Hotel
The Beauchief Hotel
Staindrop Classic Hotel
Grosvenor House Hotel
Novotel Sheffield
DAYS INN HOTEL Sheffield South
Macdonald St. Paul's Hotel
The Red Lion Inn

Entertainment:

A ten-minute tram ride from the city centre is Valley Centertainment. This extremely popular development includes a multi-screen cinema, stylised American-type restaurants, a bowling alley, and amusements with the latest video and arcade games. The Valley Centertainment is surrounded by a host of leisure venues including Don Valley Stadium, English Institute of Sport Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam FM Arena, iceSheffield, and Don Valley Bowl. Sheffield is always on the map for any major UK music tour. Major bands as well as the upcoming ones always love to perform in this city. The 2000 seater City Hall accomodates the biggest names in world entertainment like Beyonce and Justin Timberlake.

Sheffield?s people are some of the friendliest and most tolerant people in the UK. It is a vibrant city that sends positive vibes to the people and tourists visiting the place. It is a multicultural city as potrayed by the innumerable festivals, variety of cuisines and cultures on display here. Come to Sheffield and get the tour of your life.

Name: Maria Williams Occupation: Traveller Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Sleep UK are an online hotel booking engine for uk hotels

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; there are numerous things to see and do, making it an ideal place to take a break.

When you arrive in Scarborough, you?ll discover a whole treasure trove of things to see and do during your stay. Whatever your interest, be it history, heritage, sport, nature or art, you?ll find that Scarborough has it covered. Here are just a few of the places you can visit:

The Rotunda Museum. Suitable for all the family, including young children, this museum has Scarborough?s past completely covered. Come here to find out about the Victorian spa, the fishing port and prehistoric burial sites.

Eden Camp at Malton. It?s worth taking the short journey from Scarborough to visit this exciting recreation of wartime Britain. Scenes from the past are reconstructed through a combination of sound, smell, movement and lighting.

Scarborough Light House. Located on Vincent Pier, this lighthouse has been guarding the coast for two hundred years and is known and loved by visitors and town-dwellers alike.

Church of St. Martin-on-the-Hill. This beautiful Victorian church boasts splendid, pre-Raphaelite stained glass, colourful interior decoration and extravagant architecture.

North Bay Miniature Railway. Enjoy the whimsical British phenomenon of the miniature railway as you explore this one from the 1930s, which has tracks of almost a mile in length.

As well as all the places of interest to visit in Scarborough, there are also many different types of things you can do. Scarborough is host to a whole selection of special events and activities all the year round, so you never know what might be on when you come and visit. Some of the things you might choose to do include:

Go shopping! At the Brunswick Shopping Centre, you?ll discover shops selling many different kinds of goods and products, whether you?re looking for children?s clothing or the ideal wedding present.
Take a trip along the coast with Scarborough Pleasure Steamers. Enjoy the finest views of the picturesque Yorkshire coast by travelling on the Regal Lady and Coronia. Trips run whatever the weather.

Enjoy the spectacle of the Water Ski Circus. You?d be cruel to deny your kids the pleasure of a trip to this exhibit, which sees your favourite TV & film characters performing on water skis. Watch out for Batman, Bart Simpson, the Tellytubbies and more.

Go boating at Peasholm Park & Island. Choose from canoes, pedalos or boat trips and enjoy this beautiful park on a relaxing afternoon. Also choose from mini golf, tree walks, and a water ski circus.

Scarborough offers a wide variety of places to eat, each serving its own type of distinctive food. Venues range from that ever-popular Yorkshire speciality, fish and chip shops, to high-class restaurants, plus all the cafes you could wish for. Here is just a selection of some of Scarborough?s quality eateries:

The Red Lea Hotel. Located on the Prince of Wales Terrace, this hotel has a five-star restaurant offering three course meals that change every day. Take your pick from beef, salmon or vegetarian platters, or try something refined like the roast pheasant.

The Magpie Caf?. This caf? offers a variety of tasty meals, but is especially renowned for its fish and chips. The reason? The fish is always straight from the harbour at Scarborough, meaning you?ll be in for a fresh-tasting treat.

Mother Hubbard?s Restaurant. A family-owned eatery for many years, this restaurant also serves up its own special brand of fish and chips, earning it the title of ?Fish and Chip Shop of the Year? on several occasions.

The Hungry Horse. A wide choice of dishes is on offer here, ranging from delicious steaks to bulging burgers, light bites and yummy desserts. You also have the opportunity to wash down your food down with an ice-cold Greene King beer.

The Pizza Place. If you?re looking for takeaway food, then this is the place to come. Choose from a variety of pizzas, all served with your own choice of toppings.

If you?re looking for somewhere to stay, then you?ll find yourself spoiled for choice when you come to Scarborough. Every type of accommodation is available in the town, whether you?re looking for bed and breakfasts, hotels, inns, or guest houses; there are also many caravans and campsites available for booking. Finally, there are even holiday cottages up for rent if you want total privacy, peace and quiet. Many of the hotels in the town are located on cliff-tops, offering views of the sandy beaches and open sea; others come complete with their own golf courses. Additionally, many of the hotels and guesthouses offer facilities such as swimming pools, television, bars and in-house restaurants.

The Gresham Hotel
The Victoria Hotel
Hotel St Nicholas
Royal Classic Hotel
Granville Lodge Hotel
Chatsworth Hotel
The Crown Spa Hotel
Ashburton Hotel
The Lincoln Hotel
The Skikero Hotel
The Grand Scarborough
Mansion House Hotel

Scarborough has plenty of entertainment up on offer, most of it geared towards the family. One of the town?s biggest venues is the Olympia Leisure Family Entertainment Centre, which has everything from fruit machines to children?s adventure play areas, laser dodgems, simulators and the ever-favourite 2p machines. If you?re stuck for something to do in an evening, then Scarborough Spa Theatre provides a variety of family entertainment. Alternatively, if you?re looking for something that little bit different, Cotton Dale Shooting Ground is on hand if you?ve always fancied having a go at clay pigeon shooting. Finally, if you?re a movie fan, then a trip to the Hollywood Plaza Cinema is a must, as it shows all the latest blockbusters.

As one of Britain?s best-loved seaside towns, Scarborough has plenty to offer the visitor and tourist. With plenty of attractions and things to do, no matter what the weather, Scarborough is the perfect holiday destination all year round.

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

The 5 Most Expensive Hotels In Barcelona, Spain

The Arts Barcelona

The Arts Barcelona, or to give it its full name the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona, overlooks the magnificent Port Olimpic and is an incredible sight in itself. With 5 different dining areas ranging from the 'Chic informal' Bites to the 'Jacket and Tie' Enoteca there is something for everyone's tastes. Full housekeeping twice a day, babysitting on request and a complimentary overnight shoeshine and morning paper give the Arts an air of extravagance and the terraced gardens, outdoor swimming pool and numerous bars combine to make this a reassuringly expensive hotel to stay in during your trip to the beautiful Barcelona.

The Barcelona Hilton

The Barcelona Hilton seems mainly geared towards business and business meetings and is a modern looking 11 floor building situated right in the middle of Barcelona giving superb access to the businesses and tourist areas associated with Barcelona. The advantages that the Hilton boast are very business orientated with computer and Internet points in every room, a work desk and chair and voice mail messaging are standard in every room. The vast array of meeting floors, executive rooms and executive lounges make it ideal for the travelling businessman.

The Claris

The Claris is a very luxurious hotel and is aimed at guests who like the finer things in life, in particular fine art. Various superb examples of exquisite art are littered around the hallways of this converted palace and also in the rooms. Booking is almost impossible without years of notice but the sculptures aged from the 2nd through to the 7th century as well as 300 year old furniture make this a truly lavish hotel for lavish wallets.

The Ritz

What city in the world would be complete without a Ritz adorning one of its more exclusive streets. By staying at the Ritz you know that you are in for a real treat and the Ritz in Barcelona is no exception. Now called the Palace Hotel, it features Scotch bars, beauty halls and boutiques so the only reason to leave your hotel is because you are in Barcelona and there's just as much to see outside the four luxurious walls of the Ritz hotel. It also features a business centre that is more than lavish enough to hold executive business meetings in.

Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel

A grand name for a grand building. An incredible combination of modern interior design and architecture you will be enthralled before you've even set foot in your room. The 8 floor building housed on Barcelona sea front features incredible works of art and you will be met by a massive piece just behind reception as you walk in. With a large and impressive collection of art the Grand Marina is another hotel designed for people with a love for fine arts. The 278 rooms offer probably the cheapest of these hotels in no small part due to the fact that the Grand Marina was only founded in 2002. While a relative newcomer to the market though, the Grand Marina has a more than slightly impressive list of top class services to offer its discerning guests. Make the most of the more affordable price tag because it is sure to increase in time as the rooms are already nearly always full.

Matt Goldman is a freelance writer who has been living in Barcelona with his wife and three daughters for the past 8 years. To read more about Barcelona accommodation possibilities, visit http://www.holiday-apartments-barcelona.com to which Matt contributes from time to time.

Jacksonville Beach Hotels: Oceanfront Lodging at its Best

Travelers to Jacksonville Florida have many options for lodging in the area. If you are traveling to Jacksonville on business or pleasure and need a place to stay, don't overlook the Jacksonville Beach hotels. Located about a half hour from downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach has more hotels than any of the other local beaches, and most of them are oceanfront - serving up our beautiful wide sandy beaches as your playground away from home. All of the Jax Beach hotels are within walking distance, or a short $5 cab drive from some of the best restaurants and nightlife Jacksonville has to offer.

From Beach Blvd. north to 16th Ave, 1st Street is the place to be for hotels, dining and dancing, shopping, and just hanging out in general. For the traveler, Jacksonville Beach hotels include such well knowns as Quality Suites, Best Western, the Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, and the Fairfield by Marriot. For the adventurous, a vanishing breed of mom and pop hotels still exist, for now, on the strip. Paradise Alley and the Surfside Inn offer somewhat cheaper lodging than the big boys, and also seem to have less of a corporate feel.

Join me as we review the Jacksonville Beach hotels one by one, and you'll see the variety of lodging possibilities the Jacksonville hotel scene has to offer. Jax Beach: oceanfront lodging at it's best!

With 143 rooms, the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort at Jax Beach is one of the larger hotels in the area. Recognizable by the huge whale and tropical sunset murals facing 1st Street, the Sunspree is a full service family resort, with the "Windows on the Ocean" restaurant offering oceanfront dining for breakfast and dinner. There is the "Marketessant" in the lobby that offers snacks and souvenirs, and the Reef Lounge is a favorite of locals to come in and shoot some pool. The large swimming pool is just in front of the lounge, and a few steps down and you're on the beach! As a Sunspree resort, during the summer months there is an activities program for the kids. This Jacksonville Beach hotel landmark is at the top of our tour, located between 15th and 16th Avenues North.

Just behind the Holiday Inn, and owned by the same Shaner Hotel Group, is the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites. Not being on the ocean, the Fairfield caters to the traveling business person. Equipped with high speed internet access in the rooms and lobby, there are also several Jacuzzi Suites available to help you relax after a hard days work. A swimming pool and hot tub outside, the Fairfield and Holiday Inn encourage their guests to share their amenities.

Next door is the Comfort Inn, best known for its huge faux rock waterfall swimming pool. Plenty of fun for the kids, the Comfort Inn Oceanfront also caters to adults, with the famous Kokomo's lounge, for shooting pool and weekly Karaoke. Out of towners can really get to know the locals here. The Tiki Bar and deck, between Kokomo's and the sand dunes, is a great place to hang out in the sun with your favorite cold beverage. Summer weekends commence with live local bands outside, accompanied by plenty of dancing beach goers on the deck.

Continuing south down 1st Street we come to a pink one story "motel" type building called Paradise Alley, on 8th Ave N. A mom & pop establishment, the Paradise is owned by a lady that refuses to sell out. The rooms are theme based, and are decorated with a nautical flair. Dinner and lunch is served on the outside deck on 1st Street, a popular hang out in the summer offering live music and over 100 domestic and imported beers. Paradise Alley's southern neighbor used to be the popular watering hole First Street Grill, but will soon be another towering oceanfront condominium.

Another place that you can't miss is the elegant Casa Marina. A great place to get married, the Casa is right behind the dunes at 6th Ave., and is the north end beginning of the boardwalk Old world charm, elegance, and romanticism sum up this Spanish looking castle like structure. Dining at the Casa includes an inside formal dining room, and an oceanfront courtyard and veranda, serving a "new beach cuisine" for lunch and dinner, and a killer Sunday Brunch (in season). The Casa's newest addition is the Penthouse Lounge and Restaurant. Sitting on top of the north wing with an outdoors covered deck, the Penthouse has some excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the boardwalk, and is becoming a favorite happy hour destination. Even if you don't stay at the Casa Marina, you gotta check it out!

If you want to be where the action is, the Best Western is smack dab in the middle of it. One of the smaller hotels in Jax Beach, its oceanfront rooms all have balconies right above the Boardwalk. A great ocean view and a great place for people watching! Being in the middle of the Strip, you can park your car inside their ground floor garage and walk to all the great restaurants, clubs, and shops that JB has to offer. High speed Internet access, an outdoor swimming pool, and whirlpool tub rooms are also available.

Located oceanfront on the southern end of the Seawalk Pavilion, the Quality Suites is the newest hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Their pool is on the south side nestled between the hotel and the lifeguard station (no drowning here), and across the street is the ever popular Sneakers Sports Bar. All of the 72 rooms are 2 room suites with oceanfront balconies, and some of them are whirlpool suites. High speed Internet and a business center make this upscale Jacksonville hotel a favorite of corporate travelers.

For business or pleasure, if you're looking for some great Jacksonville hotels, Jacksonville Beach is the place to be. Conveniently located, Jacksonville Beach hotels will make your stay in Jacksonville fun and memorable. Find out why Jax Beach is oceanfront lodging at it's best!Jacksonville native Michael Talbert lives, works, and plays in Jax Beach. A web developer by profession, visit Mike's hometown at http://JaxBeach-Pier.com

Travel Secrets Exposed: Get your Own Travel Agent Card in 15 Minutes. Save up to 70% on Flights and Hotels!

It's true. Travel Agents are treated differently than the rest of us. And the reason is simple: The travel industry is a 4 trillion dollar a year business!

With that kind of money being spent on travel, you can just imagine the competition. The travel industry will spend millions on advertising and they'll do what ever it takes to get them their piece of the pie.

It's a known fact; the travel industry survives on the business supplied to them by Travel Agents. And because so much of their business relies on Travel Agents, the travel industry treats these Travel Agents like royalty!

In all honesty, if a travel related business or vendor is not known and utilized by the country's travel agents, their business will suffer tremendously. In other words, travel companies need Travel Agents to survive...their business depends on them!

And most people don't know that becoming a travel agent is quick and easy if you know the secrets. In fact, with our exclusive insider information contained in the Travel Industry Secrets, you'll actually become a licensed Travel Agent in about twenty minutes...it's that quick and it's that easy!

When you become a Travel Agent, new doors are opened and courtesies are extended to you, that everyday folks aren't privy to. Like I said, travel companies need travel agents and when you become one of them, you'll be showered with discounts and gratuities by way of deeply discounted and even free travel benefits.

Just imagine setting sail on a Caribbean cruise this winter while everyone back home is shoveling snow and staying indoors, trying to keep warm. And not only are you enjoying the balmy breezes of the Caribbean, you're doing so for just $35 a day while the occupants in the cabin next to you are paying upwards of $200 each day for the same cabin, the same food, and the same service.

Or maybe you just want to fly home to visit your relatives. Instead of paying $600 to fly across the country like you did last year, your ticket is discounted to only $285. And just before you board, you hear your name over the airline's loudspeaker, calling you to the ticket counter. As you approach, you are notified that your discounted coach ticket has just been upgraded to first class. Now, your $285 dollar coach ticket has a value of over $1,500 simply because you are a licensed Travel Agent.

So, you arrive at your destination and make your way to the rental car agency. Before you left, you booked a standard size vehicle for 50% off the published rate. Once at the counter, the rental agent advises you that you are entitled to a free upgrade and they ask if you're interested....

These are just a few of the courtesies that you'll find extended to you when traveling as a licensed Travel Agent. But they get even better.

You see, the travel vendors - airlines, hotels, tour operators, car rental agencies, cruise lines, etc. recognize the benefits of having travel agents being familiar with the products they are selling. Its for this very reason that in addition to favorable rates and discounts, these same vendors also offer free familiarization trips to resort destinations, free dinners, free shows, and free cocktail hours to learn about vendor offerings.

Just imagine...a couple weeks after receiving our priceless information, you get an invitation for you and a guest to spend an entire week at an all-inclusive resort, absolutely free. Normally, this experience would run a hefty $3,000 per couple. But this resort wants to pamper you and create an experience of a lifetime for one reason. So you, as a Travel Agent, will refer your "customers" back to them.

Do I Need to Sell Travel to get in on these incredible Discounts?

If you want to earn an extra income selling travel to friends, family members, or even customers, you'll be licensed to do so.

Besides the extra income, there are a great many other benefits to being "in business" as well. There are also great tax advantages. For example, you can deduct such items as your computer, the space in you home from which you operate your business, your telephone line if you use it for business, and more.

In fact, just working part-time can make you a great second income...but its not required. When you become a licensed Travel Agent, no one knows how much, if any, travel you sell. Selling travel is not required to get in on the benefits.

Go and see the Ultimate Manual while it is legally available! http://travel.selfsecrets.com

After reading through the Travel Industry Secrets, you'll see just how easy it is to become a licensed Travel Agent. You'll be thrilled with the airfare and other discounts that you can get with this information. Simply visit: http://travel.selfsecrets.com

Historical Hotels in Prague, Czech Republic

The history of Prague is reflected in its hotels. The city dating back to the 9th Century, has been historically, and is today, a crossroads between ancient and modern worlds. It's a city that has throughout its existence continually reinvented itself. As a result, Prague offers an array of historical hotels representing each of its bygone eras.

Historical Sites Reinvented Into Hotels Many of Prague's hotels were once historical sites that have been refurbished to meet the increasing needs of international travelers. For example, a 14th Century building, dating from the time of Bohemian King, Charles IV, is now the Iron Gate Hotel Prague.

Another example is the Castle Steps Hotel that is actually three separate 16th Century buildings that set at the foot of the ancient Hradcany Castle. Especially interesting is the Pension U svateho Jana (Hotel on the Saint Johns) that is a former monastery and a historical monument that is now the Waldstein Annexe Hotel.

These hotels have been renovated to meet current need, but reflect the rich history of the area. From the time of the original Bohemians throughout the history of Prussian, German and Soviet Union occupation to the current day, a reshaping is constantly taking place in Prague that points the way to a new era. Historical sites being reinvented into hotels, is one way where the old world meets the new.

Late Nineteenth Century and Early Twentieth Century Hotels Built during a time of increased travel to Prague, a number of hotels from this era reflect the Art Nouveau architectural style, then popular throughout Europe. With the coming of a new century, the city had reinvented itself again into a worldlier destination.

For example, in 1906, it was common to find European politicians meeting at the Hotel Palace Praha. By 1920, travelers could enjoy ultra modern facilities, including a casino, at the Ambassador Zlata Husa.

All of Prague's historical hotels of this time, although reserved for the elite, were a response to the needs of a more sophisticated European traveler that demanded great luxuries. Sadly, this era ended with the coming of Communist occupation from 1918 until 1989. Today, many of these hotels, have been renovated and restored to their original glory.

Historical Prague Prague is in a picturesque river valley that surrounds the Vltava River. Many ancient bridges connect the east and west banks of the river and provide valuable links for maneuvering about the city. Old Town Prague originates back to the 13th Century while New Town developed in the 14th Century.

Hradcany Castle, previously mentioned, was built in the late 9th Century. Historically, it was the residence of kings but now houses offices and is the official residence of the current President of the Czech Republic. Another way the old is preserved while room is made for the new.

Prague is known for the various architectural styles contributed by each culture and era that has influenced it. It's known as an intersection in Central Europe where East meets West. Where innovation takes its shape from the foundation of the ancient.

Historical Hotels - 21st Century View As many historic buildings have been turned into hotels and an array of century-old hotels have been remodeled in Prague, it's interesting to note what shape newly built hotels are taking. Today, the contemporary architectural styles of these hotels beckon back to the past. Many of these hotels are lovely 19th Century-type structures with all the amenities. What else could be expected from versatile Prague.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Amsterdam visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/CZ--Prague

Hotels in London, England

Looking for hotels in London? As with most major cities of the world, you have a wide array of choices. Five-star hotels like the Ritz Hotel and the Intercontinental London Hyde Park, all the way down to 2-star hotels like the Regent Palace Hotel and the Dover Hotel that simply give you a place to stay, but still with basic services. Prices, as could be expected, would vary -- from GBP 135-250 ($250- $450) for the five-star hotels, down to GBP 30-60 ($50- $100) for cheap London hotels.

Cheap price does not mean poor choice, though. You still get excellent, though somewhat more informal service, a place to eat with a good selection of dishes, and a room with at least a television. The more expensive hotels just provide added perks, like formal service, antique and/or more luxurious furniture, several restaurants with various food offerings like Italian, Indian, or Thai food, modem lines in each room, cable television, even babysitting/child services and a doctor on call. Your choice of the London hotel to stay in can be based on more than just the amount of money you are willing to spend.

Your trip might require you to have internet access, or an international direct dial phone connection, or a safety deposit box. Or, you might want to select your hotel based on its location: from Central London, from the nearest coach and rail station, or from the many tourist attractions that you plan to visit. Whatever these factors are, you have a lot of options to make your stay in London, England, exactly as you want it to be.
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-hotel-4me.com/