Independent travel to Disney World Florida – leave the Hotel behind.

Independent travel used to conjure up ideas of backpacking around unheard of destinations and staying in remote hostels, sharing your room, and the one functioning toilet with twelve complete strangers.

Well, not any more.

Orlando, Florida is still considered the worlds number one family vacation destination. Families too are enjoying the freedom and choice which independent travel now offers.

When we first started visiting Orlando, being huge Disney fans, we decided to stay at one of the Walt Disney World resort hotels. There were only the two of us, and we thought they were great, which they were. But they also proved very expensive. So the next time we travelled we decided to shop around, and stayed in nearby hotels. This certainly saved us money, but there was still something missing. And we knew exactly what it was. There was no space. We had nowhere to relax. Even though there were only two of us, we found the hotel room lacked any real space. Sure there were two beds, and a small writing table, but that was it. And it appears we were not the only ones. When we returned home, we started reading reports and we found that there were an increasing number of complaints made about hotels.

So, what are the alternatives? We searched and we found them, and they are all over Orlando and the Disney area. Condos and Townhouses. The Americans have known about Condos and Townhouses for years, and they have been enjoying the benefits of independent travel and saving money too. What is a Condo? A Condo is a full home, located in a building. The person who owns a Condo owns the entire home, and also has an interest in the amenities and facilities of the community.

We gave them a go; we decided to travel to Orlando with a couple of friends, four of us in total. We booked a three bedroom Condo located at Villas at Island Club. This was the best move we ever made. Our Condo was over 1400 sq foot in size. It was probably bigger than our real home. It had room to relax, space to chill out, and every possible facility you could think off. The Condo really changed our vacation experience. We were able to have breakfast together in the morning and plan our days activities. We were able to come home early and discuss the adventures of our day. We were able to meet other people around the communal pool. Our friends had their own space too, we didnt have to spend every minute of every day together, and thats why we are still friends.

So, is this independent travel? Yes, most definitely. Now, when you are planning your vacation, you dont have to select a package tour where you are told what hotel you are staying in, and what car you a being given. Now you can decide what size home you want. Then you get to look at the homes, to find out about their locations and the facilities they offer. You really can select the home you want. And real people own these homes, so they are really well looked after. Because real people own them, you get a personal touch from the start when you are making inquiries, right through until the end of your vacation.

This really is independent travel. You select you airline. You arrive right in the heart of your vacation location. You select your own vacation Condo or Townhouse, in your chosen location, with the facilities you want. Then you pick your car. Then you really start enjoying your vacations.

Give a Condo a try, why rent a single hotel room, when you can have an entire home??

Once known for its fishing fleet the city of Hull has in recent years undergone a revitalization that has made it among the UKs most vibrant cities. First chartered more than 700 years ago by Edward I, Hull combines the best features of a bustling port with the amenities of a cosmopolitan city. In the forefront of British defence during World War II, Hull suffered widespread damage and has since undergone extensive rebuilding. A visitor choosing to holiday here will find museums, nightlife, sport and venues to rival any town.

Travellers new to the area may be surprised by the size and variety of the museums and historical sites Hull has to offer. Many are world class and boast renowned exhibits and respected educational facilities.

The Deep. In little more than four years of existence this superb aquarium has seen in excess of two million visitors. Thousands of schools have logged visits as well. Thirty exhibits examine life in the water from streams to the ocean depths. Hundreds of varieties of sea creatures including fourteen species of shark are on display via the deepest marine viewing bay in Europe. With its metal and glass clad point jutting into the harbour, The Deep is unlikely to be overlooked and impossible to forget. Admission is reasonable with family tickets available.

Ferens Art Gallery. Considered one of the best galleries in the provinces, Ferens houses a large collection of Old Masters in addition to a well regarded overview of contemporary British Art. Families will be interested in its childrens gallery. The best of the art worlds travelling exhibits make it here as well.

Hands on History Museum. A delight for the family and history buffs of all ages, this museum is a fine introduction to Victorian times with a specific emphasis on the homes and lives of the people of Hull.

Streetlife Museum. One of the four museums which make up the Museum Quarter on High Street. Travel through two centuries of Hull transportation in this museum whose mission is to document the evolution of Hull transport. Realistic climb about exhibits will both entertain and educate. Wilberforce House, birthplace and home to Hull son, slavery opponent and member of Parliament William Wilberforce, sits adjacent to the Streetlife Museum. Currently undergoing a massive renovation, it will re-open in 2007.

Arctic Corsair. Christened in 1960 and retired in 1987, the Arctic Corsair is the last of a proud tradition of fishing vessels that for centuries were the lifeblood of Hulls economy. Known as a side winder, this proud ship was opened for visitation in 1999 and has logged thousands of eager boarders. Kept as she was when a working fishing trawler, the Artic Corsair is not suitable for disabled visitors or small children. Contact in advance for a guided tour.

After a day of museum exploration a little shopping, easy going sight seeing and just plain relaxation may be in order.

The Princess Quay. Located in Hulls harbour, this unusual shopping centre has a multitude of shops and entertainment spanning three decks. Dining is also available on the quay proper as well as in dockside restaurants.

One World Trading. Shopping with a conscience is the idea behind this fair trade market. Its wide eclectic range of imported goods based on the concept of fair trade offers many one-of-a-kind items.
The Humber Bridge. At one time the longest single span suspension bridge in the world, The Humber Bridge toll way is travelled by more than 100,000 cars a week.

Hull New Theatre. Home to plays, musicals, ballet and spectacular Christmas entertainment, the Hull New Theatre has served the area since 1939.

East Park, West Park, Queens Garden. Hull boasts a wide array of public gardens throughout the city which offer personal recreation, picnic areas, floral exhibits, animal parks and water sports.

Hull offers a fine mix of traditional and modern pubs and restaurants for both the family oriented and the young, single traveller or couple.

Ye Olde White Hart. This historic pub dating from the sixteenth century sits hidden in an alley at the juncture of Bowlalley Lane and Silver Street. Legendary amongst locals the White Hart has undergone a recent rejuvenation with an eye to preserving its roots. A popular addition is the area billed as the citys first all weather beer garden.

The Minerva Hotel. On the pier overlooking the Humber this traditional British pub and hotel offers Tetley cask, other name brand ales and a rotating menu of discriminating brew. Cribbage, dominoes, and big screen sports television make this a pleasant place to while away a few hours. The well served traditional British food, view of the river and family friendly atmosphere are additional reasons to put The Minerva on a visitors agenda.

Venn on Scale Lane. The upscale diner will enjoy this well reviewed fish restaurant which is a Michelin Guide favourite. Reservations recommended.

Old Custom House. Delectable food for a wide variety of palates along with a large and very serviceable wine list are served at this family establishment.

Jaz Caf Bar. Visit this caf in the evening for distinctive food and drink coupled with a revolving schedule of live music from jazz to salsa.

Hull Hotels & accommodation

Pub side hotels, self cater establishments, fine lodgings and estate accommodations are abundant in the area. As is increasingly true throughout the island it is best not to arrive without reservations. Students, business people and world travellers gobble up available rooming spaces well in advance.

The Dorchester
Quality Hotel Royal Hull
Campanile Hotel – Hull
Ramada Hull
Portland Hotel
Best Western Willerby Manor Hotel
Kingston Theatre Hotel

Sport fans and music enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Hull. Hull Arena is the home ice of the Hulls ice hockey team the Stingrays and also plays host to a variety of world name music acts. The 25,000 seat Kingston Communications Centre houses both the League 1 Champion Hull City Football Club and the rugby league club Hull FC as well as numerous other sporting and entertainment events. A second excellent rugby league team, Hull Kingston Rovers, calls Craven Park Home.

True to its history of energy and resilience, Hull has rebounded from the difficult demise of its fishing industry to become a lively port and a thriving centre of commerce and tourism. Take an unusual break from the everyday holiday, visit Hull.

How to spend less when you find your hotel in Rome

Before booking your hotel accommodation in Rome, you do not have to disregard the weather conditions and the months in which tourists are packed when visiting its monuments.

Rome has a nice weather and this makes the eternal city visitable year-round; however, spring and autumn is without doubt the best times to visit, with generally clear skies and mild temperatures (even if late autumn, November, can be rainy). July and August are humid and hot (many Romans desert the city in August so many businesses close at this time); from December to February there is briskly cold weather, although it’s rarely grey and gloomy.

In Rome the toursit season starts generally from the first of April to October and again for the two weeks around Christhmas and new year’s Eve.
August is a very nice month in Rome, because you can find the city empty and you can discover the treasures of the eternal city, like the vatican and the ancient roman ruins.

During the Holy Week (Easter) Catholics from around the world make pilgrimages to Rome’s various basilicas and to hear the Pope give his blessing from the window of its apartment in sixty languages. On Good Friday there is the pope’s procession of the Cross from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill that is worldwide broadcasted: you do not need tickets to attend it.
Making a reservation at the hotels of Rome during easter period is really very hard and you can have the unpleasant surprise to change your hotel accommodation very often due to the overbooking system.

Bali is a wonderful island situated in Indonesia, the ultimate tourist destination in Asia, is worth a visit. Most people come to Bali for its beach, waves, sun, some come for business, some come for its undying art and culture, some come for its breathtaking landscapes and some for pure relaxation.

Choosing Bali for your holiday destination, of course you should select and decide your preferred Bali Hotel which would match your interests. There are myriad of accommodations to choose from in Bali, from five-star luxury hotels to budget accommodations.

Bali Hotels by locations: Accommodations by the sea (has beach front), in town and hotels are situated in countryside. Or Bali Hotels by interest (boutique hotels, villas, small hotels in traditional Balinese style bungalow and big or leading Bali Hotels).

Every place has its own attractions and features:
Sanur: Famed for its white sandy beach, sun rise, sea activities, close to other places of interest. Is for gracious living, peaceful and quiet. More international but somehow far less cosmopolitan than frenetic Kuta. There are so many excellent hotels here that you can scarcely go wrong.

Kuta: Frenetic, sometime chaotic, noisy, lots of hype, but a great playground. Originally what drew visitors to Kuta was the wide beach and the surf. It still has best sea front on the island. Kuta also famed for its shopping, dine and night lives. Though there are now many first-class hotels and home stays, caters best to the economy traveler who likes to be in the thick of things.

Legian & Seminyak: Lie at the north end of Kuta Beach strip. This is the place to stay if you want the best of both worlds. Conveniently located within 15 minutes from the center of Kuta, yet safely removed from the nerve-wrecking intensity and hype. The villages are perfect for extended vacations. There are several first-class hotels, a great number of intermediate-range bungalow, and inexpensive accommodations.

Nusa Dua & Tanjung Benoa: The area is rather isolated from the rest of Bali. Nusa Dua is providing a total hotel environment, everything you could possibly ask for is available on the premises. White sandy beach and a wide range of sea activities.

Jimbaran bay: Has nice and wide beach, good sunset (weather permitted), and close to Airport. There are two leading hotels, good villas and nice hotels in Balinese style bungalow.

Ubud & environs: The heart of arts and cultures of Bali. There are many small resorts deluxe and intermediate accommodations, most blend of typical Balinese and modern amenities. Situated either in town or in the countryside, most have wonderful gardens and views. Ubud is a paradise for shopping too.

The east: Offer more restful vacation.
Nusa Lembongan: Is a surfing, snorkeling and diving paradise. There are some excellent hotel resorts and some inexpensive hotels.
Balina beach: Buitan Village, this is spacious, gorgeous white sand beach, is one of the major scuba diving centers of Bali. There are a deluxe hotel and some intermediates and budget hotels.
Candi Dasa: The beach (at low tide, at high tide there IS no beach) because it has been eroded by the waves, but Candi Dasa offer restful vacation. There are first-class, intermediate and inexpensive hotels. You will be treated here with the utmost of graceful service.

The North:
Lovina beach: A northern beachfront alternative to Kuta and Sanur, this is a serene and infrequently visited vacation spot. Black sand beaches and quite waters nestles inside of extensive coral reefs distinguish this idyllic beach. Snorkeling is superb here and the reef is close enough that even children and beginner swimmers can feel comfortable here. There are first-class, intermediate and inexpensive hotels.

Western Beaches:
Up along this coast north of Kuta and Legian lies a stretch of black sand beach with a dangerous reef and heavy undertow, these beaches are not ideal for swimming and beginner surfers. At Canggu there are some luxury hotels. Yeh Gangga boast a small luxury resort Waka Gangga is facing the Indian Ocean. Tanah Lot boast a leading hotel Le Meridian and a world championship golf course with breathtaking view of famous Tanah Lot temple and sunset.

Western Interior:
Bedugul: This mountain resort is famous for its air, restful and serene. There are a number of places to stay here, from luxury hotels to budget accommodations (losmen).

The quickest and easiest way to select your preferred Bali Hotels is to go online and visit hotel reservation website. Do a search for the city or place (Indonesia, Bali, Hotels) you are traveling to and you will be presented with a list of available hotels in that area. There are also more information about hotels and rooms facilities. Most luxury hotel has excellent spa facilities.

The wide choice can be confusing especially for first-time visitors and its sometimes difficult to select the right accommodation. So still go online and click travel. Choose your reputable travel agent (contact him by e-mail). Just let him know your personal needs and preferences that he can recommend those hotels he feel suit you best.

My immense thanks to you readers.

When traveling to Las Vegas it is important to check all kinds of different things, including hotels, hiking, recreation and entertainment for the whole family. Las Vegas was for a long time the adults playground. Las Vegas was and is the gambling and drinking capitol of the world, and it was just about as Wild West as you could get in the twentieth century. But in the last 20 years Las Vegas has changed into a large amusement park for the whole family. There is such a wide variety of things to do inside and outside of Las Vegas apart from gambling, that it would be a shame to pass up the opportunity to see some of the beautiful sites around the area.

1) Think location. A hotel that is located directly on the strip will end up being much higher in price than a hotel just off the strip. Really, glamour is nice, but saving a couple of extra hundred dollars in the long run will allow you the opportunity to do some great things that had not been originally accounted for.

2) Outside of Las Vegas are some very nice deserts and mountains. Easy to get to and very close, it is nice to take a break from the gambling and partying to get out and visit a bit of nature. Finding a hotel that is close to the Strip but also close to all the nature reserves is a big bonus that you cannot win at the casino.

3) Las Vegas is huge, and continues to grow, so trying to visit an amusement park on the outskirts from the Strip, may tend to be a bit difficult, so try to aim to be a little farther from all the traffic if you are not just gambling and are doing other fun things.

4) When searching for a place to stay in Las Vegas, you will find that in just about any direction there will be hotels in which to stay, offering a drive of less than 10 minutes to the Strip plus there is free parking at most casinos on the Strip for when you are going to gamble.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when traveling to Las Vegas. If you are traveling with the family, you will want to remember that Las Vegas and Nevada offer excellent hotels and casinos as well as some of the most undisturbed wildlife and nature reserves and fantastic camping in the area.