Car Buying Tips: Five Things You Need To Know To Avoid Hidden Fees And Additional Costs

Before purchasing your next car, you're going to want to check for hidden costs, add-on fees, and other charges. You could end up spending hundreds, even thousands, of dollars over the lifetime of your loan.

Once you've found the car you want, it's time to sit down with your sales rep to negotiate the terms of your contract. After a little back and forth on price, figuring out your interest rate, and calculating your monthly payment, you're ready to sign on the dotted line, right?

Not so fast.

When you read the fine print you may find that additional fees and charges have found their way into your contract including add-ons you didn't necessarily ask for.

Most car buyers are so focused on getting the best interest rate and negotiating the most affordable monthly payment that they're unconcerned with the fine print of the contract. By the time they get to the step where they review and sign the paperwork, if the sales rep is throwing industry terms at them that they don't fully understand, they're becoming exhausted from the entire process and just want to get it over with.

Here are a few insider tips to make sure you don't regret signing those papers.

1.) Read the Fine Print

While this seems pretty obvious and self-explanatory, it's amazing how trusting the consumer can be. Honestly, the last time you bought a car, did you read and fully understand the contract before you signed it? Probably not. Most people don't.

Some unscrupulous car dealerships are betting on that. Because most people don't read the fine print, some sales reps can slide in additional, undisclosed charges or extras with huge mark-ups to their profit.

Also, make sure there are no blank spaces on your finance contract that can be filled in later wherever there are blank spaces, write in "$0" or "N/A."

2.) Typical Extras

Most of us are familiar with learning about the standard features of an automobile and then figuring out which additional features we are willing to pay extra for, but here are some extras to look out for when reviewing your contract:

* Rust proofing
* Extended warranty
* Fabric protector
* Car alarm (including Lojack, a device police use to find your car if you report it stolen)
* Paint sealant
* Credit life insurance
* GAP
* Window etching

The value of such extras depends on individual customer needs and situations. If the sales rep attempts to tell you that some or all of these extras are standard for every vehicle on the lot, ask to order your car from the factory, or suggest the dealership trade with another dealer that hasn't pre-packaged their vehicles.

Extra products can add thousands to the negotiated price of the vehicle. Most products fill a customer need that when priced and disclosed correctly and can add real value to the whole transaction.

The problems with extras occur in two areas. First, when the sales rep doesn't spend the time necessary to determine which products fit the specific needs of the customer. Rather than suggest specific extras individually priced, the sales rep lumps all the products together and pushes you to buy them as a package.

Second, unscrupulous sales reps can add thousands of dollars to the amount financed for these products, but not disclose the price increase until the last possible moment, when the financing contracts are being signed.

3.) Documentation and Administration Fees

Federal, state, and local governments are pushing more and more of their regulatory cost onto the local dealerships. In an effort to offset some of these fees and services dealers are required to perform, most add, a documentation or administration fee to the total cost of the transaction. Depending on state and local regulations, fee adding $100 to $150 seem reasonable and cover most of these additional items. These services include:

* Duplicate Title Fees
* Notice of Security Interest (to perfect lien)
* 30-day Permits
* Federal terrorist matching data bases
* Federal information privacy requirements
* State vehicle id verification
* Highway Patrol Inspections for out-of-state titles
* Registering leases at customer's county of residence
* Carfax
* FedEx charges/Shipping charges
* Additional title addendums
* Truth in lending record retention

Some dealers have taken up the practice of marking up documentation and administrative fees and are now charging as high as $300 to $500 per sale. A few are even higher. The charge for most of these fees seems to be more based on getting a customer to pay extra after the customer has finished negotiating, not the average amount it cost to get most deals through various state and federal regulations, as implied.

4.) Ask for a Menu System Disclosure

The best disclosure method I've seen in years involved using a menu system. On a separate sheet of paper the rep produces a document that includes:

1.) The negotiated price of the vehicle or trade difference
2.) The additional price of suggested extras (these can be shown as various option packages that may save money when bought in combination and as individually priced options)
3.) New totals initialed by both parties

This procedure makes sure that any suggested extras are properly explained and disclosed. It also allows the customer time to consider each item separate from the longer and potentially confusing finance documents. The final numbers from the menu should get carried over directly to the finance document.

5.) Other Costs

When buying a car, remember that there are other "hidden" costs (or, costs that aren't usually considered), that go beyond the dealership.

During the lifetime of your vehicle, you're going to have to pay for registration and tags, taxes, insurance, oil changes and fuel every year, and periodically pay for maintenance and repairs. Older models (cars more than 3-5 years old) may cost less up front, but you will likely need to factor more maintenance and repair costs into your budget than if you bought a newer model. While new models need fewer repairs and maintenance work, you will have to pay more up front.

Your wallet does not have to go through the ringer the next time you decide to visit a new or used car dealer. You can protect yourself from blindly signing into an unfavorable car deal by doing your homework, going to a car dealership with a good reputation, being prepared, asking questions, and double checking behind your sales rep.

Scott Conklin is president of Conklin Cars, a Salina new/used car dealer (http://www.conklincarssalina.com/), Hutchinson new/used car dealer (http://www.conklincarshutchinson.com/), and Newton new/used car dealer (http://www.conklinnewton.com/) in Kansas.Priscella Blog53647
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Germanys Top Tourist Attractions

Millions of visitors flock to Germany each year, and as each year passes that number grows larger. The United States alone accounts for almost 3 million visitors each year. Visitors to Germany come for the welcoming and friendly nature of the people, the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty, and the world-class accommodations available for every one from the budget-minded traveler to the jet-setting celebrity. Here is a list of some of the top attractions that are considered must-see in Germany, in no particular order.

The Black Forest

Secluded pine-laden woodlands located in southwestern Germany, the Black Forest is famous for being the origin of cuckoo clocks. The area gets its name from the dark shadows of the fir and pine trees that grow very thick there. The black forest offers first rate hiking, camping, and some skiing. Travelers on a budget can find great deals on lodging and accommodations in the towns that surround the Black Forest.

The Frisian Islands

These islands actually span along the coastlines of three countries: Germany, Denmark, and The Netherlands. Sylt is the largest and most populated of the islands and is a known destination for Europes jet-set as well as nudists. Amrum is also a hot tourist spot but less crowded. The pristine beaches, panoramic views, and relative seclusion continue to draw in visitors looking to escape the bustle of more traditional destinations.

Oktoberfest

Munich makes that claim that it is the home of beer and if 6 million visitors is any indication, that claim seems to be valid. Oktoberfest is known worldwide as a celebration of Bavarian beer and lasts several weeks long, from mid-September to early October. The 200 year old festival includes events such as parades, beer tents, music features, feasts of authentic German cuisine, and exhibits.

City of Berlin

Berlin is Germanys largest city and is the countrys capital. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall almost two decades ago, the city has grown and evolved into a modern, bustling metropolis that prides itself on looking to the future while preserving the past. There are landmarks to remind visitors of the strains that history has put on the city, but much of Berlin now has an unmistakable American feel to it. Berlin should be on every German visitors list to visit.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Located near the Austrian border, Neuschwanstein Castle has the title of the most photographed building in Germany. It is also the most famous of all of the German castles and was the inspiration for Disneys Sleeping Beauty Castle located in Disneyland. Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II. Photography of the interior of the castle is strictly prohibited, as it is copyright-protected.

Lake Constance

Lake Constance lies between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is fed by the Rhine River, one of the longest in Europe. It is a freshwater lake that is relied upon for water consumption by nearby cities and towns. Recreation draws many tourists from across Europe and beyond each year.

Puripong Koomsin is the owner of http://www.europepathway.com http://www.europepathway.com/germany-travel-guide/germany%e2%80%99s-top-tourist-attractions.html is one of useful articles.Rebeca Blog82731
Rachelle Blog36242

Get More Out Of Life, Avail Secured Home Loans

Your home is not just a place where you dwell. It is a place which can show you the way to your most fascinating dreams. You might not realize the value of your home at its present situation. But you will definitely come to know its real value when you keep it in the loan market. Yes, your home is one of the most valuable assets which can get you fund and help your dreams come true. One such opportunity is provided by secured home loans which offer money against your home.

Secured home loans are offered to you against your home. That means money lender will keep your home as collateral against the loan amount and if in case you fail to repay the loan amount, the lender will take away your home.

With a secured home loan you can avail an amount ranging anything between 3,000 and 75,000 with a repayment term of 5-25 years. The interest rate will depend upon the amount you borrow and the repayment.

Applying for a secured home loan is quite easy and convenient. Now you do not have to look out for lenders and visit them personally to make the deal. The whole loan process is now carried easily with the help of internet. Online lenders provide details and information about the loan quote, fees etc. You can easily go through and take your time to choose and select the best lender for you. Once you make your selection, you will be asked to fill up an online application form which will just take a few minutes. After you submit the application form, you will be quickly contacted by the lender and the loan will be transferred in your account.

You will be offered secured home loans in two types of interest rates:

Fixed rate: It will require you to pay the loan at a fixed rate of interest. The advantage with this option is that the monthly installment will not be affected with the change in market rates.

Variable rate: If you take secured home loans at a variable rate, your repayments will be affected by the fluctuation in the financial market.

Depending on your financial circumstances and convenience, you can choose the type of interest rate and avail the loan.

Secured home loans can fulfill your vast range of needs. You can borrow this loan for your home improvements, business purposes, debt consolidation, buying property, car, meeting medical and educational expenses etc.

Not only this, secured home loans are also available to bad credit and no credit holders. Secured home loans offer you such a great deal of benefits. It makes you not only dream big, but also give a chance to make them true.

Aldrich Chappel has been associated with Find secured loans UK, since its inception. Having completed his Masters in Finance from Lancaster University Management School, he undertook to provide useful advice through his articles that have been found very useful by the residents of the UK. To find secured home loan, personal secured loan mortgage uk,secured debt consolidation loans,Home equity loans,secured loans,secured loans UK visit http://www.get-secured-loans.co.uk.Pet Blog65525
Penny Blog68097

Hello From Sicily: Arrival In Taormina And First Impressions

So my latest travel adventure has just begun: three weeks in Sicily to get to know this beautiful historic island and to learn Italian in another cultural immersion experiment. My regular readers will know that I love to learn languages and in the last couple of years I have a chance to study Spanish in Havana and in two different language schools in colonial Cuernavaca, Mexico, all wonderful experiences. In the meantime my Spanish has become pretty presentable and I thought I would expand my linguistic and travel horizon a little bit and add Italian to the menu.

My brother and sister-in-law, both of whom live in Austria, regularly travel to Italy and just simply rave about this country, and I thought that its been a long time since I traveled to Il Belpaese, so it was time to venture forth and explore this beautiful country. I had seen a bit of northern Italy, but what I really wanted to explore was Southern Italy, and over the last couple of months I had been reading travel books for a variety of travel regions south of Naples.

What I settled on was Sicily I love islands, and for millennia Sicily has been at the confluence of many cultures. This was sure going to be an interesting place. So yesterday, after an extremely hectic day at work my husband finally took me to the airport in the early afternoon and I got off without a hitch on my flight with Alitalia to Milan. Ever the astute traveler, I had cashed in some Airmiles to get a free return flight to Sicily, an excellent way to keep travel costs down.

At the airport I had a nice chat with a young Italian engineer who regularly travels to Toronto to look after client projects. He was telling me about the long working hours at his company in Milan, and I realized that not everywhere in Italy does dolce far niente (the sweet doing nothing) reign supreme. Despite the laid back atmosphere that the tourists are seeking, Italy of course is a modern industrialized nation, with the same economic pressures every other Western nation faces.

After a brief touchdown in Milan and another landing in Rome I was finally on the third and last leg of my trip to Catania, the second largest city in Sicily, after the capital, Palermo. All the formalities were quick and my suitcase arrived in no time, and just outside the airport I hopped into a bus that would bring me directly to Taormina, the destination for the first eight days of my 21 day trip.

Taormina is one of Sicilys most popular and beautiful travel destinations. Perched on a mountain called Monte Tauro high above the Mediterranean, Taormina has been a popular vacation spot for over 100 years now. Its recorded history dates back to the fourth century before Christ. Naxos, a town close to Taormina on the seafront, was founded even earlier in 735 B.C. and is the oldest Greek settlement in Sicily.

I had read so much about Taormina, and several of my friends had already been there and all agreed it was a beautiful place - a definite must-see during a visit of Sicily. Well, when I got there the weather was starting to cloud over, and I checked in at my abode for the next eight days. Hotel Villa Nettuno is a two-star hotel located on the north side of Taormina with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean. I dropped off my luggage and started to stroll into town to look for the Italian language school where I would be studying Italian next week.

After a relaxing walk up Via Pirandello, past a variety one street vendors and several restaurants, I walked through the Gate of Messina past the large open space in front of historic Palazzo Corvaja, through a number of narrow winding side streets, and dodged a variety of Vespa riders who navigated the narrow passageways between the homes. Just seven or eight minutes after I left I had reached my destination, the Babilonia Language School, and met Angela, the schools accommodation coordinator. She showed me around and gave me a variety of useful local tips. I was also able to use the schools computers free of charge to access the Internet and found out about the excursions that the school was offering in the next few days.

The schools location is great, on the southern edge of town, overlooking some clay tennis court with, what I was told, a beautiful view of Mount Aetna and the Mediterranean coastline. At the moment the famous volcano was completely shrouded in an increasingly dark set of clouds. The schools rooftop computer room and terrace provide a beautiful place for the students to gather. After Angela gave me a tour throughout the entire facility it was time to head out and satiate my growling stomach. I found a little corner caf called Mambar where I had a seat and enjoyed a foccaccia sandwich with cheese. From my comfortable spot on the outdoor terrace I was watching a variety of miniature delivery vans backing in an out of the narrow alleyway, all the while admiring their driving skills.

But now the nice weather had ended and the sluices of heaven opened up. I kept sitting on the terrace because fortunately a large awning was keeping the patrons dry, but huge drops of water kept pelting the pavement. I started a conversation with a retired German lady from Hamburg who has traveled to this area numerous times. She and her husband used to go to Tuscany many times until they decided to explore Sicily. So they loaded their car onto the train and traveled this way to Northern Italy from there they embarked on a driving vacation to Sicily. Unfortunately her husband had passed away recently and due to her poor eyesight she is unable to drive any longer, so this year she flew to Sicily. This conversation illustrated to me that even advanced age and failing eyesight cant keep a real travel enthusiast at home, and this woman in her late seventies was still nurturing her quest for adventure.

Jetlag was catching up with me, and I started my stroll back to the hotel. On the way I stopped at an ice cream stand and chatted a bit with Claude, the owner. At 1.25 Euros, his ice cream was not just delicious, but also very affordable, and Sicilian ice cream is a real treat. Claude added that he would feel guilty if he charged more than his usual price. He said hes never going to get rich as an ice cream vendor, but he definitely loves his job and enjoys interacting with the locals and the tourists.

Well, my first day in Italy was a success, I had arrived safe and sound with all my luggage intact, found my way to Taormina, liked me hotel and hooked up with the school the will be my second home all through next week. I cant wait to start my discoveries

This entire article including photos is located at http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/sicily_taormina.htm

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of http://www.travelandtransitions.com, a web portal for unconventional travel & cross-cultural connections. Check out our brand new FREE ebooks about travel.Remy Blog92836
Pearla Blog74650

Ask the Right Questions First

OK. You have joined a couple of dating services and written a killer profile. Youve uploaded a good picture and now you are going to chat with a contact. What now? How do you start separating those who have real potential and those who dont have any potential at all? You need to find out something about who this strange woman really is and not just who she wants you to believe she is. It would be nice if women wore labels like Gold Digger or Daddys girl.but they dont so its up to you to find these things out and you cant just ask direct questions. You need to know what mistakes you can avoid making and how to impress this lady if you decide you want to do that.

After you are past the initial small talk, ask her, What are the biggest mistakes guys make when dating online? Listen carefully to her answers. Shes going to tell you a lot about herself and her views on men in general.

Next you should ask her, What do you really think about online dating? Now she will tell you if she has had any bad experiences dating o line and help you to avoid making the same things wrong.

Now for the all-important one..What caused the break up in your last relationship? If she puts all the blame on the guy, you should probably move on to the next prospect. If she takes all the blame herself, you should probably do the same. If she says the breakup was by mutual consent or that the relationship just wasnt right for either of them, youve heard the right answer. Move forward but always with caution.

Asking the right questions will give you insight and make you more confident when you meet the lady for the first time.

Steven M Schultz is a Restaurant Owner (The Hobnob Restaurant), a Professioanl Candy Maker (Columbine Almond Toffee) and a Webmaster. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Regis University in Denver and participates in the martial arts, Haidong Gumdo (Korean sword) and Taekwondo. Raina Blog31451
Rasia Blog11948

Repairing Flat Tires On A Scooter

The tires and the spokes of the scooter will require daily inspection to ensure you have no problems, and that your ride will be a safe one. If you are faced with broken spokes, you should repair them right away to prevent additional breakage. If you have a flat tire, you will also need to have someone change it, plug it or repair it so you can continue riding the scooter. Riding the scooter with a flat tire is going to bend and chip the rims, the wheels, and will not provide you with the smooth ride you are accustomed.

For flat tires, there is a canister type of solution you can purchase which is known as fix a flat, which will fix flat tires, plugging holes in the rubber tire. The Fix a flat is a canister that will plug right into the tire, inflating the tire as it plugs the hole at the same time. The Fix a flat is going to work on the tires that are rubber, the same as your car. This type of repair is not going to work on the tire with a tube or the tire that has a major cut in it. Repairs to the tire that has a large gash will require replacement of the tire. Most all medical supply houses, and scooter retail outlets do make replacement tires easy to purchase.

Regular reviewing and maintenance of your tires will be required. If you are not using your scooter for long periods, you should at least have someone move the tires around, so they are not sitting on one portion of the tire for weeks on end. Dry rot is a problem for tires not used often. A scooter not used for three months at a time can easily have dry rot on the tire. Dry rot can be spotted by the cracks in the tires, which can easily then lead to air leaks.

To prevent the need to fix flat tires, to fix broken spokes, and to prevent dry rot on any scooter tire, you should consider the purchase of tires, which are solid. Solid tires are available with or without tread. Solid tires never require air. If you have tires that do require air, you can pump up the tires with a bike pump or with an air compressor.

Jason Uvios writes about on Repairing Flat Tires On A Scooter to visit :- http://www.scooter-europe.info, http://www.scooter-forall.info and http://www.scooter-canada.info.Raina Blog76994
Rania Blog72509

Cruise Tips For Cruise Travel At Your Ports Of Call

Cruise travel is one of the best vacations you can take. During your cruise vacation you will visit several different ports of call. Your cruise ship will dock at exotic islands or new countries almost on a daily basis. Check out the cruise reviews on line for cruise tips before you visit your destinations to find out what fantastic experience each port has to offer.

During your cruise vacation you will visit ports to shop, explore, beach, sightsee or hike. There are a wide variety of activities in each cruise destination. Or you could just depart the ship for a chance to walk around for a change of pace. Although this is a great cruise adventure, you should realize that you will only get a small sample of what each port of call has to offer. And be forewarned, as you step of your majestic cruise ship there will be hordes of natives trying to sell you a trinket or a tour around the city.

If you take the advice above and search the cruise reviews, you should have a pretty good idea what each destination has to offer. Choose the one that has the most encompassing tour of your port. In exotic ports they have full day tours, including lunch, that will take you to the highlights of the place you are visiting. This is an ideal way to sample the city or island getting ideas for what you may want to come back for at a later date. On island tours you may want to take an organized tour in the morning, go back to the ship for lunch, then light out on your own to explore more fully, shop or just go to the beach.

If you are more adventuresome, skip the lunch on board and dine in the city. You get to experience the local cuisine and soak up the native culture. This is your vacation, learn new and different things. If you chose to do this check with the cruise director for the best places to dine and make sure you know the exchange rate. On of the cruise tips is to put your meal on a charge card so you will be charged the exchange rate on the day the bill hits the credit card company.

A cruise tip that is very useful is to use the brochure that the ship gives you for their organized tour and follow it on your own. Only do this if you are comfortable with the country you are visiting. If it is your first time overseas to a port of call, it is best to stick with the organized tour for safety and convenience. Other cruise tips can be found online about some of the wonderful things to see and do in various ports of call. Be conscious of one thing, if you chose to explore on your own, know what time the ship leaves and how long it will take you to get back on board. If you are not on an organized tour it is your responsibility to get back on time or the ship will leave without you. You then have to meet the ship at the next port of call at your own expense.

If you opt for an organized tour sponsored by the cruise ship, it should cost you anywhere from $20.00 to over $200.00 depending on what you choose to do. It could be just a simple bus ride around town for two hours or a two day trip from St. Petersburg, Russia to Moscow. The options are endless.

Most cruise lines will let you book in advance on their websites. This is very convenient and helpful with tours that sell out quickly. For instances, in the Cayman Islands the Stingray City tour is very popular and will sell out. If you book it in advance you guarantee your spot. The more inexpensive tours also tend to sell out because of some cruisers watching their budgets. So, don't miss out, check out the cruise lines website to see if you can book your ticket in advance.

It is good to know the game plan that the tour offers. Things you should be aware of is how much the guide will be with you and do they speak English clearly. Mostly the cruise lines have very competent tour guides, but better safe than sorry. Will have any time on your like for shopping or stopping in a caf? It is very important to find out how much physical activity is required before you sign on for any tour. If you have limited mobility you don't want to go on a tour that climbs the Acropolis in Athens or Dunns River Falls in Jamaica. Find out if a snack or lunch is provided, so if it isn't you can bring along adequate funds to get your own.

There are private touring companies that you can contact on your own if you wish to tour in a more private fashion. Another alternative is to buddy up with some fellow cruisers and share taxi tours to cut your expense in half. Many times you will meet people on a cruise that have similar interests and you will spend a lot of time together on the cruise ship, why not touring also? It's a way to save money and enjoy other passengers company.

Only hire licensed taxi drivers. Their credentials should be prominently displayed in the front of the cab. With a licensed driver you are ensured a safe trip and a guide who is knowledgeable about the islands or cities background, where to shop, eat or gamble. And of course they will know the best beaches available. Negotiate the price of your tour up front. If you chose to go to a destination where you will be dropped off for a couple of hours, negotiate with the driver to come back and pick you up. Settle on a price and pay half up front and half on the way back. If the driver has been helpful and friendly, please tip him or her.

Some cruisers like to rent cars in their ports of call. It is recommended that you only do this in destinations that you are familiar with and have a good knowledge of where you are going. Be careful when renting a car. Be sure to check out the entire car for any damages that may already be there and note them on your rental contract. If you fail to do this you may be charged for damage that was already done.

Lastly, use common sense when touring. Don't travel in dark tight alleys, put your money under your clothes, don't wear expensive jewelry and don't let yourself be surrounded, especially by children. Always carry identification and the name of the cruise lines agents in the port of call in case you get in trouble.

You are on a cruise vacation make the best of it. Get off the ship at all of your ports of call whether you are touring or are just poking around. Be sure to take lots of pictures so you will have years of beautiful cruise travel memories.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com.Ollie Blog99695
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How To Have A Kauai Getaway - On A Budget

So you want to visit Kauai, Hawaii, one of the most beautiful places on the earth, but it just doesnt seem possible financially. Ive been there and it is certainly worth the visit, so it is just a matter of figuring out how to make it happen.

As you plan your getaway to Kauai, Hawaii, it would be wise to think about the best times of year to travel. Im not talking about the weather; Im talking about traveling during the least expensive time of the year. Numerous people dream of taking a vacation in Hawaii, and while the location of the islands makes it a gorgeous spot all year, there are periods of the year to vacation that are significantly less costly than others. If you know when to travel and different opportunities to save money, you should be able to have an incredible Hawaiian getaway on a budget.

Here are some examples. During the fall, when school has just gone back, is a great moment to travel because typically, airfares and hotel is less expensive. The low-season in Kauai is mid September through mid December and January through May. During the high-season air, car rental and hotel tend to go up, especially in the summer months. Many times this period of time can be full months in advance. Because of this, you should getaway during the low-season when you can get a bigger savings. What are some of the other benefits of traveling off-season? Well, consider not having to share the small island with as many people or the exceptional weather that they have in Kauai year round. Seeing as Hawaii is one of the best locales for sunshine and vacation activities all year, there is not a compelling rationale not to visit in the off-season.

Beyond the considerable savings on your accommodations and airfare, here are a few other opportunities to keep the cash in your wallet.

More Ways to Save in Kauai

Rent a vacation home rental

Most people choose hotels in Kauai to enjoy for their vacation getaway. However, this is a more costly route and they dont present the same comforts and privacy that a villa or condo could offer. In additional, hotels in Kauai are extremely costly, considerably more so than an equivalent cost of renting a condo or home for a week or more. There are a tremendous amount of villas, homes and condos to rent on Kauai with amenities like ocean front view, tons of extras, luxury kitchens, and so much more. in addition, there are villas, cottages and homes you could rent with anywhere from one to 8 bedrooms or more, accomadating just about any size group that you can bring with you.

Should you have an interest in renting a Kauai vacation home or villa, there are many places online that you can search to find a tremendous amount of options offered. This will allow you to locate the options that are the perfect size, with all the options you would like, without destroying that pocketbook. Dont forget that when you take your vacation will be key in how expensive, or inexpensive, it will be. Try to figure out a time to visit in the off-season when it will cost less than if you go in the middle of the primary travel season for Kauai.

Finally, consider other options while preparing and taking you Kauai vacation. Dont eat out every meal if you dont have it in the budget as that can get expensive. When you get to the island, visit the grocery store, pick up the items that you need to help keep you and the family fed for however long you are going to be on the island. Eating out 3 times a day gets expensive. The beauty of a vacation home rental is that you typically have a kitchen and a full size refrigerator. Eating out only one time every one to two days can save you hundreds of dollars over a weeks time. Other ideas for cost savings are searching the web for travel discounts, being careful not to get the shopping bug while on the island and maybe just find a few keepsakes of your vacation.

If you put these things into practice for your Kauai getaway, it can potentially save you thousands of dollars over just a 7-14 day trip.

Mr. Kent Krueger has been in the travel industry 4 years and has advised thousands on travel ideas and marketing vacation home rentals and is President of TRN which operates (http://www.rentals2remember.com) and (http://www.evaca.com).Patrice Blog18137
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Tips for International Travel

International travel has a few extra rules to follow. To insure a quality travel experience and to avoid trouble, know these tips.

Always bring your ATM card with you. You will be charged a transaction fee by your bank each time you withdraw cash from an ATM machine, but this is your best bet. Just remember to withdraw a few larger amounts as opposed to daily, smaller amounts to avoid numerous bank charges. Most banks charge $1.50 - $5.00 per transaction. Also, depending on the kind of ATM card you have, you may be able to use it in restaurants/stores if the place of business accepts Visa or Mastercard.

When used as a credit card, it will automatically come out of your checking account. In this case, you won't be charged the bank's normal transaction fee. You must remember that many small villages do not have ATM machines, so plan accordingly. Never go to the exchange store fronts on the street or you will be charged a hefty fee. Also, you should bring the name and phone number (the direct line) of your banker just in case you need funds made available while abroad.

Credit cards are another good option since you will get that current day's exchange rate when you receive your bill upon your return home. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops. It is a good idea to bring two different types (Visa or MasterCard and American Express) in case one is not accepted. Keep in mind that most credit card companies charge an additional fee for using credit cards internationally which is usually between 2-3% so check with your credit card company prior to your departure.

Bring more film than you think you will need since film is usually more expensive overseas. Always check the expiration of any film bought overseas.

Bring your passport and make sure it hasn't expired. Before departure, make a copy of your passport and airline tickets and keep in a separate place.

In Italy, you can also change money in the Italian Post Office. They often have better exchange rates and are open Saturday mornings.

I do not advise bringing traveler's checks. I have found that many restaurants and stores do not accept them because of currency fluctuation but you can exchange them at hotel front desks and banks.

Always bring comfortable, "already-broken in" footwear. Don't make the mistake of bringing brand new shoes! Never bring high heels - they will certainly get stuck in the cobblestones in the small villages. Remember, many of these European villages are very hilly with rocky textures.

Before I pack, I make a habit of checking the weather forecast of the country to which I will be traveling. Also, I bring a light jacket and a small umbrella.

For those die hard shoppers, always bring an extra, collapsible suitcase for those precious purchases. You dont want to break your new possessions by placing smashing them into your packed suitcase.

Expanding on the previous note, if you wish to purchase art/home decor while away, always bring the measurements of that area of your home (i.e. table measurements for tablecloths, bed measurements for linens, etc.)

Don't forget your laptop hardware, chargers (for cell phone, digital camera, etc.) and converters (hairdryer, electric shaver, etc.).

If you don't have a cell phone, remember to bring your home telephone company's Access Codes to be sure you get the best rate in calling home. (Each country has a different access code so call your phone company).

If you want to check your email while away and don't have a laptop, remember to bring your email access website information (i.e. www.mail2web.com - you will need your username and password). I always bring my Blackberry to Europe since the service provider has international access. Also, bring your address book - you may want to send postcards!

Laundry services are very expensive overseas so if you want to pack lightly, bring some Woolite to rinse out clothes in the sink. Also, make sure you bring an extra pair of sunglasses.

To avoid over packing, check with your hotel to see if they have a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board.

Always pack a swimsuit - even if it's winter, you'll never know if there might be a heated pool or Jacuzzi!

Use village names as landmarks as opposed to route numbers. By taking these precautions and preparations, you can spend your international vacation enjoying yourself and the surroundings without worrying about the little things.

Jo-Ann Gaidosz is the founder of Active Gourmet Holidays, LLC,(http://www.activegourmetholidays.com) which specializes in European Wine Tours, Italian Culinary Tours, French Culinary Tours, Cooking Classes in Italy, and Italian Cooking Schools.Ondrea Blog67624
Philippine Blog57744

Travel China - Beautiful Lijiang

Lijiang is an and quaint town in Yunan, a province of China which is well endowed with magnificent and beautiful mountains, rivers and a long history. The ancient Lijiang county was put into the list of world cultural legacy by the World Legacy Committee of the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization in 1997.

The city of Lijiang has a history of 800 years or 900 years dating from the Sung Dynasty. Why is Lijiang one of the most beautiful city in the world? Firstly, it is one of the very few city which is over a mile high above sea level. Smacked in the middle of the Lijiangba Dam, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and a river that runs through an oriental forest with small streams meandering into the town. Some tourists even called the town "Heaven On Earth".

Lijiang experienced an earth shattering 7 on the Richter scale earthquake on February 1996 which killed more than 5,000 people mainly the Naxi community being the major community in Lijiang. Since then, Lijiang caught the attention of the world and tourism growth was unprecedented. As such, Lijiang is now one of the most favoured tourist travel destination in China.

Most residents in Lijiang are of the Naxi tribe. The Naxi community makes a living by herding yaks and doing small retail businesses. The construction of the ancient Lijiang city was quickly developed in the Ming Dynasty. This is especially so because the Ming Dynasty made a large number of people in Anhui Province to migrate into Lijiang in order to station military troops and common people in the boundary areas.

As a result of this mass migration, the buildings of Lijiang ancient city were very much influenced by the architectural style of Anhui Province. The original buildings of the Naxi community can only be found in the rural areas surrounding Lijiang City.

The Yuan dynasty and the Mongol Emperor then, Kublai Khan stationed military troops in Lijiang in 1253. He brought the foreign culture alien to Lijiang and thus Lijiang was then influenced by the culture Central China, such as Buddhism and Taoism, and then affected by the Christianity and Islamic culture in the early 1900s. The Naxi community assimilated all these cultures. As such, Lijiang is also very much appreciated for its cultural landscape not only in China, but the entire Asia.

Millions of tourists travel to Lijiang each year to enjoy Lijiang's primitive simplicity, tranquility and elegant culture.The folks at Lijiang enjoy music too. You can hear the beautiful music from the dwelling houses in Dayanzhen Town. The musicians carry their often home made musical instruments to take part in household parties all over the town.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang is perhaps one the most beautiful mountain range in the world, famous for its perilous, beautiful and breathtaking landscapes. The mountain is a world class tourist scenic spot. The peak of the Jade Dragon Mountain is some 5596 meters (about 17,000 ft) above sea level. The mountain's thirteen peaks viewed from south to north look just like a flying giant Chinese dragon. A very formidable view indeed.

So if you are travelling to China, don't miss the quaint city of Lijiang.

Chris Chew is a travel fanatic. Read more travel destinations at his sites http://www.sgfitness.com and http://sgfitnessonline.blogspot.com.Pearline Blog83801
Rennie Blog90685

How To Minimize Stress During World Travel and Tours

With world travel the very first thing you can do to reduce your stress levels is to have a travel agent you can trust. This is because you have no idea of all the rules and regulations that are going to come up during your world tours. Having an agent that you trust is a great source of stress reduction. This is because you do not have to worry about all the little details and the infinite amount of paperwork and changes that come up. A good travel agent can advise of things like your passports, visas, shots and immunizations, as well as providing tips on local customs and culture so that you can fit in more easily when you arrive.

There are a number of travel sites out there and the most popular ones deal with getting you the cheapest flights and hotels. This is great and wonderful for what they do and they are good at it. They however will not make sure that all the little details are taken care of or provide the personal touch that other sites and agencies can. I have found that world-travel-tour.com is one of those sites that does a good job of keeping their eye on all the small details.

World travel these days can be a very scary thing filled with all kinds of stress because of the events in the news. A good agent is aware of all those things and will do everything to make sure that you are safe. Your world tour will be enjoyable and relaxing when you have the assistance of a knowledgeable agent. Here are some other things to consider while on your world tour.

Make sure you have your schedule set and that you did allow yourself some "me time" in all the hustle and bustle of the trip that is something that can be easily forgotten. Keep your schedule realistic, these tour spots have been there for thousands of years and they will be there when you get to come back. Make sure you have a list of your medications and doctors so that if something should happen you can get proper treatment.

Bring a good book to read since the flights are long and you will have plenty of time to read and sleep. Make sure you get a good night's sleep before you head out on your flight. Even if your world travel is for business, schedule yourself some time for yourself to enjoy the new location you are in, instead of just trying to cram in back to back meetings and appointments. You will be able to enjoy being in the place you're at for the meeting and be well rested and be able to work better in the end.

Relax and enjoy your world tour and find all the secrets the world has to offer. If you go to world-travel-tour.com it will be a good start to finding what the secrets are. The secret after all is that this world travel stuff really does not have to be filled with stress and doubt. If you want that, then go to work, world travel is about stress free time for you.

Jon Arnold is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about the stress of world travel and tours at his web site at http://www.world-travel-tour.com/ Phedra Blog13829
Pris Blog40714

Weddings Rings Shapes and Insurance

What you need to know for wedding rings.

Diamonds: A Guide to Diamond Shapes

EMERALD - This rectangular shaped stone is a very elegant and sophisticated look for a bride.

HEART - A truly romantic statement on any brides finger this stones shape resembles a heart.

MARQUISE - Beautiful as a solitaire, this diamond too is elongated diamond but has pointed ends.

OVAL - This perfectly symmetrical elongated shaped diamond adds length to fingers and is very popular among three stone rings.

PEAR - This shape is derived from combining both the marquise and the oval shaped diamonds. One end is beautifully rounded while the other leads to a point.

PRINCESS - This is a perfectly square shaped stone which has become increasingly more popular among brides today.

ROUND - A circular shaped diamond which has always been a popular and traditional choice for many brides.

TRILLIANT - Shaped like a triangle, the trilliant may have rounded corners or pointed ones and provides a perfect accent to a princess or round shaped diamond.

Appraisals and Insurance

Once the question has been popped, the marriage proposal accepted and the stunning diamond ring is on the finger, now is the time to think about taking care of the engagement ring.

Diamond rings are an investment. It shows the love and commitment to the relationship. It is an investment that will be a reminder years later, of how much time, energy and love was poured into the marriage. Like a relationship, a diamond ring needs care too. According to Colin Nash of Nash Jewellers in London, Ontario, the first step is to get the diamond ring checked and cleaned every three to six months. In doing so, this is a small part of the insurance that the ring is in tip-top shape. The claws are holding the stone properly, which will prevent the loss of the diamond. The mounting secure and the band is not thinning, which could cause breakage and at worst, loss of the ring itself. If weight loss has occurred and the ring is loose, make sure to have the ring sized, this is one way to guarantee against the loss of a valuable piece of jewellery, not only in monetary value but sentiment too.

The second step according to Colin Nash is to get the ring insured. Again, the investment of months of hard saving for the ring, the purchase and the memories would all be lost if the ring were to go missing or worse, stolen. Break-ins in Canada do happen and the targets besides small appliances and technological items are - jewellery! Jewellery is small and easy to hide on the burglars body and in pockets of clothing.

When the decision has been made to insure the ring, the next step is to have the ring appraised. Get in touch with a Jeweler, who has a Certified Gemologist Appraiser on staff. There are only 14 Certified Gemologist Appraisers in Canada. A Certified Gemologist Appraiser will give an accurate description of the diamonds quality. They will look for stone damage, chips or marks or if claw damage has occurred and will disclose all information to the customer. The piece of jewellery is job-tagged with contact information and cleaned. Once the cleaning is done, they will record the 4 Cs, which are colour, clarity, cut and carat-weight. Measurements are taken and the gold is tested, to record what kind of gold it is, along with the price per carat of the diamond at the time because diamond markets do fluctuate. The Appraiser compiles all this information into a report for the customer. Nash Jewellers also takes a digital photo of the ring up to 10X for a clear and concise image, which they keep on file in their computer system along with a copy for the customers file. This is all done in order to give the insurance company a proper and modern retail replacement value, whether it was lost, stolen or damaged. It also is proof of what the actual piece looks like for insurance and police purposes.

The cost of an appraisal varies from company to company. It could start from $50.00 for the first piece and $40.00 for any additional pieces brought in at the time or could cost more or less.

Most Canadians purchase higher quality diamonds and spends approximately $2500.00 to $3500.00 on an engagement ring, which is a ring with a (0.50) carat diamond to a 1.0-carat depending on wage and financial situation. Insure a ring that is over a thousand dollars. If the ring is less in value, make sure it is listed in the home insurance under Special Items or Personal. Even better, take a digital photo with a optical zoom of the ring and keep this photo and any other information (receipt of purchase) about the engagement ring in a safety deposit box at the bank.

If an appraisal file has been done, call an insurance agent and make sure to insure it for the full amount paid at the time of purchase or the amount appraised. Once insurance on the ring has been put into place, keep all these important papers in a safety deposit box. Any unworn and expensive jewellery would be best kept in the safety deposit box too. Safety deposit boxes are not expensive to keep. They are tax deductible and an investment towards piece of mind, same as the insurance on the ring itself.

The engagement ring is an investment towards a future life together, take care of that investment by following a few simple, precautionary steps towards guaranteeing that the ring will last for years to come and will be passed down to offspring and future generations.

For more information on planning your wedding visit my website http://www.getmarriedcanada.com

Leah Bacon Reta Blog11279
Pearle Blog10714

Importance Of Reputation In The Translations Industry

In this article I am considering reputation in the translations industry. These aspects are often intrinsically linked with customer services. But customer service is only a part of what makes a reputation.

I would argue that your personal reputation is one of the most valuable things that we will own regardless of where we are of what we do. It is something that is with you always, affects parts of your daily life and is very difficult to change.

Unfortunately nothing sticks to a reputation quicker or longer then mud (negatives). So it is important to avoid such potential instance as much as possible and if possible quash any such occurrences irrevocably.

A) Reputation of a Translation Agency with its Clients Like all businesses, without your clients you dont have a business. A translation agency must ensure it creates a good reputation with its clients. This can be achieved by:

1) Quality of Translation Using only qualified and experienced translators working into their mother-tongue. Proofreading of the translation. Testing translators and auditing of their translation work. Sticking with the tried and tested translation professionals

One way quality is sometimes lost is through subcontracting. The translation agency has lost control of the translation and is therefore not in control of the quality.

2) Quality of Service Quick response and general customer care.

3) Management of the Clients Expectations A translation professional cannot always expect someone who is not working in the industry to understand what is required. This particularly applies to deadlines.

In such cases it is better to offer options with the translation quotation rather then promises that you cannot keep. For instance: The options might be later delivery v no proofreading

The general rule has to be that you only commit to what you can achieve.

B) Reputation of a Translation Agency with Freelance Translators Most agencies use a mixture of both employed and freelance translators. The freelancer only assists as and when required against won projects. A good freelance translator is pretty much like a good translation agency: They provide good quality of work and they work to mutually agreed deadlines.

Having freelancers that you can rely on is part of being a good translation company and an integral part therefore of keeping the reputation of the agency with its clients.

You can most easily manage your translations agencies reputation with freelancers by:

1) Prompt Payment It seems that the translation industry is a minefield full of late paying translation agencies that need chasing repeatedly. Its completely bizarre to me as this takes additional resources of the agency to manage the late payments. After all, if payments of 25 make a difference to your business, you may wish to address this matter through other means.

Paying your translator early or on time can therefore standout. They will feel good about the agency and be more willing to go that extra mile in quality and working hours to look after the translation agencies interests.

2) Agreement before commencement It is best that as many variables as possible are agreed in writing before the project commences. Ensure that in writing the translators has been informed of: i) Language Combination and Direction ii) Types of translation Is it medical for instance iii) Type of source document e.g. PDF iv) Format the translation is to be returned in. e.g. MS Word v) Translation Deadline vi) Fee or rate to be applied vii) Wordcount. (In some cases it is possible and necessary to send a copy of the translation in advance to the translators. But this is often restricted as prior to having a full agreement with the translator this could be deemed a breach of your clients confidentiality).

At this point the translation agency should require feedback from the translator. A written confirmation that they are capable of fulfilling the requirements set-out.

C) Reputation as a Freelance Translator The saying goes a salesman is only as good as his last sale. A similar saying could also be applied to translators A translator is only as good as their last translation. In both circumstances there is the detail to consider.

A freelance translator generally seeks a situation where they have a regular client base who consider them first. Ideally, if they are too busy the client will still come to them first for the next project and the next project.

Reputation for a freelancer allows them to earn better rates even though there will always be someone else offering to do the same job for less money. It allows the freelance translator to discuss the issues of a project openly with the client or translation project manager and have them work with them to complete their service.

The reputation of a freelance translator can be most easily maintained by:

1) Staying within their capabilities. It is not advisable to take on highly complicated specialised texts that you have no experience with unless you have discussed this with your client and have a clear plan how you will complete the project. Otherwise you might perform below what is reasonable.

2) Work to deadlines. Ensure that you assess the deadline and only agree to what is achievable. If you are upfront and say when the translation can be achievable this may well turnout fine and avoid loss of your personal standards for quality.

3) Check your work. It is advisable to take a short break and then review your translation before you send. You may have made some simple error or missed something that this last scan can pick up. This will also avoid you sending the wrong file. Checking you own work is not proofreading. Proofreading in my opinion involves a 2nd independent translator.

4) Problems If you have a problem or require extra time it is important to tell the client ASAP. This allows the issue to be addressed as soon as possible and a solution found. The problem might be legibility of part of the source text or you might be delayed due to a personal problem. If possible, the more warning notice the better for everybody.

I guess when reading this we must be reminded that with extra care and communication we should all be able to benefit from less problems and more stability from our lives in the translations industry. This care will guard our reputations.

Nigel Massey has worked internationally for many years and is a partner at the Translations Agency 'Axis Translations' http://www.axistranslations.com. The author specialises in Translation Project Management for: Technical Translations, Legal Translations, Italian Translations, Financial & Banking, etc.Peg Blog85461
Pet Blog65525

When The Effects Of Jetlag Leave You Feeling Left Behind

The disorientation of the body is referred to as jet lag and it is nothing but the consequence of the crossing time zones. It affects the individuals complete internal setup along with his physical condition. People who travel a long distance at a stretch experience this condition and this situation sometimes affects the business of business people. Some common symptoms of jet lag are uneasiness, loss of drive, fatigues, inability to concentrate due to lack of sleep, headache and irritation.

Usually, the severity of jet lag depends upon the direction of the travel. Some experts say that the occurrence of jet lag to people is more during their travel in the eastern direction. This is due to the rhythm of the body extending up to 27 hours during the travel of a person in westward direction. The body is able to adjust to the changes in the environment.

There is something called "circadian rhythm" which is greater than 24 hours for people traveling westwards. This is due to the lengthening of the time of the day giving more time for a persons body to adapt. We cannot have a quick change over from this situation, but can bring ourselves back to normal condition later. Plan ahead and see to it that you are able to cope up with such new bodily changes.

Here are some tips for you to overcome jet lag

-Jet lags can be coped up with natural lights. Hence staying outside during day time is preferred for the body to adjust quickly and get accustomed to the new surroundings.

-Adjustment in their bedtime schedule can prevent the severity of jet lag and in turn the body also will be able to cope up with the change in time setting.

-To start eating and sleeping according to the timing of the new surrounding would help for a better recovery from the condition.

-Business people and athletes who have to keep up their time can go to their destinations ahead of time in order to have some extra time for any adjustments.

There is nothing much to worry about jet lag since it is just the adjustment of the body to the new surroundings for a better experience. Taking proper measures to prevent such unpleasant situations during travel will ensure a pleasant journey. Taking proper rest and having proper food will definitely help you to come out of such jet lag and adjust to the new environmental conditions.

Cathy Peterson writes about http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com ,http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/Site59.com/ and http://www.traveldealsdiscounts.com/discount-travel-deals/Travelocity.com.Phillida Blog16975
Rebecca Blog97633

All You Ever Wanted To Learn About The Military Academy Preparatory School

The United States Military Preparatory School (USMAPS) is just what the name implies - it's a preparation school for candidates that want to go to a united-states military school.

It's also called the WestPoint Prep sometimes, as most of the graduates of this prep school will attend the West Point army academy after they graduate. A few will attend other military schools in the US.

The USMAPS was established in 1946, and it's current location is on the Fort Monmouth Army base, in Eatontown, New Jersey. The official mission of the establishment is: "to provide academic, military and physical instruction in a moral-ethical military environment to prepare and motivate candidates for success at the United States Military Academy"

The students of the USMAPS are defined as "Cadet Candidates" (CC's), and enjoy free tuition and board. The program lasts for 10 months and it's aim is to prepare the students to the rigorous academic and military demands they will meet when the finish the Prep stage, and attend West Point academy.

The Program:

The Cadet candidates start the 1 moth program in early July, when they arrive at the facility. They start with a four week intensive basic training that puts them into shape. This part of the program is called CCBT - Cadet Candidate Basic Training. Immediately after the CCBT, The classes start and they end in mid-May. The curriculum includes English, mathematics, physics, military history and military training. Most of the CC's will go to West Point academy, but some will attend other establishments.

West Point Applications:

There is no separate application for USMAPS, only the West Point application. The 10 month training program at USMAPS is offered to candidates to West Point who lack the grades or skills necessary for West Point. During the Prep school year, the CC's must file a new application to West Point. It should be noted that almost all of the CC's who finish the prep school are granted to attend West Point.

Athletics Activity:

The USMAPS also have an extensive athletic program including football, women's volleyball, cross-country, track, men and women's basketball, soccer, lacrosse, swimming, and wrestling. The USMAPS primarily competes against the other prep school's teams, especially their rival the Naval Academy Preparatory School.

Location Change:

The USMAPS has gone through a few location changes since it's establishment.

It was founded in June 1946 at Stewart Army Air Field, Newburgh, New York - just a few miles away from West Point.

In 1957, it moved to Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

And finally, moved to Fort Monmouth in 1975

Shutting Down:

Due to the Base Realignment and Closure, 2005, Fort Monmouth is currently in the process of being shut down. USMAPS will continue, however, to operate at the Fort Monmouth campus for several more years.

Jane Ling is the owner and operator of a military school website http://recommended-military-schools.info. Visit and learn more about military academy, military prep schools and more.Rea Blog49483
Rachael Blog77

Direct Flight To Beijing From US Capital

Following the recent United States federal approval United Airlines has launched the Beijing to Washington DC direct flight service. The first flight to Beijing from Washington DC flew in late March 2007.

Seven airlines now provide direct flights to the Chinese mainland from US cities. Four American airlines and three Chinese airlines service the US-China routes.

When the new slot opened up Northwest airlines tried to break into the lucrative US-China market however the option it put forward which would have seen flights to Beijing from Detroit was rejected. United airlines put forward a case that highlighted the benefits of linking the two capitals.

It was with great excitement that the first direct flight to Beijing from the United States Capital was launched. Many seasoned travelers said this flight was long overdue. For Chinese families living in the Washington area and for many government officials and business people the flight servicing Beijing direct from Washington was welcome news.

The first-ever non-stop flight from Washington DC arrived at the Beijing Capital International Airport at 1:55 pm on March 29, 2007

Previously, many east coast travelers would fly to China through Chicago, which could present problems when bad weather caused delays. Some travelers would even miss connecting flights due to the bad weather that is common place in Chicago. The Chicago to Beijing direct flight has been operating since April 2001. United Airlines also operates this route.

As more and more Chinese benefit from the booming economy in that country Chinese nationals are taking the opportunity to travel to the United States. This has resulted in a well patronized US-China air routes attracting strong interest from the airlines.

When the new slot between the US and Beijing was opened up last year, airports and airlines waged a tough battle to secure the prized new route.

Ma Kezheng, a former diplomat who has previously lived in Washington, said it was the right decision and will bring the two capitals closer together culturally. He was surprised it took this long to open the route.

"I found it difficult to travel home to Beijing from Washington without the option of the direct flight," said Kezheng.

United Airlines are using a 347-seat Boeing 747-400 to service the route. The flight time to Beijing from the US capital is around 13 1/2-hours. In the past east coast travelers would normally have to fly via Chicago in order to get to and from the Chinese capital.

Special ceremonies were held at the airport in Washington prior to the departure of the inaugural flight to Beijing. One of the guests, Zheng Zeguang, a Chinese embassy minister, said the Beijing-Washington route increases the number of weekly flights servicing the two countries from 105 to 119.

Travelers are hopeful that even more flights will be added in the future as there is high demand for seats on a Beijing flight. The Chinese government is holding back further expansion of services to China as it tries to protect the domestic airlines from competition that would come if it allowed the market to open up further.

The Washington-Beijing route will make a strong market even stronger as more travelers will take to the skies.

Robert Keating writes for http://www.cheapflightscruises.com You can find other travel related articles there.Oralle Blog23458
Olivie Blog39154

Frequent Flyer Miles What Are They?

You may not know what these frequent flyer miles are, but you have probably at least heard of them. You may think that they are only offered or available to other people. You may even think that they are only for those people who spend half their lives in the sky. Although, when you line up the facts, frequent flyer miles are not just for certain people or those people who frequent the skies. These miles can also be advantageous for those who enjoy taking longer trips, and dont want to pay small fortunes for them. There are plenty of individuals who can benefit from these programs, and you could be one of them.

What are they?

The most important knowledge you can posses when approaching a frequent flyer program is to know exactly what frequent flyer miles are. Most people think that they are simply miles which are added when you fly somewhere, but they can be so much more than that. These frequent flyer programs are offered by most airlines, and their purpose is to keep their customers loyal by providing rewards to them. Most programs reward their customers as follows: for every mile flown, a point is rewarded, and the more miles the more points. Basically, if you want to earn 800 points, you will need to fly 800 miles.

When you have earned enough frequent flyer miles you are able to redeem them for air travel that is free. Most often, you can accumulate miles by using an airlines credit card for purchases. It is just one more way for you to earn mileage. Not only can you use your points for free air travel, but some programs allow you to redeem them for priority booking on a flight, or the use of a personal lounge area at the airport. Each plan is different, so research!

Remember to take in the various types of programs available when deciding on a frequent flyer program to use. You should sit down, figure out your goals, and determine what programs best meet those overall. Also, make sure that the programs also offer you a wide range of options, but dont forget that biggest program perk, free travel.

Shelly Walther has written several articles on travel and leisure and enjoys traveling herself. She has been to many places including Norway, her most recent adventure. More of her work can be found at http://www.FieldTravel.com.Phedra Blog22309
Peri Blog57946

"Jamestown 2007" Events Are Already Making History In Virginia

"We had built and finished our fort, which was triangle-wise, having three bulwarks at every corner like a half-moon," George Percy wrote several months after 104 English men and boys had disembarked on a swampy island on the James River in Virginia on May 13, 1607. That first year only 38 would survive diseases, brackish water, Indian raids and starvation, never imagining they had founded a new nation or that 400 years later their achievement would be celebrated in a series of concerts, exhibitions and new attractions in Virginia under the banner, "Jamestown 2007."

As the English settlers were sailing toward the New World, the wildly erratic and wildly talented artist Caravaggio had just killed an opponent over a "foul" call during a tennis match in Rome. Four hundred years later his massive "Still Life on a Stone Ledge" would be one of the highlights of Old Masters paintings from the Medici Collection that just opened at the Muscarelle Museum on the campus of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg.

A few years later a young English girl (name unknown) responded to announcements that women were needed as future wives and mothers for the all-male Fort at Jamestown. She packed her limited belongings in a canvas bag and arrived with a small group of other husband-seeking women in 1619. How could she know that one day her hopeful face would greet visitors to the new Archaearium (archeology museum) in the National Park on Jamestown Island. It had been restored by forensic scientists from her skull found preserved in mud near the Fort. This new museum, now open, offers views of more than 1,000 recovered artifacts bring to life the stories of how the early settlers lived.

On March 9, 2007 the Civil War's most famous sea battle comes back to roaring life at the Mariners' Museum's USS Monitor Exhibition. The ironclads, the Union's Monitor and the Confederate's Merrimac, flung cannon balls that bounced off each other as harmless as ping pong balls. You will see all this in the Battle Theatre with the floor reverberating to the sounds of gunfire. Later you can view remains of the Monitor (which sank a few months after the inconclusive battle in a sudden Atlantic squall) on display, including the turret, anchor and even mustard bottles (used by the crew to disguise the taste of un-refrigerated meats). The Mariner's Museum is located in Newport News, VA.

The Jamestown Settlement (with re-creations of the original Jamestown Fort, an Indian village, and of the three ships that delivered the first settlers) has now opened 30,000 feet of new galleries with life-size buildings and exhibits. Here you can walk through a 1607 London street scene with the sounds of a horse-drawn carriage clopping toward you on the cobblestone street, and then stroll into a typical Planter's House. Along the way you will see statues of many historic figures and artifacts from the three cultures that blended on the tiny Jamestown island - English, American Indian, and African. Later in 2007 "The World of 1607" will open with paintings, antiques and weapons dating back four centuries will also open at the Jamestown Settlement.

This information is from the Virginia Hospitality Suite website - http://www.virginiahospitalitysuite.com, written by Hal Gieseking. His former positions include serving as Consumer Editor of the Reader's Digest's Travel Holiday magazine and Travel Consultant for CBS Morning News.Rhianon Blog27679
Regan Blog50735

RSS Channel & History

From The Beginning -

RSS was born for practical purposes, as good formats tend to be. The RSS 0.91 spec starts with the words "Files must be 100% valid XML,"It initially started to be known as headline syndication drove development and refinement of the format.

According to dictionary, syndication refers to sell (a comic strip or column, for example) through a syndicate for simultaneous publication in newspapers or periodicals.

The RSS community started calling what it did 'syndication' (as in, "Really Simple Syndication") because it was all about distributing content for reuse. However, RSS syndication isn't usually paid for, and it isn't just for republication; specialized clients called aggregators made content available directly to end users, so that they could mix-and-match their channels at will.

The headline syndication view of RSS is to-the-point; a channel is a reverse-chronological sorted list of links to stories, along with metadata for each one indicating the title and sometimes a description.
This metadata summary view of RSS ("Rich Site Summary" or "RDF Site Summary") treated the channel as a container for any kind of statement - from market data to mp3 playlists to event calendars or even order systems - as long as what they were talking about could be arranged in a list. The modularity of RSS1.0 enables its use in a variety of contexts, from Wall Street to Open Source software distribution.

Last but not least, Weblogs have been using RSS for completely different - content syndication. Instead of just saying things about the channels' links, they reproduce the content at the other end, so that a Web resource can be replicated in whole in an aggregator or on another site.
Items are well-understood (having identifiers and metadata associated with them), the relationships between the items, in the context of a channel, havent been explored so much as it has been assumed.

Flipping Channels -

The basic conceit of RSS is a channel. This is a term from information theory; the dictionary defines it as follows -
A course or pathway through which information is transmitted

This puts in more pressure on the changing nature of the information; it flows. Another often used term for an RSS channel is a feed,:

Feed is defined as the transmission or conveyance of a local radio or television program, as by satellite, on the Internet, or by broadcast over a network of stations

Thinking of an RSS channel as a flow is interesting for a number of reasons. Many RSS aggregators will keep a history of a channel and add to it over time, reconstructing the complete output of the flow. Some of them will also memorize the last snapshot of a flow that the user has seen.

More fundamentally, the flow nature of RSS needs to be aligned with that of the Web, as explained by Representational State Transfer (REST).

The Web according to REST is embodied by three components -

- Identifiers (URIs)
- Protocols (e.g., HTTP)
- Formats (e.g., HTML; RSS, is a format as well).

Formats represent the state of a resource (as identified by a URI) in a snapshot (called a representation) that is sent using a Web protocol. But RSS is very often a partial snapshot; it describes the last few items in the feed, not the complete flow to date. Although other formats don't always give the complete state of a resource.

A well-defined concept of a channel would allow other uses of RSS beyond simple headlines; aggregators could make more intelligent decisions about how to display a feed, enabling more content - from my Netflix queue to my Amazon shopping cart to a personal todo list.

As Weblogs repurposes RSS from headline syndication to their own purposes, so to can we find new applications of RSS, without sacrificing its legacy. Rather, if we explicitly state what's implied about feeds now (reverse-chronological ordering), we enable new applications as well as new functionality for existing ones.

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Rhona Blog42087

Visit A Sailing Paradise In Turkey For Your Next Holiday Or Vacation

If you like sunshine, the smell of the sea air, water sports, Mediterranean cuisine, and a chance to visit important historical sites, then you should set your sites on Turkey. It is here where you can explore one of civilizations great crossroads, choosing from a variety of sailing options.

You dont have to be a sailor to enjoy a sea holiday in Turkey. One of the popular choices of tourists in Turkey is to hire a crewed yacht. On a crewed yacht, a professional crew takes care of the boating and you can turn your attention to snorkeling, soaking in the sun, visiting quaint villages, historical sites and enjoying the dishes prepared by the onboard chef.

If you fancy travelling on a vessel that is reminiscent of a romantic galleon or old pirate ship, then a cruise on a Gulet (or Gullet) is in order. Gulets are traditional wooden and handmade Turkish boats, usually equipped with a crew of three comprising of the captain, the cook, and a sailor. The boats have a motor as well as sails. The route can be fixed , or arranged to the preferences of the group, and the group shares the expenses.

Although Gulets are traditional vessels, the modern touring Gullets are fully equipped with the comfort of the tourist in mind. They usually contain four to ten cabins, equipped with en-suite showers, WCs and hot water facilities. Turkish Gulets also have music systems, navigational, electronic, fishing and diving equipment. Spacious and light sitting-space provided at the back of the boat is one of the distinguishing characteristics and advantages of this type of vessel. Sitting at the large table in this section, you can have your meals under the sunshade, you can get a sun tan or you may watch stars at night.

For those who want more freedom and enjoy doing their own sailing, then the best choice is a bareboat vacation. Bareboating is the term given to a chartered holiday where you hire a whole vessel for a fixed period. You will be fully responsible for the boat and can sail her yourself, if you have a licensed captain in your group, or hire a professional to do it for you.

Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey there are a number of scenic routes that you can choose from touching a rich array of historical sites including the ancient cities of Pergamon, Ephesus, Miletus, Knidos, Xanthos, Myra, Perge, Aspendos and Side. There are also dozens of other, smaller sites dating back many thousands of years, the remains of which are equally as interesting. If you are on a Gulet cruise with a full crew, then you will benefit from an experienced guide with a deep knowledge of the area.

The Mediterranean is also renowned for its great cuisine and a cruise holiday in Turkey will give you a chance to get acquainted with Turkish hospitality and the colorful and tasty dishes of this region

Sunshine, the sea, historical sites, sailing, swimming and fine cuisine: add it all up and you have the makings of an unforgettable holiday or vacation.

Gurhan Ebren is the owner of El Paso Travels, a tourism and travel agency specializing in yacht and sailing tours in Turkey, since 1985. Visit http://www.elpasotravel.net to find out more about sailing holidays in Turkey.Reine Blog71214
Petunia Blog79205

A Reason to Travel to Japan

When you think of Japan, what comes up to your mind? There might be Sony and Toyota or Samurai and Geisha. You might consider that the former ones represent the modern Japan and the later ones represent the past. However, the real Japan is not such simple and contains the both aspects together through its historical stream. It is little bit hard for people to understand that the two different characters exist in one country.

There are some clues to glance at the real face of Japan. As you know, Japanese cars are becoming more and more popular in the US. The reasons explain the typical quality of the Japanese products. Practicability and Flavor. The reliability is that people can count on and the quality is that owners can be satisfied with for a long time. How about Japanese food. Sushi is one of favorite healthy food these days. Thirty years ago almost nobody was willing to eat raw fish in the US, however, recently there are so many sushi restaurants around urban cities like Los Angeles. People eat sushi because it is not just a efficient diet menu but also an cultural experience. They recognize color scheme of sushi dishes. Red, green, black, yellow, and white on the plate. It is a kind of artistic presentation with natural ingredients.

Any basic daily activities of people, food and craft, gradually grows to be the level of culture after many years. Japan has been organized as a nation for about 1500 years and developed the living style to the cultural value. Even though Japan obtained a lot of influence from the US after the WWII, her original essence remained and still exist everywhere in the country. TOYOTA and SONY could not happened as world famous companies without the soul and cultural background. When you really want to feel and realize what it is, its time for you to get on an airplane to Japan. You will start connecting the depth of the culture and spirit of the mysterious country from the very first day.

For more Japanese information, visit the author's blog site http://www.traveltojapanblog.blogspot.com .

Ryu Yuki, a Japanese journalist in Los Angeles, is a creator of a personal blog site, http://www.traveltojapanblog.blogspot.com which contains Japanese issues from a native point of view.Prudence Blog73798
Petronella Blog96613

Why Do I Need A Travel Clock?

When most of us travel, were usually on some kind of schedule and will need a clock with us at all times. Whether its meetings or early flights, having a clock on hand will help you arrive on time, every time. Even though wake up calls are widely available in most hotels, a travel clock is a bit less jarring in the morning than a blaring phone and a recording. They also have one feature that most wake up calls dont a snooze button.

Travel clocks come in all shapes and sizes, most are compact for easy packing. With so many different styles to choose from it can be hard to make a decision of whats best for us. Consider your eyesight in the morning when deciding between the large display or the smaller, less readable one.

If youre the type of person who easily looses small things, you may want to select a larger model that you can easily find. Theres nothing worse than having to dig through a suitcase right before bed just to find your clock.

You may be wondering why you would need a travel clock if you already wear a watch. The answer is simple: Get and atomic travel clock. Today atomic travel clocks are available for easy travel. Theyre lightweight, stylish and will automatically update time when moving in between time zones. As long as the atomic travel clock in within US territory, it will adjust itself to be within seconds of official government time. The atomic clock never needs to be reset so you always know exactly what time it is.

The travel clock has made leaps and bounds from that old wind up with bells. There are even invisible travel clocks that you can place under your pillow that will vibrate to wake you up. Still think you want that wake up call? Weigh the options of waking up to a jarring loudly ringing phone or a gentle vibration to ease you awake. Worried tha the vibrations wont wake you up? Dont. These invisible travel clocks can come with up to 12 alarms to wake you up. You can choose if you want them all to be vibrations, or a combination of audio alarm mixed with the vibrations.

Before you pack for your next trip, pick up your most important travel companion, the travel clock. Pick out one that works for you and dont forget to listen to the different alarm settings so you can choose the one thats best for you.

John Gibb is the owner of Travel Clock sources, For more information on Travel Clocks check out http://www.Travel-Clocks2k.info.Peggie Blog84672
Rea Blog8952

Enterprise Rent A Car

Enterprise is a great choice if you are a college student who needs a car rental to get home for the holidays or to drive home after school is over. Enterprise is the only major rental company to allow people that are twenty-one years of age to rent a car. The other major companies have a minimum age requirement of twenty-five, so choosing Enterprise can be a great idea for those who don't meet the requirements of other rental companies. Enterprise offers a number of options, from small compact sedans to sport utility vehicles.

Enterprise was founded with a simple mission. First, they actually started a whole new area of the rental car market instead of renting cars to folks on vacation like Alamo or on business trips. Enterprise rent a car specializes in renting to people who need a temporary replacement car or a vehicle for a special occasion. This is called long term rentals or replacement rentals.

Enterprise constructs their branches near you that suit your needs. Enterprise has a branch within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population. Enterprise's entire business is based on customer service and hiring employees that are dedicated to delivering a great customer experience. You can find more about this on www.enterprise-rent-car.net .It offers many discounts and an easy rental procedure. You can also find excellent discounts by searching online.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has been a phenomenal success in the field of rental companies and has provided inspiration to many budding enterprises. The business was started by Jack Taylor as an auto leasing business in 1957. The name was changed by him to Enterprise- Rent- A - Car after the USS Enterprise, which was the air craft carrier which he had served while he had been a Naval Aviator.

The specialization of Enterprise Rent-A-Car is in the insurance replacement market, it has not been strong in the airport market though. The television campaign for Enterprise Rent-A-Car with a car wrapped up in paper and with the slogan 'We'll pick you up' has made the enterprise famous for their offer to pick up the customers and bringing them to the rental office.

The enterprise has other business units too like car sales; this includes the reselling of enterprise used cars, a credit union partnership program that involves the partnership of credit unions with the enterprise to offer used car sales and also get the loans for members sent by them to the enterprise. The enterprise also deals in commercial truck rentals thereby facilitating companies the expansion of their fleets as per their needs.

Nick Falon presents the website on enterprise car rentals http://www.enterprise-rent-car.net. It covers services provided by enterprise car rentals.Philippe Blog28811
Penny Blog25528

Home buying tips for homebuyers

Purchasing a house as per our requirements is a difficult process. We have many choices to select good ones, sometimes house may look good, but it doesnt match your budget or sometimes the prices may be good, but the house selected may be wrong and so on. These are some basics steps to keep in your mind while buying a house:

1. List the agent: This is basic step; one has to follow while buying and selling of house business. Today, large number of house was sold by agents and the remaining is sold by the owners. It is best to select an agent because more than 80 percent of the property goes through agents and remaining 20 per cent of the houses only sold by the owners. From the list, select a proper agent and make avail of the service provided by him.

2. Select the agent: It is a difficult one to select an ideal agent for buying or selling a house. While making selection, follow some necessary steps.

From the list select the agent who you feel an ideal one.
Check whether the houses shown are properly listed.
See to that, he is an experienced agent in real estate.
Ensures the details collected by him are currently updated.
Verify the documents shown by him and see whether it is a legal document.

3. Budget Estimation: Before looking for a house, make a decision for proper budget estimation to buy a house. You should be cautious and aware while estimating a home budget with your monthly and yearly income. Only when you have proper budget estimation you can continue to look for a house. Even you can avail the pre-approved mortgage which clearly estimates the limits of your budget. It helps to hurry up your search which affects your purchase.

4. Locate your area: If you decide to buy a house, then select the location your want to live. If you decide to buy a house, then select the location your want to live. You can also list to the agent what kind of house you needed, whether it suits your budget, the location you find more comfortable and so on. Select the one which you feel good and also suits your needs.

5. Have Precautions: While buying a house, remember that you are making a huge investment. Since house buying has a huge investment, select the one which will be best for a longer period. Have some precaution while buying a house. Also think about your future, because your life is uncertain. Once you decided to buy a particular house which is already used, see to that any alteration like repairing, electricity maintenance is to be made.

6. Perfections: Be always systematic in your work. File the information you collected from different agents. Also file the information relating to price, description and suitability. At last, while taking decision this information will highly help you. With the help of this information you can select the most appropriate house which suits your needs.

7. Proper Inspection: When you are looking a house see to that the process carried on in your house are as per the requirements. Inspecting a house is a more important aspect while making a selection. You should have to check the walls, electricity, painting and maintenance etc. You can carry any number of steps while inspecting your house. Check whether the house is a qualified one.

Ron Victor is a Expert Author for We buy homes cash. He written many articles in various topics like Sell your house fast and buy your house. For more information visit We buy home fast .Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.comOlivie Blog39154
Reba Blog3890

Affix Thrill to Your Vacation with Oregon Coast Vacation Rental

Verdant forest, picturesque coastal scenes, rocky cliffs, sandbank, sound of waves on the beach etc all these are attraction of Oregon coast. There are many activities which person can do that is fishing, windsurfing, hiking and further long list. Other attractions of Oregon coast are art galleries, theaters, festivals, parks and off course its aquariums. Mere a thought of being on the Oregon coast with your partner or family creates an excitement and this excitement doubles or even triples when you accommodate in Oregon coast vacation rental.

While accommodating at Oregon coast vacation rental, you will be welcomed as if you are accommodating in your home town. You have other options also where you can accommodate while holidaying at Oregon coast. The reason as to why Oregon coast vacation rental is recommended is just because it offers a comfort of home. It is also seen vacating at Oregon coast vacation rental is cheaper than any other means. So, in this way you can save an amount of money which you can use on some other activity on Oregon coast.

As said it gives an environment of home so, you can also cook while holidaying either the local yummy sea food to international cuisine. After your cooking you can relax in the living room while watching television or even can enjoy on the shore various activities. Sometimes big vacation rental also have swimming pools, gyms and every other service which is needed by you in your daily routine.

Oregon coast has abundant of vacation rental with different sizes and location. It totally depend on your choice which location and size you prefer to live in. there are varieties of Oregon coast vacation rentals available such as condos, apartments, bungalows, villas, small cottages etc. The rates or rent of the Oregon coast vacation rental depends on the location, size and type of vacation rental you choose. Lastly, make sure that your choice of vacation rental must be made by considering your pocket.

There are number of sources available from where you can book Oregon vacation rental that is from traveling agency or directly from the owner. It is seen that booking directly from owner involves comparatively low cost.

Whether you go to an agent or traveling agency or directly to an owner then you are generally asked to fill an application which ask certain personal and location preference detail. Then an agency will provide you with all the information and location of the Oregon coast vocational rental. And, the last step will be yours that is packing your bag and leave your home town for holidaying at Oregon coast vacation rental.

Sylvestor Johnson is offering loan and rental advice for quite some time. He is working as financial consultant for ThinkRentals. To find Oregon Coast Vacation Rental, Cabin rentals, Condo rentals, Rental homes, Vacation rentals, Beach house vacation rentals at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.thinkrentals.com.Phyllys Blog97517
Rhonda Blog28451