Archive for June, 2008

Business Travel Tips

Friday, June 20th, 2008

Clients like to meet their suppliers in person so an increase in travel has been the result; this is claimed to have been caused as a direct result of the Internet. This is putting an increasing strain on business travelers who often become stressed and fatigued at the constant need to be in another part of the world. Hopefully the following business travel tips will help you make the most of your travel time, and perhaps even enjoy the trip along the way.

One situation that you will not be able to avoid at some point if you take enough trips is that of lost luggage which can be a real problem if your baggage contains information relevant to your trip. To reduce the chance of a wasted journey, always carry anything that is relevant to your trip in your hand luggage.

Having everything to hand means that your checked luggage get delayed you will still be able to meet with clients and get your work done while you wait for less essential stuff to get chased up by the airlines. As far as your main luggage is concerned, make sure you only pack just enough for the trip and this is probably the most useful business travel tip to bear in mind.

In order to accomplish this, make do with a pair of casual shoes and a pair of business shoes only, and be sure to only bring enough work clothes to last you through the trip. With the clothing taken care of the only items left to pack are your toilet bag plus any additional documentation that would be useful but not necessary for the meeting.

A little business travel tip that flight attendants use when they pack is to roll up their clothes, then place them into cylinders which compresses the clothing and reduces the number of creases. Dark clothing are very useful for traveling business people as it hides stains and dirt very well, so if you get sweaty or spill a coffee on the flight it won’t be too noticeable.

If you are delayed for any reason then knowing you can freshen up prior to the meeting without the need for a shower can be a lifesaver, this is where those travel wipes come in very useful. Cell phones and other related equipment normally have good battery life but don’t forget to take a charger if you are going to be somewhere for more than a few days.

If you make effective use of your day time ‘downtime’ while you are traveling, then you may be able to spend evenings exploring the areas once when you arrive at your business trip destination. These tips make sure that no matter what happens when you travel on business you will be able to continue with your plans and will not be left wondering what to do next.

These few business travel tips if used, can make the difference between a relaxing few days when you travel on business, or a more stressful time if you decide to not to use them.

8 Vista Apartments, Paignton

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

2 bedroomed apartment (1 en-suite), sleeps 4. Luxurious internal furnishings and fittings.Decking with sea views.Great location overlooking Goodrington Beach and Park.Designated parking space. Vista Apartments benefit from an elevated south facing position with superb views over the beach and across the bay towards Brixham. The sports and leisure amenities of Goodrington are right on your doorstep, whilst Paignton beach, harbour and town centre, with a range of shops, restaurants and attractions are a 15 minute walk away. No. 8 is a superbly appointed apartment with its own entrance ans sea views from the patio, living room and one of the the bedrooms. At the bottom of the drive you will find the designated parking space and direct access onto the beach. Living InformationA light and airy living room with solid oak flooring throughout the apartment. A three seater sofa and an armchair in leather. Modern occasional furniture throughout. Entertainment is provided by a large screen plasma TV with Digital Freeview and DVD player. Kitchen InformationKitchen Features a high quality electric oven with grill, gas hobs with hood over, dishwasher, fridge with freezer compartment and a cupboard containing the washer/dryer and iron with board. A microwave, kettle, toaster and coffee machine with a wide range of pans, crockery and cutlery ensure you have everything you need for mealtimes. Dining The dining area offers an attractive island breakfast bar and stools. The patio table and chairs may also be used indoors. Sleeping InformationMaster Bedroom Enjoys sea views. Features a double bed with leather headboard, 2 drawer bedside units, matching 2 door wardrobe and 5 drawer chest. Entertainment is provided by a plasma TV. En-suite bathroom. Bedroom Two Overlooks the front of the property. Two single beds with a 2 drawer bedside unit between, built-in wardrobe and 5 drawer chest. Entertainment is provided by a plasma TV. Bathroom InformationMain Bathroom The main bathroom is also fully marble-tiled and contains a corner shower cubicle, w.c., modern green glass washbasin with mixer tap, mirror and light over, heated towel rail and speakers from the hi-fi system. En-suite to Master Bedroom Fully marble-tiled bathroom with bath, separate shower cubicle with soap/shampoo dispensers, w.c., washbasin, heated towel rail, built-in glass shelving and speakers from the hi-fi system. Outside InformationSea views. Number 8 is approached via 3 steps up from the main driveway onto a decked area. The decked area is furnished with a table, 4 chairs and a patio heater. There is access to the beach and park via the bottom of the driveway. 8 Vista Apartments is a luxurious funished property with no expense spared. The position overlooks the beach, which can be directly accessed at the bottom of the drive.

Visit Orlando

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

A favorite destination for many people is Orlando, Florida, with its many theme parks, it has become ‘the’ place to visit but there is much more to an Orlando vacation than this. A visitor will never be left feeling bored in Orlando with a huge range of cultural places to visit, shopping malls and ‘non-theme park’ attractions. Florida in general has a long history of attracting tourists and this is the busiest city with more and more people visiting each year in a place that will satisfy even the most demanding of individuals.

As one of the most tourist centered cities in the world, Orlando a great deal to offer including large shopping malls, restaurants of every type, night clubs, bars and many specialist shops. With so many things to see, the information provided here cannot even brush the surface of what you can see on an Orlando Vacation, but it will give an insight into some of the ‘not so well publicized’ attractions.

The Central Florida Zoo for instance only opened back in 1975 and was owned by the Sanford Fire Department prior to that but is now the home to over four hundred animals. Privately owned, this zoo is also a botanical garden run by a charitable group whose purpose is to protect native and endangered species around the world.

You may have heard of the name Tiffany’s but did you know that it was way back in 1942 that the Morse Museum in Winter Park that started displaying the collections of Louis Tiffany. The collection is the most comprehensive anywhere with Tiffany jewelry, art glass, ornaments, pottery, paintings and leaded glass.

Whilst it may seem that Orlando has been created for the entertainment of children that could not be further from the truth as there is plenty here for everyone. For people that prefer the night, the list of things to do on an Orlando vacation is almost endless with families, teenagers and adults all well looked after.

Another popular attraction is the Orlando Science Center and is in fact one of the largest buildings of its type allowing the visitor access to ten huge exhibition halls. The International Trolley and Train Museum has fourteen trains running simultaneously in mountains, wilderness and urban areas; including three waterfalls that use 12,000 gallons of water per hour.

The Mercado Center on International Drive is the home to the Titanic Exhibition where you are treated like a tourist traveling onboard the Titanic Ocean Liner; this is a really moving and eerie experience which includes many original objects from the Titanic. Lake Eola Park on the other hand has a pleasant 43 acres to stroll around and relax or perhaps a little boating on the lake.

No trip to Orlando would be complete without a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort which comprises of four main theme parks plus water parks; or Universal Studios resort complex which is equally as popular. An Orlando vacation has enough tourist attractions to last a year so the next time you visit, why not try one or two of the others; they may be less well known but can be just as impressive.

Riverside Cottage, Park Mill Farm - Devon

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

3 bedroom barn conversion, sleeps 6.Finished to an exceptionally high standard thoughout.Private terrace with table and 4 chairs.Large brick built fireplace with woodburning stove.Allocated parking.A beautiful period barn conversion where no expense has been spared to provide a unique holiday home. Brand new this year, Riverside Cottage has retained many original features and has high quality, state of the art kitchens and bathrooms that are in keeping with the age of the property. Original beamed, vaulted ceilings with galleried features create a light, airy and spacious feeling whilst ?wood burning? stoves in each cottage make them equally appealing for cosy winter breaks. The Park Mill Farm cottages are situated in a magical riverside setting with 20 acres of lush fields, woods and parkland where you are free to roam along with the abundant wildlife. There are two rivers running through the property and a private fishing lake with free fishing for guests. River fishing requires a licence which can be obtained at any post office. Carp, brown trout and salmon can be caught here. All cottages have natural slate flagstones throughout ground floors while the upper floors all have solid oak flooring. All doors and window frames are attractive solid timber and many windows have deep window seats and most look out over fields and farmlands. Under floor heating and hot water is provided by a ?ground source heat pump?, an eco friendly ?green? system. Waste water is cleansed and disposed of through a special water treatment plant. Riverside Cottage has a double connecting door opening into its neighbouring cottage, The Smithy, so that they may be booked together for larger groups. These doors will be securely locked if not requested. Living Information- Spacious open plan living area with 2 premuim black leather 3 seater sofas. - Stable door out to terrace with table and 4 chairs. - Flat widescreen TV with FreeSky and DVD player. - Vaulted beamed ceilings with stairs to galleried landing. - Large brick built fireplace with wood burning stove. - Stairways are all hand built in genuine solid wood with expensive handrails and balustrades. - Internet connection and phone access is available in the summer house. - Double connecting door through to ?The Smithy?, which can be opened if booking two properties together. (This will be locked unless requesting to use both properties) Kitchen Information- Each kitchen is fitted with a dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer and microwave. Utensils and crockery are plentiful and of good quality. - A good range of modern units for plenty of storage. Dining- Individually designed, hand made extending dining table and 6 chairs in natural timber. Sleeping Information- Located on the ground floor the room is furnished with 2x 3ft zip and link beds arranged as 6ft double unless otherwise requested. - Individually designed hand made furniture in natural timber including wardrobe, chest drawers and bedside units. - Double French doors out to further private terrace at the side with views over the river and patio table and 2 chairs. Bedroom two- Located upstairs the room is furnished with 5ft double bed, built in wardrobe, dressing table and bedside units. - Velux window which opens out onto a juliette balcony and sweeping views over fields and farmlands. Bedroom three with en-suite- Located upstairs this room is furnished with 2x 3ft zip and link beds arranged as two twins unless otherwise requested. - Individually designed hand made furniture in natural timber including wardrobe, chest drawers and bedside units. - En-suite is a fully tiled wet room with walk in shower, basin and w.c.. Bathroom Information- Adjacent to bedroom one comprises a bath and shower attachment over, wash basin and w.c.. - Finished with luxurious travertine tiling and top quality fittings. - Heated towel rail and a shaver point over basin. Bathroom two- Located upstairs next to bedroom two this bathroom has a Victorian pedestal roll top bath and shower attachment over, wash basin and w.c.. En-suite to bedroom three- En-suite is a fully tiled wet room with walk in shower, wash basin and w.c.. Outside Information- Outside terraces are all natural sandstone and hardwood patio furniture with fences between for privacy. - Set in the grounds adjacent to the property is a barbecue area and also a summerhouse where there is an internet connection and phone access. (Mobile phone reception is poor). - Also in the summer house is a stock of games, DVDs and books. - Each unit has one own parking space(s). There is also some additional visitor parking. A beautiful period barn conversion where no expense has been spared to provide a unique holiday home. Situated in a magical riverside setting with 20 acres of lush fields, woods and parkland for you roam freely along with the abundant wildlife.

Visiting Paris

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

As the capital of France, Paris is a large city; it’s location straddling the banks of the river Seine make it a beautiful city to visit. No visit to Europe would be complete without a short stay in Paris; with a great deal to see and do that really a week is needed.

This city is also equally well known for its Gothic architecture and markets; it has much to offer visitors who adore culture, even if it is only for a long weekend. Visitors to Paris as well as its citizens can travel around Paris easily; the underground train system or Metro can take you to anywhere within the city and is simple to use.

It wouldn’t be possible to visit this city without a trip to the top of the famous steel structure known as the Eiffel Tower; it can be seen from any point within the city and the superb views just can’t be matched by those looking at it from the ground. In the evening the illumination means it can be seen for many miles; if you are really enthusiastic you can take a tour where the guide will tell you how this beautiful tower was built.

If you plan on spending some of your traveler’s checks in Paris, then a trip down the Champs Elysees is an essential part of a trip; you can see beautiful shops, sit and drink coffee from the many cafes or have a meal in a first class restaurant. This is considered a more exclusive and busy area of the city; it is also where most of the five star hotels are situated but thankfully hotels tend to be cheaper once you move away from the city center.

A trip to would not be complete without a visit to the Louvre museum; it contains almost a third of a million exhibits and is in fact one of the biggest art museums in the world. It would be easy for anyone on a Paris short stay vacation to spend all their time here; some of the most important art collections in the world are here including Leonardo da Vinci’s world famous Mona Lisa. What makes Paris special is the number of artists that have been attracted to this great capital; these include Monet and Picasso who very fortunately left some of their work here for all to enjoy.

The famous 19th century edifice built on Napoleons instructions, the Arc de Triomphe, is also in Paris; the names of his generals are engraved on its surface and another of those ‘must have’ photo land marks. Many people do not know that an observatory was included in the design which affords great views of the surrounding area; it is located in Place Charles de Gaulle where twelve of the city’s main avenues start, including Avenue de Champs Elysees.

Of course this article can only give a small sample places to visit; these are however, the most popular with regular tours arranged, many of which are either free or at a subsidized cost. It is fair to say that you won’t see everything on a Paris short stay of two or even three day break; anything else on your ‘to see’ list can wait for your next trip.

15 The Vista, Newquay

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008

2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 7.Very high specification throughout including 2 bathrooms. Great location close to Crantock and Fistral beaches.Designated parking space.Pets allowed.The Vista is situated just outside the centre of Newquay on the desirable Pentire peninsula. Guests can enjoy the close proximity of the stunning views from the coastal paths of Newquay. To the rear of the property is the Gannel Estuary, which is superb place for canoeing, walking, fishing, bird watching and horse riding. Newquay is a bustling harbour town, well known for its surfing beaches, shopping centre and exceptional golf course. Watergate Bay is close by, home to the Extreme Sports Academy and Jamie Oliver inspired Fifteen restaurant, whilst the fishing village of Padstow and Cornwall?s best attractions such as the Eden Project, the National Maritime Museum and the Scilly Isles are all within easy reach. Living InformationStairs lead up into the open-plan living area. Solid wood flooring and high ceilings. Good views across the countryside. 2x three seater leather sofas, footstool and leather cube. Entertainment is provided by a flatscreen TV with Sky Satellite and DVD player. Kitchen InformationKitchen The kitchen is modern and designed to a high standard. Handmade Rozen units and granite worktops. Fully fitted with a dishwasher, fridge, freezer, built-in oven with 5 burner gas hob and microwave. There is a utility cupboard downstairs with a washing machine and separate dryer. Dining There is a dining table and six chairs. Sleeping InformationMaster Bedroom Doors lead to the en-suite bathroom. Patio doors allow natural light into the room and lead onto the decked patio area. Double bed, chest of drawers, double wardrobe and a bedside cabinet. Entertainment is provided by a wall mounted flatscreen TV. Bedroom Two Features bunk beds, wardrobe and storage cupboards. There is an additional pull out bed underneath. TV with DVD player. Additional sleeping is in the open plan living area which features a double sofa bed for 2 further guests. Bathroom InformationMain Bathroom Fully tiled and featuring a shower cubicle with a mixer shower, w.c. and wash basin. En-suite Bathroom Featuring a bath with shower, bidet, wash basin, w.c. and heated towel rail. Outside InformationVideo door entry system into the property. Located over two floors with views from the living room across the surrounding countryside. Seating area outside with table for dining. Patio heater and BBQ. Designated parking space. Level walkway into the property. Outside storage area for surfboards. Number 15 The Vista is a mews house which has been designed to the highest specification with a light and open plan feel near Fistral Beach.

Visiting Paris

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

Paris is one of the premier capitals of the world especially the romantic amongst us; it is also one of the best European city destinations. Almost everyone taking a European vacation will decide on a short stay in Paris; if you have more time, it will make for a remarkable holiday, with many great sites to see.

It is famous for many famous buildings and locations; including famous sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe to name just two internationally famous landmarks. Traveling around Paris is relatively easy for visitors as well as locals; there is a superb underground rail system called the Metro which is efficient and easy to understand.

At almost 1,000 feet high, the Eiffel Tower is an impressive sight; it provides stunning views from the top and is visible throughout most of the city. At night, it comes alive with lights that have to be seen to be believed; guided tours are available where the patriotic tour guides give you an in depth history and an insight to what it is to be French.

The famous Paris Avenue ‘the Champs Elysees’ must also receive a visit; if you want to see famous, designer label shops and the restaurants, this is the place. This avenue is well worth a visit to see how the wealthy live; the exclusive five star hotels situated in this more select part of the city might be out of most visitors’ price range.

The city’s famous museum, the Louvre is huge and worth a visit if you have the time; it holds in excess of 300,000 pieces of art, which cannot possibly be seen in a single visit. If you are in Paris on a short stay you must plan your time well; some of the most important art collections in the world are here including Leonardo da Vinci’s world famous Mona Lisa. Paris has attracted world famous artists for hundreds of years; the likes of Monet, Picasso and many others lived in the city for years and some of their work can still be seen today.

The famous 19th century edifice built on Napoleons instructions, the Arc de Triomphe, is also in Paris; to honor his generals (and his troops) he had their names inscribed upon it. Many people do not know that an observatory was included in the design which affords great views of the surrounding area; it can be found in Charles de Gaulle Place at the intersection of twelve avenues including the Champs Elysees.

Of course this article can only give a small sample places to visit; and whilst there are many more worthy examples, those listed here should not be missed. A short stay in Paris will definitely be a busy one even if only a few sights are visited; anything that’s missed will have to take a rain check.

30 Horizons, Newquay

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

2 Bedroom apartment, sleeps 4/6 - 2 doubles, 1 sofabed.A brand new apartment finished to a high specification throughout. Excellent onsite facilities including gym, sauna/steam room, indoor swimming pool.Designated parking space.Wheelchair accessible.Horizons features a superb central location in the heart of Newquay?s town centre, offering peaceful views overlooking the coastline yet just a 5-10 minute walk into the town centre and some of the best beaches in the area. Horizons is a perfect location for exploring Newquay and North Cornwall. This luxury, top floor apartment has been individually designed and boasts excellent views over the Cornish coastline from its balcony. There is also the added benefit of excellent onsite facilities which include gym, sauna/steam room and indoor swimming pool (3m x 5.6m). Living InformationDoors lead to the balcony with far reaching views over the coast and town. A well designed open-plan living area. 1x sofabed, 1x three seater sofa and matching armchair. Modern occasional furniture, art work and furnishings. Entertainment is provided by a flat screen TV with freeview and DVD player. Kitchen InformationKitchen The designer kitchen is fully fitted with integrated appliances including dishwasher, large fridge, built in stainless steel gas oven/hob with extractor fan, washing machine, microwave plus toaster, kettle, stereo and full set of utensils. Dining Situated in the open plan living/dining area. There is a stylish table and six leather high backed chairs. Sleeping InformationMaster Bedroom The master bedroom benefits from private access to the balcony from which to enjoy the stunning coastal views. The bedroom has been designed to a high standard and features a double bed, artwork, bedside tables and lighting. En-suite bathroom. Bedroom Two Features a leather sleigh double bed, bedside tables, drawer unit and lighting. Bathroom InformationMain Bathroom The main family bathroom is adjacent to the second bedroom and has a contemporary white suite with power shower, w.c., wash basin, shelves for storage, heated towel rail and under floor heating. En-suite to Master Bedroom Contemporary feel with a shower cubicle, w.c., wash basin, mirror cabinet with lighting, shelves for storage, heated towel rail and under floor heating. Outside InformationBalcony with sea views. Excellent onsite facilities which include gym, sauna/steam room and indoor swimming pool (3m x 5.6m) . No. 30 Horizons is located on the fourth floor and can be accessed via a lift ? which has access to every floor including the communal roof garden. Telephone entry system. Allocated underground parking for 1 car. Height restriction 6ft 6. This luxury top floor apartment has been individually designed and boasts excellent coastal views from its balcony. There is also the added benefit of excellent onsite facilities which include gym, sauna/steam room and indoor swimming pool.

2 Seashore Apt., Newquay

Monday, June 16th, 2008

2 bedroom ground floor apartment, sleeps 4. Fantastic beach and sea views.Located on the beach with steps leading onto the sand. Spacious open-plan living area.Designated parking space. Seashore apartments have been beautifully converted from a large Victorian House. The luxury apartments directly overlook Porth Beach, providing one of the best holiday locations in Cornwall. With the beach literally on your doorstep and many facilities and amenities close by, the accommodation is ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy a beach lifestyle of the highest quality. There are several restaurants set around the hamlet of Porth. Included with the apartment are a daily local newspaper, the Cornish Guardian, and Hotel Chocolat gift on arrival. Living InformationA spacious open-plan living/dining room. Amazing views across the beach and out to sea. Large bay window and high ceilings allow plenty of light into the room. 1x four seater sofa and 1x armchair. Modern occasional furniture throughout. Entertainment is provided by a 32″ flatscreen TV with DVD player. DVD’s, CD’s and board games are available for guests to borrow. A cot and high chair are also available. A telephone is provided for emergency calls. Kitchen InformationKitchen A well appointed kitchen featuring a dishwasher, washer/dryer, fridge/freezer, microwave, electric oven and gas hob along with kettle, toaster with glassware, crockery and cutlery. Dining Located within the bay window and with amazing beach views. Featuring a table with four chairs. Sleeping InformationMaster Bedroom The roomy and well appointed master bedroom at the rear of the apartment features a double bed and 2 bedside tables with bedside lamps. Large double door sliding wardrobes offer plentiful storage with a large mirror on the front of wardrobe. Bedroom Two Features twin beds, 2 bedside tables and bedside lamps, again with a double door sliding wardrobe and a large mirror. Bathroom InformationThe family bathroom has a white suite with shower attachment, shower cubicle with 5 massaging body jets, w.c., wash basin, ladder-style chrome towel rail and mirror. Outside InformationFantastic sea views overlooking Porth Beach. Exclusive location with its own steps down to the beach. An allocated parking space. There are 2 steps up to the front door and the apartment is on the ground floor. Seashore apartments have been beautifully converted from a large Victorian House. These luxury apartments directly overlook Porth Beach, providing one of the best holiday locations in Cornwall. No. 2 is a ground floor apartment.

Cheap Hire Cars

Monday, June 16th, 2008

One of the best ways to guarantee an enjoyable vacation is to rent a car from a budget car rental company; being able to step out of the hotel room with a car ready and waiting at any time, can’t be beaten! The one thing you don’t want though is to be lumbered with a car that sounds like your lawnmower. Well maybe not that bad, but sometimes, well most of the time, the people that assist you in car rentals just doesn’t have your best interest in mind, so you end up paying a truckload of money for a pool of frustrations. To avoid this here are a few tips to get the budget, out of your rental car.

If you’re not choosy about what car you rent, try to get your budget car rental through sites that let you choose cars at your own price. These firms will try to get the best deal for your rental car and might just toss in unlimited mileage and upgrades, all of that without spending an extra dime. When you look, pay attention to the fly-drive packages as they will often discount car rentals although the airlines are not so accommodating. Of course the airlines realize they have a captive audience when people visit their site to book a flight and do not need to discount their car rental.

There are bargains to be found on the internet and that also means budget car rental as well. Often the discounts you are offered are only available to online customers. Shopping around on the internet can be fun and save you money as there is almost always a special offer available with one car Rental Company or another. In addition to that, you can rent a car in the comfort of your own home, now beat that!

If you are phoning, ask for discounts that can be applicable to you, remember even when you’ve scored the best deal, there is still that one last ditch of a possibility that one of your credit cards support the company and provide budget car rental discounts. If you are a member of the military or government, you may be eligible for discounts negotiated with a number of rental companies on your behalf.

You would be wise to inspect your rental car before you drive off as you may find minor collision damage from previous renters which you do not want to pay for when you return. In addition, try to check out all the accessories, wipers, radio, brakes, seat belts etc, to familiarize yourself with them, and also to check if they work, like the previous tip, you might be charged for this if you don’t inform them.

Before you decide to use the rental company’s insurance plans, take a look at your own policy as you will probably find that it covers rental car insurance as well. Although the rental car insurance isn’t going to be costly, there is no point in paying out twice if your current auto insurance will cover you; even though it may not seem important, driving without auto insurance can land you in a ton of trouble.