Guide to Fife, Scotland

Introduction

Fife, often referred to as the "Kingdom of Fife" lies on the east coast of Scotland, north of Edinburgh. The county is immediately recognisable as it's shaped like a dog's head. The southern part of the country was industrialised in the past with many coal mines and factories. Much of the heavy industry has now disappeared. St Andrews and the fishing villages of the East Neuk lie in the north east corner of the county. A great way to see the coast is to walk the Fife Coastal Path.

Getting there

The railway line north from Edinburgh goes along the Fife coast to Kirkcaldy and then the line goes inland towards Cupar and north to Dundee. So the south coast of Fife is ideal for a scenic day trip by rail from Edinburgh. If you want to explore Fife I would advise that you hire a car if you want to fully explore the area. It takes less than half an hour to drive to Fife from Edinburgh Airport.

Culross

Culross is one of those villages where you almost feel like you have stepped back in time. As you walk into the village from the car park you come to the Town House, originally constructed in 1626, although the clock tower was added in 1783. The Town House was the former centre of local government with the ground floor was used as a prison and suspected witches were kept separately in the attic. Outside the Town House is the Tron, the official burgh weighing beam. Many of the streets in the village are still cobbled. It's a short walk uphill to the Study, built in 1610 used by visiting clergy. Opposite the Study is the Mercat Cross, dating from 1588, the site of trading and public announcements.

Culross Palace is close by, resplendent in ochre. It was built in the late 16th century as as home to Sir George Bruce, a wealthy local merchant. The palace and garden have been carefully restored. The garden contains plants which would have been grown in the 17th century, root vegetables such as skirret (a water parsnip), and scorzonera (black salisfy) and fruit trees such as medlar (a small brown apple like fruit, only edible when partly decayed) and quince (a cross between an apple and a pear usually make into jams and jelly). There are lovely views over the garden and palace and out over the Forth Estuary from the top terrace. Sir Bruce stood up on this terrace to observe activity in the harbour, seeing his fortune ever increasing from the export of coal and salt to the Low Countries and the Baltic.

Much of Sir Bruce's wealth derived from the Moat Pit dug to extract coal from under the estuary, the first time that coal was mined from under the sea. A mine shaft was dug from an artificial island created in the water, where ships could dock to immediately transport the coal. The seawater was extracted by a horse driven chain of buckets. Some of the coal was used locally to evaporate water from large salt pans, measuring more than 5.5 metres across, to produce salt. It took 16 tons of coal to produce one ton of salt. Sir Bruce was not the first to mine coal in Culross. The Cistercian monks of Culross Abbey, founded in 1217 started the industry. The monks also produced illuminated manuscripts.

Kirkcaldy area

Kirkcaldy is the birthplace of Adam Smith, founding father of modern economics. I like Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery, it's small but interesting. It is a collection of paintings by the Scottish Colourists and a local history exhibition. Beveridge Park has lovely gardens and boating pond.

Dysart lies to the north of Kirkcaldy. "Sea Beams" by Donald Urquhart, is a new installation at the sea front, with 9 vertical oak beams painted to reflect the varying colours of the sea, part of the Dysart Artworks Initiative. The white houses of Pan Ha' date back to the 16th century but were restored by the National Trust in the 1960s. The Tolbooth at Dysart Crosss was built in 1576 but unfortunately is now surrounded by rather dismal blocks of flats.

Just south of Kirkcaldy are the smaller coastal towns of Kinghorn and Burntisland. Just outside Kinghorn is the statue is memory of King Alexander 111 of Scotland, who fell to his death when his horse slipped on the rocks. Alexander was rushing to his bride, Yolande at Kinghorn Castle. It's said the ghost of Yolande scours the area searching for her lost love. Burntisland was granted status as a royal burgh since 1541 due to the importance of its harbour. You can climb up the Bin Hill just behind the town for some great views.

Falkland

Falkland is a charming village which lies at the foot of East Lomond, one of the three Lomond hills. The village is packed with history and it was named a Royal Burgh by James 11 in 1458. Falkland Palace was built on the site of Falkland Castle in the 15th century. I love the setting of the palace with the contrast of the formal gardens against the back drop of the hill. The Royal Tennis Court built in 1539 for James V, is the oldest tennis court in the UK. It's real tennis that played here with a more complex scoring system than the current game. The score lines are adorned with paintings of crowns. Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to have created a great stir when she abandoned her stiff skirt to don breeches to play here. The court is still used by a local club. The whole village is pretty with restored "Little Houses" used as residences or business premises. There are a couple of good tearooms, Kynd Kittocks and the Hayloft.

I would recommend that you go up East Lomond. Hill It only takes about an hour to ascend and descent as there is a car park with picnic benches and toilets half way up. There' s a good path to the summit and the panoramic views over the Forth Estuary are great. You'll see a brown sign for the car park at the roadside on the A912 just east of Falkland.

Ceres

Ceres is a village in central Fife, a few miles south east of Cupar. It's a lovely village with a stream running through it. The village is very well cared for with flower tubs beside "The Provost", a 19th century carved stone depiction of the last church provost, Thomas Buchanan. Ceres is home to the Fife Folk Museum, which portrays the history of everyday rural life in the area. The museum website appears to be down at present but you can contact them by phone on 01334 828180 to check opening hours.

I was intrigued by the Bannockburn Memorial in Ceres as the Battle of Bannockburn was fought near Stirling, some 50 miles from Ceres. However several men from Ceres did march to take part in the Battle in 1314. The Memorial was erected in 1914 to mark the 600th anniversary of the Battle. The Ceres Highland Games, the oldest free to attend Games in Scotland were established in 1314, to mark victory against the English at Bannockburn, are held on the last Saturday in June. I wonder how those involved in the creation of the Memorial would have felt if they had known of the bloodbath that was to follow in the First World War, starting in the same year?

The Griselda Hill Pottery in the village produces the famous Wemyss Ware, hand painted giftware, best known for its cats. There's a visitor centre where you can watch a DVD about the pottery and observe the potters and painters at work through a glass door. It's a very interesting story as Wemyss ware was originally made in Wemyss on Fife coast between the 1880s and 1930s. One of the painters, Karel Nekola, came from Eastern Europe and his son, Joseph, followed in his Father's footsteps. When the Wemyss pottery closed and the trademark was sold to the Bovey Pottery in Devon, Joseph moved to Devon. where he trained Esther Weeks, who became the Head Decorator when Joseph died in 1952. The production of Wemyss Ware returned to Fife in the 1980s when the trade mark was purchased by Griselda Hill. However Esther Weeks has visited the Ceres pottery and passed on the secret painting techniques. Display cabinet at the Griselda Hill Pottery

St Andrews and the East Neuk of Fife

St Andrews as an interesting history. Evidently the Greek monk St Rule was visited by an angel, wo advised him to remove the bones of St Andrew from Istanbul to the ends of the earth. St Rule followed this advice but was shipwrecked on his journey to the ends of the earth with the remains of St Andrew, on the east coast of Fife, near the present day St Andrews. St Andews Castle was the main residence of the Bishops of St Andrews since the 12th century. It was the administrative centre of the church in Scotland. You can see the notorious "Bottle Dungeon", a pit dug 6 metres into the rock. accessible only by a trap door.

The university was founded in 1411 and is the oldest in Scotland. The heir to the British throne, Prince William, was a student there. He has sometimes been spotted in the local supermarket or playing a round of golf. The 15th century was certainly a very busy time, as it is said that golf was first played in the town. The town now hosts the British golf museum, which is just behind the Royal and Ancient Clubhouse. However there is a lot more to the town than golf. There are two lovely golden sandy beaches, great for an invigorating walk

The area just south of St. Andrews is known as the east neuk of Fife. There are numerous small fishing villages, such as Crail, Anstruther and Elie, popular with artists during the Summer. All the villages are picturesque and as they're close together you can drive from one to the next in a few minutes.

Kellie Castle lies two miles inland from Pitenweem. I haven't managed to see the interior of the castle yet but I love the peaceful walled garden there. The garden was described as " a little pleasance of the soul by whose wicket the World can be shut out" by one of the former owners, Sir Robin Lorimer.

You can read the full guide with photos and accommodation options at http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/Scotland/fife.html Karen Bryan is a UK based independent travel consultant and writer who also blogs about travel in Europe http://www.europealacarte.co.uk/blog

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Booking A Holiday - Tour Or Vacation In Chile

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Chile.

Parts of Chile are mostly desert and highlands and it in places such as these that you will find San Pedro de Atacama, the El Tatío Geyser, and archaeological remains of Andean Cultures. The country also offers fertile valleys and if it is the night sky that interests you, in the small north region of Chile is great place for astronomical observations. There are several beach resorts and in the centre region of the country you will find the renowned Viña del Mar beach resort. Also in the centre region the Valparaíso, Libertador Gral. Bernardo O'Higgins, Maule, and Metropolitan regions are located.

The South region of Chile a is much greener part of the country where you will find the famous Lake District and the most common attractions are the hot springs and the chance to use the ski resort.

The Aysen regions can be found in the North Patagonia which also embraces part of Los Lagos. South Patagonia on the other hand includes the Magallanes regions and the Chilean Antarctic Territory. Here you will find the unspoiled wilderness and Torres del Paine National Park, Tierra del Fuego, the Magallanes Strait, and Cape Horn.

Within the city of Valparaiso there are a large number of historical monuments one of the oldest is the 'La Matriz del Salvador' church with its slightly slanted tower.

The Palacio de la Monedan is inspired by Neopolitan palaces. It has an imposing neoclassical facade which was originally designed to be a colonial mint. What has given the palace its place in history is the fact that Salvador Allende was killed inside when the palace was bombed in 1973. Guided tours of the Palace are free but you have to request a form at least 15 days in advance to the Administrative Office of the Presidency of the Republic to make a reservation.

The Chilean Patagonia National Park was declared to be a worldwide reserve by UNESCO in 1979 and it is a place of natural beauty. Here you will find the San Rafael Glacier which has existed where it stands for the last 300,000 years. What makes this glacier so magnificent is the stunning blue colours of the ice and the fact that it has regular avalanches making it world renowned. Torres del Paine National Park, which is located in the Chilean Patagonia was declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1978. The National Park is world famous for being one of the most stunningly beautiful, unspoiled locations on the planet. The park is home to the most awesome mountain range, magnificent lakes and wonderful greenery and I am sure you will agree a perfect destination for the adventurer.

Cape Horn is located at the southernmost tip of South America and is often referred as the far end of the earth. The region is rugged as it is located at the end of the Andes Mountains chain. This stunning Antarctic strait connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans where you can, depending on weather conditions, experience natural sea walls and cliffs that protrude out almost 1,400 feet from the sea. Being in the right place at the right time will afford you the good fortune of witnessing giant slabs of ice breaking off and crashing into the sea below.

Cape Horn is home to an abundance of sea birds, penguins and seals. As above, being in the right place etc. you could find yourself sharing the waters with a killer whale or two!

Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience. One World Tours / The Holidays in Chile Specialists

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Princess Cruise Lines - A World Leader in Cruise Travel

The Princess Cruise liner was launched way back in 1965 with a one-ship fleet which was entertaining guests traveling to Mexico. Today, the Princess Cruise lines boasts of more than 15 luxury liners which carry more than 800 thousand extremely pampered guests from the entire wide world, calling into some 260 plus ports globally. It is amazing today to see the immense reach, and hear about their impeccable service.

The Many Facets of the Princess Cruise Line Ships

There are many Princess Cruise line ships, which are tailored to the tourist choices, provided they choose one. All the Princess Cruise line ships wear the 'Seawitch' logo. There is the Princess Cruise line grand class, which runs six large cruise ships capable at any given time to cater to more than 2,600 passengers. You will also find an unending list of useful and entertaining amenities.

The Sun class of the Princess Cruise line is said to have set up new rules for the more than 1,950 guests, saying that they could come for meals any time. There are special courses on board which enable you to enjoy the past traditions and transitions of the culture on these ships. Additionally, member of the staff are from all over the world, and are more than happy to tell you about some of their cultural traditions.

The next Princess Cruise line ship we will talk about is the Explorer, which is the tiniest of the lot. This ship carries some 670 guests to an itinerary of fun and frolic which is not always constant. The exceptional versatility of this wonder ship is reflected in the fact that it is one of the very few ships in the world included in the Carnival Corporation.

You will find exciting adventure offers through the advertisement that showcases more than 1,500 excursions in the many ports, a number which is increasing every year. The fact that the Princess Cruise liners are excellent in the market has been observed and acknowledged all over the world.

The liner has so many rewards to be proud off, such as the "Best cruise line," the "Cruise Line of the Year," and the "Client's Favorite." The line has also been highly commended for their different departments which include environmental safety, medical facilities, website reservations, on-board features, and so on.

Whether you are a person who looks at a cruise as the means of entertainment or simply total relaxation, you will not be disappointed when you sign up for this magnificent luxury cruise line. This is one place where you can get pampered and go totally out of control with leisure entertainment.

If you love having fun, if you love the lovely blue-green sea, if you love the seclusion that this place will give you, it will soon consume you and beckon you to come take a cruise and then come back again and again. With the existing competition growing in this area, you will be assured to get all your money's worth with Princess Cruise lines.

Visit http://cruise.every1loves2travel.com for more great resources and articles about cruise vacations, Princess cruises, cruise lines, Caribbean cruises and much more. Discover the world of cruising.

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Paris Travel Guide - A Romantic Break for Couples

From the sweeping boulevards of the elegant 5th arrondissement to a moonlight cruise on the Seine, Paris is undeniably the most romantic city in the world. Picnic under the Eiffel tower, discover the abundant treasures of the Louvre or simply sit in a typical Montmartre café and watch the world go by. In this dreamy city which has inspired artists over the centuries, all that is romantic, prevails. When the sun goes down, this city really comes to life. Whether you indulge in a cabaret dinner at the Moulin Rouge or frequent the typically Parisian bars among locals in the Quartier Latin, Paris' colourful nightlife offers something for everyone.

Of course no Paris travel guide would be complete without mention of Gustav Eiffel's ubiquitous Eiffel Tower. This 325 metre high structure is more than just an icon for the city and arguably for the whole of France, but a breathtaking attraction giving sublime views across the city. Whether mounted by the energetic up 386 steps to the highest platform of the structure or in one of the lifts, this ultimate attraction should not be missed on a trip to the city.

For those seeking a breath of fresh air and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city Paris boasts a wide range of parks and green spaces which can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The Jardin de Luxembourg, located in the 6th arrondissement, is at its finest in the autumn months when the park transforms into a splendid palate of russet and crimson. Further out of the city you can marvel at the splendor of The Sun King (Louis XIV)'s ostentatious Palace of Versailles with the famous and recently restored gallery of mirrors and extensive formal gardens. These gardens are some of the most extensive in the world and in spite of the millions of visitors which the chateaus receives every year it is surprisingly easy to find a quiet corner to yourselves, to sit back and take in the exuberant setting. During the summer months there are regular classical music concerts and musical fountain displays which coordinate well-known classical music of the period to the movement of the great water features of Versailles.

For a spot of luxury and unrivaled elegance, stroll down the Champs Elysées to the La Durée tea room, a regular haunt of the refined of Paris since the 19th century where you should sample a range of brightly coloured macaroons: the house specialty. Alternatively, for a taste of Brittany head for la rue Montparnasse (between boulevard de Montparnasse and rue Edgar Quinet) which is brimming with cosy creperies. Whether visiting Paris on a honeymoon or on a romantic mini-break, every Paris travel guide would agree that it is the ideal destination for couples at any time of the year.

Joshua Thorpe is a writer and expert on Parisian life, from museums, gastronomy and festivals to accommodation Paris. He is the publisher of the popular site http://www.all-paris-apartments.com

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Discount Travel and Internet Booking

Discount Travel is the word of the Travel Industry and it has made many Persons who cannot travel otherwise also to travel to distant places. All of us want to travel the whole World and it is impossible for many People who are not that much affluent to spend huge amounts on their Travel.

How can everybody do that is the most asked question? The introduction of discount Travel has made travel easy for many travelers. This allows all the travel lovers to travel without hurting their Bank balance because the Discount Travel has made them travel at a fraction of their original cost, and it has become cheap.

The most important development in discount Travel has probably been the widespread availability of cheap Flights. Many Companies use the yield management system that allows Prices to vary wildly depending on when you book your Flight. If you book far advance your fair will be less. And you can enjoy your Travel at a lower Fare. Booking Online makes it possible to look through all the dates available for Months in advance and choose the one that will be cheapest for you.

Third-party price comparison Websites allow you to then compare the Fares from different Airlines that fly on the route you’re looking for, meaning that you can fly with the cheapest Airline on the cheapest day with very little effort. Regardless of whether you are planning a business trip or a much anticipated family Vacation, the cost of Travel can be significant.

If you learn how to find the best travel deals, then you can put some extra bucks back into your wallet where they belong. Companies understand that while traveling the traveler just need a bed to take rest and nothing else. So they search for cheap Hotels. This is economical and comfortable.

This made the hotel owners to build rooms with a bed or a dormitory. This will be cheaper during long travel. This type of Hotels is called budget Hotels. Budget Hotels are exploding in popularity all around the World, making it cheaper to stay abroad today than it has ever been before in History.

If you like to travel and if you have less money you need not worry because there are lot of agencies which can arrange you for a part time job in the place where you want to Travel. Even students who like to visit a Country go to the Agents and ask for studies and part time job.

So Discount travel along with advancements in the Communication and Travel Industry have changed the Travel Industry completely and has become more Customer friendly.

John Gibb is the owner of discount travel resources For more information on discount travel check out http://www.Discount-Travel-recommendations.info

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Why We Travel - To Find Or To Lose?

The enigmatic question, “Why do we travel” has intrigued thinkers and philosophers through the years and is best answered in the famous words of writer Pico Iyer, when he said, “We travel initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel next, to find ourselves.”

Do we really need to travel that much? If we find ourselves packing our bags and buying tickets, is it because we have to or is because we want to? It is estimated that 600 million people annually get into airplanes and travel.

When did traveling get so tremendously popular? Time was when so few people traveled, that when they did, it made big news. Christopher Columbus, the Italian Spanish navigator, made headlines when he sailed west across the Atlantic Ocean and discovered America. Marco Polo set sail determined to see distant lands and exotic people; he discovered China. His travels across the whole of China became the greatest travelogue of all times. While these two great travelers of their times were busy traveling the world and making history, where was everybody else? Taking a gondola ride to the neighboring island was the furtherest they dared to get.

We’ve come a long way since then. We travel, not to discover anything new (though that would surely be a feather in our collective caps); but to see what others before us have discovered and seen. We travel to snow-clad mountains so we can ski down the slopes and then we travel to sunny Mediterranean countries to bask in the sun. We travel so we can see first-hand the many man-made and natural wonders of the world that so far we’ve only seen in travel books. We travel because we believe that reading about a place or looking at its pictures is a poor substitute to actually getting there and feeling the pulse of the place and absorbing its culture. We travel the whole of India to sample its many different cuisines and then we travel to China to sample a different fare. We leave our televisions at home and travel across the world to catch the live action at the Wimbledon championships or the World Cup.

Most of all, we travel because the world’s become a smaller place. And with travel into Space becoming a distinct possibility, albeit a very expensive one, we’ll soon have yet another reason to travel.

Please visit Your Travel Biz and YTB Travel Network Video

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Booking a Holiday, Tour, or Vacation in Brazil

In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to ensure every client has the best tour possible, so here are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Brazil.

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America and almost covers half of South America. The whole of the eastern coast of Brazil is lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. The Equator and Tropic of Capricorn cut through Brazil and it is home to varied fauna and flora.

1. This is only my opinion but Rio de Janeiro is one of the most beautiful and spectacular cities in the world. If you have travelled across the world to this the city then visiting the Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pao de Acucar) is a must. This peak is very recogniseable and whenever you see it on TV you instantly know that you are viewing Rio. If you are a seasoned climber then good luck to you, I prefer the gass panelled cable car to reach the top.The Rio-Niteroi bridge is located across the Bayand an awesome place to view Sugar Loaf Mountain. If this is not enough to whet your appetite then how about indulging yourself in the stunning natural harbour and beautiful surroundings such as the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema.

2. Iguacu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil, is considered one the great natural wonders of South America. No matter how you choose to spell it you cannot help but be inspired these magnificent falls which change depending on whether it has rained or not. These impressive falls are bigger than the Niagra falls, spread for over 2 miles in the shape of a horse shoe.

3. Salvador Bahia is an exotic tropical city which is near the equator. Here you can enjoy the sandy beaches which are lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the ocean. If you are old enough to remember the young lady eating a coconut chocolate bar, then the beaches here are reminiscent of the taste of paradise.

4. The Amazonas territory is said to be over 95% rainforest, and is so called after the Amazon River.This is also where the highest mountain in Brazil can be found. It is quite something to ponder when you realise that the Amazon rainforest here in Brazil makes up over half of the planets remaining rainforests. The rainforest is truly a most stunning place to visit with it’s flora and fauna and amazing natural beauty.

Brazil is most certainly gem in South America's crown as not only does it offer some of the most awesome array of stunning beaches and, steamy jungles it is home to some of the most spectacular carnivals in the world. This country is so extremely breathtaking and boasts rainforests that have sections that remain to be explored and of course it is all overlooked by Christ the Redeemer.

All that said it is important to consider the weather before planning a trip to Brazil. There are certain regions in the country that could have a major bearing on how you enjoy your trip.

Stuart Cheese is the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours and, having visited over 110 countries, has a wealth of travel experience. One World Tours / The Holidays in Brazil Specialists


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Travel Industry - Taking Over the World

Travel is more than going from your living room to some other part of your home or from your home to your work. The travel industry is over a trillion dollar market in the United States alone. The travel industry is also one of the fastest growing industries around and if you are a baby boomer, then you have encouraged its growth.

Additionally, the industry has grown from what seems like every few years, a new global destination stands out as the most popular place to visit. And, regardless of price or location, an insurmountable amount of people tend to flock there.

Do you remember when the family used to get together for that once-a-year family vacation? You know how you would visit the brick-and-mortar spot and book the one to two week social family outing. Well, those family affair days are gone, largely due to the baby boomers living longer, leading healthier lives, and having a lot more money to spend. Plus, the technology available affords most people to visit their computers and plan several outings within a year. More people with more money equal an increased spending power and the travel industry is getting a huge piece of that pie.

Travelers no longer consist of families on an annual vacation, emergencies, or job related journey. The travelers face has changed to housewives who are leaving the children at home with their spouses, while they go on shopping trips, college students who are now conducting international visits as well as stateside trips, retirees who refuse to stay home and reminisce about their previous careers, and many others who just want to go on what most people call ‘getaways’. Whatever the reason, more people today are on the move, causing the travel industry to skyrocket. So, if you are wondering why your neighbors appear to be gone all the time, that’s because they are traveling.

B. Gordon is a internet marketer, referring travel agent, mentor and coach for young women.

To learn more visit http://www.twodiamonds.com

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World Travel Insurance - Special Travelers' Indemnity Scheme

Traveling is an eternal pursuit of man. Though the nomadic man has now settled down in dwellings at various cities, towns and villages, yet, traveling remains a cherished quest and a passion. No wonder why the world traveling and tourism industry is seemingly staying at an all-time boom.

World travel insurance is a significant step taken to take care of particular issues of concern of the globe trotting man of the day. You, an individual traveling worldwide, may feel the need to make provisions for quite a few important things while embarking on our tour:

• Medical concerns: You never know- you may require urgent medical treatment while traveling and may even need to be hospitalized. God forbid but if serious health problems do crop up while you are on a world tour then the mounting medical bills might cost you the earth and leave you penniless. Thus, you need to make sure that your medical concerns are duly taken care of.
• Concerns about personal baggage: Worries about personal baggage getting lost or stolen is common with travelers. You, as a globe trotter could possibly be having such worries and may be on the lookout of a way out of this.
• Concerns about theft of cash: Another justified area of your concern can be the concern about theft of cash and the ensuing problems.
• Personal liability concerns: Travelers are vulnerable to getting sued by some third party due to accidentally causing injury or damage to them or their property. Thus, personal liability coverage might quite reasonably be an important area of your concern.
• Cancellation concerns: There may also be worries arising in your mind regarding your holiday/travel getting canceled quite abruptly owing to some unavoidable circumstances thus creating hassles.

The world travel insurance programs seek to adequately address all these worries/concerns of yours and more. Thus, you as a modern day traveler can find yourself better equipped in more ways than one as compared to your predecessors journeying to unknown lands.

'Bon Voyage'- with world travel insurance as your aide go ahead with zealously pursuing your passion of traveling around the globe.

Somdev Mukherjee is a Kolkata (India) based writer of articles, short stories, poems and web content related to finance, mortgage, debt consolidation, insurance, laws and other topics of interest.

Somdev is presently associated with http://www.0001articleworld.com, http://www.jmcgarments.com and http://www.nathinfosolutions.com as a content developer and manager.

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Save Money And Travel The World In Luxury? It's Possible, If You Know Where To Look!

With so many fantastic travel deals out there, why would you make a purchase without actively seeking out a bargain first? The online world, for example, affords endless offers on flights, accommodation and even activity-inclusive holiday packages - you just have to know where to look.

Many people refer directly to travel sites when trying to find special deals for flights or accommodation. However, it's wise to keep in mind that valuable travel deals and packages can be found everywhere, including through companies which are not directly related to the travel industry. For instance, it's not unusual for credit card companies to team up with airlines in providing their customers with "sky mileage", discounted accommodation or even free flight tickets. After all, with an increasing number of people searching for and purchasing their flights online, it makes sense to use a credit card to finalise any purchases. And, with incentives to use a specific credit card to pay for travel products or services, the consumer, as well as participating credit card and travel companies, will benefit.

So what's the best way to track such great deals? Take into account industries that might be related to the travel sector - even indirectly - like credit card companies. When you visit the website of the chosen company, make sure you click right through to their "special" or "current" offers; if there are any special travel deals to be had through the company, they'll be listed in this section. And while many companies offer special travel incentives to drive business, clients who take advantage of the deals needn't worry that they'll end up paying more in the long run than they would if they had found travel arrangements on their own. For instance, your "sky mileage" or travel points might depend on the amount of money you spend with your credit card. But if you keep up with your credit card repayments, you'll get to take advantage of the rewards without having to pay interest fees.

So whether you've been dreaming of exploring Thailand, relaxing in the Maldives or soaking up the splendours of Dubai, taking advantage of various money-saving travel deals ensures a comfortable yet cost-effective travel experience. It's always possible to save money and travel the world in luxury - you just have to know where to find the best deals. And if you really keep your eyes open for great travel offers, you might even fly for free.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance journalist.

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Start a Home Based Travel Business and See the World

When you start a home based travel business, you get the best of all possible worlds. First of all, you can make a high income. Secondly, you can work full time or part time in the comfort of home. Thirdly, there is the fun part.

If you like to travel, this is the right business to be in. Why not spend a week in Cagliaria, Sardenia enjoying the warm evenings in the open air Caffè degli Spiriti? Cool off in the refreshingly cool Roman baths of Szechenyi in Budapest. Or, island hop between Jamaica, Martinique, and St. Lucia. Plus, when you are not traveling, you can work from home in comfort.

How to Get Started.

When setting up your work from home business, it is important to check out your state and local laws. You may have to register as a seller of travel. Be sure to open two bank accounts. One is a checking account for your business. The second is a trust account to hold your clients’ money in escrow.

As an independent travel agent, you may want to work with a host agency. This is a travel agency that works solely with independent travel agencies. They do not sell travel to the public. The host agency is the middleman between the supplier such as the airlines or cruise lines and you, the independent travel agent. The host agency can help you get on your feet.

There are a number of first-rate travel agent associations to join. They offer support, education, training, certification, resources, networking with other professionals, and trade fairs. Here are a few of the best:

* The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the largest association of travel agents in the world. They offer education, training, and jobs.

* The National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) offer their members seminars-at-sea. Here is where you learn while on the job.

* The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides you with accreditation and a useful ITAN Travel Agent ID card.

* The Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN) has many great benefits.

Clients like to see credentials. Your membership in a big travel association such as ASTA, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau builds confidence.

How to Make Money.

You can make a lot of money in the luxury travel business. This can include around-the-world cruises, leisurely first–class train trips through several countries, an African safari, or 5-star stays in big cities of the world.

One of the best paying travel businesses right now is the cruise business. Travelers love to go on cruises. The big cruise lines are well-known for the type of travelers they attract. For instance, Carnival is known for carefree fun. Royal Caribbean caters to families. Princess Cruises are for adventure-loving types.

In your own travel business, you may find you will attract more customers if you focus on specific types of travel. For instance, you could specialize in honeymoon travel, seminar cruises for investors, and celebrity cruises. You could also concentrate on cruises and travel to the South Pacific. Holiday cruises are big sellers – particularly at Christmas time.

River cruises throughout the world are extremely popular. France is famous for its romantic canal cruises on luxurious barges with gourmet food. The Midi Canal cruise goes through ancient Roman cities. Another favorite is the Burgundy Canal cruise.

Tourists also rave about the great canal and river cruises in Germany, Russia, Belgium, Great Britain, Holland and Italy.

When you decide the cruise travel business is for you, you may want to find out more about it. One of the best places to get a thorough understanding of the travel business is Princess Cruises. They have the Princess Academy which offers quick, in-depth courses.

To keep customers coming back to your agency, be sure to pass on good deals to them such as discounts on trips and hotel stays.

If you decide to start a home based travel business, be prepared for adventure. At any time, you may be offered a free or low-cost FAM (familiarization) vacation trip by travel suppliers in hopes that you will recommend them to your customers.

The most important part of starting a home based travel business, though, is that you love your work. If you want to travel, meet people, and make money, there is no better home business. If you start a home based travel business, it could be the happiest adventure of your life.

Siriol Jameson helps you make m0ney from home. Choose from over 40 guaranteed profitable businesses and make m0ney forever. To uncover a business that is perfect for you, visit http://www.easy-home-businesses.com/work-from-home-businesses.html Get insider m0ney tips http://www.easy-home-businesses.com/newsletter.html

(c) Copyright Siriol Jameson. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Siriol_Jameson

Top Five Vacation Travel Destinations In The World

The Caribbean

A vacation at one of the islands in the Caribbean offers excitement as well as relaxation in a stunning, tropical setting. The eastern region of the islands, commonly known as the Lesser Antilles, Tobago and Trinidad, begins just east of Puerto Rico and stretches just about to the coast of Venezuela. These islands include impressive mountains, rain forests and black, as well as white, sandy beaches.

The western portion of the Caribbean is well-known for the ancient Mayan ruins that abound, as well as for the luxurious resorts, carnivals and local festivities occurring frequently throughout the year. St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan and Barbados are among the most popular travel destinations in the southern Caribbean and offer tourists an authentic island experience.

France

Paris, France, home of the famous Eiffel Tower, remains one of the world's top travel destinations for honeymooners and travelers alike. Other cities in France that provide an ideal spot to vacation if you're looking for beauty, charm and a rich sense of history are Lyon and Marseille. These gorgeous cities are filled with fascinating museums and feature numerous fragrant flower gardens.

Rome, Italy

Rome, Italy is perhaps one of the most beautiful and historic of European cities and also one of the most often visited by travelers. Ancient monuments, impressive museums, fountains as well as medieval churches and palaces, all lend to the old world charm of the city. There are also numerous restaurants offering delicious Italian cuisine and plenty of exciting nightlife to be had as well.

Other popular vacation spots to visit in Italy are the Vatican and St. Peter's Cathedral, as well as the city of Venice, which was uniquely built right in the center of a lagoon. Venice has been deemed one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in the entire world with meandering canals and interesting architecture everywhere you look.

Hawaii

With many gorgeous and unspoiled beaches to choose from, Hawaii and its smaller surrounding islands offer lush resorts, crystal blue waters and plenty of sunshine to visitors. Besides Hawaii, often called the "Big Island", there are five other beautiful islands to visit such as Maui, which is the second largest of the group and features stunning volcanoes as well as breathtaking waterfalls.

Other islands include Lanai, which is famous for its impressive rock formations as well as the distinct ambiance of romance, luxury and privacy. The state's capital, Honolulu, is located on the island of Oahu, which is home to the majority of Hawaii's population and boasts a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, the most populous city in Nevada, is often referred to as "Sin City" or the "largest adult playground" in the world. But this famous vacation spot is no longer just about gambling and casinos. Now there are numerous family-friendly hotels, resorts and activities to choose from as well as plenty of exciting nightlife along the Strip for the adults.

People vacationing in Las Vegas may also choose to visit nearby Lake Mead, which is the largest man-made lake in the United States and is only 22 miles from the Strip. The Hoover Dam, located in Black Canyon on the Colorado River about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, is also another impressive sight to see while visiting this area.

Kauai Vacation Rentals | Shasta Lake RV Campgrounds

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams

World Travel: Enlarge Your World

World travel will change your life! Over fifteen years ago I got my first passport and began my journey abroad into the unknown. At that time I was going to Russia, the former Soviet Union. Imagine my first trip outside of the USA was to the communist stronghold of Russia in 1992, a year after the iron curtain came down. Yet neither Gorbachev nor Reagan could remove old mindsets that had been imbred for centuries in the former Soviet Union.

I recall going down into the Moscow subway which is a mile below the earth. It was as if I was going down into hell itself. While the New York subway was shocking, the Moscow subway was frightening and morbid. Never had I been so far beneath the earth.

Once aboard the subway system I noticed the stern look on all of the faces of the locals. One elderly lady in particular looked particularly disgruntled. When she looked at our happy group of young Americans it apparently infuriated her all the more. It was then at the height of her displeasure that this old grandma tried to kick me. I guess I had (as she saw it) invaded her space in more ways than one.

Red Square was the most beautiful and breathtaking sight I beheld when in Moscow. The Russian architecture is amazing and exquisite. Some young entrepreneurs could be seen where tourists frequented selling t-shirts, souveniers and giving directions. Elsewhere in the city I saw what seemed to be a bartering of goods occuring. This was known as the black market where economic exchanges outside of the rigid Russian economy were occurring.

Moscow University proved to be a very memorable experience. We had an American concert there and shared a very positive message that thrilled the youth. The applause and celebration was tremendous. We only were resisted and defied by one elderly professor who was a devout and very vocal athiest. Our group leader Scott George kindly blessed the man while also boldly making it clear that their god (Stalin) was dead and ours alive and well. Taking a statue of Stalin's head off of the piano on the platform where he had been speaking, Scott placed Stalin's head on the ground to the jubilee of the student body. The arena was electrified as youth began clapping and shouting with joy!

As we left the University to our astonishment the students ran after us all the way to our van. They apparently had never seen such boldness and bravery. Their cold hearted academic leader had been confronted with the truth and the Spirit of life. The students responded happily and wholeheartedly as they got a breath of freedom and liberty.

Times have since changed in Russia, as the country has since modernized, Westernized and economically advanced globally. A decade can bring about great changes.

I thank God that I got to experience old Russia as it was so I can fully appreciate it now as it is. Today my younger brother lives in Ukraine (formerly a part of Russia), where he is engaged to a lovely English speaking Ukrainian who runs a marriage agency to facilitate foreign men meeting local marriage minded women. Undoubtedly Russia and the world have come a long way.

The more we enlarge our hearts, the more our world will also be enlarged and improved.

Paul Davis is author of Breakthrough for a Broken Heart a book telling us "How to overcome disappointments and blossom into your dreams!" He is a life coach (relational & professional), popular worldwide keynote speaker, creative consultant, humor being, adventurer, explorer, mediator, minister, liberator and dream-maker.

Paul's compassion for people & passion to travel has taken him to over 50 countries of the world where he has had a tremendous impact. Paul has also brought revival to many in war-torn, impoverished and tsunami stricken regions of the earth. His nonprofit organization Dream-Maker Ministries is building dreams and breaking limitations.

Paul's Breakthrough Seminars inspire, revive, awaken, impregnate with purpose, impart the fire of desire, catapult people into a new level of self-awareness, facilitate destiny discovery and dream fulfillment.

Contact Paul for coaching or speaking at: RevivingNations@yahoo.com 407-967-7553.

For additional info: http://www.CreativeCommunications.TV, http://www.DreamMakerMinistries.com, http://www.PaulnKarla.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Davis

Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix is one of the most exciting events held in Australia every year, with thousands of spectators viewing exciting Formula One racing and flat-out speeds experienced in Melbourne, Australia.

The World Championship event Formula One race, held every March, has been delighting spectators since 1996, when the Australian Grand Prix hit the race circuit calendars. It hasn't slowed down since. Not only does the racing event draw thousands of travelers and visitors from around Australia, but around the world as well, and every visitor is rewarded with more than just a car race.

Australia, especially Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, has much to offer visitors, including great weather, friendly people and world-class restaurants, hotels and amusements. Melbourne also offers a laid back atmosphere that caters to any budget. Visitors who come to see the now world-famous Formula One racing event often stay to enjoy the vistas, foods and sites that Australia has to offer.

For racing fans, the Australian Grand Prix is part of a Formula One racing circuit that includes the United States' Indianapolis 500, the Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur, the Grand Premio de España Telefónica in Catalunya and warms up audiences for the ultimate in Formula One racing in Monaco with the Monaco Grand Prix held at the end of May 25-27 of 2007. The Monaco Grand Prix has gained the reputation of being the ultimate in Formula One racing as the most difficult and prestigious of the circuit. That one event within the Formula One racing circuit draws more people every year to a principality that is known for brilliant sunshine, fantastic beaches and unequalled luxury.

The Australian Grand Prix racing event takes place over several days and starts the annual Formula One World Championship. Held in the Albert Park, the site has long been popular with native Australian racing fans since the 1950s, and the race is viewed by millions of racing fans around the world. Known for its love of sports, Melbourne offers events and entertainments to suit any taste, all in an atmosphere known for its blend of rugged history and ‘Outback' serenity with the newest and most popular in business and technology.

Pricing for event tickets are fantastic and offer visitors the choice of three different ticket pricing ranges and grandstands or flat grassland to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the world's greatest racing events. The Australian blue sky and warm weather offers world travelers a respite to brutal winters elsewhere, and Melbourne nightlife offers treats and events to visitors who want to enjoy everything Australia has to offer after the engines have cooled and it's time to relax and enjoy the ambience.

Thousands of travelers flock to Melbourne every year to witness the spectacular Australian Grand Prix and are also treated to the Carrera Cup, the Celebrity Challenge and the Aussie Racing Cars, as well as a myriad of events and entertainments that take place away from the asphalt and racing grounds. Melbourne pulls out the red carpet for this yearly event, and everyone is welcome to the Land Down Under for exquisite landscapes, great food and more than enough entertainment to please anyone.

This year's race was won by Kimi Raikkonen in a Ferrari, but the Finnish driver's exploits didn't make as many headlines as debutant British driver Lewis Hamilton who finsihed third, the best Formula 1 debut for years.

The four days that cover the Australian Grand Prix provide spectators, no matter where they sit, with the fastest, loudest and most gifted Formula One race car drivers in the world as they rev their engines and prepare to battle for position on the track. Off track, tourists can enjoy the seashore or venture inland to see exotic wildlife, mingle with native Australians and enjoy the great outdoors in a land that offers a blend rustic ruggedness and the finest in luxury.

If you missed the Australian Grand Prix in 2007, make sure you clear your calendar for next year's Formula One racing event, as the Australian Grand Prix is an experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in their lives.


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About the Author: YourMonaco.com offers details about Monaco, including her Grand Prix. The Monaco hotels are already fully booked for the Grand Prix so anyone wishing to attend should consider hotels in Nice and make their way to Casino Square, Monte Carlo by train.

Travel by Proxy with Dish Network

If you are like a lot of people, you probably plan on traveling someday, but you just cant find either the time or the money to do it. When a person is out of work, a sense of wanderlust can start to play in their mind and they can imagine far off exotic destinations that beckon them. They are out of work though and that also means that they are short on cash, so that also means that they have to stay put and look for a job.

Then when they are working and bringing home the big bucks that same sense of wanderlust starts to again play on their mind and they again dream of far off places that beckon them. They cant go though because they have to be at work in the morning, or they will get fired. On and on the maddening cycle goes and as it turns out many people never do get to travel, because they start having kids and that really can put the big kybosh on any world travel.

There is one great solution to all of this and it is to join the Dish Network family of TV viewers and watch the great travel programming that you can get in any one of their well blended and affordable programming packages. At first glance the whole idea might sound ridiculous, but if you think about it for a while, it starts to make more and more sense.

Dish Network is the all time leader in high definition programming and no other programming service provider even comes close to what the have to offer you in high definition programming. Travel channels are awesome in high definition and high definition TVs are cheaper than they have ever been.

If you have always wanted to go to Germany for Oktoberfest and spend a week or two on a mad beer drinking binge, you can now do this right in your own living room with high definition programming from Dish Network and beer from your local liquor store.

With the money you were going to spend on the round trip air fare, you can get the high definition TV of your dreams and still have loads of money left over for the two week supply of beer.

Free Sirius satellite radio from your good buds at Dish Network means you wont have to go with out all the great German polkas that you love to listen and dance to. Even lederhosen can now be purchased right off the rack now at most trendy clothing stores so you will have everything you will need in the way of garments for your two week Dish Network vacation.

Thirty-one channels of high definition programming from Dish Network is all that you need to get completely lost in fantasy and if you tire of Germany you can switch to history programming and do something somewhere with that. Dish Network gives you a complete satellite system absolutely free of charge when you join their family of viewers, so while they are doing the free installation, you can be out shopping for the high definition TV set.


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About the Author: Written by David Johnson. Find more information on Directv Offers as well as Dishnetwork Promotions

Koh Samui, a Tropical Paradise

Picture an island nestling in the calm, azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand fringed by coral reefs with beaches of powder soft white sand framed by a backdrop of coconut trees, their fronds dancing in the gentle breeze. The palms stretch upward to the central uplands, thick with lush tropical vegetation. The coast and lower slopes are awash with coconut palms making Koh Samui the ‘Coconut Capital of Thailand’. It is said the island sends 2,000.000 coconuts per month to Bangkok. This green vista is interspersed occasionally by black granite boulders. Some of these rock formations appear to defy gravity by hanging dramatically against the hillside. This tropical paradise is called Koh Samui. A 250 square kilometre rounded island which is about the same size as Penang.
Koh Samui translates from Koh, the Thai word for island, and Samui, which is probably derived from the Chinese “saboey” meaning safe harbour. The magic island first came to the attention of world travellers when it started to crop up in conversation in many of the cheap hotels that then clustered around Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway station some 45 years ago. It was difficult to get to, requiring special negotiation with fishermen in Suratthani lying 80 kilometres across the sea on the mainland. When you reached the island, there was no road and so those intrepid voyagers hopped from beach to beach by boat. In the past forty plus years things have changed hugely.

The island is now served by an international airport that looks more like a botanical garden than the accepted tradition of functional ‘air station’. Flights leave hourly for the new Suvarnbhumi Airport in Bangkok and link the island to additional destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Pattaya and Phuket. A 52-kilometre road rings Samui and links all the major towns. Nathon the capital plays host to government buildings and banks and serves as one of the ferry ports serving the Thai mainland. The road skirts the 635-metre mountain that sits centrally astride the landmass and takes in the main resorts of Lamai and Chaweng. Lamai is the smaller of the two and offers a quieter and perhaps cleaner beach. The latter caters for, perhaps, a younger and more energetic visitor. Further on lies Bangrak is better known as “Big Buddha Beach” as it takes its name from the huge Buddha statue at the eastern end of the bay. Borphut boasts a trendy fisherman’s village, much favoured by French tourists and Maenam to the north offers spectacular views across to Koh Phangan and the Ang Thong Natural Marine Park. This area is much less crowded than the bustling Chaweng and the marginally quieter Lamai. It still retains its original Thai flavour. However, to get to grips with authentic ‘Samui’ you need to rent a car or motorbike and take one of the many roads that lead up away from the coast and into the mountain. As you climb higher you come to rubber plantations and hidden away villages clustering around paddy fields, still hanging onto a traditional way of life that is far removed from the tourist dominated hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars that cluster around the coast.

Samui has over the years developed a reputation as centre of complementary medicine offering spas designed to detox inhabitants of an overstressed globe. The Health Oasis Resort located adjacent to the unspoiled Bang Po Beach to the west of Maenam offers stunning views across to Koh Phangan. Sit in the authentic vegetarian restaurant after six p.m. and turn your head to the west you will witness spectacular sunsets over the islands that comprise the Ang Thong National Park. Health Oasis is unique in that the Thai Department of Health lists it as a traditional medicine hospital. It specialises in supervised detox and fasting treatments.

Be sure of this, whatever your tastes Koh Samui will be able to provide a venue for a holiday that will linger long in your memory. So if you are planning a trip of a lifetime whether it be for tourism or health this magical island is a venue well worth considering.


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About the Author: Alister Bredee is a freelance author specialising in articles on health related topics. He is also a health care practitioner and trainer. He is the “Behaviour Change Therapist” at
www.healthoasisresort.org
He currently lives in Koh Samui and can be contacted via his website: www.healthambit.com

Top 5 Myths About China

Over 20 percent of the world's population are Chinese, and by economic standards,
China's ascent is only just beginning. The Chinese nation, culture, economy, and language are going to get more and more important in the world during your lifetime.
But how much do you currently know about modern China?

What you learned at school about China, and what you read in the newspapers or see on the TV news may not be true any more.

Have a look at the following generalisations about China and see if you ever heard or believed something similar. Can you open your mind and change your preconceptions about China?


Misconception 1.
*China is an ancient culture*

What? Of course Chinese culture is ancient! One of the world's oldest actually. Yes, but what's modern China all about? China nowadays is a vibrant modern society, with unique pop culture, fashions, arts, tastes, and habits. Chinese people are proud of their heritage, and there is always an awareness of "old China" inside people's habits and tastes. But the real China of today is a fast-moving modern place: the old continues to give way to the new, and and Chinese people are all looking to their future, not resting on the laurels of the past.


Misconception 2.
*China is backward and poor*

By 2050 it's estimated that 50% of China's population will live in the cities, and this is where the focus of national policy is at the moment. Chinese cities are being built up at an astounding rate: every city in China is currently a dazzling scene of infrastructure change - new roads and flyovers, new skyscrapers, new stadiums, new hotels and resorts, and of course new massive ostentatious government buildings. The word "developing" has come to have connotations of 'third world', but in the developing cities of China you can only marvel at the pace of improvement all around.

If you travel to the countryside in China, you certainly might have the impression of a 'developing nation': people are still farming the land using pre-industrial-revolution tools and techniques, and people's lifestyles certainly couldn't be described as cosmopolitan. However, what you may not see is that these people's children may well be smart professionals in the city, sending home ever increasing paychecks to their family. Chinese people are ultimately loyal to their parents, and will routinely save and send home large proportions of their salaries. Even if the youth who move to the Chinese cities aren't managers or entrepreneurs, city salaries for even basic jobs are enough in comparative terms to make everyone happy. Everywhere you go in the Chinese countryside, you can see previously lowly families buying cars and building new houses. So the wealth of the cities will filter to rural areas through private channels, regardless of the urban-focused investment policies of the government.


Misconception 3.
*Chinese people eat Chinese food.*

Yes, of course Chinese people eat Chinese food! But do you even know what Chinese food is?

Forget what you think you know from your local "Chinese" takeaway. Unless you've spent several years living in mainland China, it's unlikely you have even a clue about Chinese cuisine. The variety is mind-boggling and almost certainly unrivalled in any other country. Expatriates in China will all tell you that every day they are still trying new dishes, even after living there for years. (And since we're on the topic of mythbusting, sorry to be politically incorrect, but actually you can find dog meat restaurants everywhere in southern China and people really enjoy eating it in the winter. On the other hand, in case you are getting a bit worried now, dog is a pricey speciality so it's impossible that you will ever receive a meat dish which is dog meat unless you explicitly ordered it!!)

Modern Chinese people in the cities also eat pizza, burgers, spaghetti, sandwiches, chocolate, and all sorts of real international cuisines, not only junk food. Visitors to China who can't use chopsticks, or have a phobia of rice, will have absolutely no problem feeding themselves! (But if you visit China, please be a little more imaginative than to go straight to one of the hundreds of Starbucks springing up in every city.)


Misconception 4.
*China is a communist country.*

Politically, China is still a one-party state and the Chinese people do not elect their leaders. How much does this matter? For a start, China was never the same style of 'communist' government that we associate with Soviet Russia. And the days of Mao are loooong gone!

Government in China nowadays is actually much less centralised than in most other countries, with an amazing amount of power in the hands of provincial or city-level governing bodies. These local governments are increasingly competing with each other to improve and enrich their domains, and the effect is a lot more positive than controversy-hunting western journalists' usual portrayals.

Are the Chinese people oppressed? Hardly! Chinese society is, any observer would be forced to admit, remarkably free and progressive. In point of fact, most Chinese people couldn't be described as particularly agitated about "freedom" or political change, being more concerned about getting a piece of the GDP pie and improving their lives and their children's lives. The political sentiment which most Chinese people share is a desire for stability, safety, and prosperity - and basically anyone would have to admit the government in Beijing is currently doing a really good job at that regardless of any abstract criticisms of their "communist" political identity.

Economically, what is China? People always laugh at the phrase "capitalism with Chinese characteristics" but it's true it's hard to find any description or comparative model for the Chinese system these days. In many ways the Chinese are more capitalist at the moment than anyone else, perhaps because the system has lagged behind in regulating and taxing the explosion of private commerce in the last twenty years. The name "The Wild East" has a certain truth about it at the moment, but things are getting more standardised, the RMB (Chinese Yuan - the currency) is now open to trading, and of course China is in the WTO now. Expect the China pages of your newspaper to get ever more prominent as businesses and governments wake up more to the economic power of the Chinese market.

Misconception 5.
*China is closed and difficult to visit.*

Anyone from almost any country in the world can easily obtain a Chinese travel visa from a travel agent and book a flight to any of China's growing list of international airports. Once in China you can go and stay where you want. It's just as easy as visiting any other country. The only reason your travel agency isn't packed with brochures about visiting China is because those travel companies just don't get it yet... Don't worry - the travel agency will soon wake up!

"Yes, but Chinese people don't speak English!" Pssst - can you think of any other popular world travel destinations where the local people, maybe, possibly don't speak English as their first language? Seriously, in the cities a lot of people can help out clueless travellers, and even if you're trying to be independent or adventurous, you'll find Chinese people friendly, tolerant, and generally not scary at all.

In terms of other traveller fears about safety, security, and cleanliness, China is already in the top tier of countries in the world to live in or travel to. Frequent travellers to China will back this up: even in the inner cities of China, you can walk around as a highly visible foreigner, and although you may be stared at, you will never feel in any danger or discomfort. (Unless you expected a 'normal' western style toilet - oh dear! - but that's an experience you'll have to find out by visiting China yourself!)


*CONCLUSION*

Wake up and smell the tea! You need to visit China and experience it yourself: there is no way you will break through the misconceptions and prejudices about China from your armchair.


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About the Author: Just a little bit interested in visiting China? To learn about Chinese visas and invitation letters to visit China on business, visit http://www.china-invitation-letter.com/

Advices for Travelling Overseas

Are you going to live overseas? Are you an exchange student? Are you travelling overseas for less than twelve months? Are you teaching overseas? Are you working overseas?

Have you thought about your health cover?

Of course, we’d all like to think we’ll be alright, however it is wise to expect the unexpected. Unfortunately, when you travel abroad you do face increased risks to your health and safety. We do tend to think that we will be able to receive adequate medical care in Public or Government Hospitals, free of charge, and for a quick one-off visit this may well be the case. Public hospitals can be very good and the quality of medical and surgical care may well be excellent but the other services offered may not be up to the standard that you have come to expect. What if something develops that takes longer to cure? The bills can mount up alarmingly. How much will it all end up costing? Have you thought about pregnancy, and the pre and post natal care that you would want to receive for yourself, or wife and newborn baby? Would you want your sick child to spend several days or maybe even weeks in a Government hospital in a crowded public ward where most of the staff may not be able to speak English very well?

This is where we come in. Our company Globalsurance offers the best possible advice about international health insurance and international medical insurance.

We are an international health insurance advisor who specializes in global medical and health insurance for expatriates and world travellers. We are able to offer excellent service to our clients anywhere in the world. Our extensive network and communications now extend far beyond Hong Kong where we were founded, into USA, the UK and Europe and the Middle East. Therefore GlobalSurance worldwide health insurance will make your stay overseas more secure and free from worry.

All our consultants have global experience, and are able to offer expert advice on the full range of international plans available. We understand the difficulty of finding comprehensive information from one independent source. Therefore to assist you we have thorough knowledge of all the international medical plans available. To put your mind at rest about our credentials, we are regulated by the Insurance Authority of Hong Kong and therefore we are required to meet the very highest operating and fiscal standards.

We have Individual Plans, Group Plans, Travel Plans and Teacher Plans, all of which are quoted free and supported by the most responsive and professional administration service in the global health and medical insurance market. We are an independent advisor and work with all the major insurance companies. We can give you independent advice or a range of free International Health Insurance Quotes. Please visit our website at www.globalsurance.com to answer all your questions. This is a comprehensive, clear and easily navigated website sure to give you the best possible online access to services and advice.


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About the Author: John Klown organizes Globalsurance at www.globalsurance.com.

Travel Asia- The Largest Continent

Have you ever been to Asia? Traveling Asia is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Let me explain you some interesting information about Asia, and if you're interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don't know. When you travel to Asia, there are so many things to see and do; make sure that you plan your trip in advance.

Asia is the largest continent in the world by a considerable margin, and it is rich in natural resources, such as petroleum and iron. When you travel Asia, you want to make sure that you have the flexibility for an occasional adventure. If you are planning to travel to Asia within the next year, and are looking for some fun festivities to attend, then we have some incredible Asian festivals for you to check out during your travels.

Asia is one of the most extraordinary and diverse continent in terms of people and travel destinations. Asia is one of the seven continents in the world. But even though it is the seventh continent but it is the largest continent among all. Asia has about more than half of entire of the world's population, which mostly they are in China and India. Different Asian festivals are listed below which you must see if you visit Asia anytime.

• The Monkey God Festival
This deity has been celebrated during the month of September at Kowloon’s Sau Mau Ping Temple. The Monkey God first appeared in Chinese literature during the Ming Dynasty in the book, “Pilgrims to the West”.

• The Festival of the Hungry Ghosts
Hong Kong hosts this unusual yearly event, held on the 14th day of the seventh moon.

• Asakusa Samba
Tokyo’s version of the Rio Carnival happens every August, in the Asakusa district.

• Yasothon Rocket Festival
In the middle of May, things get very noisy for Asian travelers to the Phaya Thaen Park in Thailand.

• Parade of the God of Medicine
On the 15th day of the third lunar month, the city of Taiwan is taken over by this world-renowned Asian festivity – a must for travelers in the area because of its spectacular parade.

Asia offers travelers a huge variety of places to visit, things to do and, cultures to see. If you are visiting Asia for the very time then we insist you to visit following places.
• India: It is Asia’s largest and most heavily populated countries.
• Korea: It is one of the most westernized of all Asian nations.
• China: China is rapidly emerging as the top destination for travelers to Asia.
• Vietnam: Vietnam is reshaping its image among world travel destinations.
• Thailand: Thailand is the most popular tourist destination. Thailand is one of the most popular in all of Asia, as well.
• Japan: Japan has something for every traveler who visits. The hardest thing is fitting it all in.
• Philippines: Those who do visit will enjoy beautiful spots like the Boracay beaches and Lake Sebu.
• Indonesia: Indonesia will show you an exciting and wonderful Asian travel destination.

About the Author: The author is Business Head of http://mytravelasia.com and wants to share his knowledge to help you in online vacation booking to asia