How to Choose Your North Cyprus Villa Holiday

Choosing your ideal North Cyprus Villa Holiday is easy when you know how! Here are 7 quick and easy tips to finding your perfect holiday villa in the North Cyprus sunshine.

1. Don't Book Direct with the Villa Owner!
In the past, you could only find a rental villa in North Cyprus was to book direct with the owner. This involved long hours researching on the web, endless faxes or emails, costly money transfers, and that nagging doubt that your villa may not be quite up to standard... There are Companies you can find online that do all the hard work for you, so you can search for North Cyprus rental villas by location, price, availability, or facilities such as swimming pools.

2. Rent By The Day for Flexibility
North Cyprus holiday villas are available to rent by the day, so you can fly to North Cyprus on a day and at a time time that suits you and your family. What's more, you don't have to return seven days later along with everyone else on a busy and crowded transfer day! Most villas are bookable for a minimum of three days, so you can even create your own North Cyprus two centre holiday if you wish. Of course, North Cyprus villa rental by the day means you can take advantage of flying on cheaper days too.

3. Think South for Best Buy Flights to Cyprus
All North Cyprus villas for rent are accessible both from Ercan International Airport in Northern Cyprus and Larnaca airport in south Cyprus. Fly into Ercan airport, and your flight will involve a brief stopover in Turkey, but from Ercan airport you can collect a hire car and be by your Kyrenia holiday villa pool in under an hour! It's a shorter flight time into Larnaca airport in south Cyprus, where you can collect a hire car or take a taxi transfer over the border into North Cyprus. The total journey times are about the same, but flights to south Cyprus can be a lot cheaper, even when you include the cost of a taxi transfer.

4. Choose the Best Resort Area
In North Cyprus, you can choose from a holiday villa with fabulous views high in the mountains, or a designer beachside villa where you can hear the waves break on the beach! Kyrenia is the main town on the north coast, and makes a great base for a North Cyprus villa holiday.

To the east of Kyrenia, traditional village resorts such as Catalkoy and Ozankoy have easy access to wonderful sandy beaches. Golf fans will love Esentepe, with its new golf course set amongst ancient olive trees. If you prefer breathtaking views, the village of Bellapais offers a truly relaxing villa holiday in North Cyprus that's hard to beat.

West of Kyrenia, you can feel part of the community at Zeytinlik, yet still be just 5 minutes' drive from the beach. Family-friendly Karaoglanoglu is a great place to take the kids, as is the hillside village of Alsancak, with all the facilities you'll need for a fabulous villa holiday in North Cyprus. If you want peace and relaxation, head for the fragrant olive groves and natural springs at Lapta, or chill out in peaceful Karsiyaka.

5. Get The North Cyprus Villa Space You Want
The great news about North Cyprus villas for rent is that they are usually big! In Northern Cyprus, holiday villas with three or four bedrooms are the norm, so you and the family can have plenty of space to relax. The kids can have their own rooms, and you can take the master suite, which usually is ensuite! Most North Cyprus holiday rental villas have swimming pools, so you can relax on the terrace while the kids splash about in the sunshine. Most North Cyprus holiday villas also have a fully fitted kitchen, so you can choose to eat at home or dine out at a local restaurant - the choice is yours!

6. Holiday Freedom: North Cyprus Holiday Villas v. Hotels
North Cyprus villa holidays offer so much more than a hotel. You can get up and eat breakfast on a sunny terrace whenever you like, rustle up a lunchtime snack from your own fridge, or cook local food bought in the market in your North Cyprus holiday villa kitchen. You can stock the villa's fridge with the childrens' favourite foods or local beers and not worry about what's on the hotel menu, or the bar bill! Or, you can eat out at tasty and good value local restaurants, trying local dishes such as pides, a Turkish pizza!

7. Book Online for the Best Prices
Booking online is fast, easy and convenient too! You can also book your car hire and airport taxi transfers in advance, saving you expensive currency conversion costs. By paying with a credit card, you can spread the cost and have your purchase protected too!
And...

8. Have Fun!
We know you'll enjoy a villa holiday in North Cyprus, so come and see us soon - we look forward to welcoming you!

Ten Top Tips For a Successful Villa Holiday

Renting a holiday villa that you've never seen can be worrying, but if you take a few simple steps beforehand, you'll find the property that suits your needs.

COUNTRY

If you're the type of person who doesn't take the sun very well, don't book a holiday in Spain in August. If Greek food doesn't agree with you, don't go to Greece. If you detest the sound of car horns, stay away from Italy. I know this is a little simplistic, but the point is; have a little think about which country suits your needs best.

SEASON

Don't be caught out by the seasons. Some hot countries can be pretty chilly in autumn and winter, especially if you're up in the hills. On the other hand, some hot countries can be just too hot in the summer. Inland is usually hotter than the coast in summer and cooler in winter. Study the climate before you book.

LOCATION

The countryside sounds so peaceful and appealing, but if you're stuck ten miles from the nearest grocery store, the novelty will soon wear off. Find out how many restaurants are nearby. Is the villa within walking distance of a bar, and if not, are you willing to go without alcohol or stump up for a taxi every time you fancy a couple of glasses of wine with your meal? Another thing to consider is the distance from the airport; do you really need a three hour journey after your flight, or doesn't it bother you?

DO YOU NEED TO HIRE A CAR?

If the villa you decide upon isn't on a bus route, then you're going to need to hire a car. Take this into account when working out your finances for the holiday. If the villa is in a built up area, say by the beach and you intend spending your entire holiday on the beach, do you really need to hire a car?

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY WITH A REPUTABLE INTERNET WEBSITE

By using a reputable company to source your villa, you are minimizing the chances of being let down. Good rental companies are keen to make sure that the properties on their books are what they say they are. Secure payment methods are another reason to use a good company.

AIR CONDITIONING

If you're going to a hot country in summer, it could be a wise move to make sure that the villa of your choice is equipped with air conditioning. Many a holiday has been ruined through the lack of sleep. Most air conditioning units provide heat as well as cool air. It can be chilly in winter, so ask the question before you book.

SWIMMING POOL

Do you need a swimming pool? If you have small children and intend to keep them away from the water, book a villa without a pool? If the villa is on the beach, do you really need the use of a pool? Even in hot countries, the water temperature in winter can be a little to cool for comfort, so take this into consideration when booking. On the other hand, in summer, there's nothing better than cooling down in the pool.

PETS

Not all property owners welcome pets, but some do. Check with the owner that the villa is pet friendly. A good website will have the facility to do this.

NUMBER OF HOLIDAYMAKERS

If you're going as part of a group, make sure that you book a property that's big enough to accommodate you all. It's OK being on top of each other for day or two, but tempers will soon start to fray if you can't spend a moment alone.

ASK THE OWNER

Before you commit yourself to a particular villa, contact the owner and ask questions. Most property owners will be delighted that you are showing an interest in their villa, and will help you all they can. A good website will make it easy for you to contact the owner, and clear up any uncertainties before you pay your deposit.

Once you have done your homework and found the answers to your questions, you can book your holiday with peace of mind, in the knowledge that you have done all you can to ensure a memorable family holiday.

Alan Liptrot writes for http://www.yourholidayrentals.com providing worldwide holiday accommodation. The original article, along with other interesting articles can be found at http://www.yourholidayrentals.com/inspiration/

Holiday on the Cote D Azur - Let a Valbonne Villa

Have a Relaxing Cote D'Azur Holiday in a Villa in Valbonne

Naturally, when one thinks of Cote d'Azur, the holiday destinations of Cannes and Nice often come up. But you should consider that not all of Cote d'Azur is as over-developed and as crowded as Cannes and Nice. In the village of Valbonne, you will find the restful solitude that you may desire on your Cote d'Azur holiday.

Why Spend a Cote d'Azur Holiday in Valbonne

There are a number of quiet villages along the Cote d'Azur where you can spend the restful holiday that you are looking for, but why should you pick Valbonne? One big reason to choose Valbonne is that the village is unique and unusual amongst the other villages on the Cote d'Azur.

Most of the villages on the Cote d'Azur are built in such a way that they spiral along the side of a hill. Their roadways would therefore twist and meander within the village. But this is not the case with Valbonne. Unlike the other villages, Valbonne is constructed using a grid pattern, just like how the old Roman cities are laid out.

This uniqueness of Valbonne is attributed to the fact that Italian artisans built the village in the 15th century. The design of the village is the masterwork of Augustin de Grimaldi, who at the time served as the bishop of Grasse and the abbot of Lerins. The village was established as an attempt to repopulate that portion of the Cote d'Azur after the Black Death.

If you are a history buff, that is probably a fact that you would greatly appreciate, as you spend your holiday on the Cote d'Azur. There are other historical places of interest here in Valbonne, such as:

the town square, which has remained unchanged since the establishment of the village; the Place de Arcades, also found in the Valbonne town centre; and the monastery of the Chalaisian Order, a 12th century edifice built in the Romanesque and Gothic architectural style.

You can still enjoy the beauty of Valbonne even if you are not a history buff. Simply spend your Cote d'Azur holiday lounging at the Valbonne villa that you have rented, take leisurely strolls about the town, or take afternoon hikes on the village's nature trails. You can rent a villa that is near the golf courses located in Valbonne.

Why Rent a Villa in Valbonne

If you are wondering why you should rent a villa in Valbonne, here is one good reason. By renting a villa during your stay in Valbonne, you can live the way the locals live, and this is always a great way to spend a holiday on the Cote d'Azur. Moreoever, a villa in Valbonne will offer more comfort and privacy rather than staying at a hotel. Also, if you are travelling with a group, it may be more economical for you to stay at a villa rather than a hotel on your visit to Valbonne.

Even if you are not staying at a hotel, you can still use a Valbonne villa as a base for the more exciting activities that you can undertake on your vacation. There are many options open to you on your holiday at the Cote d'Azur.

Book luxury villas in Valbonne on-line. We have an elite collection of Valbonne villas and apartements for your Cote D Azur holiday on the French Riviera South of France.

A Tour Through Rome With Angels Guiding Your Way

A great introduction to some of Rome's most famous sights not to mention a lesson in navigation around the eternal city as well, the Angels and Demons Tour is a guided tour based on the highly acclaimed novel by Dan Brown. After searching for introductory tours of Rome during my European tour planning phase, I happened upon this one particular tour and thought it sounded like loads of fun not to mention the fact that it would be a great way to see the sights.

Do you dare to walk in the "Path of Illumination"? If so, then read on as this article recounts the tale as we too, followed in the footsteps of Robert Langdon as he set out on that mysterious and courageous journey guided by angels and demons to save the kidnapped Cardinals not to mention the Vatican from impending doom. So our tour too was to be guided by the same angels and demons.

We raced over to Piazza del Popolo on the other side of the Tiber River to begin our tour at 9:30. There, we met our private guide, Michaela, whom to this day, remains a close and personal friend. After introductions, we began our journey along the "Path of Illumination" which includes visits to the Pantheon, the four churches or "Altars of Science" mentioned in the book and concludes at Castel Sant'Angelo. When viewed on a map, the churches form a giant cross over Rome with Santa Maria del Popolo to the north, St. Peter's Basilica to the west; Santa Maria della Vittoria to the east and finally; St. Agnes in Agony to the south (across from the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona). As the story unfolds, these churches correspond to the four scientific elements of earth, air, fire and water which represent how each of the kidnapped cardinals was to meet his end. If you want to see pictures of these fascinating sights, you will need to visit my blog. See end of article.

Our first stop was Santa Maria del Popolo. Before I proceed any further, let me back up to give a little background on how we got here when the book starts out in the Pantheon. If you remember, Robert and Vittoria began their tour at the Pantheon, the 2000 year old building in Rome designed originally by Agrippa in 27 B.C. but then later burned and rebuilt in 125 A.D. What remains to this day is Rome's oldest standing domed structure which was originally designed for the ancient gods of Rome. However, the building was later consecrated in 609 as Santa Maria dei Martiri and currently holds masses to this day. It was at the Pantheon that Robert Langdon made his first stop on his quest to save the four cardinals. Because he incorrectly deciphered the clues from the Vatican library, he and Vittoria headed to this location believing they would be there in plenty of time to save the first kidnapped cardinal. Despite their unswerving efforts, they were too late because as the story goes, they didn't realize in time that Raphael's body was later moved from the Pantheon to Santa Maria del Popolo even though all clues pointed here including the demon hole or occulus at the top of the structure.

Now, back to Piazza del Popolo. Michaela our guide, pointed out the Egyptian obelisk in the center of the piazza which formed a giant ellipse, one of the keys to identifying this first church in their journey along the "Path of Illumination". We went inside to the Chigi Chapel and discovered the demon hole or the ossuary annex in the floor. No wonder history calls this a "demon hole". Needless to say, this location represented "earth", the first of the four elements. As the story goes, Langdon was too late but we weren't. We toured around the rest of the church and before leaving, scouted out our first angel who is positioned with Habakkuk in Bernini's Habakkuk and the Angel sculpture. Which way is he pointing?

As it turned out, the angel pointed west so we left the church and headed due west to St. Peter's Basilica where we discovered our next angel, representing "air", the second of the elements, at the base of the Egyptian obelisk located in yet another giant ellipse that is St. Peter's square. This is where the second cardinal met his end.

The "air" angel seemed to blow east to Santa Maria della Vittoria where the third cardinal was to meet his doom consumed by fire. Historically, this building was dedicated to St. Paul and known as San Paulo when it was built in 1605-1626. Later, it was rededicated to the Virgin Mary. Once inside, we recounted Langdon's experience and then directed our attention to the Bernini sculpture, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa where we would find an amazingly realistic rendition of St. Teresa expressing sheer ecstasy for her love of God while an angel stands close by pointing his spear of fire. You must see this in person because pictures do not convey the brilliance of the golden beams nor do they really show you how Bernini captured and rendered ecstasy in St. Teresa's face. It is beyond belief!

Moving on. The angel in this church then lead us to our next stop on the tour, Piazza Navona where the 4th cardinal would meet his doom in Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers in the middle of the piazza. The fountain represents the four great rivers in four continents at the time it was designed by Bernini in the Renaissance. Surrounding Triton are the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe and finally the Rio de la Plata in America. Rising from the center of the fountain is a gigantic Egyptian obelisk hence another clue for Langdon. By the way, this famous piazza is usually a "must see" on everyone's Roman itinerary because it was the site of ancient Roman chariot races. Then in the 15th century, it was redesigned as a public space with contributions from Bernini and and Girolamo Rainaldi who designed the church of St. Agnes in Agony. Today, it is home to these glorious buildings and sculptures and very tempting cafés surrounding the piazza. It's a great place to grab an espresso and people watch, however, be warned that the cafés are absolute tourist traps that feature overpriced and often mediocre food so stick to coffee and maybe a pastry. Go and seek your main courses where the locals dine.

At this point in the book, the four cardinals are gone and now Langdon must rescue Vittoria which brings us to our final stop in the story and tour, Castel Sant'Angelo. Originally designed as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian whose ashes along with those of his wife, were indeed buried here, the structure built in 135-139 AD, was converted into a fortress in 401 that ultimately housed many a Pope after it was converted into a castle in the 14 century. There is one very interesting fact about the "connection" between this structure and the Vatican itself. Not accessible to the public but nonetheless there, is the Il Passeto, a secret passageway that provided an escape route for Popes from the Vatican to the safety of this massive fortress. In the story, the cardinals were kidnapped and lead out of the Sistine Chapel via Il Passeto.

We arrived at the entrance and walked around the curving ramps inside the castle to the top for a breathtaking view of the Tiber River and surrounding Rome. Lots of history to see here and a model of the structure before and after the conversion from mausoleum to fortress.

Our story and tour are coming to an end. Needless to say, Robert does save Vittoria and then rescues the Vatican from the threat of destruction. Michaela rescues us with a treat to some coffee and a pastry at a nearby café before we departed. So, we journeyed along the "Path of Illumination" guided by our angels and demons and experienced a lot of the famous sights in Rome while reliving the fictional world of Dan Brown. What fun!! I strongly recommend it to anyone who has 4 hours to spare in their Roman holiday. You can do a private tour where you are shuttled by your guide via taxi or a group tour in a mini-van. I recommend the private tour! Have fun!

For more exciting stories and planning advice for touring the sites, sounds and tastes in Italy and France, be sure to visit http://theeurotraveler.com often!

Facilities of Disney's California Adventure

Disneyland is the newest charm of California. It opened last February 8, 2001. It is called Disney's California Adventure. The resort area has a total of 55 acres. Here are some of its attractive facilities.

California Beach-front
The California beachfront is a Hollywood-inspired area that celebrates the natural wonders and diverse cultures of the state. It has an amusement region called Paradise Pier pervaded with attractions and graphics connected with the prime of the pretty seaside entertaining park piers.

California Screamin
There is also a California Screamin, a massive roller coaster imitated after the great wooden coasters of the world. Guests are catapulted to 55 miles per hour up. It also launches ramp on a white-knuckle ride in all sides of the two-mile long track.

People will be carried up and around the giant wheel that's 150-foot high. It moves along the inner curves as the wheel rolls.

King Triton's Carousel
King Triton's Carousel is an extraordinary ocean-themed carousel showing off marine creatures instead of horses.

Mulholland Madness
Mulholland Madness is a mini-roller coaster taking passengers on an outrageous and wacky ride on the California freeway system. A vertical thrill ride for the kids was also made on the Jumping Jellyfish parachute attraction.

Orange Stinger
The Orange Stinger is another Paradise Pier invention. This is a massive steel composition shaped in the picture of a half-peeled California orange. However, Paradise Pier shows its own mode of skill-game fun at the side of the lagoon's boardwalk.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot
The Hollywood Pictures Backlot presents shows and attractions enjoying the magic of movie production. It also shows culture, fame and celebrity ambiance around it.

Additionally, the unique architecture, the evocative of the prosperous age of Hollywood, signifies the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The ride on Superstar Limousine, the giant Disney Animation Complex, and the 2,000-seat Broadway-design Hyperion Theater are part of the attraction.

Guests can walk alongside movie star look-alikes in the Hollywood Boulevard set. They would also see restaurants, shops, and attractions, all Hollywood inspired. The visitors also eat among the angst-filled world of a daytime drama at the ABC Soap Opera Bistro. The waiters wear soap star dresses.

ABC Soap Opera Bistro
The ABC Soap Opera Bistro is a collection of true sound stage location pattern and pleasant dining. Guests will enjoy the amusing cinematic romp. It was made with Jim Henson's popular cast of adorable characters, Miss Piggy, Kermit, Gonzo and Fozzie Bear and other funny Muppets.

Grizzly Peak
The Grizzly Peak, California's main landmark and the recreation part will show a Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for kids, while the stunning Grizzly River flow white waters. It also takes visitors aboard an expedition raft where the passing currents fade them splashing down and around the mammoth.

Guests can also walk and hike the forested path imitating the national parks of the state.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a risky obstacle course showing rope bridges, cable slides, rock climbing and cargo netting woven via the treetops. This attraction is more for adults.

It also provides educational programs on the wondrous outdoors with simple homespun entertainment. The contribution of the Golden State to the wealthy well-known flying legacy of the state is the Condor Flats. This was formed as the high desert airfield in 1940. The aircraft memorabilia, test materials, and period buildings from the progressive days of flying are also conducted in this area.

The Best Way to Buy Online Plane Tickets

Booking plane tickets is always a great hassle and requires a great deal of time. Finding a way out often becomes a necessity if you are one of those who fly frequently. Buying online plane tickets is the best option that saves time as well as money. Everyday, millions of people search for online plane tickets but finding the best deals is surely one of the toughest jobs. Though the task of buying online plane tickets sounds quite easy, it is really a tough job. The scenario gets much more complicated with the steeply climbing airfares. You must get acquainted with some easy know-how of buying online air tickets. Save your time as well as money as you get the most sought after deals. Most of the people are often dizzied by tiring processes that leads them to nowhere while searching for air tickets.

The very first thing that you need to do is to log onto a trusted travel port. Keep in mind the reliability and goodwill of such sites as there are thousands of websites that have offers to buy online plane tickets. Check out the more trusted sites like Orbitz.com, Globester.com, Expedia.com and a few others. It ensures that you get the most reliable and updated offers on air tickets. It saves your time as well as money. You must also take care to compare the booking conditions before actually making the deals.

After logging in to any travel portal, search for all the flights to your destination. Before this, you also need to decide whether you want one way tickets or a round trip. Once you have decided, choose the options accordingly. If opting for one way ticket, you simply need to select the date on which you intend to go. While in the case of round trip, you also need to select the return dates. Once this is done, select the source and destination place or airport. Most of the travel sites offer a comprehensive list of airports in your destination city. Scroll through this list and select the one for you.

Once you have finished filling the above information, specify the number of passengers. It ensures the booking of a definite number of seats. When you have finished with these basic details, just look for an option for 'search' or 'find' on the webpage. Click on any of these and you will get a list of all the available flights. Online booking of air tickets also ensures that you get a display of flights from many different airlines for the intended date. Thus, it gives you the freedom of choice. After finding the flight of your choice, click on the option to book the tickets. This will direct you to the payment or billing page. You may have to fill in many details on this page like your email id, phone number, etc.

You will also need to select the payment option. Most of the websites accept payment through two main methods - through credit or debit card or via a net banking account. Now, you just need to select the preferred mode of payment and fill in the necessary details. Once this is done, you will get a confirmatory e-mail or call within an hour or so. Most of the booking websites email the e-ticket to your email id. Just take a printout of your e-ticket. Carry your ID proof and other necessary documents with the printout of the e-ticket at the time of check-in.

Though most of the airlines accept e-tickets, there are a few where you need the original paper tickets. In such a case, you will get your tickets via post or courier. Most of the websites make these available under the maximum time frame of 3 working days. With such easy steps to online booking, you are all set to fly. Forget about waiting in queue or dealing with tiresome booking agents, as the era of online booking is here to stay.

Globester provides plane tickets to popular USA and International Destinations around the world. You can search your Amsterdam flights online and get detailed information about cheap flights to Europe and plan your trip ahead. All you need pack your bags to explore best regions which you have not seen.

My Tips For Air Travel

As a frequent business traveler, the holidays are probably one of my least favorite time to travel due to the large number of people that are traveling, but even more important than that, the number of people that are infrequent travelers that seem to make the experience even worse.

Don't get me wrong... I have nothing against the infrequent traveler! I just wish there was some way that they could be better prepared for the journey on which they are about to embark. Things that would make the journey more pleasant for them as well as me.

Be prepared for Check-In.

• If you are checking baggage know the piece count and weight limits for your airline. Each airline has their own policies so check!
• Have all of your bags tagged with identification tags before showing up at the airport. Its also a good idea to put some ID inside the bag.
• Know what fees are being charged for baggage and don't argue about paying them.
• Proper ID is required - no a credit card is not good enough and your your gym membership doesn't count either.
• Don't use the airport as a place to weight balance your bags so that you don't have to pay extra fees. Do your weight balancing at home! Surely you have a bathroom scale that you can use to approximate baggage weight.
• Make sure liquids and gels over 3 ounces are IN your checked baggage. This will include the jams and jellies, and the bottle of Scotch you got from your family for Christmas.

Be prepared for TSA Security Check.

• You will have to take your shoes off!!!
• They aren't joking about the quart size bag with items of 3 ounces or less. Don't make them find the items you've tried to hide in your carry-on bag. It doesn't matter that you just paid $80.00 for that moisturizer if it is over the wight allowed you can plan on leaving it behind. Make sure you have it OUT of your carry on and in a scan "bin".
• Computers and large electronic equipment like video recorders and DVD players should be taken out of the bag they are in a placed in a separate "container" to go through the X-Ray machine.
• Hold on to your boarding pass... don't send it through the X-Ray. They are going to check it when you pass through the metal detector.
• Coats, hats, scarfs and sweatshirts have to go through the X-Ray machine. Don't make them ask you to take them off.
• Take off your jewelry, belts with metal buckles, cell phones, coins, etc... These are going to set off the metal detector. Unless you are an authorized tester for the government you can be assured that these machines work and you don't need to help with the testing process.
• Gather your things from the X-Ray belt quickly. There are usually places past the belt to put your shoes, jewelry, coats, etc... back on. The X-Ray scanner will hold up the line while you get dressed and there are other people waiting.

Be prepared for Aircraft Boarding.

• Everyone has a seat assignment (unless you are on Southwest) Milling around the gate just slows up the boarding process as people try to get through the herd of people
• Frequent fliers get to board first. It's a perk for dealing with this hassle trip after trip after trip. (If nothing else it assures us that our carry-on bags are going to have a place in the plane.)
• Most roller bags fit into the overheads lengthwise. Depending on the plane it will be wheels out or wheels in. The overhead doors are designed to allow for those wheels in most cases... Please try to fit your bags in this way first.
• Under the seat in front of you space should be used!!! If you brought a computer bag and a roller bag one of them belongs under the seat in front of you.
• Wait to put your coats up into the overhead until everyone in the rows around you have had an opportunity to put their large items overhead.
• Fragile items overhead? I don't think so just ship them! You have a better chance at getting them there. I was just on a flight where someone had a "very valuable" rolled up "poster" in the overhead. When the passenger in the row across from them started to use the overhead space for a bag we were close to a fist fight because they might "crease" the poster. The flight attendant made them "hold" it at their seat the entire flight and of course the customer complained the entire way - all 4 hours. If I had to hear about this valuable poster one more time I think I might have had to "snap".

Remember folks that those of us that do this week after week get into a routine and know the ins and outs of the process. We get just as frustrated as you do but for different reasons. The real trick is keeping your cool through the process. Be pleasant, be tolerant, be understanding.

Bill is an active author and is the owner of Projects Possible and The Geocacher.

Professionally, Bill is a project manager for a software company focusing on the implementation of new computer business solutions. He has also been involved with the design and development of educational content and materials for onsite, web based and self-paced environments.

Creating the Perfect Package Holiday

If you've never booked any part of a holiday on the Internet, then it's about time you considered it. Finding a bargain online is easier than you might think, and you will often find the deals available to be much cheaper than your local travel agent. Such is the value of Internet offers that they've spelled a very serious demise for traditional package holiday providers, who have seen their prices undercut. Probably the most important ingredient in making a successful online holiday package is your time and effort, but if you're looking to book your next holiday, and want to save a few pounds while you scour the web, then take a read of this article for some good tips.

Flights

If you're planning to holiday somewhere further than Britain or France, the flying is probably the best option with regard to time and expense. Searching for flights online couldn't be simpler, with a wide range of single providers, comparison websites and sites that specifically hunt bargains, such as cheap flights provided by Travelzoo. See if you can find a new air route offered by a company too. Companies such as Easyjet and Ryanair regularly open new routes at discount prices.

Travel Insurance

It's not a legal requirement to get travel insurance when you go abroad, but it will almost certainly give you peace of mind. Often it's possible to get year round travel insurance through your bank account provider or added onto another insurance package, but make sure this is thoroughly checked before you go away. If you find that you're not covered, then there are a wide variety of insurers that you can use on the Internet at cheap rates. Take a look at travel insurance from Go Travel to get you started.

Accommodation

Once you've booked your flights and travel insurance, you won't be far off completing a fairly comprehensive package. In fact, the only thing you'll have left to think about is where you'll actually stay. Searching for accommodation really depends on what level of luxury you'd like to stay in. If you're not particularly fussy, or just travelling on a shoe string, then Ebookers comes as a recommended site to look at. Other than that, just merely typing 'cheap hotels' into Google and seeing what comes up will be a good starting point. If you get a price through a website, don't forget to phone the hotel yourself to see if you can haggle a better rate. Hotels will often be able to give you a lower rate minus commission, especially if you're travelling off-season.

About the Author:
Go Travel Insurance provide cheap holiday insurance and travel insurance for residents of the UK and Ireland

12 Months of Cultural Festivals Around Australia

Australia is blessed to have so many wonderful cultural events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year. If you would like to incorporate some of these exciting events into your luxurious travel experiences, we've made it easy for you with a run-down of 12 months of cultural festivals around Australia:

January

Hobart Comedy Festival - some of Australia's biggest names in comedy head to Hobart for the annual comedy festival.

Sydney Festival - this is a superb showcase of Australian and international visual arts and performing arts and takes place across the city.

Tour Down Under, Adelaide ? the Tour Down Under is a cycling race that has become popular with Australian and international cyclists.

February

Adelaide Film Festival - held annually, this film festival is an ideal way to keep up with the happenings in the film world, along with special advanced previews and discussion panels.

ANZ Ladies Masters Golf, Gold Coast - this annual Golf Championship is held at the Royal Pines Golf Course, attracting golfing enthusiasts from all over the world.

Launceston Cup Carnival - one of Australia's most prestigious horse-racing events, this has become a major date in the Tasmanian social calendar.

National Multicultural Festival, Canberra - this festival celebrates the differences and similarities of the many varied cultures that make up 'Australia'.

Perth Festival - a leading cultural event in Western Australia, this popular festival showcases various artistic mediums for almost an entire month.

Royal Canberra Show - come along to the annual Canberra show to see local wares, agriculture, livestock and produce, and experience great entertainment and food.

Tamworth Country Music Festival - Australia's leading country music festival, with visitors travelling from across the state and internationally.

Tropfest - this is the largest short film festival in the world, with in excess of 150,000 visitors each year.

UWA Perth International Arts Festival - this long-standing arts celebration brings together a fine blend of music, theatre, literature, film and visual and street arts. Visitors can enjoy a mix of paid and free community events.

March

Melbourne Fashion Festival - this week-long celebration showcases some of the country's leading fashion designers and up-and-coming designers along with the very latest in fashion trends.

Moomba Waterfest, Melbourne - this event has been a Victorian favourite for over 50 years, providing a range of free entertainment and celebrations along Melbourne's waterfront.

Sydney Royal Easter Show - offers a solid mix of sideshows, competitions, parades, food, entertainment, rodeos and loads of fun.

April

Fremantle Street Arts Festival - this unique festival of top international buskers is one of the best festivals in Western Australia, with more than 100,000 attendees each year.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival - comedians from all over the world converge on Melbourne to provide three weeks of laughs and entertainment.

May

Canberra International Music Festival - join in the festivities as national and international musicians gather to entertain the crowds.

Hunter Valley Harvest Festival - local producers display their exquisite wines, olives and cheeses.

Settlers Cove Noosa Food and Wine Festival - celebrate the diversity of tantalising food and wines in Australia with some of the country's best chefs and winemakers, along with food and wine critics. Spend three days enjoying a sample of first-class food and wine along with a variety of entertainment.

June

Gympie Stampede - for three entire days, join in the fun as Gympie entertains crowds with traditional country music, country gospel and talented poets.

Melbourne International Film Festival - one of the country's largest annual film festivals, this winter festival combines film screenings with other events and celebrations over almost three weeks.

Sydney Film Festival - celebrate the joys of film, special screenings and reviews of Australian and international films.

July

Brisbane International Film Festival - if you enjoy watching movies and short films, you will enjoy the Brisbane Film Festival which showcases some of the most outstanding films from around the world.

August

Bangalow Music Festival, Byron Bay hinterland - this infamous weekend of music celebrations attracts visitors and musicians from around Australia and the world.

Barossa Gourmet Weekend - this is a wonderful event where visitors can indulge in tasty food and impressive wines from the Barossa Valley region, all while being kept entertained with a range of activities for everyone.

Hamilton Island Race Week - a world class yachting regatta that has been running for more than 25 years.

Melbourne Writer's Festival - for ten days, visitors get to meet authors and discover the secrets to good books and getting published.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - for six days, celebrate the start of the new season's fashions with fashion parades, events and parties by leading local, national and international designers.

QANTAS Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball - this amazing social dinner and entertainment event is held outdoors, beneath the stars.

Taste of Gold Coast - for two weeks you get to sample some of the deliciously fresh produce from around the Gold Coast region while celebrating the joy of good food and wine.

The Darwin Festival - this exciting festival lasts for two and a half weeks and is a celebration of the multi-cultural mix that makes Darwin so special.

September

Brisbane Festival - a three-week festival to celebrate the arts scene, with international artists, fireworks and a host of community events.

Canberra Floriade - the annual festival of flowers to celebrate the commencement of spring.

Cronulla Spring Festival - one of the largest outdoor festivals in Sydney, this is a celebration spring.

Noosa Jazz Festival, Noosa - this exciting jazz festival attracts performers from around the world, celebrating jazz music from the traditional styles through to more modern melodies.

Perth Fashion Festival - this annual festival displays latest season's fashions while showcasing some of the state's up-and-coming designers alongside the more established leading designers.

Royal Adelaide Show - one of the largest events held in Adelaide each year. Organised by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia, this is a huge display of local produce, agriculture and livestock, along with having a host of fun rides, entertainment and activities for all to enjoy.

Valley Fiesta, Brisbane - this annual three-day celebration is often referred to as the city's 'biggest street party', with various forms of entertainment centred on Brisbane's food, dance, fashion, music and art.

October

AFL Masters National Carnival - held over eight days, this is a major national event for AFL players. This Carnival is held in a different Australian city each year.

Bathurst 1000 - a premier event of Australian motor sports as V8 Supercar drivers race around Mt Panorama.

Brisbane Cabaret Festival - four nights of activities combining great food and wine with excellent music and fun for all.

Launceston Blues Festival - let your hair down and soak up the fun at this three day blues and roots festival.

Lexmark Indy 300, Gold Coast - the annual Indy Cart championship event held over four days, combined with parties and special events.

Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival - held during October and November, this is the highlight of the Victorian social calendar incorporating the 'race that stops a nation', the Melbourne Cup.

Royal Hobart Show - the annual show displays a range of local agricultural wares, livestock, produce and businesses, along with offering rides, entertainment, show bags and lots of great food.

November

Balmain Art & Craft Show, New South Wales - one of the most popular community events in Sydney.

Northern Territory Billfish Championship - spend four days catching and releasing mighty marlin while competing in one of the country's best fishing competitions.

December

Australian PGA Championship, Sunshine Coast - this is the oldest golf championship in Australia, attracting golfing greats from across the world.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - this famous race begins on Boxing Day and its completion is celebrated with parties galore.

The Hobart Summer Festival - Tasmania's main summer event provides a range of celebrations scheduled around the Sullivans Cove area.

Woodford Folk Festival - one of the largest and most popular events on the calendar, with many people travelling from all over the country, and some from overseas, to join in the six days of festivities. Entertainment includes plenty of fine food, music, writers, forums and panel discussions and loads of fun.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au