<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Travel and Vacation Tips</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.europememoirs.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.europememoirs.com</link>
	<description>Cause The World is The Place to Explore</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:00:00 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Coronado, Panamas First Beach Town</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/coronado-panamas-first-beach-town.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/coronado-panamas-first-beach-town.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Beach Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=77153</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Coronado rose up as Panamas first developed beach town. It is located about forty five minutes to the West of Panama city, via the InterAmercian Highway which is one of the best in Central America when it comes to quality.
Coronados entrance is marked by several shopping malls with a subway sandwich shop, various stores and [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/vacation-property-that-are-a-great-investment.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Vacation Property That Are A Great Investment'>Vacation Property That Are A Great Investment</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/family-beach-vacation-ideas.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Family Beach Vacation Ideas'>Family Beach Vacation Ideas</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/holden-beach-vacations-planning-for-your-next-trip.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip'>Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Coronado rose up as Panamas first developed beach town. It is located about forty five minutes to the West of Panama city, via the InterAmercian Highway which is one of the best in Central America when it comes to quality.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Coronados entrance is marked by several shopping malls with a subway sandwich shop, various stores and an unusual grocery store called El Rey, which would not be out of its place in any developed American city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Coronados beach is as nice as the beach in Santa Clara. The water in the beach of Coronado is however not that friendly because it has high rising tides and raving currents which could be fatal. Most of the coastal areas around the beach are used for real estate developments. Tall condo buildings are also dotted on the shores of Coronado these days.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The single family homes in Coronado vary from sizes and quality; you can get one from a very low end to even a super deluxe. There are several private mansions as well which are luxurious but unfortunately a very few of them are for rent or sale. The roads near the beach are well maintained.<span id="more-77153"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Real estate in Coronado is a bit expensive compared to any other beach area in Panama. This is because it will be a hot spot in the near future. But many people feel that by constructing various new similar looking condo towers, Coronado has a chance to prosper even more. The market advantage of low supply in the area caused most of the real estate developments in Coronado to prosper. Several hotels are being built to delight the foreign visitors as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The entrance of Coronado is guarded by a few securities and visitors have to check in while the residents can just swipe through. The guards are friendly and not choosy to avoid any sort of discrimination.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Coronado is still a home for lots of fisherman who trade on the beach area. As a residence of the place, you can easily purchase fresh lobsters and sea bass directly from the source. Even some of the local restaurants and hotels acquire fish this way and cater to the upper classes. Punta Barco and Punta Barco Autentico is Coronados closest neighbor to the west. You can also discover poor farmers and vendors selling small bags of beans for as less as fifty cents on the highway. Coronado is also known for its weekend trips as well as a nearby tourist attraction.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On many occasions and holidays, the locals and the foreigners chill with beers in the streets and relax on the Coronado beach. They also enjoy poolside barbeques and spend quality time on the beach. You can also enjoy the outstanding views from the towers; the front has to offer beautiful ocean views while the rear has the jungle.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">To summarize, Coronado is a good spot for investment as well as a good travel destination. The infrastructure is much developed compared to any other beach towns in the nation. Panamanian makes up a good portion of the local residents. Most foreigners consider it as a developed beach town. The best part is that even if you do not like it, you will not regret as you do not require much time reaching it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you are a real estate investor, you can benefit by investing in this place as there is a terrific opportunity to purchase at a low price and sell high in future. It is said that certain projects such as Coronado Country Club often sell out most of their units before any construction took place!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/vacation-property-that-are-a-great-investment.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Vacation Property That Are A Great Investment'>Vacation Property That Are A Great Investment</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/family-beach-vacation-ideas.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Family Beach Vacation Ideas'>Family Beach Vacation Ideas</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/holden-beach-vacations-planning-for-your-next-trip.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip'>Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/coronado-panamas-first-beach-town.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Introducing Amsterdam: Holland&#8217;s Capital Treasure</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-destinations/introducing-amsterdam-hollands-capital-treasure.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-destinations/introducing-amsterdam-hollands-capital-treasure.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[accommodation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Amsterdam]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=81020</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Amsterdam is in the nominal capital of the Netherlands (otherwise known as Holland). It was founded in 1200 as a fishing village. The name Amsterdam was derived from the fact that it was built around the Amstel River. It was built around semi-circular rings of canals and it is famous for these canals to this [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/cultural-sights-in-amsterdam.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cultural Sights In Amsterdam'>Cultural Sights In Amsterdam</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/holiday-apartments-in-amsterdam.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holiday Apartments in Amsterdam'>Holiday Apartments in Amsterdam</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/sight-seeing-in-seville.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Seville : Popularity as a tourist destination'>Seville : Popularity as a tourist destination</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Amsterdam is in the nominal capital of the Netherlands (otherwise known as Holland). It was founded in 1200 as a fishing village. The name Amsterdam was derived from the fact that it was built around the Amstel River. It was built around semi-circular rings of canals and it is famous for these canals to this day. It also boasts approximately 400 bridges over the canals. In fact, Amsterdam is fondly referred to as &#8220;the Venice of the North.&#8221;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Amsterdam is known to be a welcoming city. It has people living there of all colors, races, religions and ages. It is a city that contains contrasts, but that all fit together in a harmonious way.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Amsterdam has an abundance of sights to see and museums to visit. In fact, it is famous for its museums and houses over fifty of them. If you visit Amsterdam in the summer, be sure to visit the Royal Palace as it is open to the public during the summer months. It is a 17th century building that is still used for official functions by the Queen. By the Palace, you will find Dam square. It is the center of Amsterdam and is always busy. The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are popular areas. They are crowded by day with street performers, acrobatic arts and music and are crowded by night with people visiting the theatres, cinemas and clubs in the area. The Jordaan was built in 1612 and today is a village within Amsterdam that contains many restaurants and bars. The Red Light District is a cozy area that is always vibrant where you easily can find a nice place to eat and have some fun.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you are looking for culture, spend some time in Museum Quarter. The main museums can be found in this area, such as Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. The Concert Building is in this area, as are many of the exclusive shops that can be found in the city. The Botanical Garden is a teat to behold. Built in 1682, it is the oldest Botanical Garden in the world.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are a number of holiday accommodation options available to visitors to Amsterdam. You can choose to stay in a hotel. These range from luxurious large hotels to small boutique style hotels. It is possible to find a rental apartment in most areas of the city. These self catering accommodation options are ideal for families or for people who are staying more than a few days in the city. Youth hostels are typically located near the center of the city and these are ideal for those traveling on a tight budget. Campgrounds are open during the summer months and these are a popular choice at that time of year.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/cultural-sights-in-amsterdam.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Cultural Sights In Amsterdam'>Cultural Sights In Amsterdam</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/holiday-apartments-in-amsterdam.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holiday Apartments in Amsterdam'>Holiday Apartments in Amsterdam</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/sight-seeing-in-seville.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Seville : Popularity as a tourist destination'>Seville : Popularity as a tourist destination</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-destinations/introducing-amsterdam-hollands-capital-treasure.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Keeping Fit And Healthy At Your Hotel</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/keeping-fit-and-healthy-at-your-hotel.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/keeping-fit-and-healthy-at-your-hotel.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hotels and Apartment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=81239</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I go on holiday I tend to completely ignore my usual routine and instead of a nice healthy breakfast, I tend to pig out on everything going. This usually involves a plateful of fried breakfast that really should have been shared between at least three other adults.
However, when you are away on holiday the [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/factors-to-consider-while-booking-a-hotel.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Factors To Consider While Booking A Hotel'>Factors To Consider While Booking A Hotel</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/thinking-about-the-location-of-your-hotel.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thinking About The Location Of Your Hotel'>Thinking About The Location Of Your Hotel</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/choosing-a-hotel-factors-to-consider.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Choosing A Hotel &#8211; Factors To Consider'>Choosing A Hotel &#8211; Factors To Consider</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">When I go on holiday I tend to completely ignore my usual routine and instead of a nice healthy breakfast, I tend to pig out on everything going. This usually involves a plateful of fried breakfast that really should have been shared between at least three other adults.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, when you are away on holiday the temptations are very real as far as over eating and under exercising are concerned, and if you are usually careful about what you eat, this can put you back quite considerable. What you don&#8217;t want is for your holiday or trip away becoming a guilt trip instead.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So what can you do to make sure that you have an enjoyable trip away, but at the same time stay good to yourself?  It starts with booking the hotel of course. There are a few questions that you can ask, such as the sorts of meals that are provided. Do they, for example, provide healthy options?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What about facilities for exercise? They may claim they have an exercise room, or even call it a gym. In many cases this turns out to be a small rather airless room, with some old running and weight equipment shoved in without any spare room, and with almost no ventilation. This is not especially conducive to spending time exercising. A good facility on the other hand, which is light, airy, spacious and with modern equipment can be a real selling point. Many people who exercise this way usually will be happy to be able to continue their routine. Having said that, sometimes variation and variety can do more good.<span id="more-81239"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If the hotel has a swimming pool, this can provide a well needed change to your usual routine, and will be enjoyable and healthy, and possibly free. It is worth checking when you book whether such facilities are included in the price, or whether there are extra charges, and if so, what those are.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If the hotel itself doesn&#8217;t have these facilities, then it is worth asking whether there are such facilities nearby. Once you are at the hotel, as long as you have done this preliminary research then as far as possible, try to bear in mind the healthier options that the hotel offers as far as food is concerned, and use any facilities that they may have.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you are staying above the ground floor then why not use the stairs to get to your room rather than using the lift? Often a little change like this can make quite a difference.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The location of your hotel can also make a slight difference. If your hotel is literally a stone&#8217;s throw from the beach where you are going to be sitting all day, this provides you with very little opportunity to get a little exercise or fresh air, so considering a hotel which is a little further back from the beach will give you two advantages. In the first instance it is likely to be much cheaper, and in the second, it will give you the opportunity to enjoy a walk from the hotel to the beach or whatever other location you intend to visit. This will give you a chance to see more of the local surroundings and also to stretch your legs and squeeze in another small opportunity for a little bit of exercise.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/factors-to-consider-while-booking-a-hotel.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Factors To Consider While Booking A Hotel'>Factors To Consider While Booking A Hotel</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/thinking-about-the-location-of-your-hotel.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Thinking About The Location Of Your Hotel'>Thinking About The Location Of Your Hotel</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/choosing-a-hotel-factors-to-consider.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Choosing A Hotel &#8211; Factors To Consider'>Choosing A Hotel &#8211; Factors To Consider</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/keeping-fit-and-healthy-at-your-hotel.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Unique Mix Called Ceuta</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/culture-and-history/a-unique-mix-called-ceuta.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/culture-and-history/a-unique-mix-called-ceuta.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Culture and History]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[History]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=77950</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to the ministry for tourism Ceuta is a multicultural European city in northern Africa. It is an open city, easy and comfortable. It is accessible to the Costa del Sol, either for a day visit or a longer weekend stay, and it offers a unique mix of culture, gastronomy and tax-free shopping.
A 40-minute journey [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/culture-and-history/spanish-vocabulary-what-makes-it-unique.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Spanish Vocabulary &#8211; What Makes It Unique?'>Spanish Vocabulary &#8211; What Makes It Unique?</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/dome-sweet-dome-the-alhambra-palace-in-granada-spain.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Dome Sweet Dome: The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain'>Dome Sweet Dome: The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">According to the ministry for tourism Ceuta is a multicultural European city in northern Africa. It is an open city, easy and comfortable. It is accessible to the Costa del Sol, either for a day visit or a longer weekend stay, and it offers a unique mix of culture, gastronomy and tax-free shopping.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A 40-minute journey by fast ferry from Algeciras, Ceuta is, for administrative purposes, part of Andalucia (and more specifically Cadiz) but it has special status as an autonomous city in Spain. It is surrounded on both sides by water (with the Mediterranean and Atlantic connected by what is believed to be the only navigable moat in the world) and, together with Gibraltar on the other side of the Straits, dominates the entrance to the Mediterranean &#8211; hence its strategic military importance, both historically and currently.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With one of the highest traffic densities in the world, it covers an area of 19 square kilometres plus five square kilometres rescued from the sea but this includes vast, protected, uninhabited green areas, and the 75,000 residents live in apartment blocks around the port and City centre. Agriculture and industry are almost non-existent in Ceuta and maritime and fishing traditions dominate. The city also has a strong military past. General Franco&#8217;s nationalist troops set forth for Spain from Ceuta, and many Spaniards of a certain age had to do their obligatory military service in Ceuta. With the mili now defunct, most of the military barracks are empty, and there are plans to turn the navy area into a university cornplex.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With such limited space, Ceuta has had to be creative in its urban planning. Sorne of the land redeveloped from the sea features three expansive saltwater lakes (or pools), the Parque Maritimo Mediteraneo, where residents and visitors can spend their days swimming and sunbathing (a five kilometre pipeline transports clean water from the middle of the Straits). Which brings us to the history of the city. Whenever the issue of Gibraltarian sovereignty is mentioned, those who oppose Spain&#8217;s claims to the Rock like to taunt: so what about Ceuta (and Melilla)? It is indisputable that, geographically, Ceuta is in northern Africa and is as physically close to Morocco as Gibraltar is to Spain. But after that the comparisons become irrelevant.<span id="more-77950"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Over 1,500 years Ceuta was variously dorninated by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Arabs, before the Portuguese took power in 1415. When Don Sebastian died without heirs in 1581, the Portuguese crown (including Ceuta) passed to the King of Spain, Felipe II. Portugal gained its independence in 1640, but Ceuta voted in a plebiscite to stay loyal to the then Felipe IV. Ceuta subsequently suffered two centuries of war with the Arabs but Spain signed a peace treaty with the Sultan of Fez in 1860, and the Spaniards were not required to demand sovereignty over Ceuta because it had been a part of Spain even before the kingdom of Morocco existed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Indeed, the ceutis are the only Spanish inhabitants to have chosen voluntarily to be part of the kingdom of Spain &#8211; though they stress that Ceuta is much more than sorne anachronistic outpost of Spanish colonialism. It is, they say, an attractive, modern tourist destination in Spain where visitors can discover four different worlds as they have managed to create a community in which four cultures &#8211; Christian, Hebrew, Hindu and Arab &#8211; live together in relative harmony.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/culture-and-history/spanish-vocabulary-what-makes-it-unique.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Spanish Vocabulary &#8211; What Makes It Unique?'>Spanish Vocabulary &#8211; What Makes It Unique?</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/dome-sweet-dome-the-alhambra-palace-in-granada-spain.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Dome Sweet Dome: The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain'>Dome Sweet Dome: The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/culture-and-history/a-unique-mix-called-ceuta.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Five Kid Friendly Vacations</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/five-kid-friendly-vacations.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/five-kid-friendly-vacations.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Beach Vacation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=75172</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Traveling with your kids can be tough to plan.  When searching for the perfect vacation spot for your family there are many things to take into consideration.  Finding a family-friendly vacation destination can be the difference between a fabulous vacation for everyone to remember and a total nightmare.
The top family vacation in the [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/holden-beach-vacations-planning-for-your-next-trip.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip'>Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/the-magic-of-disneyland-vacations.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Magic Of Disneyland Vacations'>The Magic Of Disneyland Vacations</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/tips-for-planning-a-great-family-vacation.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Tips For Planning A Great Family Vacation'>Tips For Planning A Great Family Vacation</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Traveling with your kids can be tough to plan.  When searching for the perfect vacation spot for your family there are many things to take into consideration.  Finding a family-friendly vacation destination can be the difference between a fabulous vacation for everyone to remember and a total nightmare.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The top family vacation in the world is located in central Florida.  Walt Disney World is filled with fun for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.  Staying in a Disney Resort gives you and your family a chance to feel as if you are in another world during your stay. Watch the faces of your children light up as they meet Mickey Mouse for the first time or laugh with them as they enjoy their favorite ride in the theme park.  Walt Disney World in Florida offers guests four theme parks (the Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios, and Animal Kingdom) and two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) that are open year-round.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you are want a more tropical destination, the Atlantis Resort located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Offering tons of attractions to keep everyone in the family having fun, the resort features eleven pools and a number of water slides and rides from kiddie pools to the Mayan Drop which plunges riders down a six-story slide into the water. Children under twelve years of age can visit the Discovery Channel Camp, which includes lessons about indigenous sea life, arts and crafts, aquarium visits. It is guaranteed to be a favorite of any child visiting the resort. Everyone is sure to find something to do at Atlantis.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If your family likes the snow rather than sandy beaches, then be sure to plan a visit to Snowbird Resort in Snowbird, Utah.  Children under twelve ski free, but the amenities do not stop at the slopes.  Families will enjoy a range of activities during winter months such as snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating and snow tubing. Ski schools and camps are offered for children and child care services are offered for children under twelve.  For adults, the resort offers a spa and fitness club.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For the even more adventurous family, the Treesort in Takilma, Oregon is the perfect family vacation spot.  The Treesort offers a unique type of vacation high above the ground in the trees.  The resort offers 18 different tree houses for your family to discover.  The resort also includes swinging bridges, wooden swings, forts and platforms for climbing and fun. Families can enjoy the fresh water swimming pool, one of few attractions located on the ground, and the campsite area as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For a vacation that offers both activities and educational value, families may want to consider visiting Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. The Kingsmill Resort offers family vacation packages that can be put together to suit any family.  The resort offers both golf and tennis courses, as well as a marina.  At the resort&#8217;s Kids Camp children will enjoy activities like swimming and yoga, as well as time in the resort&#8217;s game room.The city of Williamsburg and the Kingsmill Resort offer a family vacation full of relaxation, activity, excitement and education.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/holden-beach-vacations-planning-for-your-next-trip.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip'>Holden Beach Vacations &#8211; Planning For Your Next Trip</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/the-magic-of-disneyland-vacations.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The Magic Of Disneyland Vacations'>The Magic Of Disneyland Vacations</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/tips-for-planning-a-great-family-vacation.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Tips For Planning A Great Family Vacation'>Tips For Planning A Great Family Vacation</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/beach-vacation/five-kid-friendly-vacations.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Speeding Skiers Face Jail Time</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/ski-vacations/speeding-skiers-face-jail-time.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/ski-vacations/speeding-skiers-face-jail-time.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ski Vacations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ski]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=74629</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Reckless skiing is a real problem in some areas. Those disobeying the speed limit signs in Utah may face jail time and fines.
The speed limit was put in place in certain areas where less experienced skiers are trying to learn the sport. Reckless behaviors of others have caused 10 percent of all collisions in Park [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/top-ski-resorts-for-beginner-skiers.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Top Ski Resorts For Beginner Skiers'>Top Ski Resorts For Beginner Skiers</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/taking-skiing-holidays-to-another-dimension.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Taking Skiing Holidays To Another Dimension'>Taking Skiing Holidays To Another Dimension</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/the-history-of-ski-holidays.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The History Of Ski Holidays'>The History Of Ski Holidays</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Reckless skiing is a real problem in some areas. Those disobeying the speed limit signs in Utah may face jail time and fines.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The speed limit was put in place in certain areas where less experienced skiers are trying to learn the sport. Reckless behaviors of others have caused 10 percent of all collisions in Park City and Deer Valley. A report in the Salt Lake City Tribune states that reckless skiing is now considered a Class B Misdemeanor.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ski patrollers will be monitoring the slopes in search of people disobeying the speed limits or skiing recklessly. The ski patroller can now call the police, and the offenders may find themselves in court. If a reckless skier is called to court, the patroller will be called in as a witness to the incident. If skiers are found guilty of reckless skiing, they will be fined 1,000 USD and face a six-month jail sentence.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some ski resorts in Europe are also adopting the ski speed limit, including Switzerland&#8217;s Grindelwald and Verbier. Pierre-Yves Deleze with the Verbier Tourist Office said, &#8216;The idea is to allow beginners to learn without people skiing by them too fast and frightening them.&#8217;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The problem isn&#8217;t simply fast skiers. Other reckless behaviour also endangers other skiers on the slopes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8216;We did it because that&#8217;s what people wanted&#8217;, said Susanne Daxelhoffer at the Grindelwald area tourist office. &#8216;The project is based on complaints of people skiing too fast and therefore fulfills a need&#8217;, Daxelhoffer added.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Swiss ski resort Grindelwald was the first European resort to introduce a speed limit on one of its slopes. A growing number of high-speed collisions on crowded slopes helped fuel the decision to implement the 30kmph speed limit. France reported several deaths in the 2006-2007 ski season due to high-speed collisions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Resort owners hope to combat deaths and injuries by decreasing speeds on crowded and beginner slopes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Richard Slater, a British skier and father of three told reporters, &#8216;It&#8217;s particularly good if you have young children and want them to be able to ski without being hit by out of control skiers going too fast.&#8217;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">According to BBC News, a study of 24 resorts reveals that all are keeping an eye on the experimental speed limit enforcements.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Speed limits for skiers and snowboarders might soon become commonplace on slopes around the world. The resorts of Park City and Deer Valley, both in Utah, are the first to implement a fine and jail time. Grindelwald and other European resorts that are adopting the ski speed limit do not plan to fine offenders. There they are simply warned to slow down.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When the proper amount of care and respect are given, skiing in general is a relatively safe sport. Some members of staff and skiers at the affected resorts are torn. They can see the importance of safer skiing, but some feel the punishment far exceeds the crime.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some skiers see the new law as a way for authorities to control what they do in their leisure time. These skiers feel the law imposes unfair restrictions on a fast-paced, thrilling sport.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Skiers on the other side of the fence believe the law will stop some skiers from recklessly skiing and putting others in harm&#8217;s way. This law gives less experienced skiers hope that they can safely enjoy their time on the slopes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A Swiss insurance group is installing timers on certain slopes. These timers allow people to see their speeds and should encourage them to ski within set limits. Ski resorts world-wide hope the implementation of timers and patrollers will help make the slopes safer for more inexperienced skiers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/top-ski-resorts-for-beginner-skiers.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Top Ski Resorts For Beginner Skiers'>Top Ski Resorts For Beginner Skiers</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/taking-skiing-holidays-to-another-dimension.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Taking Skiing Holidays To Another Dimension'>Taking Skiing Holidays To Another Dimension</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/holiday-and-vacation-activities/the-history-of-ski-holidays.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: The History Of Ski Holidays'>The History Of Ski Holidays</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/ski-vacations/speeding-skiers-face-jail-time.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Take A Gambling Break and Enjoy Six Las Vegas Activities That Can Leave You Breathless</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/gambling-break-enjoy-las-vegas-activities-leave-breathless.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/gambling-break-enjoy-las-vegas-activities-leave-breathless.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:14:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Popular Destinations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gambling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Las Vegas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.europememoirs.com/?p=84438</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the biggest reasons people go to Las Vegas is to gamble but the city has much more than that to enjoy. So when you get tired of gambling, be sure to take in the other sights that Las Vegas has to offer.
Six Non-Gambling Activities You Can Enjoy While In Las Vegas
1 &#8211; Mirage [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/timer-las-vegas-sights-enjoy-city-offer.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: First Timer To Las Vegas: Take In The Sights and Enjoy All That The City Has To Offer'>First Timer To Las Vegas: Take In The Sights and Enjoy All That The City Has To Offer</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/enjoy-the-luxury-of-the-excalibur-hotel-in-vegas.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Enjoy The Luxury Of The Excalibur Hotel In Vegas'>Enjoy The Luxury Of The Excalibur Hotel In Vegas</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/pay-post/eating-well-in-las-vegas.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Eating well in Las Vegas'>Eating well in Las Vegas</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the biggest reasons people go to Las Vegas is to gamble but the city has much more than that to enjoy. So when you get tired of gambling, be sure to take in the other sights that Las Vegas has to offer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Six <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/">Non-Gambling Activities</a> You Can Enjoy While In Las Vegas</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1 &#8211; Mirage Hotel Pool</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you first walk into the Mirage lobby, you’ll feel as if you stepped into a tropical rainforest. It’s got lots of exotic birds, waterfalls and trees. Go through the atrium, into the casino and out the back to the pool area and what you’ll find is an outdoor retreat. The Mirage pool winds through thick flora and you’ll be greeted by the sounds and sights of the hotel’s waterfall. What can you expect when you finally get to the pool?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You’ll get excellent service from the cabana boys and you can receive cocktail drinks from the waitresses who wear sexy sarongs. You can take part in the water aerobics class, which is offered two times a day. Under the pool manager’s leadership, people can enjoy a 45-minute workout that’s sure to burn off the breakfast buffet they consumed.  However, if you’re looking for a more relaxing time, you can enjoy the beach that run the pool’s inner perimeter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Read a book or enjoy the sun but make sure you use plenty of sunscreen and a hat to keep yourself from getting burnt while you enjoy the prettiest pool in Las Vegas. Keep in mind that the pool is only open for guests but staying at the Mirage is a pretty enjoyable experience overall.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2 – Coyote Café Dessert (inside the MGM Grand Hotel)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you have a hunkering for dessert, regardless of when it is, then consider the Coyote Café dessert at the MGM Grand Hotel where Chef Mark Miller is in charge. Miller has published many cookbooks and has brought a Southwestern flair to Sin City. Be sure to try a variety of desserts.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3 – Wynn Las Vegas</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you want a hotel room that’s got luxury and class to it, then you want to try the Wynn Las Vegas. Each standard room is 640 square feet with lots of amenities like a full television set and movies. Most hotels don’t go all out on in the rooms because they want you spending your money in the casino. Take in the La Reve, a Franco Dragone Cirque du Soleil circus flavored show that’s received amazing reviews. The restaurant chef is on the premises, which allows you to enjoy any one of the on-location restaurants including:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Red 8</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- SW Steakhouse</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Okada</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Wing Lei</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4 – Liberace Museum</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Want some culture while you’re visiting Las Vegas? Then enjoy a short cab ride to the Liberace Museum. Here, you’ll see a tribute to the man responsible for bringing Las Vegas its popularity. It’s also got press clippings, cars, jewelry, costumes and lots of photos. This isn’t your run of the mill museum; you’ll leave it… adoring it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">5 – The Las Vegas Strip</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Many people call the famous Las Vegas Strip just the Strip or a Boulevard of Dreams, as it’s got all the glitz and glamour one could wish for. Most top name <a href="http://www.caesarspalace.com/">Las Vegas hotels and casinos</a> can be found here and during the nighttime hours, lots of neon adorns the skyline. Take a walk on the strip at night when the temperatures are much cooler.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">6 – Stratosphere Tower</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This is the United States’ tallest freestanding observation tower and the view is just inconceivable. You can view every part of Las Vegas and even the stretching desert. Of course, it’s much more than a view. It’s also got a roller coaster you can enjoy or, if you’re really daring, a bungee jump that shoots rides up to 45 miles per hour up and down.  Survive these and enjoy the bar and restaurant at the top.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/timer-las-vegas-sights-enjoy-city-offer.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: First Timer To Las Vegas: Take In The Sights and Enjoy All That The City Has To Offer'>First Timer To Las Vegas: Take In The Sights and Enjoy All That The City Has To Offer</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/enjoy-the-luxury-of-the-excalibur-hotel-in-vegas.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Enjoy The Luxury Of The Excalibur Hotel In Vegas'>Enjoy The Luxury Of The Excalibur Hotel In Vegas</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/pay-post/eating-well-in-las-vegas.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Eating well in Las Vegas'>Eating well in Las Vegas</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/popular-destinations/gambling-break-enjoy-las-vegas-activities-leave-breathless.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Advice On Locks And Locking Systems For Luggage</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/advice-on-locks-and-locking-systems-for-luggage.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/advice-on-locks-and-locking-systems-for-luggage.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Luggage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=70848</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have ever had the misfortune of having your bag stolen, or an item removed from your bag, you will know how horrible this is, and how much it can ruin a holiday very quickly. Whether it involved something really drastic such as the loss of your passport, your credit cards, keys or money, [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/advice-on-hand-baggage-security-measures.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Advice On Hand Baggage Security Measures'>Advice On Hand Baggage Security Measures</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/uncategorized/top-tips-for-smart-luggage-packing.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Tips For Luggage Packing'>Tips For Luggage Packing</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/travelling-with-your-luggage-safely.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Travelling With Your Luggage Safely'>Travelling With Your Luggage Safely</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">If you have ever had the misfortune of having your bag stolen, or an item removed from your bag, you will know how horrible this is, and how much it can ruin a holiday very quickly. Whether it involved something really drastic such as the loss of your passport, your credit cards, keys or money, or whether it was easily replaceable, doesn&#8217;t always matter. The sense of personal intrusion can make you feel miserable for a long while afterwards.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are ways in which it is possible to increase the level of security of your possessions, although it is always best to use a wide range of methods rather than relying simply on one alone.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, the most effective method of making sure your possessions stay safe is to keep them with you at all times. If you are travelling by plane, this is not always possible because of your luggage being handed over to the baggage handlers. However, as many people have discovered, it is very possible, with enough planning and honest effort, to reduce your luggage requirements to a single carryon. If you can achieve this, then your luggage is far safer, and you will also be able to move through the airport much faster.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A word of warning about locks and locking mechanisms for cases. If your case has a lock on it, and you are sending this via the luggage handlers, you need to make sure it is unlocked. This seems strange, but most airlines these days require your bags to be unlocked. If they have reason to check your bag, and they find it locked, then they will force it open. This could mean damage to an otherwise good and possibly expensive bag, for which the airline will not compensate you, or the damage to your bag could mean it won&#8217;t close effectively. This is another reason to consider reducing your needs down to a single carryon.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, even carryon bags that are with you at all times can prove subject to theft or tampering. There are travel bags with a number of security measures built in to them, <span id="more-70848"></span>and you would be wise to consider purchasing one of these. For the extra money, you are buying the reassurance that you should be safe, and enjoy the holiday you deserve.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Security devices include slash proof material and straps, meaning that would be thieves can&#8217;t just use a knife to slice open the bottom of your bag and remove the contents without you even knowing, or cut the strap over your shoulder and make off with it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Additionally, some bags even have a metal mesh built into the lining, meaning that it s quite impossible to cut through at all. Zips are a very weak area on most bags, and can easily be forced open even if locked. A ball point pen pushed into one end of a zip and a good pull is all that is needed to open it. Again, manufacturers have developed zips which are more secure, and cannot be forced open &#8211; even going as far as locking shut or activating a clasp to hold the zip closed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Ultimately, the security of your bag is down to you. Reducing your luggage to the minimum, buying strong, durable and safe baggage, and being sensible about packing secure items deep within the bag are all helpful. But keeping an eye on your bag, not leaving it lying around and being aware of the risk will stand you in good stead just as much.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/advice-on-hand-baggage-security-measures.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Advice On Hand Baggage Security Measures'>Advice On Hand Baggage Security Measures</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/uncategorized/top-tips-for-smart-luggage-packing.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Tips For Luggage Packing'>Tips For Luggage Packing</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/travelling-with-your-luggage-safely.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Travelling With Your Luggage Safely'>Travelling With Your Luggage Safely</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/advice-on-locks-and-locking-systems-for-luggage.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Traveling Single and Happy in Italy</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-destinations/traveling-single-and-happy-in-italy.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-destinations/traveling-single-and-happy-in-italy.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Destinations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Destination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=76219</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Want to travel to Italy but nobody you know wants to go? Have specific dates for your holiday in Tuscany but none of your traveling friends can get away then?
You&#8217;re not alone&#8211;you&#8217;re part of the fast growing single traveler market. As a frequent single traveler in Italy for many years, here are my tips on [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/booking-a-hotel-room-as-a-single-person-2.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Booking A Hotel Room As A Single Person'>Booking A Hotel Room As A Single Person</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/ski-resort/italy-ski-vacations.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Italy Ski Vacations'>Italy Ski Vacations</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/discovering-paris/traveling-guides-by-real-travelers.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Traveling Guides by Real Travelers'>Traveling Guides by Real Travelers</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Want to travel to Italy but nobody you know wants to go? Have specific dates for your holiday in Tuscany but none of your traveling friends can get away then?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You&#8217;re not alone&#8211;you&#8217;re part of the fast growing single traveler market. As a frequent single traveler in Italy for many years, here are my tips on companionship, safety, money matters, and quality of life for traveling solo in Italy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Companionship</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Look for restaurants or hotels with communal tables. Sit down, relax, eat with whoever is there, smile and start a conversation. Sharing food and wine around the table opens people up and conversation flows easily. Also look for restaurants with tables close together so it&#8217;s easy to strike up a conversation with fellow diners.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For example, I&#8217;ve enjoyed staying a family-run B &amp; B in Sorrento where I&#8217;ve happily chatted to people from all over the world around their big dining tables.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Offer to help other travelers as a spring board to start a conversation. For example, while traveling on the Amalfi Coast on a bus to my hotel in Praiano, I overheard a man asking about the area.<span id="more-76219"></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Knowing the coast, I gave him directions and advice. It turned out we were staying at the same hotel. That evening we shared a lovely dinner of fish and cool, white wine and a good conversation on a restaurant patio at the sea&#8217;s edge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3. Break up your time alone with half or full day guided tours that focus on something you&#8217;re passionate about like food, art or gardens so you have fun with people with similar interests.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For example, in Florence you&#8217;ll find city walking, cycling, garden, leather &amp; gelato, history and food tours.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. Find tours that cater to single travelers. For example, two Italian families offer cooking tours, one in the Chianti hills and one in Sorrento, and accept solo travelers for any dates they request. Generally other people are staying in their B &amp; Bs so you have congenial company. A family member takes the single traveler on the same excursions as a group.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Safety For Solo Women</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">5. Use your common sense and intuition. No matter what hour of the day, if a street is deserted you may not want to walk there. In general, stick to streets where other people are walking.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Strolling along the Arno River in Florence at 10:00 p.m. admiring the reflections of illuminated buildings along with lots of people is wonderful. Walking down a deserted little street in Palermo in mid-afternoon may not be wise.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">6. Out and about, dress down in ordinary clothes and leave your jewelry at home, so you avoid becoming a lone and profitable target for theft.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">7. Take a handbag with a shoulder strap you can put diagonally across your chest. Wear a money belt under your pants. Be alert to who is around you, especially in crowded places where pick pockets thrive.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">8. Walk with a strong, confident bearing, so you don&#8217;t look like a victim. All the above apply in any big city. In small country towns you can relax, since little happens there.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">9. What about men chatting you up? Just like at home, stick to public places until you&#8217;re comfortable with him. If you&#8217;re not interested in him, politely say &#8220;no thanks&#8221; as many times as it takes.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Over the years, I&#8217;ve found Italian men respect my boundaries. I only got into one &#8220;tight&#8221; situation in my 20s where my fast running made up for my clueless behaviour. Other times I&#8217;ve met new friends and big loves of my life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Money Matters</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">10. Find tours that have no single supplement. They do exist. Many tour companies in Italy match you up with a roommate. For example, I went on walking tours in Tuscany and Sicily, shared rooms and found hikers are generally a nice, down to earth, fun bunch. Be open to new people, make new friends by getting to know your roommate and avoid the supplement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">11. When looking for a hotel in Italy, I like to e-mail the hotel directly about a single room and not book online.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you email, fax or call them, you can ask for a double room for single use (often a small double at a lower price than a double room) or for a single room. Since single rooms are scarce, asking for a double for single use will often get you a room.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By email or phone you can also make other special requests like a quiet room not overlooking the street.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Quality of Life</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">12. To give yourself the best eating experiences in Italy, go to restaurants on the early side (12:30 for lunch, 7:30 for dinner or 7:00 in big tourist cities) and get the best seat.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For example, at these hours in the beautiful Cinque Terre town of Vernazza, I find no one minds if I occupy a table for two with a front row view of the sea at a restaurant patio on the main piazza.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">13. Accept help and reach out to other travelers. If someone offers to help you carry your suitcase up the stairs in a train station, say yes, thank them and give them a big smile. Look around for other travelers who may appreciate your help in small ways.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As a single traveler, if you extend your friendship to fellow travelers or local people, especially in places conducive to conversation, look for people with your interests on tours, take sensible safety precautions and pay attention to your quality of life, you&#8217;ll have a fabulous time and some fun adventures in Italy.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Since 1995 Margaret Cowan has owned a tour company, Mama Margaret Italian Cooking Holidays.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/hotels-and-apartment/booking-a-hotel-room-as-a-single-person-2.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Booking A Hotel Room As A Single Person'>Booking A Hotel Room As A Single Person</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/ski-resort/italy-ski-vacations.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Italy Ski Vacations'>Italy Ski Vacations</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/discovering-paris/traveling-guides-by-real-travelers.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Traveling Guides by Real Travelers'>Traveling Guides by Real Travelers</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-destinations/traveling-single-and-happy-in-italy.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What To Do About Lost Luggage At Manchester Airport</title>
		<link>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-air-travel/what-to-do-about-lost-luggage-at-manchester-airport.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-air-travel/what-to-do-about-lost-luggage-at-manchester-airport.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Air Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[airport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://laurentravelblog.com/?p=75424</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Standing at the carousel at Manchester Airport after a long or short haul flight hoping and praying that your luggage will appear.  After what seems to be an eternity of waiting, you finally decide that your luggage has not arrived back with you and wonder what you are supposed to do next.  This [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-air-travel/luggage-and-airport-security-requirements.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Luggage And Airport Security Requirements'>Luggage And Airport Security Requirements</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/travelling-with-your-luggage-safely.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Travelling With Your Luggage Safely'>Travelling With Your Luggage Safely</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/advice-on-locks-and-locking-systems-for-luggage.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Advice On Locks And Locking Systems For Luggage'>Advice On Locks And Locking Systems For Luggage</a></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Manchester-Airport.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-84406" style="border: 1px solid black; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 2px;" title="1532286 - 01_11_2003.jpg" src="http://www.europememoirs.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Manchester-Airport-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="270" height="270" /></a>Standing at the carousel at Manchester Airport after a long or short haul flight hoping and praying that your luggage will appear.  After what seems to be an eternity of waiting, you finally decide that your luggage has not arrived back with you and wonder what you are supposed to do next.  This article describes what you can do to get your luggage back as quickly as possible.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">First of all we need to understand why luggage goes missing in the first place.   Missing luggage can usually be put down to human error.  There are many different people who will interact with your luggage during its long journey and you are dependent  such people as baggage handlers, check in personnel and security staff all getting their individual jobs absolutely right.  Unfortunately we do not live in an ideal world and things will go wrong and unfortunately it could be your bag that gets lost.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Once you have realised that your bag is missing the first thing you need to do is report it missing at the lost baggage desk. At Manchester Airport these desks can usually be found in the baggage return areas but.  Any member of staff will be able to direct you to the nearest desk should you have difficulty in locating them.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When reporting your lost luggage be sure to give as detailed a description as you can as it is much easier to locate a bag if they know what they are looking for.  You may also be asked for a description of your luggage contents, again as much detail as possible but not totally necessary as nobody will expect you to know everything you have packed in your luggage.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately there is no set time limit for finding lost luggage and airlines will more than likely not declare your luggage as officially lost  until approximately 21 days so with any luck it will turn up naturally before then.  There are various agencies that can help with lost luggage and are not difficult to find.  they are off airport companies and more than likely a member of staff will give out their details.  After the twenty one day period if your luggage still has not turned up you are entitled in most cases to claim compensation from your airline for your losses.  I realise that this really is not what you would like but at least if you are aware of this fact you may get something back, then its not a total loss. In some cases airlines may be obliged to pay up to eight hundred pounds per person for lost luggage.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A very important note that everybody should know and not many people do, is that most airlines will try and persuade their customers to claim for any lost luggage through their own personal travel insurance.  You are well within your rights to push the airline for direct compensation as under the Montreal Convention if an airline accepts any item as checked baggage it must accept liability for it.  Most travel policies do not cover lost luggage but if they do they will no doubt be claiming the money back directly off the airline anyway.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The long and short of lost luggage is, that there really is no hard or fast or even guaranteed way to get your luggage back.  Only ways and means to try. Armed with this information you will stand more than a fighting chance of getting your luggage back or at least some money to help ease the pain.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.europememoirs.com">Travel and Vacation Tips</a</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-air-travel/luggage-and-airport-security-requirements.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Luggage And Airport Security Requirements'>Luggage And Airport Security Requirements</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/travelling-with-your-luggage-safely.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Travelling With Your Luggage Safely'>Travelling With Your Luggage Safely</a></li><li><a href='http://www.europememoirs.com/tips/advice-on-locks-and-locking-systems-for-luggage.html' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Advice On Locks And Locking Systems For Luggage'>Advice On Locks And Locking Systems For Luggage</a></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.europememoirs.com/recreation-and-leisure-travel/recreation-and-leisure-travel-air-travel/what-to-do-about-lost-luggage-at-manchester-airport.html/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
