Travel. Sights. Memories. What could be more relaxing than touring through the Italian or French countryside than being on your single bike or tandeming with your favorite person in the whole world? (hey guys, nothing is the correct answer!). 

How do I go about getting my bike there and then what do I do?  Well, a guided tour company is the way to go for those that don’t have the time or gumption to set up their own tour.

You can have some really good tours on your own if you are willing to do some leg work and set up your own tour. My wife and I have been on three guided tours and one self guided tour in Europe and I have been on one bicycle trip without her.  I can tell you the first time or two it is a good idea to take a touring company’s guidance and the experience they offer when traveling abroad.

Now that we have a few trips under us and the unguided tour it really isn’t a problem but it sure would have been difficult to assimilate not only the language barrier but the cultural differences you have to wade through without being exposed to things gradually in the guided tours.

Traveling outside the United States can be a little daunting for some people so the hand holding is not a sign of weakness but should be looked upon as a way to get your feet wet so you can do it on your own later. Granted, there is a cost to having someone take care of all of the details for you, but if you pay attention and learn what they are doing, ask some directed questions and keep your mind open, you can do it yourself.

The touring companies will take care of almost every aspect of your trip except getting your bike there (unless you rent one of their bikes, but then you wouldn’t be reading this if you were going to use one of theirs).

You are most likely going to take your single bike or your tandem with you or again you wouldn’t be reading this. Getting it there in one piece is pretty important. The best way to get your bike there is with a dedicated travel case.  I have used several types of travel cases including a Crate Works bike box and a Serfas travel case.

Of the two, I really like the Crate Works box.  Take a look at them over on my site about specific cases.   You might look at this case and not believe that it would work but I prefer this case over my Serfas injection molded plastic box. The Crate Works box has a ton of room on the inside and I have used it on my last three trips overseas and my bike has come out looking just as I packed it. I even saw the guys on the tarmac loading my bike and they weren’t nice to it yet it didn’t bother the bike inside.  Another good thing about this case it that it folds flat for storage at home.

Back to the traveling part; If you do plan to go it alone, or should I say without a guide you will need to know a few things. Maybe some of the things that I have learned can save you some headaches.

Research your destination to know where to ride.

Sure you say, I know that. No, really. Take some time, get Michelin maps and study them. Know what the symbols on the maps really mean. You don’t want to be on your bike and have to guess if the road really goes where you thought it went. Get a GPS! The Garmin Edge 705 is just the ticket to put on your bike. I used a Garmin Nuvi 250W that was made for a car and it was a pain to put it out of your pocket, put it back in, pull it back out etc. The Edge 705 wasn’t available until I got back. Now that I have used one, wow, it really works!

Stay in touch

How are you going to stay in touch with your family and friends while on you travel? Calling cards work okay. Internet phones are a good idea if you have access to an internet connection or cafe. Generally speaking though, free internet connections are harder to find around Europe than they are here in the United States. Most of the sites that you want to connect to in Europe will be a pay per session or pay per hour type. This is true in hotels as well as wandering around.

International cell phone rental is a good option.  Mobal Phone rental is who I have used for the last three trips to Europe. If you want, you can see about them on on my site. What I really like about them is they are truly an inexpensive option if you only plan to use the phone on trips and not here in the United States. There are no, none, not a single one, hidden charges when you get one of their phones. You simply buy the phone (I got the $49 model), and you pay for what you use, period. You don’t use the phone for a year, you don’t pay a dime. Compare this to AT&T’s plan (higher rates per minute than Mobal’s), Verizon (you might get a lower price per minute but you have to buy the $80 sim card and you have to figure in the $15 per month charge for the international plan you have to add).

If you are going to use your phone overseas like you do here; 10,000 minutes a month, 9000 text messages, etc you might want to consider one of the higher models or just setting up service over there. If you just want a phone to say call home, check on the kids and stay in touch, the Mobal phones are really the way to go. I even let my friends take it on trips with them and they end up buying one for the next trip. You can get a nifty thing from Mobal too that if you sign up a friend, you get a discount off the per minute charges on your own phone. I think I am up to 50% off now with all of the friends that have ended up getting phones from these guys.

If you want to get some more information come on over to my site about bicycles at tandem-bicycle-central.com  I talk about more things about biking than can be covered in the scope of this article

For your typical city occupant folding bikes usually are the most appropriate way to get around. With a lot of Londoners living in flats and apartments with little if any storage space a foldable bicycle is going to be much more convenient when compared to a standard sized cycle. The bikes fold up rapidly and are generally small enough to be tucked away in the home or taken on trains and buses during the particular times that ordinary cycles are restricted on account of passenger overcorwding.Folding bikes can in fact be taken on the tube system, taken on buses and even taken on Croydon’s Tramlink system. Officially the bikes may need to be in a small bag but in practice Transport for London rarely enforce this and if they do then a pair of black binliners will suffice. A folder will permit a person to circumvent the train companies’ cycle restrictions and you could actually take your folding bike home in a minicab on a Friday night following a few bevies at the pub!
There are plenty of different kinds of folding bicycles available, from leading manufacturers including  Dahon, Brompton and Pashley. Each model has its own advantages and down sides, so remember to examine the information on each of the models within your budget. Many manufacturer’s internet sites have specification comparison charts so that you can see instantly the information that interests you.Folding bikes come in a variety of models, each with their own features. Brakes, frames and gears vary according to the design of bike you select. Mountain bikes and racing bikes are also available as folding bikes. These are definitely the best choice if you have only a little space but would like to take up biking as a new sports activity in the greenery that encompases London or in one of the Royal Parks where cycling is allowed for example Richmond Park or Regent’s Park.
A lot of people regard the folded dimensions as the key feature of any folding bike. When space is tight or you want to store your bike under a desk in the office, you may need a compact bike. Measure the height, width and depth of the space where your bike is going to be stored so you can see immediately which bikes will squeeze into the available space.The weight of the bike may also be a primary consideration for anyone traveling on the London Tube or buses. In order for you to lift your bike off and on public transport, a light and portable bike can make it easier. You’ll find the weight of the bike listed in the manufacturer’s specifications.
As you can’t fold wheels up you’ll find all folding bikes have small wheels. Some companies have added a suspension system to their folding bikes to counteract the rough ride that smaller wheels give hence it might be worth paying a bit more for a bicycle with suspension to provide you with additional comfort if you are nervous about a back injury being aggravated by the potholes of the London streets.
Prices of cycles vary, so planning what amount you would like to shell out is usually a good place to start. Although most cyclists who use folding bicycles will realise that the money they save on car or transport expenditures far exceeds their original outlay on their folder. Folding bikes are the same as regular cycles; the more you pay the better quality of bike you’ll receive. That is not to say you can’t find a bike to your liking within budget, there are plenty of inexpensive folding bikes available. Should you be after a good deal, check out the prices for last year’s designs or look for discounts on second user online websites like Folding Bikes For Sale. There are many to select from so there will definitely be a folding bike available for you to benefit from in London.

Ten years ago cheap French property brought a lot of people to the country. New air routes were opening up and with the associated cheap flights it became much easier to get here. As a result, prices increased more or less everywhere and finding cheap property in France isn’t as easy as it was. They are still out there though, and I have an extra little tip that the French use that could save you eight or nine per cent of the price if you buy your French house from the right place!
The price of the property you are looking for will, of course, depend a great deal on location. A flat in Paris or Cannes is never going to be cheap. On the other hand a French farmhouse in need of renovation at the eastern end of the Loire valley can still be had remarkably cheaply. The cost of renovation is another matter and will depend to a large extent on whether you want to get your hands dirty or if you have the necessary skills.
Whether you think something qualifies as cheap French property will also depend on your budget and the kind of house you are looking for. The French tend to prefer to buy new so renovation properties remain affordable. On the other hand coastal properties, like in most other countries, command a premium. If you’re not concerned about fast international travel then you will find prices cheaper away from the airports and main cities. The center of France (a big rural area of farms and forests) is least expensive, with properties in the “Indre” region probably the cheapest of all.
But what about that saving I mentioned? Getting your dream home for six, seven, eight or even nine per cent less may not be exactly cheap French property but it’s nice not to have to pay it!
The trick is to avoid the real estate agents (called “immobiliers”) and look for the “notaires”. Notaires are the people who do the conveyancing. You need one to handle your French property purchase by law. It’s not something you can avoid but you shouldn’t be at all concerned about it. Charges are fixed by the French government and notaires are highly qualified. The interesting thing a lot of people don’t know is that notaires can also offer houses for sale.
What difference will that make? Well a French real estate agent will charge you somewhere between five and ten per cent on top of the asking price of the property. In France, the buyer pays that fee so it’s common practice – and sensible – to allow ten per cent on top of the advertised price to cover all eventualities. On the other hand your notaire normally wants much less – they make their money on the paperwork so they don’t need to make it on the actual house sale!
It’s true that perhaps you don’t get the same level of help from a notaire that you might from a good agent. Not all agents are good though! If your command of French is reasonable (most won’t speak much English) then you could save yourself thousands!
Although the rules may differ slightly the housing market in France is like any other. Cheap French property is still out there if you know where to look and are prepared to compromise. Take your time, learn some French and have a good look in the notaire’s wndow!

On a trip to the Caribbean, the thought of a sub tropical climate, white sandy beaches and a great place to relax are the first thoughts that come to the mind. The Caribbean is studded with over 7000 islands, islets, forests and mountains, and deciding which are the top 10 places to see can be quite difficult. Of course, looking for beaches to relax on, or places for scuba diving and snorkelling is easy, as there are plenty of places for this in the Caribbean islands. But to really see Caribbean islands a visit to the sanctuaries, plantations and towns is also required for getting a real feeling for the place.  

Those who are looking for peace and quiet to unwind and to start their vacation with, must first head to Virgin Gorda. It is empty, laid back and not easy to get to, but once there it is an ideally suited place to relax and unwind. St. John is also a good choice, being one of the least populated and least developed of the islands. For an authentic Caribbean experience, Nevis with its flat coast line, rain forests and Mount Nevis – and a rather small population – would be the place to visit. Also, there are no ugly high rises on this island. Most of the luxurious hotels and villas are situated on Anguilla, with its lovely coastline and miles of beaches making it an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation by the sea.  

No visit to the Caribbean would be complete without a visit to Bermuda. The place bustles with people and the atmosphere is always festive. If shopping is required then a hop to Harbour Island is in order. There are colourful cottages along the harbour and old palatial residences. This is one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas, and the feel of the past still remains in this town. Looking for adventure would require a trip to Saba, where there is a dormant volcano that can be reached by a thin winding road. There is plenty of wild life to be seen in this beautifully preserved island.

The Dominican Republic is a choice of many vacationers that offers two different types of beaches. The Caribbean side boasts white sandy beaches and the gulf side does not. Cayman Islands have a beach called 7 Mile Beach, and the beach just continues into the horizon. For duty free shoppers St Thomas offers stores loaded with electronics, emeralds, diamond and duty free liquor shops. It also has a stunning beach. Luxury hotels and casinos are in Aruba – and also some of the friendliest people.

A trip to the Caribbean without visiting the rum capital of the world, Jamaica, would be considered incomplete. The people are relaxed and friendly and one can ride a bike around Jamaica.  

There are so many islands, and each boasts their own individuality, that one is really hard placed to decide which the best are as each one of them is unique.

The process of bargaining for car rental thus results into a comfortable and pleasurable experience after paying considerable attention on some relevant points for booking a car on rent. However, above all the necessary points of caution for hiring a car, the one that should have utmost priority on your list ought to be car rental agreement.

Before driving away with car one should be dead sure about all the information contained in the signed agreement. Any confused clause lacking in clarity can bring about puzzled situation or legal complication before you. You should ponder over each and every point like what you would be charged for returning the car late by five hours or with a scratch.

After reading car rental agreement when you would arrive at the check out counter of renting agency to receive keys of the car you may confronted with question, whether you have opted for car rental agency’s insurance policy or not. At this, immediately not jump for denial, instead think over and review policy whether you may meet with an accident or get car damage when driving it on the travel.

Despite the fact don’t go singing up car rental agency’s insurance policy as the counter clerk ask you for the policy instead check out the options under your own vehicle’s car rental insurance whether it covers insurance on rental cars. It is good to have coverage on rental cars with your current insurance provider. If you are paying bill for bargaining car rental by credit card, then you can verify it from the credit card company about the provision of facilitating car insurance on rented car. Many of them provide this facility as soon as a car is rented on their credit card.

Unfortunately, if you don’t have car rental from any of these resources then you can think about buying it from car rental agency. More you need to be cautious while driving; otherwise, you may have to pay not only for damaged car but for the period a car is left at repairing shop.

Apart from car rental insurance other thing which can irritate you while paying bill for the car rental are hidden fees and charges. Tax is another thing and you being a citizen can’t refrain yourself from this responsibility. So to avoid any complication, just start planning for this situation from the moment you have decided to pick a car on rent.

You are charged for the gas in two ways, in the first method an agency charges flat fee for gas, in the second scheme a car renting agency expect you to return the car filled with Gas. Therefore, it is always expected from you to return the car filled with gas as car renting agencies always charge more from you in comparison to gas station nearest to you. In case driver of the car is below the age of 25 then a car rental agency charges additional fee. Even denial to this driver too results in extra burden as care rental agency would charge for other driver. 

The Normandy region in France is an especially beautiful location that is rich in natural beauty and splendor. It is a historically significant area and has lots of beautiful buildings and gardens that you can visit. This naturally beautiful area is also rich in culture and heritage hence you will be able to catch a glimpse of the rich history that makes France so very attractive.

You can start by visiting the Mont Saint Michel. This is located on the Brittany/Normandy border. The structure of the abbey on Mont Saint Michel has gone on to become iconic in northern France. The entire structure rises out of a flat sandy island that is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It is considered to be one of the western world wonders and it is famous all over the world.

You can then visit the Normandy American Cemetery Memorial, which was built to honor the memories of the American soldiers who died in WWII. It is located on a cliff in Colleville sur-Mer and overlooks the Omaha Beach. This beach was one of the main landing beaches during the Normandy Invasion.

World famous and immortal painter Monet is still remembered for the beautiful landscape paintings that he has given us. He was also a connoisseur of landscapes in the real world and surrounded himself with one of the most beautiful gardens in France. This garden in located in Giverny and is just an hour’s train ride away from Paris. You will see first hand the water lilies that inspired the painter. You can roam around the beautiful garden that inspired Monet over and over again.

The four largest urban areas in Normandy are Rouen, Caen, Le Havre and Cherbourg. It is simple to arrange a car hire service in any of these cities as well as many other locations throughout Normandy. A rental car is a great asset when touring Normandy. Make sure to choose the right type of car for your trip. Consider all passenger and luggage requirements.

If you want to experience the art and culture of Normandy, you have to visit Rouen. At the heart of the city’s attractions is the Gothic cathedral of Rouen. This cathedral was one of the Monet’s favorite subjects. Even though it was bombed during WWII, it now stands beautifully restored.

If you are a person whose heart is after gastronomical delights, you will enjoy Dieppe. It is an old and busy port that is famous for its Herring festival and seafood. You will love the fresh fish and scallops that are brought in everyday. There are many more places to visit like the old port at Honfleur, Trouville and the Cider route.

Normandy is an excellent place to go for a holiday at any time of the year. This splendid region of France never fails to impress.

Almost all kinds of travel become damn expensive during school holidays, especially flights. Ah! If you have got children, are you planning to leave them behind? Well, we suggest you to not to hurt your children’s feelings. With all such tough competition among various airline companies, you can still avail those dreamy cheap airfares which were almost impossible some times ago and give your family a splendid holiday laden with thorough fun and love.

The best period to use consolidators is during high peak times of the travel. Apart from peak travel times consolidators won’t offer much cheap airfares than those given in the lowest advertised fares. Still, you can avail 20-30% off when you plan to travel during Christmas, for example.

Try using credit cards with consolidators. Some consolidators can charge really high fees if you make any kind of change in your travel plans and even cancel your flight. So make a point to go through their policy on cancellations and refunds beforehand. Though the per seat charges of such a flight would be comparatively lower than the actual competition, there are still some few cost savings possibilities in a quite long journey, therefore long journey cheap operator would find it quite difficult to differentiate itself from some conventional airline. You can take membership of certain clubs and associations and avail discounts for selected destinations from them. The best could be that in this whole process you may end grabbing flat discount of some denomination to certain destinations. Well, without all these efforts too, you can still get cheap airfares if you decide to plan your vacation a little earlier.

Yes, the most important aspects here are to compare prices with flight dates and schedules while shopping for cheap airfares and inexpensive airline tickets online. One thing that can highly be turmoil and affect travel budget is the seasonal variations. You will disclose that finding and buying airline tickets is fun and quite easy. Traveling during mid week is an awesome option if looking for cheap airfares. Traveling during these days will leave you with relatively much cheaper airline tickets than flying during weekend times that is Saturday or Sunday.

Because of the tremendous growth in inexpensive carriers, these airlines have started to fight and compete with each other in addition to the traditional air carriers. More the flexibility you possess in your plans, better are the chances of getting low-cost airfares. Try different options through different departure and return dates if possible. Also, midnight flights can help you save some good amount of money for later fun at vacation. Shop around; this is because every travel related website has a different relationship with airline companies. So, it’s better to check more than one website before purchasing cheap airfare.

For those who are looking for that different look in Glasgow. The fleet of limos available are numerous and they all have different appeal for different people. There are a number of limos that will give you the look that you would want to portray i.e. a celebrity look or lavish look.

What are some of the limos available to choose from?

There area a number of options that will interest you who is looking for a stylish look. They include the hummer limo, the bmw x5 limo, the Ferrari limo etc. the limo that will make every person in Glasgow collide would be the Ferrari limo. this limo will cause a huge attraction from the public.

What is special about the Ferrari limo?

If there is one limo that appeals for uniqueness, it is the Ferrari f1 360 this is a complete limo that will ensure you are the centre of attraction. This latest   creation of the engineers is one that has everything a modern world class limo has. It will disappoint you in any way. The Ferrari limos interior is fitted leather seating that will ensure that you feel relaxed. The entertainment of Ferrari f1 360 limo includes a huge flat screen tv that produces quality pictures plus the DVD that has programmes that will keep holding your ribs incase you forget and stay glued to it. You will not stop laughing. The music that the Ferrari limo has is different and goes with the level the passenger’s ears can handle. There is booming music, soothing music that will drown you from your sorrows and you will forget all your troubles once you are inside the Ferrari limo.

The quality of the lights is also fixed to match any occasion the Ferrari limo might be hired for. From the dim lights to the dazzling lights that are sure to match the occasion.

The Ferrari limo has absolutely all you want to pamper you.

What does the Ferrari limo look like?  

This limo will give you what you want to achieve; it might be a sporty look, celebrity look, whatever it is you want to achieve the limo will give this comfortably. The shape of this limo is feminine in its appeal like many sports cars so it is really lovely the first people to see it in Glasgow will cause a mess trying to admire it. They might even follow it just kill their curiosity who is on board that Ferrari limousine. So if you do not want to be noticed do not take the Ferrari limo because no matter what the Ferrari limo must be noticed.  The doors of the Ferrari limo are also one of the rare kinds. If they open for you to alight everyone will be like WOW, do you see that. So be sure to gain publicity once you take the Ferrari F1 360.

Why the Ferrari limo?

The Ferrari F1 360 is a very exclusive limo that any person no matter where would like to take. It is simply an experience of a lifetime. This limo also comes with a chauffeur who has enough experience to drive you to wherever you want. There is also a special drink offered to those who will take the Ferrari limo as a way to welcome them to this lovely creation.

Why not have limo hire Manchester, limo hire Surrey or limo hire Birmingham.

Grab your trunks, scoop up your family, and head to Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach for a chance to swim alongside some of nature’s most exotic undersea fauna!
Stingray aficionados and brave young marine explorers alike have discovered a sweet spot in their quest for an up close and personal experience at Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.  At Ripley’s Aquarium (yes, that’s the same Ripley’s that does Believe It Or Not), a beautiful stingray environment hosts southern rays, spotted eagle rays, and guitarfish in a child-friendly setup that lets all comers swim with the rays.  
Stingrays, despite the dangerous sounding name, are generally docile and prefer to flee from a disturbance rather than attack it — making them excellent first companions for young swimmers.  Even better, because rays in the wild have a startling ability to hide themselves under sand and silt, environments like the one in Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach offer a rare opportunity to watch these unique creatures undulate through the waters.
The controlled environment also prevents swimmers from accidentally stepping on a stingray — the number one cause of stingray attacks.  While even the rays at Ripley’s have venomous stingers, the safety of the habitat combined with the socialization of the rays (they’re accustomed to human company) makes for a completely safe experience.  No swimmer has ever been stung in the Myrtle Beach aquarium’s Ray Bay.  
Some rays have powerful jaws meant to crack open shellfish, and because stingrays have eyes on the topsides of their flat bodies, but mouths on the bottom, they don’t always know what they’re munching on.  The danger of being bitten is minimal as long as you obey the cardinal rule of ray-petting: keep your hands on the top side of the ray.  That way, the rays know what is touching them, and you keep your hand away from the dangerous parts.
Of course, all of these rules are covered and enforced by the Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach staff, who are intimately familiar with the animals and their tendencies.  With the well-trained and observant guides on duty, the humans are kept safe from the animals and vice versa.  
Ray Bay is available as a walk-around exhibit for aquarium-goers, and the chance to pet a ray is granted to standard customers as well, but the true Ray Bay experience can only be obtained via a special pass.  Explorers who invest in a Ray Bay pass will get a behind-the-scenes tour of Ray Bay and the rest of the aquarium, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with and feed the rays, plus some special souvenirs.  And stingray fans that have their dive certification can participate in a special dive into the ray’s special sanctum — the depths of the Myrtle Beach aquarium’s Ray Bay.
The next time you’re wondering what to do on a rainy day, or your junior aquanauts are seeking something exciting to occupy an afternoon, give them an experience that they’ll never forget: send them to the rays.  Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach will make them feel like the bravest explorers in the seas.

If you’re on the lookout for a unusual vacation in one of the planet’s most beautiful countries, travel to Spain and rent Seville apartments. A apartment is largely a place designed for leisure. From gardens and terraces to private pools, a Spanish apartment is a great way to relax and see the country at your own pace.
you’ll be able to find a wide selection of apartments for sale or to rent in most regions of Spain. There are villas that offer access to clubs and beaches, as well as apartments in more remote areas of the country. Apartments with non-public pools are great options, particularly in areas near the beaches.
Each area of the country offers a marginally different experience. Catalonia features many distinct landscapes, from sandy beaches to the Pyrenees mountain range. For a different image of the country, find a villa in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Andalusia is the largest autonomous community in Spain, both in population and land mass. More than 2,000 years of age, Seville saw many changes throughout the centuries. It has been conquered by the Vandals, the Visigoths and the Moors, whose influence is felt in some of the city’s architecture. A villa in Andalusia, particularly near Seville, lets you enjoy the wealthy history and great weather of southern Spain.
Whatever community or province you opt to stay in, you have many choices when it comes to renting a residence. Besides villas with non-public pools, there are flats with absolutely stocked kitchens, charcoal griddles and gardens. These are superb for entertaining guests or family, and you can enjoy the nation’s beauty without leaving the backyard. Find an apartment that’s’s in your budget. Don’t think that a apartment in Seville is only something for the wealthy to enjoy. Many apartments are available the typical person can afford.
Many make Seville a destination that they must see due to the culture, food and sheer beauty. You can always find something to do, whether it be visiting the various sites or eating the local tapas, which many consider the best in the world.
Whatever facilities you’re attempting to find in apartment in Seville, be sure to take your time and bask in the great thing about the country. Whether you are looking at villas with private pools, stocked kitchens or glorious gardens, Seville provides you the vacation options you need. Travel to this corner of the globe and take in the view from your non-public apartment. You will be glad you did.
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