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Business persons and general travelers alike have to travel frequently to different parts of the world or within your own country. Many prefer to travel economy class to save expenses on airfare. You might in this case have to face the inconvenience of sitting cramped in small seats with very little leg space to move about. As an affluent business man or an executive on an important business mission, you may just get cramped, physically tired and mentally demoralized traveling in such inconvenience and may not therefore remain in the right frame of mind to execute your business transaction successfully. Inconvenience apart, your business stature cannot allow you travel economy class. The answer to this lies in traveling business class.

Business Travel, Business Class Travel, China Business Travel, Business Travel News

Business persons and general travelers alike have to travel frequently to different parts of the world or within your own country. Many prefer to travel economy class to save expenses on airfare. You might in this case have to face the inconvenience of sitting cramped in small seats with very little leg space to move about. As an affluent business man or an executive on an important business mission, you may just get cramped, physically tired and mentally demoralized traveling in such inconvenience and may not therefore remain in the right frame of mind to execute your business transaction successfully. Inconvenience apart, your business stature cannot allow you travel economy class. The answer to this lies in traveling business class.

The seats in the economy class being cheaper usually remain overbooked, while quite a few of the costlier business class seats remain vacant for want of customers. As a result, flight companies offer certain attractive packages to lure customers to book for business class seats.

Business class is more comfortable than economy class due to ample leg space and greater maneuverability. The service and the cuisine in the business class seats are certainly better and more courteous. Again the package for business class seats takes better care of you in after-flight service. You are escorted form the airport and lodged in first class hotels commensurate with your business status. These packages may certainly be cheaper if you ask for the return ticket within a stipulated time.

If you are a frequent flier, you should stick to one airline for all of your travels. Once you are identified as a loyal and regular customer, you are offered higher rebates in your airfares and shown greater respect. That way you can sit relaxed in the business class seats, enjoy good and sumptuous meals, and be serviced more courteously. You can also do your homework or paperwork while traveling and have good nights?sleep when your journey continues overnight.

Are you planning on taking a family vacation this year or a business trip? If so, there is a good chance that you will be flying. Flying is a relatively safe, easy, and convenient way to travel. However, before you leave for the airport,
you are advised to start preparing for your flight, well in advance.

cheap flights, flights, discount airfares

Are you planning on taking a family vacation this year or a business trip? If so, there is a good chance that you will be flying. Flying is a relatively safe, easy, and convenient way to travel. However, before you leave for the airport, you are advised to start preparing for your flight, well in advance. Unfortunately, many travelers do not realize that preparing for your flight does not just include packing your bags. Thanks to new air travel rules and the enforcement of them, preparation now includes more than you could ever imagine.

As previously mentioned, it best that you start preparing for your cheap flights early. In fact, you should start preparing as soon as you buy your airline tickets, whether that be two weeks before you leave or two months. The first step that you will want take is to familiarize yourself with the airline that you are flying with and the airport which you will be flying out of. You can easily do this research online. You will want to determine how early you should leave for the airport and what items you will need to bring along with you, such as personal identification.

It is also a good idea to review the list of banned items. These are items that you are not allowed to have on the airplane or past certain points in most airports. The most commonly banned items include sharp objects and flammable items, but there other items included in these bans, items that you may have never even thought about before. That is why it is best that you learn what you can and cannot bring on your next family vacation or business trip. In the event that you try to bring along items that are prohibited, you may have them confiscated.

If you are planning on familiarizing yourself with banned items and other airline rules, it may be a good idea to print off a list of what you find. Printable lists of items that are banned in airports and on airplanes can be found online from a number of different websites. One of those websites includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A printable list is ideal, especially if you do not need to start packing for your trip right away.

After you have familiarized yourself with the air travel rules, including the ones that were recently implemented, you will need to start packing, whether you do so right away or not. When packing, you will want to remember everything that you learned, although, if you printed off a list, your packing will be much easier. In the event that you are not sure whether or not an item can be brought on an airplane, you are advised to leave it at home. Banned items can not only be confiscated, but they could cause you to miss your cheap flight. That is why you are advised against taking any unnecessary chances.

Once your bags have been packed and all your travel plans are in order, you will need to head to the airport. It is advised that you arrive at the airport, at least, two hours in advance. It is important that you check with your airport, because some airports have different restrictions. Depending on the size of your airport or the number of cheap flights going in and out, you may find that you need to arrive three or even four hours in advance. It is also important to make sure that you not only have your plane tickets with you, but the proper forms of identification.

Once at the airport, it is important that you remain calm at all times, even if you are approached by airport security. In today’s world, it is not uncommon for you to be subject to a random bag check or search; therefore, you should not fret if you are asked. Instead, just remain calm and, in no time at all, you should be on your way to enjoying your vacation or your business trip.

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Be your own travel planner and maintain a security-conscious mindset. The most effective way to minimize potential risks is to make sure your belongings are secure while traveling. Following some common steps, and training yourself to carry them out instinctively will help keep your travels free of the expense and hassle of replacing missing items.

Travel plan, airfare comparison, comparison shopping, tripmama

For many, one of the worst things that can happen while traveling is having your belongings lost or stolen. Trying to maintain a security-conscious mindset is one of the most effective ways to minimize potential risks. Following some common steps, and training yourself to carry them out instinctively will help keep your travels free of the expense and hassle of replacing missing items.

First and foremost, your belongings are only as secure as you are willing to keep them. If you are careless, or don’t follow all the reasonable steps you should, a certain amount of risk creeps in. Nothing you can do will 100% guarantee any item is secure. Keep this in mind when packing for the trip. Consider whether you can afford to lose any item you pack, both financially and emotionally. Think about what can easily be bought at your destination so that you can leave more behind. Before you leave, look into an appropriate amount of insurance. If you are traveling to a foreign country, especially one that is known for pickpockets and theft, get as much insurance as you can afford. It is worth the relief when something goes wrong. Make several copies of anything that has information on it, like a passport or a vaccination certificate. Leave a copy at home and distribute several copies amongst your luggage.

During your travels you need to constantly be aware of yourself and your possessions. Don’t let your bags go out of sight unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Try and minimize the time you spend physically carrying your luggage around with you. If you are encumbered with a heavy suitcase, you are less likely to give pursuit if someone snatches your wallet or purse, so make sure these items are very close to you and, if possible, hidden out of sight. Make sure you always check any seats you have used for anything you may have dropped or forgotten. Though this advice sounds obvious, maintaining an automatic awareness of your personal security is something that has to be practiced over time until it becomes almost subconscious.

You are at your most vulnerable when out in crowded places. Sizeable amounts of money, passports, or any other valuables should be kept underneath your clothing in a money belt or some other zippered pouch that isn’t your main pocket. Any money you think you’ll need during the day should be kept in a separate front pocket. You can top this up in private places to hide your money belt from view. If you are going to be carrying any bags with you, try and ‘slashproof’ them by running wire or mesh through the places that would likely be cut. Additionally, the less you show off in public the less likely you are to be a target, so keep electronics, expensive-looking bags, and bulky items hidden as much as possible. Consider getting a scuffed-up rucksack specifically for city travel. Remember, anything that makes you stand out as a tourist marks you as a target for thieves.

Practice these steps in the weeks leading up to your trip so that they become more automatic. As always, good preparation and good advice are the cornerstones to any enjoyable travel experience. There are many more extensive guides on security and safety abroad on the web, and more information can be obtained from the tourist board of your destination.

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Bouillon is a city that is situated in the province of Luxembourg, in the western section of Belgium. A small city and part of the Neufchateau district, Bouillon has a relatively small population numbering just over 5,000 individuals. Yet, the small population of the city can be somewhat deceiving, Bouillon is a city that offers plenty of things to do see and enjoy.

Bouillon is located very near the French border and is surrounded by Ardennes. Filled with incredible castle…

Bouillon tourist information, Bouillon tourist info, Bouillon hotels, Bouillon museums

Bouillon is a city that is situated in the province of Luxembourg, in the western section of Belgium. A small city and part of the Neufchateau district, Bouillon has a relatively small population numbering just over 5,000 individuals. Yet, the small population of the city can be somewhat deceiving, Bouillon is a city that offers plenty of things to do see and enjoy.

Bouillon is located very near the French border and is surrounded by Ardennes. Filled with incredible castle structures, and many historical sites to see, the city of Bouillon draws thousands of tourists each year. The city of Bouillon is also the location where Godfrey of Bouillon first left for the Crusades in 1095. Further, the city of Bouillon was, at one time, under the rulership of the French-specifically King Louis XIV in 1676. Later, the city would become part of Belgium in the eighteen century.

Castles, museums, beer breweries, and recreational activities are all easily accessible to guests in Bouillon. In fact, if guests visit Bouillon at the right time of year, they can take in all of the recreational activities that are offered on an annual basis in Bouillon. The city of Bouillon offers a carnival every March, a Trout Festival every April; Falconry demonstrations between the months of April and August; a Medieval Weekend during the month of August; a Craft Fair in September; and a mountain biking expedition in September.

Places of interest:

Bouillon houses a number of sites of historical interest. The Archeoscope is filled to the brim with edifying exhibits: exhibits that will reveal the true history of Bouillon, from its early beginnings to the present day. Further, within the Archeoscope, travellers can view scale models of the existing fortifications within the city of Bouillon and neighbouring France. The Archeoscope is often the first site visited by travellers-the historical education provided by the location readies the traveller for other site seeing adventures within the city.

Alternatively, travellers may also want to see the Ducal Museum, housing exhibits pertaining to the First Crusade to the present. English speaking, guided tours are offered at the Ducal Museum, and guests can take in the breath-taking sixteenth and seventeenth century architecture that this museum is famous for. Ultimately, the Ducal Museums is a source of historical exploration that the entire family can easily enjoy.

Of course, travellers seldom leave Belgium before sampling its world famous beer or visiting one of its breweries. While staying in Bouillon, travellers can tour the Le March?de Nathalie, the city’s single brewery; a brewery that brews well over 300 varieties of Belgium beer. Travellers are given the opportunity to sample some of Belgium’s finest brews at the Le March?de Nathalie.

Things to do:

The annual Falconry Demonstration that is offered between the months of April and August is called the Ballet de Rapaces. Offered three times daily, the Falconry Demonstration is a perk of visiting the Castle in Bouillon. The times for the Falconry Demonstration are set at 11:30 am, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm respectively. Each show lasts approximately ?hour, just a short time for travellers to see the beautiful falcons and their abilities.

Alternatively, many tourists find that they are drawn to the medieval architecture of Bouillon and such travellers may enjoy seeing the Chateau Fort. The Chateau Fort was established in the late 900′s and was formerly owned by Godfrey of Bouillon. The Chateau Fort houses long, vast corridors, and dark dank dungeons for traveller exploration and the medieval charm of the Fort is truly unforgettable. Adults and children find the Chateau Fort incredibly interesting, and the guided tours-especially the nocturnal tours where guides walk tourist through the castle with lighted torch in hand-serve as an incredibly memorable experience. The Chateau Fort is accessible from 10 am to 6:00 pm and the cost of admission is nominal: 5.20 Euro and 3.50 Euro for children and adults respectively.

Food & Drink:

Travellers can enjoy a fine dining experience at the La Vieille Ardenne on Grand Rue, a caf?and restaurant that proudly offers catering facilities to the residents of Bouillon. The La Vieille Ardenne has an outdoor veranda and travellers can sit on the terrace while sampling one of Belgium’s famous beers. Alternatively, the Auberge du Panaroma situated at Au dessus de la Ville 23 serves a fine selection of French cuisine, and is open every day except Monday and Tuesday.

Those travellers looking for fantastic Italian entrees can please their palate at La Rocca; located at rue du Petit 19 in Bouillon. La Rocca is open every day except for Monday and offers its guest live entertainment while they dine. Children’s menus are available at La Rocca and the dining facility is handicapped accessible.

Meanwhile, travellers looking for a taste of Belgian cuisine will find precisely what they desire at La Baratin, located at Rue des Augustins 12. Open everyday of the week, except for Mondays and Tuesdays, La Baratin offers the best in Belgian dining. Popular entrees among travellers include frites, Flemish cabbage, Flemish Stew, mussels and chips, and a dessert consisting of Belgium’s famous chocolates can finish off any meal. Again, beer, including the fruity, flavored variety is available in many cafes and restaurants throughout Belgium.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Logis De France Auberge D’alsace et Hotel de France
Hotel Cosy
Auberge d’Alsace Hotel de France
Hotel Panorama
Best Western Hotel La Porte de France
Hotel La Ferronniere
Hostellerie La Pommeraie
Entertainment:

Bouillon is a suitable city for those travellers looking to partake in outdoor recreations. From hiking to cycling, from kayaking to mountain biking, Bouillon is a prime destination for the outdoor enthusiast. Travellers can engage in motor biking through the Ardennes or travellers can take advantage of canoeing adventures on the River Ambleve or on the River Ourthe, as well as other rivers in Belgium. There are a number of kayaking tour guides available thorough Belgium and they are skilled guides ready to help travellers make the most of their adventures while staying in Bouillon and other regions of Belgium.

Meanwhile, those travellers that love nothing more than a good shopping excursion can really enjoy all of the flea markets and outdoor markets strewn throughout the Belgium countryside. Many German antiques can be purchased at flea markets and the like, and travellers may be pleasantly surprised by the incredible deals they find while shopping in Bouillon. In the end, Bouillon poses appeal to every traveller; both children and adults alike. Bouillon offers entertainment and fun for everyone. With its rich history, site seeing opportunities, fine dining selections and recreational pursuits, Bouillon makes and ideal place to visit or live in.

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Bora Bora, located in the Society Islands, is Tahiti’s crown jewel ?a true Polynesian island paradise that tourists the world over consider the ultimate tropical vacation destination. Hollywood, and film industries from most other parts of the globe, have never tired of capturing its spectacular topography. Probably its most definitive landmarks are the twin towers of black rock and an azure lagoon of clearest tropical water.

Bora Bora, Bora Bora Hotels, Bora Bora Weather, Bora Bora Vacations

Bora Bora, located in the Society Islands, is Tahiti’s crown jewel ?a true Polynesian island paradise that tourists the world over consider the ultimate tropical vacation destination. Hollywood, and film industries from most other parts of the globe, have never tired of capturing its spectacular topography. Probably its most definitive landmarks are the twin towers of black rock and an azure lagoon of clearest tropical water.

Considering the ideal location and nature of this island getaway, it is not really surprising that water sports like water skiing, parasailing and tackle fishing feature prominently amongst the things to do there.

Responding to the potential, many enterprising holiday specialists have provided matchless facilities to enjoy such activities at almost any budget. And Bora Bora’s spectacular natural beauty is far from superficial and skin deep. The world beneath its waves makes it the perfect hunting ground for professional and amateur scuba diving enthusiasts.

Recreational tourism aside, Bora Bora is also amongst the world’s legendary backdrops for freshly baked romance. Newlyweds who choose the island for their honeymoon will have something to cherish, discuss and reminisce about for the rest of their lives.

Despite the high influx of tourists every year, Bora Bora has managed to avoid the cluttered, cheap boardwalk culture that one tends to associate with seaside and island resorts closer to home. There is nothing trashy about Bora Bora. It is very well connected by sea and air, and reaching it is as thrilling a visual experience as actually holidaying there. Excellent internal transport ensures that the entire wealth of Bora Bora’s splendor is available for a visitor’s inspection and enjoyment.

Unlike many other resort destinations of this kind, Bora Bora is far from cut off from the realities of mainstream life. It has an excellent infrastructure to support the necessities of modern living ?hospitals, banking, foreign exchange etc. ?even while it retains all its highly individual and other-worldly charm.

In the days when gas cost 25 cents a gallon, it was an easy decision which was the cheaper method of travel, flying or driving. Driving was the standard mode of transportation, and flying was a luxury. However, with airlines in a cutthroat competition for customers, and gasoline becoming increasingly expensive, this may no longer hold true under all circumstances. The economy of both options should be evaluated for each planned trip. Don’t assume that flying is the most expen…

airfare, airfares, airline tickets, airplane tickets, airfares directory

In the days when gas cost 25 cents a gallon, it was an easy decision which was the cheaper method of travel, flying or driving. Driving was the standard mode of transportation, and flying was a luxury. However, with airlines in a cutthroat competition for customers, and gasoline becoming increasingly expensive, this may no longer hold true under all circumstances. The economy of both options should be evaluated for each planned trip. Don’t assume that flying is the most expensive option, especially if you use the following tips to get the cheapest fares.

In order to figure out how much gas you’ll need to reach your destination, find out the mileage both ways and then use an online fuel consumption calculator. Of course, how much gas you will use depends on whether you drive a Hummer or a Kia. For long trips, add on some money for wear and tear on your car and the tires.

In addition, add up the costs of food and beverages consumed en route, as well as hotel costs if the car trip lasts more than one day. Hotel costs alone can add up to a few hundred dollars for a two-way trip, and since cross-country airfares can be less than five hundred dollars, this expense alone may make it cheaper to fly. If you are travelling with a family, the hotel bill stays relatively constant while the airfare per person adds up quickly. However, for a single person or even a couple, air fare may very well be comparable.

Check out airfares with at least three online travel agencies. You will find a wide difference in fares, because each agency may have different specials, and charge different service fees.

When planning your trip, book as far in advance as possible. Economy seats on desirable flights sell out fast, especially during peak season. If possible, book your air travel during the off season, and avoid travelling at Christmas and New Years, spring break and the summer vacation season from July to August.
Airfare specials are often offered in spring and fall, making flying much more economical.

Students or a seniors should inquire for special rates. Airlines give student discounts, and seniors may be able to get a good deal on airfare from the AARP. If you belong to a club or service organization, ask if they are affiliated with any airlines or have a discount travel program.

If you are travelling in a large group and are contemplating using individual cars or a long bus ride, check the cost of charter aircraft. Sometimes it is cheaper to reserve an entire plane than buy individual tickets. It’s a lot more pleasant to take a short plane trip together than sit for an entire day stuffed together in a vehicle.

Last but not least, consider how much time you will save by flying. If you only have a week or two for your vacation, driving may cut into your free time significantly. It’s tiring, too, and you may need a day or two to recuperate after a day of driving. It may be worth a bit of extra money to save a lot of aggravation.
Airfares out of large airports can be more expensive than out of smaller municipal airports, so if you are travelling to a large city, check smaller airports nearby. The trip may be much cheaper with only a small detour. Be sure to consider cab fare or rental car rates to get to final destination.

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The winds cut deeper and make progressively louder noises as the days shorten. Fog creeps in from the sea more often. It’s no wonder Oregon’s northern coast has a load of ghostly tales swirling about.

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The winds cut deeper and make progressively louder noises as the days shorten. Fog creeps in from the sea more often. And then Halloween shows up, as if to really remind us about things otherworldly. It’s no wonder Oregon’s northern coast has a load of ghostly tales swirling about. It’s no wonder the remake of “The Fog” currently in release is set in a fictional North Oregon Coast town. From flying pots and specters who’ve moved from one building to another in Seaside, the ghostly legends of a hotel in the Nehalem Bay, to the myriad of hauntings in ancient Astoria – there’s plenty for the ghost-hunting tourist in this pristine and stunning area.

SLEEPLESS IN SEASIDE

Tales of things creepy abound in Seaside – but they’re hard to find. It’s almost as if they’ve been swept under the carpet.

For almost 100 years, the old Hotel Seaside (later named The Seasider) was a grandiose, beautiful building that was a sort of centerpiece to Seaside, at the Turnaround. So it’s no surprise that place acquired tales of apparitions and otherworldly guests over the years. There were numerous spirits that purportedly haunted it.

These days, the Shilo Inn sits in that spot. But when the old hotel was torn down, the spooks moved to Girtle’s Restaurant, just down the street on Broadway, according to owner Bob Girtle. He recounted numerous stories of otherworldly happenings in the restaurant, having seen them himself or coming from various employees who tell their own tales. They talk of seeing the mysterious shadows of feet walking behind the door of a closed-off area of the kitchen, visible from the small space between the floor and the door. This happens when it’s not possible anyone else is in there, say Bob and his crew. They don’t even check that room anymore when they see the shadows.

Then there is the notorious flying coffee pot in the galley area between the kitchen and the main dining room. Bob and others on his staff have experienced this more than once. Sometimes it moves a bit, others it literally flies across the hallway.

Bob said he inherited some employees of the old Seasider back in the 80′s, and at least one said they saw some of the same ghosts.

John Sowa, owner of the New Orleans-style eatery Lil’ Bayou, also related tales of moving objects in the kitchen and a strange sense of someone being near him while alone in his office. Kitchen utensils are found in different places than employees have left them, or an object suddenly falls off a hook or a shelf.

Lil’ Bayou lies in the historic Gilbert District of Seaside, which is filled with old buildings, almost all with upstairs areas that are often unused. The charming, atmospheric area has gone through a rebirth in recent years, and often there are whispers of ghosts coinciding with many of the renewed buildings.

The Seaside Aquarium may have a closet containing something – or rather, an upstairs that could be haunted. When the building was a natatorium back about 80 years ago, there were apartments at the top floor. That area isn’t used much at all now, but manager Keith Chandler says he’s heard whispers over the years the top floor is haunted. Various stories have been handed down through the generations about noises coming from there.

EERIE AND NOT-SO-EERIE ON THE BAY

Manzanita, which caps the north end of the Nehalem Bay, is shrouded in mists and mystery, with Neahkahnie Mountain looming overhead and legends of a galleon and its buried treasures. Some versions of that tale contain atrocities, like purportedly burying their African slaves alive with the treasure to keep the natives away.

On its beaches, there are mysterious piles of rocks that have appeared over the years, apparently overnight. Sometimes they appear as single piles or stacks. No one has ever figured out who is responsible, creating speculation of an otherworldly artist.

In nearby Wheeler, facing the Nehalem Bay, Old Wheeler Hotel owner Winston Laszlo says he’s encountered several things in that old building he couldn’t really explain. Sometimes, he said, he believes he sees someone in the corner of his eye, only to discover there’s no one there.

Once, Winston was looking in a mirror in the hotel’s public area and saw the reflection of a man sitting in a chair behind him. Winston says he turned around to look at the man, whom he didn’t recognize as a guest, and there was no one there.

A pair of ghost hunters even came to the visit the place and took photos of what they believed could be “spirit orbs” just outside the basement area. Winston still has copies of these.

Winston and wife Maranne Doyle-Laszlo say the entire building seemed to be against them during the process of remodeling the ragged old construct into the first-rate hotel it is now. They had a nagging feeling a presence seemed to arrange one disaster and setback after another, such as when a window blew out in a storm. Then, one day, they say the building seemed to accept them, and reconstruction proceeded smoothly thereafter. (www.oldwheelerhotel.com. 877-653-4683.)

In an email just before her visit, ghost hunter Martina DeLude told Winston that made sense. “Ghosts that haunt residential and business locations become very threatened when someone starts changing things that they are accustomed to. Some spirits actually become incensed when furniture is moved around. Just like the living, most spirits do not like change. Possibly, as soon as they realized that it was once again going to become a hotel – perhaps something they may remember – they decided to help you along instead of stifling your efforts.” There’s more on their investigation of the Old Wheeler Hotel at http://www.nwpprs.com/Investigations/Places02/OldWheeler.html.

In other tales, Wheeler Antiques owner Garry Gitzen says a Wheeler woman, descended from local tribes, actually burned down her own house in recent years because disturbing spirits haunted it. She did this in lieu of tearing the thing down, never rebuilding it, with rumors floating about that Native American children had died in a fire in that spot in ancient times.

Not all is creepy here. According to Winston and Garry, there is a host of well-meaning spirits there known as the “Good Spirits of Wheeler,” and Ekahni Books owner Peg Miller says the place is a sort of “spiritual vortex lite.” They all point to something they call a “Wheeler Moment,” where serendipity seems to suddenly rear its head. Locals talk of numerous circumstances where pleasant, happy coincidences popped up, assisting folks in some way. They all note various incidents where someone is discussing wanting to do something, and someone or some opportunity arises that helps things along – like the time the Garry and Winston were talking about creating a film festival, and they discovered a documentary filmmaker was staying in town.

ASTORIA – OR GHOSTORIA?

At the very tip of Oregon, Astoria is full of major ghost stories of one sort or another. That’s no surprise, considering it’s the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi.

The Liberty Theater is widely regarded as haunted. It was once a haven for the likes of Duke Ellington, Jack Benny, Guy Lombardo and supposedly even gangster Al Capone. Purportedly, it’s also occupied by someone named Paul. One employee was quoted as saying that Paul is “quite handsome,” giving him the nickname Handsome Paul. He apparently wears a “white tuxedo and a panama hat,” according to the Clatsop County Historical Society.

Cast and crews over the years have talked about spotting him. While mostly just an apparition, he’s been known to slam doors and make other unruly noises. Other tales from the theater include objects gliding through the air, knobs unscrewing themselves from appliances and utilities, as well as two or three other inhabitants from beyond.

Also famous for being haunted is the firehouse there, plus the town has a brutal history of men being “shanghaied” in the early part of the century.

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If you travel frequently to the same destination it may be wise to purchase a larger sum of money dependent on the current currency exchange rates.

The rates can fluctuate and if you become aware of a favorable rate it is a good investment to purchase more money at that time.

If you’re planning on traveling to another country you’ll find yourself wondering about current currency exchange rates. It’s important to know how far your dollars will go when you get to your des…

current currency exchange rates,exchange rates,exchange your money

If you travel frequently to the same destination it may be wise to purchase a larger sum of money dependent on the current currency exchange rates.

The rates can fluctuate and if you become aware of a favorable rate it is a good investment to purchase more money at that time.

If you’re planning on traveling to another country you’ll find yourself wondering about current currency exchange rates. It’s important to know how far your dollars will go when you get to your destination.

You simply need to conduct a search looking for current currency exchange rates. Once you’ve chosen a site the rest is very easy.

You put in the amount that you’d liked converted and then choose the country whose currency you have and the country whose currency you want to.

These sites have the current currency exchange rates and you’ll see exactly what your money is worth.

It can also be confusing if you try to exchange money at a financial institution in the country you are visiting. Although most foreign banks have English speaking associates who will explain the current currency exchange rates to you, some don’t.

If this is the case and you don’t speak the language of the country you are visiting it can be frustrating exchanging your money there.

One method of finding out current currency exchange rates is to visit your local bank. They will have the most up to date rates. Your bank can also exchange your money for you prior to your trip.

Many banks also offer this service over the phone. They will quote the current currency exchange rates in messages that are recorded daily. The bank’s customer simply calls an automated system and can listen to the current currency exchange rates at their convenience.

Many of these types of vendors actually charge a significant service fee for this. Therefore although the current currency exchange rates may be favorable the service fee could make your trip more expensive than you had planned.

Many people wait until they arrive in their destination country before exchanging their money. In many airports there are vendors who will do this for you. Although this is a very convenient method of exchanging money it can also be costly.

If you are traveling sometime in the future and want to ensure that you get the best value for your dollar you can check out current currency exchange rates on the internet. There are several websites that offer this information for free.

Here are a few ideas on how to secure cheap airline tickets, but for in depth information, visit the link at the bottom of this page.

Cheap tickets, cheap airfares, online airfares, discount airfares, cheap airline tickets

Frequent travelers and executives are among the masses that get
a lot of discount in the airfare. It is easy to get discount airfare for
them since they travel very frequently.

Cheap air tickets for Corporate

Some of the corporate also get cheap air tickets because they tie
up with some of the airlines for a certain period based on the
discount and services they get from the airlines. Corporate plans
are clubbed with other services through some agencies to provide
better service for their staff.

Promotional discount airfare

Some countries like Malaysia and Singapore promote trading for
foreign visitors during some part of the year. During this period,
they offer cheap air tickets to their country on certain flights. If
you can check with the other airlines during this period, you may
get excellent discount airfare, which may even surprise you.

Other ways to get discount airline tickets

You can become members of certain clubs and associations for
which you will discount airfare for select destinations. You may
even get a flat discount of some percent of the airfare during all
the time of the year. Without all these, you can also get cheap air
tickets if you can plan your trip very early. Some airlines provide
you discounts of up to 85% if you book your air ticket before two
or three months. If you are certain of your trip, you can book your
air ticket like this. Midnight travel on some airlines will have very
low fare since not many people travel during those hours.

Vacation packages

If you are planning a vacation and if you plan it a little earlier, you
are sure to get cheap airfares. Since a vacation package combine
different components like flight booking, hotel booking, car booking
etc., you get an excellent discount and cheap airfare for these
packages. If you book each component of your vacation
separately you will end in a fare this is costly. Moreover, if you
book vacation packages for a group of persons you can further
reduce the cost. Usually vacation package booked earlier than two
weeks fetch you a decent discount in airfares.

Cheap airfare for children and students

Discount airline tickets are available for the student community.
Children also get discount airfare for their travel. You have to
check with the agency or the airline for such offers.

Searching for cheap airfare through websites

You can search for cheap airfare through websites like
www.lowestfare.com, www.cheaptickets.com, and
www.cheapseats.com. There are many other sites from different
travel agencies that provide services online. These sites provide
you the feature to search for cheap airfares through an easy to
use interface.

1014

A guide to the Chinatown Bus

The word is out-the cheapest way to get from one major U.S. city to another is on the “Chinatown bus? In recent years this has become transportation option of choice for budget travelers in New York, Washington DC, and Boston, and more recently on the West Coast. Students, backpackers, and an array of other savvy travelers have long loved the rock bottom prices that these bus companies offer. Despite the popularity of these bus lines it can st…

chinatown bus, budget travel, US transportation

A guide to the Chinatown Bus

The word is out-the cheapest way to get from one major U.S. city to another is on the “Chinatown bus? In recent years this has become transportation option of choice for budget travelers in New York, Washington DC, and Boston, and more recently on the West Coast. Students, backpackers, and an array of other savvy travelers have long loved the rock bottom prices that these bus companies offer. Despite the popularity of these bus lines it can still be difficult to find information on Chinatown bus service.

What exactly is a “Chinatown Bus? Read on and you will have the inside track on this great budget travel option.

Chinatown Bus history

The Chinatown bus phenomenon began in the late 1990s when an entrepreneur in New York’s Chinatown started running daily bus service from Chinatown in New York to Chinatown in Boston. The service was aimed at Asian immigrants who wanted to shop or visit relatives in either city and needed cheap and convenient transportation. The service was bare bones-no advertising, customer service, or bus stations. Customers simply went to the bus stop, waited for the bus (or van), and paid the driver upon boarding. For those willing to do without frills, they offered virtually the same service as traditional bus companies at a substantially lower price. Before long, the word spread and all kinds of people started using the service. It became especially popular with students, budget travelers, or people for whom the service was simply more convenient.

Soon more bus companies duplicated this model and started offering service in other cities. Now you can find this type of bus service in Philadelphia, Virginia, Baltimore Washington DC, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. At this point the term “Chinatown bus?is used more loosely to describe this sort of low-cost/low-frills service. Many, if not most, of the companies do not have Chinatown as their main location and may not cater to the immigrant population at all. These operators are also sometimes referred to as “curbside?operators.

How can tickets be so cheap?

$15 between New York to Boston? $25 from Las Vegas to Los Angeles? It seems hard to fathom. Chinatown bus companies are able to keep prices low because they operate in a fundamentally different way from traditional carriers. Foremost, the service is very basic. There is little in the way of customer service or amenities. Most of these operators do not have formal stations, picking up passengers at bus stops instead. They eschew traditional advertising in favor of word of mouth. Further, many of the operators play a very hands-on role in the operation-you will not see idle executives at a small independent bus company. Finally, these operators make sure they fill their buses. That is why Chinatown bus operators usually only operate on heavily trafficked routes. Indeed some companies only run buses at peak times.

Are they safe?

When these companies first started operating, concerns were raised about safety standards. There is still controversy within the bus industry about whether these newcomers are complying with the same regulations as the traditional companies. However, a task force set up by the Federal government to look at safety issues found that Chinatown bus companies did not perform better or worse than other types of bus companies (ie. charter, tour buses). All bus companies operating in the U.S. must undergo the same inspection standards and must comply with the same rules. Realistically there is probably a range of quality among Chinatown bus carriers. Some are fly-by-night operators trying to make a fast buck, while others are legitimate entrepreneurs who plan to grow and operate a long term business.

What you should expect

 No frills service-the driver may be the ticket collector; there will not be a lot of customer service.

 Comfortable buses. Despite the low fares buses are usually quite nice. Most buses are comparable to Greyhound and many are actually more deluxe.

 Communication challenges. Drivers are legally required to speak enough English to help passengers in the case of emergency. In reality this is often adhered to rather loosely. At the very least, expect your driver to have an accent.

 Possible delays. Many of these bus routes are on highly congested roads. When the roads are busy, expect delays.

 Rest stops. Buses will have a lavatory on board but there is usually a 10 or 15 minute bathroom break on trips over 4 hours. Don’t be late returning to the bus, the driver will not count heads before leaving at the appointed time.

 Full buses. Buses definitely sell out at peak times (weekends and evenings). Book ahead or get there early if you want secure a seat.

 Plastic Bags. An odd little quirk on Chinatown buses is that every aisle seat usually has a plastic grocery bag tied to the arm. I guess they find this is the best way to keep the buses clean.

How do I find the Chinatown Bus?

Again, “Chinatown bus?is a term used to describe a type of operator and not an individual bus company. Many unrelated bus companies fall into this category. Since most Chinatown buses do not spend money on advertising it can be difficult to find out details about schedules and bus stop locations. Many of the carriers are becoming savvier about the Internet and quite a few have websites with information. Usually an Internet search will yield links to bus service to your destination. There are also several directories, such as chinatown-bus.org that include links for most Chinatown bus companies and the author’s employer, GotoBus.com, is a centralized booking site that has schedules and sells tickets online for most Chinatown bus companies.

The Chinatown bus is not for everyone. If you want an orderly system with American style customer service, you should probably stick to traditional carriers. However, if you know what to expect and come prepared with a sense of adventure and humor, you should enjoy the trip just fine. You will also enjoy the money you save!