Bus travel takes a different role in the car-driven culture of the United States than it does in most countries. Because the area of the US is so vast, flying is often the most attractive transportation option for traveling between cities and can be priced quite competitively when factoring in time and convenience. For shorter distances driving is usually the first choice for US domestic travelers. However, for routes that are under five or six hours, the bus is almost always the most economical and often the most convenient form of travel. Furthermore, as Amtrak (the national rail service) continues to see cuts in government funding, bus service is often the only ground transportation option for many destinations. Visitors who are planning to stick to major cities will most likely find having a car to be inconvenient, expensive, and unnecessary. Therefore, taking the bus between destinations is a great option.

Many Americans view traveling by bus with some trepidation, and, whether deserved or not, bus service in the US often has the reputation of being rather basic. In truth, the level of service varies greatly among bus carriers. Some carriers, like LuxBus in California or Transfloridian in Florida, offer deluxe buses and feature services that are rarely even found on airlines today, such as on-board entertainment and complimentary food and beverage service. Still, standard bus service is generally more on the budget level and offers few amenities. Food options are more likely to be a ten minute stop at a roadside fast food restaurant than on-board meal service.

The bus industry in the United States is dominated by Greyhound, which is the only remaining nationwide bus carrier. Several other companies such as Trailways and Coach USA are made up of independently owned bus companies that share marketing functions and branding. In addition there are several strong regional players in the bus industry. While these companies compete with Greyhound, they often end up sharing service on routes that do not have enough traffic to sustain two carriers. This is similar to “code sharing” in the airline industry.

The most recent development in the U.S. bus industry has been the “Chinatown bus” phenomenon. Several years ago a few enterprising business people in New York’s Chinatown started running buses from Chinatown in NY to Chinatown in Boston, charging less than half of what traditional bus companies did and a fraction of what it cost to take the train or fly. They targeted Asian immigrants who wanted to shop or visit relatives and needed inexpensive and convenient transportation. Although the buses were modern and comfortable, the service was bare bonesno advertising, customer service, or bus stations. Customers simply went to the bus stop, waited for the bus, and paid the driver upon boarding. For those willing to do without frills, these companies offered virtually the same service as Greyhound at a substantially lower price. Before long, word spread about the service and all kinds of travelers started using these bus lines. They became especially popular with students, budget travelers, and people for whom the service was simply more convenient.

Soon more bus companies duplicated this model and started offering service in other markets. Now you can find this type of bus service in Philadelphia, Virginia, Washington DC, Los Angeles 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 company’s do not have Chinatown as there main location and may not cater to the immigrant population at all. When these companies first started operating, concerns were raised about safety standards. There is still controversy within the industry about whether these low-cost bus companies are complying with the same regulations as the traditional companies. Nonetheless, all bus companies operating in the U.S. must undergo the same inspection standards and must comply with the same rules.

Finding information about scheduled bus service is not always easy for visitors to the US. Historically bus companies have sold tickets at on-site ticket booths. Many now sell through their own websites as well. Whereas for plane travel there are many online booking sites that allow travelers to compare different carriers, it is more difficult to find route information for bus service. GotoBus.com is a centralized booking site focused on bus travel. It offers search capability similar to Expedia or Travelocity and sells tickets for many different bus and tour companies.

Overall, the bus is a great option for visitors to the US who are looking for transportation between major US cities. For most cities, a car is not necessary and will be inconvenient and expensive. In metropolitan areas there are more choices for bus service today than at any time in the recent past. Particularly for shorter distances, it is the best way to go for the budget minded traveler.

Lila Kahn is the Marketing Manager of GotoBus.com, the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours in the USA. You can find out more information about the company and contact information for the author at: www.GotoBus.com/

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Las Vegas hotel maps

So you are planning to visit Las Vegas but…. do you know where
to start looking? Do you know where are the places you want to
see? And, most important of all…. do you know where are you
going to stay? Obviously you can not go anywhere if you do not
know any of these things, right? Maybe it has happened to you
that you have been to Las Vegas or any other place but you did
not have a good experience as you expected, maybe the hotel
where you stayed was not very comfortable, or it did not have
the kind of service you deserve, or you did not find exactly
what you were looking for. It is likely because you did not have
enough information about hotels and you had to stay in the first
one you found. Maybe the right hotel was closer than you knew
but you did not even suspected it!

Well, do not let that happen again, now you will know all these
things you need to know for sure, Las Vegas hotel maps gives you not just the exact
location of the finest hotels, but also all the information
about them such as how many rooms they have and when is the best
time to go knowing that you will find great rooms available so
you can rest comfortably; also what kind of service you can get
in each of them, which attractions and activities you may find
there assuring you will have the best time of your life and can
really enjoy your time there, in few words all you need to know
so you can choose the one you prefer and the one that has all
you want, without any regrets at all.

But…. knowing the exact location of a hotel or any other place
may not be enough if you do not know which way to go so you can
get there, don’t you think? There may be several ways to go to
some place but there is always a shorter and easier way you can
take. Las Vegas hotel maps also shows you the best ways
to get wherever you want to go without getting lost, you will
not have to worry anymore about where to go or how to get there,
as long as you use Las Vegas hotel maps.

Of course, one of the most important things to decide which
hotel is the best for you is usually how much it costs. Las Vegas hotel maps provides you the prices you
will find in each hotel as well as how to pay them, whether it
be in cash or with credit cards no matter what credit card you
may have. Las Vegas hotel maps will allow you to choose the
hotel which meets your budget, but do not worry so much about
this, all of them will be within your reach, so this time money
will be a secondary thing and you will be able to concentrate in
where you will have most fun and relax.

Now that you have already covered all you need to know for your
next visit to Las Vegas , what are you waiting for? Come and see
incredible places, have fun and rest without having to worry for
anything except you have enough time during each day in Las
Vegas to see, do and enjoy it all.

http://www.las-vegas-luxor-hotel.com/directory/9/las-vegas-maps.h
tml

Sharm El Sheikh is heady mix of sun, sand and mountains located on a promontory at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula along the Red Sea in Egypt at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Owing to the many peace conferences held there it is also called “The City of Peace”

Being located at a strategic location sharm as it is popularly known was used by the Egyptian navy as a port and naval base until it was captured by Israeli forces in 1956 but restored to Egypt subsequently in 1967.

In the past it was a small fishing village until it became a naval base and today it is a commercial hub and a stunning and magnificent landscaped beach resort. It is also home to a number of sulphur springs, which have therapeutic value.

The virgin fossilized coral reefs in the red sea put the small fishing village and naval base of Sharm El Sheikh on the world map. Sharm El Sheikh has three protected areas- the Ras Muhammad Natural Protected Park, St. Katherine National Park and Nabq Protected area. To gain access to these areas you have to take permission from the tourism department and respective authorities.

If you are interested in taking a diving course while in sharm el sheikh, there are a number of private companies offering the course along with a PADI- Professional Diving Instructors Certificate at a very cheap price!

Like Nuweiba, sharm is also roughly divided into three parts- Na’ama Bay, Ras Um Sid Cliff and Sharm al Maya.

Na’ama Bay
This is long sandy bay home to one of the first hotels of the area built in the eighties. Today it is fully developed bay with a beautiful paved walkway lined with bougainvillea and oleander along the entire stretch of the bay.

Ras Um Sid Cliff
The cliff links the Na’ama Bay and Sharm El Maya centrally located from both the bay and Sharm El Maya. It has magnificent view from atop overlooking the sea. A lot of hotels, restaurants and resorts dot the cliff.

Sharm El Maya
This is the bay area of the old town of Sharm El Sheikh, developed recently for tourism. The magnificent bay is a natural harbor and home to many boats local and tourist. Palm trees line the lovely endearing sandy beaches making it a perfect place to laze around and sun bathe!
Go scuba diving and snorkeling:
There are a number of reliable diving and snorkeling operators in the area. The Tiran strait and the Red Sea have a diverse marine life, and its turquoise clear waters make it even more enchanting for diving.

Some famous dive centers are Anemone Diving Center at Na’ama Bay, African Divers at Sharm el Maya; Aqua active Dive center at Nabq Bay, Aquamarine and Aquanaute are other dive centers. Some virgin untouched diving sites are the Ras Mamla and Ras Abu Gallum; to go there you have to take permission from the Tourist Police and Protect the Reefs Office because these sites are under the Ras Muhammad National Park.

Colored canyon excursion:
This is in the middle of the desert. It is a gorge formed by water passing through the mountain for hundreds of years revealing the different colored layers of rock. The sheer size of the canyon leaves awed.

There are no facilities at all here. You have to take all that you need with you and as for natures call you will have to make do with going behind the rocks! Tour operators arrange tours in four-wheel drives to the canyon.

Go back into the past:
You can also visit the famous St. Catherine monastery between Nuweiba and Taba. The route via Nuweiba is a picturesque one along the flat plains. St. Catherine’s monastery was built around the 4th century, which is believed to be the site of the burning bush. The fortress that surrounds it was built around the 6th century and is still an operating monastery.

Have a Bedouin dinner:
If you are a foodie and love to try different cuisine you can go for a special Bedouin dinner at one of the Bedouin villages.

The Night Life:
Being a beach resort Sharm El Sheikh has an active nightlife. Most hotels have a pub, disco, and arrange beach parties. As for drinks, you can opt for the local brand-Stella, which is cheaper, or an imported one such as Heineken obviously more expensive.

Darren Panto sales & marketing manager for Peltours - a leading tour operator to Egypt and the Red Sea. For more information on Red Sea holiday excursions visit www.peltours.com/tabaheights. Alternatively, for a full and comprehensive Egypt holiday search visit www.peltours.com.

Daily life in Savannah, Georgia is hip and stylish, but it’s old Southern tradition sees to it that it will always maintain its serenity. Savannah, this modest city that happily welcomes a entire world, gets its name from the Native American word for “grassy plain”. Savannah has come quite a long distance from its original existence as the quiet plain.

Living up to the complementary reputation of being known as the “hostess city of the South”, Savannah, Georgia treats both local people and visitors to charming squares, beautiful garden paths, culture, a large selection of entertainment, and delectable food. The city of Savannah takes on the qualities of the southern belle: fascinating, benevolent, lively and impressive.

The twenty-four squares which are cleverly arranged here and there throughout the historical vicinity lay out the spirit of the downtown area. General James Ogelthorpe , between creating the colony of Georgia, fighting off the Spanish threat and working toward peaceful cohabitation with the Creek Indians, is to be credited with laying the city plan for Savannah, much of which remains intact today. These well-known squares form the cultural, historical and literal heart of the city. The many activities that help make Savannah great spread outward from there. Each unique square weaves a story of local and world history, having survived both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Art and culture are to be observed on every single corner of Savannah’s energetic streets , all throughout the year. Savannah’s Music Festival in March and the Jazz Festival in September fill the air with cool melodies. African Americans, Greeks, Irish, Scots and Asians, among others, share their culture with festivals and celebrations spread out during different days of the year. Meanwhile, students of the Savannah College of Art and Design captivate the public by bringing the pavement of Forsyth Park to life with their drawings during the annual Sidewalk Art Festival. Savannah’s indoor cultural scene is packed with over eighty art galleries, museums, and theaters.

The outskirts of the city of Savannah offer the security of a small town for households who like quietness and space, while the city center offers a metropolitan feel with three universities , great shopping, and a nightlife that seems to start in and expand out from CityMarket.

Those fortunate people who live in Savannah can be seen spending their leisure time the way most people spend vacations — year round moderate temperatures allow for for endless outdoor activities, nearby beaches, plenty of golf courses, and the occasional blues bar. Outdoor activities are one of the many reasons why Savannah is such a hot spot. Even the public transport system is stress-free. The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) operates an efficient system of buses, trolleys, and a ferry for those crossing the Savannah River.

It should be no surprise that Savannah is regularly listed as one of The United States top 10 most beautiful cities. Savannah’s tremendous draw extends to a extremely large variety of tastes. These diverse interests and lifestyles coexist in a complimentary way, which helps to add to Savannah’s growth. Artists add its culture, small businesses welcome tourists and grow as a result of them, and big industry pushes the economy forward. Therefore, this humble city, with her big city mindset, knows how to attract the world’s attention without even having to try.
Pete Sampson is a freelance author and historian. He has relished the beauty of Savannah for over 25 years. He highly recommends is: GreaterSavannah.com for Savannah, Georgia Real Estate.

Medieval costumes are a popular choice for many of the renaissance lovers out there that enjoy the mystery, sorcery, and glamour of that unique era!

Becoming your favorite fantasy character is exciting when wearing a medieval costume, and when you slip one on, you will take yourself back in time when the infamous Black Knight battled gothic pirates to protect their King and Queens throne, and experience all the medieval renaissance festivities on Halloween night.

Medieval clothing took on a unique fashion of it’s own, and now with a variety of great costumes available with quality authentic styles, you can easily become the Wizard that casts many spells, or Maid Marian that wins the hearts of the Renaissance Noble Men!

If being a Princess is not your castle in the sky, and you rather take the wild and crazy dungeon route, then there are many costume variations of the historical Wench. The choices are endless, and you can become a beautiful Tavern Wench with a long flowing velvet dress with lace-up corset and mop hat, or the exotic Gothic Slayer with a luxurious long flowing robe that expresses the mystery and beauty in you.

No matter which medieval fashion dress you choose, Prince Charming, Regal King, and the Royal Knight will definitely be closely following your trail. For the bad boy, the Medieval times have created the elite and also the nasty, and if you’re one to sway more to the dark side, then select the well known character costume the Executioner! It comes with a strap trimmed tunic, hood with cowl, fingerless gloves, and boot tops all trimmed with studs, plus a belt and battle axe, or you can easily become the swashbuckling renaissance pirate with the frill white shirt, pants and waist sash. Add an eye patch, and sword, and you will be enjoying Halloween night chasing the beautiful Wench’s to walk your plank.

For all the men and women that love to express themselves in medieval century clothing, this Halloween you will be pleased to know that many medieval items are still available, with great costume accessories to go with your choice of outfit. However, like we speak of the medieval days that have come and gone, if you wait too long to buy your favorite
Halloween Renaissance costume, they soon will also be history!

About the author: William is the owner and the author of “1st In Halloween Costumes” available at
www.1st-in-halloween-costumes.com A great source for Halloween Costumes online! You can easily find and compare halloween sites offering quality adult halloween costumes, sexy halloween costumes, kids costumes, pet costumes, and halloween masks.

A perfect rewarding lifestyle can be defined with three words Health - Happiness and Holidays. If you have your health then you are happy - if there is happiness in your life then you are happy and when have you ever seen any one going on holiday not happy.

So if it is happiness you seek then start packing those - let us get away from it all clothes. Depending on your budget, the choice of what you think will be your Ideal Holiday Destination is entirely up to you. Always remember when booking a holiday for the first time is to consider the needs of others travelling with you. If this is a family holiday then you have to keep the kiddies happily occupied - sometimes the glorious golden sands and azure Blue Ocean is never enough for children. When making a reservation at your Ideal Holiday destination is to be sure to check out the facilities on offer from the hotel.

Hotels with child play groups are the best options for both the kiddies and the parents - mums and dads can have a break while the kiddies playgroup provides the entertainment for bored children.

By opting for a holiday hotel with amenities as such will give mummy and daddy a little time to themselves to relax while sipping a cocktail. Knowing the children are safe and well supervised will give the parents peace of mind thus encouraging them to enjoy the holiday even more. If your Ideal Holiday Destination accommodation meets with all your needs and has everything you could possibly want from a vacation then book early because this destination may also be a million of other familiy`s ideal choice also.

Sun protection is the number one priority where children are concerned as well as the adults - be sure to fully cream the child up from head to toe before a day out on the beach or before any daytime activity like a day at a water park, out shopping or even a stroll along the promenade. Protection for the head is best if the child wears a cap or hat. Sometimes parents struggle to get the kids to wear head wear but if you make the first day of your holiday a fun spree shopping event and let the kiddies choose for themselves - you may find that their hand picked holiday hat or cap will never be off the head and in some cases even when they go to bed.

An Ideal Holiday Destination for kiddies should have a safe beach - action packed entertainment - a hotel with a swimming pool - water parks - daytime and evening activities - water pedaloes and boats - burger bars and theme parks. Well this is all well and good if this is your first family holiday and you are not familiar with what destination will have at least one of these facilities. Why settle for one of the above when you can have them all at the Ideal Holiday Destination - namely Benidorm.

Happy holidays and happy children will forever remain in your memories. Cheap Flights No time to relax on the beach well relax at home
Want2Yoga

Are you ready for Mother’s Day? Yes I realize it’s still a week or two away, but if you haven’t started your Mother’s Day promotions yet it might already be too late. I know of one company that has completely sold out of their big Easter product 3 weeks prior to Easter (yes completely sold out!). So if you haven’t done so already, work up some Mother’s Day promotions and start contacting your previous customers and lists.

Why promote Mother’s (or any holiday for that matter) when it’s still more than 2 or 3 weeks away? Why do you start seeing Halloween costumes for sale in September and Christmas decorations in October? There’s several reasons, but the two biggest ones are:

- To stay ahead of the competition

- Keep your business in mind when your customers begin their holiday shopping.

It’s especially important to advertise products and specials far ahead of time in direct sales, because we need to keep in mind shipping times. If your shipping time is 1-2 weeks, your customers only have this week to shop.

If it’s too late for Mother’s Day, start thinking about Independence Day and what you can do to spice up your business!

~~~~~~~

About the Authors: Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank are two busy wahms, and the owners of Direct Sales Helpers. Learn how you can be successful in your company by visiting:
http://www.DirectSalesHelpers.com

No doubt the 2006 season at the theme parks in England will be little different from 2005 in that there will be numerous offers from the theme parks to induce you to attend. The favourite method , particularly from Tussauds, who own Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventure and Thorpe Park is the 2 for 1 voucher. 2 for 1 vouchers will be popping up everywhere from the Sun newspaper to tins of beans. And of course these appear to be very good news. A free ticket to your favourite theme park! Hey, who can say no to that? Well before you get the scissors out to clip out the vouchers this year, here are a few things to consider before deciding whether 2 for 1 theme park tickets will really save you money.

1. You will be required to buy 1 full price adult ticket for each “free” ticket you get. This can often eliminate any savings, since a full price adult ticket bought at the turnstiles might be twice the price of a similar theme park ticket purchased from discount vendors such as Loial Travel. Do the sums first to see whether 2 for 1 vouchers will really save you money or not.

2. The “free” theme park ticket is often available only for children. Given that you have to buy a full priced adult ticket, how much are you saving? Check out what a child’s ticket would cost you at a discount seller and you may find you are throwing money away by using a 2 for 1 ticket.

3. You can usually only use one voucher per transaction, so if you have a large group then buying discount theme park tickets will often work out cheaper than using a 2 for 1 voucher.

4. To use your 2 for 1 vouchers you have to queue at the turnstiles. This can often be a long and frustrating experience that will cut the time you spend in the theme park. If you buy discounted tickets from someone like Loial Travel, you can usually take your booking confirmation email and go straight to pick your tickets up at the advance booking office.

5. Check the times when you can use the vouchers. Theme parks use 2 for 1 vouchers to fill the parks on days when demand is low. This often means school days. Check the small print (the VERY small print) to ensure you can use the vouchers on the days you want to go.

The author is webmaster of Loial Travel http://www.loial.co.uk and the U.K. Theme Park Blog http://ukthemeparks.blogspot.com

Parisian Neighborhoods

Paris owes both its development and much of its visual appeal to
the Seine River, which weaves through its heart. Each bank of
the Seine has its own personality; the Rive Droite (Right Bank),
with its spacious boulevards and formal buildings, generally has
a more sober and genteel feeling than the more carefree and
bohemian Rive Gauche (Left Bank) to the south. The historical
and geographical heart of the city is Notre-Dame Cathedral on
the Ile de la Cité, the larger of the Seine’s two islands (the
other is the Ile St-Louis).

The best way to get to know Paris is on foot, although public
transportation, particularly the métro subway system, is
excellent. Serious explorers should buy a Plan de Paris
booklet, a city map-guide with a street-name index that also
shows métro stations (note that all métro stations have a
detailed neighborhood map just inside the entrance.

Paris first became a magnet for the international avant-garde in
the mid-1800s, and the city remained Europe’s most creative and
bohemian capital until the 1950s. It all began just south of
Montmartre, when Romantics including writers Charles
Baudelaire and George Sand, with her lover, Polish composer
Chopin, moved into the streets below boulevard de Clichy.

Impressionist painters Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, and Mary
Cassatt kept studios here, near Gare St-Lazare, so they could
conveniently commute to the countryside or simply paint the
bustle of the train station itself. By the 1880s, the
neighborhood dancehalls had a new attraction: the cancan, a
dance that flashed basic instinct-esque skin. By 1889 that
cancan had become a sellable commodity, and the Zidler brothers
opened the Moulin Rouge cabaret. Toulouse-Lautrec designed
posters advertising the stars of the neighborhood and sketched
prostitutes in his spare time.

Montmartre’s influence had legs; the artistic maelstrom
continued through the Belle poque and beyond. In the early
1900s Picasso and Braque launched Cubism from a ramshackle
hillside studio building, the Bateau-Lavoir. Today Montmartre is
home to Bohemian Paris and the birth of cubism, cabarets and
street artists.

Paris has the distinct recognition of being most visited city as
well as the gay capital of the world. It was the first capital
in the world to elect an openly gay mayor in 2001. Gay Pride in
June fills the street of Marais with as many as 500,000 , Le
Maris is made up of the 3 & 4th districts.

Once just a village that settled on the “Ile de la Cite” (City
Island) on the confluence of the Seine’s two branches, Paris has
vastly expanded over the centuries, taking the surrounding
villages under its wing and making them its own. Nowadays the
City of Light, a name Paris earned during the age of the
Enlightenment, is made up of several arrondissements or
districts, numbered from 1 to 20 and logically ordered with the
1st in the centre and the others following on in a clockwise
spiral. The differences are vast and varied between the
districts, both in terms of the populations and attractions,
which together make up the multifaceted city we know and love.

1st: With its impressive collection of paintings and
sculptures, the Louvre attracts visitors from the world
over, who often combine it with a stroll in the adjoining
Tuileries gardens. Designers of haute couture,
including Yves St-Laurent and Dior, have set up shop in Rue
St-Honore, just a short walk from the majestic Place
Vendme, home to some of the finest jewellers in
Paris. If luxury seems to be the prevailing feature in the
1st district, it has also lovingly accepted the Forum des
Halles, the city’s largest shopping centre.

2nd: With its little back streets harboring galleries,
cafes and boutiques, this district sets a typically Parisian
scene. West of Rue Richelieu stands the theatre district
where a dozen or so playhouses throng. The Bourse de
Paris (Paris Stock Exchange) draws its clientele from the
surrounding business community, while certain clothing factories
in the Sentier district are now home to new internet
companies.

3rd: The Marais district prides itself on being one of
the oldest and best preserved in Paris. This district was
height of fashion in the 17th century. And one can still see the
splendor with the glorious mansions formerly housing
nobility. Today, Le Marais is the largest historic district
in all of France. It is also recognized as one of the
trendier neighborhoods in Paris. Ironically, the
neighborhood still is known as the old Jewish quarter
which was established back in the 13th century. The heart of
the Jewish vibe is Rue des Rosiers, the main thoroughfare lined
with falafel, cheesecake and Jewish delicacies. In keeping with
this yearning for yesteryear, a museum charting the history
of the capital (Musee Carnavalet) can also be found here.
Scattered with trendy bars, cafes and stylish boutiques, the
Marais has also become the Mecca of gay nightlife in
Paris.

4th: Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque
districts. The oldest wine bar in Paris packed with
both locals and tourists is La Tartine. On Thursday and
Sunday, Richard Lenoir roving market (one of Paris’ best) is a
delight and on Ruse St- Antoine stock up on your pre-made
gourmet food. The Marais is the only neighborhood with
shops open on Sundays. The largest concentration of
individual museums is found in Marais, Kwok-On (Asian),
Cagnacq-Jay (18th century art and furnishing), the unforgettable
Picasso museum is a favorite and is housed in the Hotel
Sales. Wander across the bridge opposite the Htel de Ville
(town hall) and you will drift on to the capital’s two
islands - Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis where a
visit to the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral is an absolute
must. Back on the right bank, Place des Vosges, a beautiful
old square lined with ancient buildings, is a wonderful witness
to times gone by, while the Beaubourg centre of contemporary art
confirms its resolutely futuristic outlook.

5th: This and the adjoining 6th district comprise the
Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter), bastion of student life
and higher education in Paris. Within a 100m radius around the
Pantheon you’ll find some of the most prestigious schools and
universities in the whole of France. The Jardin des plantes,
Paris’ botanical gardens and zoo, is at once a calm and
exotic place, and the Arnes de Lutce (remains of a Roman
amphitheatre) remind us just how rich the history of Paris
really is. You’ll find the Museum of the Middle Ages in
Cluny Square. As picturesque as you could possibly imagine, the
quaysides double as an enthralling treasure trove of
second-hand bookstalls. Come nightfall, the young crowds
flock to Place de la Contrescarpe and Rue Mouffetard.

6th: Rue de Seine, de Buci, Mazarine and Dauphine, along
with the whole area between Boulevard St-Germain and the river
Seine itself, are wholeheartedly characteristic of the allure of
Paris. The core of St. Germain is the daily food market
(except Monday) on Rue de Buci. Artfully arranged stalls of
delicious food compete for attention from all your senses.
Discover the little cafes and boutiques of the
chic-intellectual district of St-Germain-des-Prs, and
the bars and nightspots when the sun goes down. If on the other
hand you want to escape, take some peaceful time out in the
Jardin du Luxembourg.

7th: Known as the mecca of embassies and grand avenues
but more commonly known as the “quartier des ministres”
(ministers’ quarter), the 7th district also boasts some of
Paris’ most beautiful monuments - the Invalides, the Eiffel
Tower, the Champ de Mars - literally meaning “Field of Mars”,
this was originally a parade ground for cadets in the Ecole
Militaire (Military Academy). Between Quai Voltaire and Rue de
l’Universite, dozens upon dozens of antique dealers
entice you into their shops on the Carre Rive Gauche, and if
you are in an artistic frame of mind, the spectacular Musee
d’Orsay is well worth a browse. Rue Cler is the district’s
signature daily market ideal for fresh vegetables, fruits and on
the weekends expect live entertainment.

8th: Naturally, any visit to the 8th district has to
start on the most beautiful avenue in the world - the fabulous
Champs-Elysees, which extends from Place de l’Etoile down
to the finishing post on Place de la Concorde. Also worth seeing
is La Madeleine, a neoclassical church - and jogger’s
paradise, the Parc Monceau. Music lovers will find heaven
in a shopping trip along Rue de Rome. Other places of
interest include the Grand and Petit Palais, as well as the
Palais de la Decouverte (the Palace of Discovery), which makes
the fascinating world of science accessible to all.

9th: Its impressive elegance makes the Opera (opera
house) undeniably one of Paris’ most exquisite monuments.
You can take in the waxworks at Musee Grevin, and stroll
through Nouvelles Athnes (New Athens) near the St-Georges
metro, but this area is also characterized by large
department stores, including Printemps, Galeries Lafayette,
and Marks & Spencer.

10th: Running the entire length of the Canal St-Martin,
the Quais de Valmy and de Jemappes extend either side of the
water to provide one of the most delightful walks in
Paris; from Rue de la Temple to Place de Stalingrad you will
pass many a lock and maybe the odd barge or two.

11th: Formerly the haunt of furniture craftsmen, the
Bastille district now plays host to an entirely different scene:
that of Paris’ young and trendy in-crowd. Rue du
Faubourg-St-Antoine has seen many a restaurant and nightspot
spring up and flourish. Neighboring Rue de Lappe is probably the
place to be seen, while others prefer the buzz of Rue Oberkampf
a little further north.

12th: Paris’ pleasure beach can be found here,
between the Seine and the Place de la Bastille, where the
imposing Palais Omnisport de Paris-Bercy takes pride. The Palais
Omnisport de Paris-Bercy serves as the venue for a variety of
sporting and musical events, which often sell out very quickly,
so be warned! Located to the far west of the city, but still
within its limits, the Bois de Vincennes is a wonderful place to
wander, especially around the lake.

13th: The easterly part of this district is known as
“Chinatown“, inhabited by an unbelievable number of
Chinese and Asian restaurants, shops and supermarkets. The new
Bibliothque nationale de France (National Library) has
also taken up residence in this area, overlooking the Quai de la
Gare on the Seine. To the west of the district, meander through
the small village of Buttee-aux-Cailles an extraordinary find in
the capital city. By way of contrast, but all within the same
district, Place d’Italie boasts the biggest cinema screen in
Europe.

14th: Rue Alesia stands out for its array of clothes
shops, while Parc Montsouris is arguably one of the most
charming green spots in the city. The international city
university stands just opposite and is well worth a visit as it
features architectural styles from all over the world.
Finally, you can take a look at the Bronze Lion of Belfort in
Place Denfert-Rochereau.

15th: Set along the banks of the Seine, the delightful
Andre Citron park, named in honor of the famous car
manufacturer, while a little further north, overlooking the
river, you’ll find Paris’ skyline of skyscrapers peering down at
a replica (or did this one come first?) of the Statue of
Liberty.

16th: There’s no denying that this is the most
fashionable district of Paris. Although some will debate
that the distinction belongs to the 7th, regardless this
district is home to many wealthy Parisians. The Trocadero
offers a remarkable view of the city, as well as two museums
(Marine - the Naval Museum and Homme the Museum of Mankind).
Avenue Foch is destined to impress, as is the Parc des Princes.
West of the ring road, roams the Bois de Boulogne wood,
which although best avoided after dark, is a real delight during
the day.

17th: This diverse district really contains more than one
neighborhood, with the portion, in the west, near the Arc de
Triomph and Parc Monceau, being very upscale.

18th: The Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (the Basilica
of the Sacred Heart) is another must-see monument in the City of
Lights. Looking up at the basilica from the market below is sure
to take your breath away (as will all the steps you have to
climb to reach it!). A short walk from the Sacre-Coeur takes you
to Place du Tertre, drenched in the atmosphere of “old
Paris” which cannot fail to captivate, even if it is teeming
with tourists. Rue des Abesses, with its trendy boutiques and
bars, draws a hipper kind of crowd alongside the famous
Pigalle area, Paris’ red light district, and home to a
famous nightlife of cabarets and bars.

19th: The Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie (City of
Science and Industry) was designed as Paris’ window onto the
world of science; an objective that has been reached mainly
courtesy of the Geode, a hemispherical cinema. The Buttes
Chaumont, is the ideal place for a relaxing walk, which
you can finish off with the second part of Canal St-Martin as
mentioned above.

20th: The most well-known cemetery in Paris, the
Pre-Lachaise is the final resting place of many famous artists,
and is one of the most visited sites in the city. Memories of
Jim Morrison are obviously still very much alive as his
tomb is permanently carpeted with flowers. While the young arty
crowds of the city tend to hang out further and further to the
east of the city, mainly in the Bastille district which is
rapidly surrendering to consumerism, this area has managed to
hold on to its working-class origins, hence its charm.

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The key to enjoying an affordable vacation is to finding inexpensive hotels to stay in. This is because accommodation costs are a significant chunk of the total vacation expenditure and by staying in a cheap hotel vacationers can afford to experience more of what a holiday destination has to offer.

Families planning a vacation need to keep their eyes open for the best hotel deals on offer. The Internet is a great resource for finding cheap hotels that offer good food and lodging. One can compare services offered across hotels for a given rate; this knowledge helps while negotiating for accommodation. Hotels can also be compared for nearness from the airports, railway stations, and tourist attractions. It is important to look up hotels on more than one site that list comparisons. This is because not all hotels in an area may be listed on a site. Hotels also list discount deals and vacation deals on their own websites, subscribing to hotel newsletters is another option that helps to keep abreast of rate changes.

Staying in a cheap hotel is a great idea not only for budget vacationers but also for those who may not have budget constraints. Cheap accommodation does not necessarily mean having to rough it out.

A little research will enable one to come up with hotels that provide good accommodation at surprisingly cheap rates. However, there are several things that need to be considered while searching for cheap hotels. Most hotels have the cheaper rooms taken up fairly quickly, so it’s important to book in advance. Also, hotel rates during the off-season are low; so families can plan their vacations accordingly. If the cheaper rooms have been taken up when one first enquires, there is no harm in checking again after some time. Also, if the hotel tariffs have fallen after one has made a reservation, some hotels will in fact offer accommodation at the revised rates.

Even if a hotel’s rates appear slightly on the higher side, very often they are negotiable. In fact, vacationers should keep in mind that good bargaining skills can help them get some pretty amazing accommodation deals. In order to be able to bargain skillfully, one needs to first of all communicate with the right person in the hotel, for example the sales manager. Also, it pays to be informed about the facilities that can be had for the rate a hotel is charging and to know the times of the year when the hotel is in demand from business travelers and vacationers.

AAA cards can earn their members discounts of up to 10% on their hotel stay. Points earned on credit cards can also be redeemed by vacationers to contribute to lodging expenses, many hotels that offer cheap rates accept AAA cards and redeem credit card points. Thus, a little planning and careful research in selecting a hotel can enable families on vacation to enjoy the sights and sounds of their chosen destination to a far greater extent.

Scott Grueson recommends you visit CheapHotels.co.uk to book a cheap hotel. See www.cheaphotels.co.uk for more information.