Saturday, July 16, 2011

How It Works: Limousine Service

By Adriana Noton


The most expensive type of ground transportation is the limousine. The limo is a luxury sedan or saloon vehicle that usually has an extended wheelbase. Most limousine service includes chauffeurs escorting passengers. Many people affiliate this type of car service with wealthy and powerful people.

Some small companies and individuals own these luxury vehicles, but large companies, broadcasters and the government own most. Large companies use limos to transport their executives. Broadcasters utilize limo services to escort their guests. Officials of the government use limos for transportation as well. In some places, limo services have created competition with taxi services.

In 1902, the first limousine was developed. In 1928, the first stretch limousine was developed. The company that created the stretched vehicle, Ambruster, used it to transport big bands. These vehicles, in their early years, were called big band buses.

There are many different limo styles. Generally they include a sliding divider made from soundproof glass. This divider separates the driver and passenger compartments, allowing for privacy. An intercom system or controller for the divider is usually available to passengers in case they need to communicate with their chauffeur. Traditional limos were extended large cars. They had a longer wheelbase and frame. Seat placement allowed for up to six passengers, including the driver. Modern limos are quite advanced. They come in a variety of models and have high seat capacities, between 6 to 30 passengers. Some come equipped with expensive audio systems, mini refrigerators, televisions, bars and video players.

Limousine service is often used for special occasions. Some common occasions in which these vehicles are rented include: birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, corporate events, concerts, school events, weddings, sporting events and funerals. Usually this service will pick individuals up and drop them off at their destination.

Prices for these services vary. Many rental companies charge by the hour. They may also charge per passenger. Limo model and distance traveled may factor into total cost.

Things to consider before booking a limo service: destination, number of passengers, amount of hours needed for rental, service value and limo model. Not every company is on the same level. In many cases, you pay for what you get, but by doing adequate researches and having a plan, you can make the choosing process more efficient. Be practical with your expectations.

Planning is essential. When you know what you want and need from the service, make reservations. It is suggested that reservations are made at least 3 weeks in advance of the occasion so that things are in correct order. Call more than one company and ask for price estimates so you can budget what is needed. Large groups interested in rental may have each passenger pitch in money. It is customary that tips, at least 18 percent, are given. A company may offer special deals or packages for large groups or specific occasions. One of the most important factors to consider is the safety. Law requires every Toronto limousine company that serves within the United States, to be registered within the state they operate in. Additionally, they should have insurance and a valid license.




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Use a Beverage Refrigerator for These Reasons

By Edward Justice


Does your refrigerator ever feel like it's simply out of space? I know that mine does, despite the fact that I only need to feed myself. This is why I eventually bought myself a beverage refrigerator.

My refrigerator is constantly overloading with things that I rarely touch but eventually need. When it comes to my juices and sodas, I would say that these are the biggest cause of the issue.

Drink bottles and cans can be bulky, tall, and generally take up a lot of space. Since drinks don't go bad for a while, with the exception of milk, a few cases of any drink can easily take up the bulk of the room in a refrigerator.

Getting a beverage may be a good idea if this describes your situation. There are many reasons that you might need one, but I'll go into a few basic advantages that the presence of one will give you.

The biggest draw in my mind was the price point. Some of these cost 60 or 80 dollars and they do a fine job at keeping my drinks cool.

They're also easy to move around from room to room. In fact, I keep one outdoors in the summer, as saving myself a trip to the inside of my house for a drink makes things convenient and fun.

You'll also find that drinks look great inside the beverage refrigerator. There's something about them that brings out the best in a can of soda or beer, making it all the more appetizing to me. Guests love this too.

Another great use for the beverage refrigerator is wine storage. There are dual capable units that can heat reds and whites separately, storing each at the optimal temperature. I find this great for situations where I have guests over, as I'll never need to wait an hour while a bottle cools inside my ordinary refrigerator.




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Hotels Worldwide Can Be Found In A Variety Of Designs And Comforts

By Adriana Noton


When people are away from home for more than a day, they may have to look at staying in one of the hotels at their destination. The basics of a hotel room have always included things like a couch, bed, cupboard, washroom, table, and chair. In recent years, more modern amenities have been added such as suites with whirlpool tubs, air conditioning, fireplaces, or climate control.

Extra items considered standard for a modern hotel room include a phone, TV, a safe, a mini bar with refreshments and food as well as devices for coffee and tea. Higher grade rooms include a luxury bathrobes and slippers and Jacuzzi bathtubs. Larger rooms can accommodate facilities like restaurants for guests, a swimming pool, a fitness and business centre, child care and conference services.

The meaning of the word as well as the services available there are different in different countries. There is a scheduled time for serving of food in some countries. Some private places may not, however, adhere to this schedule. In many countries, hotel means a bar or a pub and do not give accommodation. Another interesting fact is that in some of countries the word means restaurant.

The French word where the word hotel derives from, in fact means host. France had townhouses and a hotel is a different version of that. Meals are sometimes offered when people stay at these places. The guests can recognize their assigned room because there usually are numbers on the doors.

There are varieties of hotels that are entirely different in their services, cost factor and size. The hospitality business has some standards and most of the people in this industry adhere to these. These places are classified according to these standards. These vary from upscale to limited service.

Some buildings are so lavish that people travel only to stay at that particular place. Buildings can have very attractive features or use the environment to create an amazing look. Some have plants, including trees, built into the structure for a unique look and composition. Historical places, such as bunkers and bomb shelters have been made into lodging for tourists.

Some are even built in the form of gigantic shoes. The English nursery rhyme about the old woman who lived in a shoe is the inspirational myth behind this idea. The most successful shoe-like ones feature a woman's shoe. Natural caves have also been transformed, featuring underground rooms. The remnants of an old opal pit have seen transformation into a hotel. One of the most fascinating accommodation facilities can be found underwater. Scuba diving is the method of room entrance.

A capsule hotel is where you get shared accommodation and limited facilities. They are cheap places where your get a bed and other features are shared by all guests. In winter, some hotels designed from ice are made. They melt in summer to be rebuilt in the next winter.

Choosing hotels that are right for you is very essential and almost as important as the destination of the actual trip. Bad places can ruin the entire trip for someone, so looking up well known and reputable lodging places is essential to having a successful trip. These hotels will provide guests with what they say and need and are quality places.




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Friday, July 15, 2011

Thinking About Hot Unique Destination Hotels And Vacation Ideas

By Adriana Noton


Hotels are commonly looked at as convenient places to sleep overnight on the way to a area being traveled to for other business or pleasure objectives, or once arriving there. This traveler wants to spend as little money and time as necessary to have his minimum requirements for cleanliness and quiet sleeping satisfied. There are other unusual accommodations that will largely be the reason for the trip to that location. With these, the travel itinerary is fashioned around an enjoyment of the attractions found at that inn, or the area's natural features.

In this article we will not be discussing budget, overnight, or limited service accommodations. These have their purpose as stopping places on the way somewhere and may fulfill all that traveler's needs and expectations. They most likely are not something to design a memorable travel experience around.

There are several other types that will fit the bill, however. One such type is located in scenic areas, whether on the ocean, in the mountains, near a volcano, in a rain forest, or in a warm desert climate during the winter months. This base of operations is sometimes located in a remote area. It offers relaxation and access to quiet enjoyment of scenery, or activities such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or climbing.

Another option is an unusual venue. There the guests can stay at lodgings in caves, pyramids, tree houses, man made islands, or under water. Sometimes the attraction is a unique architecture designed by someone like Frank Lloyd Wright, or that has been operating since 718. Several are shaped like a shoe, reminiscent of the fairytale of the old woman who lived in a shoe with all her children.

Some are found in renovated mines, bunkers, prisons, railway terminals, airliners, and ocean liners. Others are built each year of ice or snow, or are located in wintry areas, with outdoor natural hot spring baths.

A third kind are those facilities featuring a type of on site activity. Here the inn has proprietary assets for the guest's enjoyment. Prime examples are theme parks, golf resorts, conference centers, and resort casinos. They might also have on site or nearby horse races or car races, or sports stadiums.

Yet another possibility are those types offering healthy activities. These might include integrative medical treatment, spas, massage, yoga, healthy meals, fitness training, meditation, stress management, life style modification, or spiritual retreats.

For some the draw is large urban areas with their cultural attractions such as theater, concerts, museums, or shopping and boutiques. While some people seek to escape the city and get away from people, others enjoy the 24 hour a day big city energy and find it invigorating.

Students wanting a place to blow off steam during spring break have destination hotels to serve them. Motorcyclists or other groups can gather for rallies with others having similar hobbies or interests. Sometimes events attract divergent types of individuals with some common pursuit like financial investment or Star Trek television programs or films.




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Easy Ways For Securing Upgrades At Hotels

By Adriana Noton


As you travel, staying at the best hotels is not always a priority. Nevertheless you can get complimentary upgrades if you ask for them nicely. You are more likely to get a roomier and nicer upgrade once you know the steps to take.

First of all, keep your cool and be nice when asking for one. No one will offer free upgrades to angry customers who talk down on them. They may be polite and sporting a smile on their face, but deep down inside they might be thinking how pleasing it is to not grant your request.

Be sure to join your hotel's loyalty program. Such programs let them give you some extra perks which are unavailable for other customers. Once they know that you are a loyal customer who has a good history, you might be able to obtain what you want.

Arriving late can also help. If you arrive after the regular check-in time, you may be able to get an upgrade if someone has cancelled his or her reservation. Because the hotel may not be able to rent the room to anyone else at such a late hour, they may give you an upgrade.

Pretend you are there for an anniversary or birthday celebration. Hotels love to make celebratory couples and families happy. If they are not able to give an upgrade, they may be able to give a discount. Dress nicely. If you show up dressed scruffily, you will not be treated the same as ones who are dressed appropriately for a nice setting. It may not be right, but it is true.

It is important that you send them an email that is friendly before checking in. If it is the low season and many people are not checking in, you may ask to be given the upgrade before you get there, this will give you higher chances to get one. You can write directly to the manager since desk clerks do not have the authority to give upgrades.

Although you want to remain polite, you should also complain if the room you received is not up to your expectations. Complaints done in a nice and concise manner will help you get an upgrade faster. Tell the staff exactly what is wrong with your room or rooms and request an upgrade to a nicer room at that time. Be sure that the complaint is legitimate.

Always book your room with the lodge directly because if you book through another person you will be at the end of the line for requests. The management always prefers to work with people that have booked rooms directly with them and not ones that have gone through people that have been given discounts online

Offering tips to management can also go a long way. A $20 tip slipped into the hand of hotel managers will help get you a room upgrade. Handing over the bill with a nice, polite request will usually get it for you. The best way to get upgrades for hotels is to treat the staff with respect. If you are a repeat customer, try to remember the names of the ones who helped you the last time you were there. Talking to them directly and tipping them well will help get the upgrade you desire.




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Superior Hotels You Never Get Tired Of

By Adriana Noton


Hotels are a form of short term lodging usually associated with travel or incidental to business or recreational travel. While in years past they offered the barest of amenities, today many have all the comforts of home. In fact some guests have made themselves at home there for decades at a time.

The first hotel rooms consisted only of the bed, a table and chair, a cupboard, wash basin and a pitcher of water. Later community baths were available down the hall.

With the passage of time other amenities became available. New technological devices like a telephone, alarm clock, television, iron, coffee maker, hair dryer, air conditioner, and internet connection became available and were included as basic components. Luxury inns competed with their competitors by offering more.

Now days they are offering everything from physical fitness equipment, swimming pools and spas to gourmet dining and room service, child care, laundry service, newspapers, conference rooms, massage, beauty shops, and a variety of entertainments. Some have gambling casinos with live shows. Concierge services go out of their way to help with arrangements, directions and advice.

As a result some guests have extended their stays at their preferred resorts or lodges for many years. Most anything that they might enjoy in their own home was available at the inn. The twenty-four hour a day staff and freedom from the normal chores and worries of home ownership like cleaning, yard work, and maintenance appeals to them. They are able to circumvent the purchase of all kinds of tools, equipment and supplies needed to furnish and operate a household. Shopping for cookware, vacuums, linens, and other items can be avoided. It may not even be necessary to buy a car.

These have been mostly people who have the means to pay for the convenience of having others waiting on them. Many have been actors who may have first become accustomed to this style of living while filming on location. Larry Fine of Three Stooges fame lived for years in hotels with his wife and raised his daughter there. British actor Richard Harris was a long term resident, Egyptian actor Ahmad Zaki lived his last 15 years there, and American actress Elaine Stritch lived for over a decade in one.

Vladimere Nabokov, novelist, and his wife lived there in Russia from 1961 until the time of his death in 1977. Nicola Tesla, inventor or many electrical devices we take for granted today, resided there for the last decade of his life, and died in his room. Cocco Chanel, fashion designer lived in the same one for over thirty years. General Douglas McArthur lived there for 14 years until his passing.

British entrepreneur Jack Lyons lived in one for several years. Eccentric millionaire Howard Hughes lived in them at various periods. He moved into one in 1948 and spent $11 million in a single year for lodging there with his entourage. He lived a recluse the last ten years of his life, until 1976, in various hotels located in Beverly Hills, Boston, Las Vegas, Vancouver, London, Bahamas, Nicaragua, and Mexico.

Hotels today provide the amenities some people desire in a permanent home. The lifestyle they afford is free of any concerns about home maintenance or household chores.




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Have The Moment Of Your Life Golfing Whilst Holidaying In Upscale Rio De Janeiro Apartments

By Carolina Murphy


The contrasting as well as wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro is a place in which tourists and travelers might choose to stay eternally. When they get a taste for the friendly folks, wonderful real estate, and a lifestyle that has revealed the potential to captivate the world, guests have the luxury of staying as long as they desire. This incredible area in South America brings together vacationers who come from locations all over the world, such as Asia and Europe.

Something that few people think about when Rio de Janeiro comes to mind is the fact it can present incredible golfing experiences. Numerous ecological factors add to this. The fact that it is a warm, mild and exotic climate is unquestionably at the forefront of these. Anyone that comes to the region can discover a ideal blend of panoramas, environments, and vegetation which makes this such an desirable piece of real estate. The most gorgeous factor is always that this is available for the whole year.

When you arrive, naturally you have to deal with the logistical difficulties of where to lodge. Obtaining deluxe flats to accommodate you should be rather straight forward. You must be able to find apartment rentals in locations such as Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon. Finding a place to rent needs to be no problem at all.

While golfing is not one of the most common reasons to go to this Latin American nation, it is definitely becoming an additional excellent motive to visit. No matter what your level is, there's surely something for all.

Since Rio de Janeiro has grown to be an international vacation destination, right now there are several courses available which you'll find amid the very best that can be located in South America. Without doubt, the quality of the courses will speak for themselves and without a doubt the experience will give you a number of pleasing remembrances that will stick to you long after your vacation. So it's time to purchase your journey today. Irrespective of where you plan on lodging, whether you find high-class rentals in Leblon, Copacabana or Ipanema, you are sure to have a first class experience. If you act now, probably you will discover a sale.




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Stress Free Ways Of Managing Luggage When Traveling

By Byron Jonas


If there's one thing that frequent travelers complain about, it's managing luggage when traveling. If you bring too much, you may have to check your bags, which may cost you extra money in fees. Not only that, when you can't bring your baggage with you, there's a chance that it will get lost. Furthermore, rules differ with each mode of transportation and with each company you deal with. With a little planning though, you can make your luggage handling as stress free as possible.

If you are traveling by plane, it's best to start on the airline's website, or call a customer service representative. Here, you can find out exactly what you're allowed to bring on flight with you. Most allow a larger bag, like a small suitcase or large duffel bag and another smaller piece of baggage like a purse or backpack. If you know the limits, you can avoid spending extra time and money by checking in extra bags.

In order to get everything you need into the allowed bags, you may need to put some time into packing more efficiently. One way to do this is to carefully consider what you need to bring. Bring your most versatile clothing so you don't need to pack specific tops for specific pants. Also, consider using the laundry facilities if available at your destination so you don't need as many outfits.

Also, there are ways to maximize the space that you do have in your bags. Rolling up clothes rather than folding them saves room. Try to fill all empty spaces - for instance pack your socks inside of a pair of shoes. Companies sell bags that you can pump the air out of leaving your clothing compressed, which saves a great deal of space. Consider trial sized toiletries, or plan on buying them when you arrive.

You can avoid packing a number of things by wearing them instead. If you're bringing a jacket, wear it instead of packing it. Dress in layers, and wear your heaviest things, like boots or heavy sweaters, to leave space in the luggage for smaller, lighter items.

Lots of time is wasted when traveling if you've brought something along that isn't allowed due to airline regulations. It's best to find out about any restrictions before you leave to assure yourself the smoothest experience possible. Rules pertaining to personal belongings and liquids are new, and could change at any time. A quick look at the airline's website can save you lots of time and aggravation later.

With a little planning ahead, you will be able to make your travel as enjoyable as possible. By packing lightly and efficiently you can save yourself time, money and hassles. It's worth the extra preparation in the end to experience a fun-filled, low stress travel experience.




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Thursday, July 14, 2011

In The Travel Scenario Hotels Are Star Performers

By Adriana Noton


Post modern sociologists delight in de-constructing hotels as signs of many different things. They are of much more significance than mere places to stop over. They also stand for social values, architectural features and national landmarks.

Although it is an accepted word in the English language it does have French connections, and like many words of French origins connotes a certain flair. A hotel is not an 'inn' or 'hostelry'. These earthy English words suggest basic eating, drinking and sleeping but the French connected word suggests doing these things with some panache.

On the one hand people who choose to pause in their travel beneath the sign 'hotel' as a sign above the door of a place to stay will expect practical functions of various kinds. There will be clean rooms and bedding attended to by professional hotel staff. After that the services provided will vary enormously, depending on the tariff. Some cheap offer clean and economical rooms and not much else. For a little more one may expect facilities for making a cup of tea upon awakening.

Each hotel has a character. Some are new and shiny, others revel in their antiquity. The more that a hotel can gather from its ever moving clientele that happier it will be. Although shiny competitors keep rising from the ground the establishment with a past usually takes pride in that, and posts pictures, signatures and memorabilia from its ever moving stream of guests as signs of its reputation.

In English literature and culture hotels play their significant roles. The novelist Arnold Bennett helped to portray them as places where the activities and attributes of various characters are entwined with the activities of a place. Guests come and discretely but closely observed by staff who are balanced between the security of being permanent and the obligation to serve temporary guests.

More recently the TV series 'Fawlty Towers' explores in hyperbolic terms the situations that can arise where the public and private worlds clash. In countless film dramas, corridors and rooms are used as places where an outside threat may suddenly intrude into a private place. As Aristotle advised, this tension between opposing impulses is the essence of drama.

People who own a home with a spare bedroom often set themselves up to take a tiny share of the tourist market by entering the 'Bed and Breakfast' industry. Surprisingly the proliferation of Bed and Breakfast establishments does not seem to prevent the hotel industry to the extent that might be expected.

The capital behind hotels allows them to offer services such as gyms, health spas and theme restaurants that the private residence cannot afford. More importantly, privacy and discretion are valued by people who travel. After a wearying day the business person does not always wish to enter into new acquaintances and private conversations, with a curious host wanting to chat and share mutual acquaintances.




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Book your tickets early for the Nile Cruise

By Adam Smith


If you plan to take a trip in the Nile cruise during the winter in your country, then you will have to make sure that you are booking the tickets in time because all people will be planning to visit Egypt then. It is necessary to plan the things early in date and book the tickets accordingly. If you plan to take your children along, accommodation has to be done accordingly and things for their food, if any particulars, have to be arranged. The tickets for your trip can be booked online, or you can choose from the many travel packages that are available.

The cruises start with three day basic trips where a person is spending $ 100 per head for their food and accommodation. The Nile cruise is great for a winter trip, as in many countries, snow will be a problem and they will not feel like getting out of the house.

If there are other packages that suit the people of the family, one can decide by going through the different packages that are available. The packages either come as an offer in the newspaper or they are posted on websites. Offers are usually short term and are available only for a small period of time. Hence it is better to avail them when they are around.

Packages for the Nile cruise contain many different options with different components to suit different kinds of people. If you have elderly persons in the group, then it would be preferable to choose a package which has some facilities for the elderly.

The Nile cruise is made interesting by the on board facilities in the ship. There are many companies which offer these services, but some special services also offer trips into the Pyramids. These are normally guided tours, and are very spooky and interesting.If you have booked the tickets earlier to the season, then you are sure to have a fun time during the Nile cruise.




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