Scotland

Llandudno is a great place to stay in North Wales and is the regions premier coastal resort. The town has the largest choice of hotels in North Wales and offers everything from large hotels to smaller boutique style hotels. Many guests come back year after year because of the quality of service and wonderful features of the town.

Llandudno’s beautifully curved Victorian promenade is home to most of the towns hotels. The promenade was built during Victorian times and still retains much of the same character today being noticeably absent of shops or amusements. Llandudno’s promenade is perfectly framed between its two headlands, the Great Orme to the north and Little Orme to the east and stretches for well over a mile between the two. The hotels on the promenade enjoy some wonderful views of Llandudno’s bay and pier and this tends to make these the most expensive in the town.

Llandudno promenade has hotels to suit all tastes. Many of the larger hotels such as The Imperial Hotel and St George’s Hotel are run by national chains. The larger hotels often have multiple entertainment facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, and games rooms and many have one or more ballrooms with evening entertainment.

Away from the larger hotels there are a number of smaller privately owned hotels. These hotels have often built a reputation for quality and service and attract visitors to return to them year after year. One example of such a hotel is the St Tudno Hotel located opposite the pier and close to the Great Orme. The St Tudno Hotel has won many awards for the quality of its service and restaurant.

Located almost on the pier itself is The Grand Hotel, one of Llandudno’s largest. The Grand Hotel enjoys a wonderful location looking across Llandudno’s bay and promenade. Immediately behind The Grand Hotel is the North Parade which is lined which many less expensive hotels. This is a good location as you can still enjoy the sea views and are close to the town centre.

Away from the promenade are a small number of other hotels worth mentioning one of which is The Empire Hotel. The Empire Hotel is a modern hotel located approximately five minutes away from Llandudno’s promenade and is located at the top of Mostyn Street in the shadow of the Great Orme. The Empire Hotel has a reputation as being one of Llandudno’s finest hotels.

Another hotel located away from the promenade is Llandudno’s Risboro Hotel. The Risboro Hotel is approximately 10 minutes walk from the town centre and promenade. While not as large as some other hotels the Risboro offers and excellent choice for a quality hotel away from the hustle and bustle.

Llandudno’s West Shore is a location often overlooked but provides an ideal location if you want to be close to the beach but away from the town centre. The West Shore is located approximately 20 minutes walk away from the main shopping areas and is home to a number of smaller hotels. Here you can enjoy inspiring views of the Snowdonia Mountains and Isle of Anglesey and play on the sands of the quieter beach.

The final two hotels worth mentioning are located slightly further away from Llandudno and each offers something unique. The Bodysgallen Hall and Spa Hotel is a country house hotel located in its own grounds just off the A470 connecting road to Llandudno. The hotel is set in a wonderful location with views towards the Snowdonia Mountains and beyond. The Bodysgallen Hall and Spa Hotel is rated as one of the finest in the whole of Wales. The Deganwy Quay Hotel is Llandudno’s newest and one of the highest rated. The hotel has been built on the new Deganwy Quay marina and is rated as a 4 star hotel. The Deganwy Quay Hotel enjoys wonderful views of the Conwy estuary and Conwy Castle and is located approximately 5 minutes from Llandudno town centre by car.

England’s capital city London can offer a shopping experience second to none. Not only does London have a diverse ethnic population but the diversity and range of shops and markets available are truly mindblowing and, at the very least, extremely exciting.

There have been various markets in London ever since Roman times. Covent Garden is one such market which dates back that far, but did you know that it was originally named ‘Convent Garden’?. The market moved to its present location in 1974 and was known in those days for it fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables. It was not util 1980 that Covent Garden became the market it is today, known for it unusual and quirky little shops and masses of items which unavailable elsewhere.

Amongst the top ten visitor attractions in London is Camden Market. In fact it is the fourth most popular visitor attraction attracting 100,000 visitors every weekend. Camden market opened as a temporary market in 1974, and is famous for its stalls selling everything from fashion, antiques and bric-a-brac.

One of the most famous shopping streets in London is the Kings Road. The Kings Road became famous in the 1960’s, and then again in the 1970’s when it was associated with the ‘Punk’ movement. The designer ‘Vivienne Westwood’ has owned a shop here since the 1970’s.

Sloane Street is known for catering to the more ‘upper class’ shoppers in society. In the 1990’s people who shopped here became known as ‘Sloane Rangers’, a term used generally to this day. Today you will still find the same kind of high class shops on Sloane Street, which runs all the way from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square.

One department store, known the world over is Harrods. You will find Harrods in Knightsbridge and it is the largest department store in the world. No shopping trip to London would be complete without a visit here. It would take more than one day to see all the departments in Harrods! The best time of year to visit Harrods in my opinion would be at Christmas. The way the store is decorated at this time of year is breathtaking.

Another famous department store in London is ‘Selfridges’ which, even though it is incredibly huge, is only the second largest store in London. Selfridges was founded by the American Harry Gordon Selfridge, who had previously worked for Marshall Field & Company in Chicago (and from which he adapted many of his ideas for his new store in London).

Do not despair if your finances do not stretch to the high class shops, with the large variety of shops and markets in London, there is somewhere for everyone to shop. One can find a lot of bargains in London, not just luxury goods.

All visitors to London are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding which attractions to visit. Top of most peoples lists is ‘Buckingham Palace’, along with other historic landmarks such as the Tower of London. However, not all of the landmarks worth visiting in London are historic; one of the newest attractions is less than ten years old, the ‘London Eye’.

The London Eye from above.

The London Eye is a giant observation wheel standing or Ferris wheel. Even though the London Eye has not been open for very long, it has still become one of the most popular attractions London has ever seen (over 3.5 million visitors per year). The eye has also been known as the ‘Millennium Wheel’.

The London Eye was built to mark the new millennium. It took seven years and the skills of hundreds of people from five countries to make the London Eye a reality. Tony Blair opened the Eye officially on New Years Eve 1999.

A giant spindle holds the wheel in place and the hub rotates around it. The spindle is around the size of a church spire and, together with the hub, weighs in at 330 tonnes: over 20 times heavier than Big Ben. The London Eye can carry 800 passengers at one time and not many Ferris wheels can match that feat.

There is more to the ‘London Eye’ than meets the eye. Not only is it an iconic landmark but it can also be an imaginative place to hold a party. The London Eye allows you to book a private capsule (with priority boarding). There are many package deals on offer from ‘Cupid’s Capsule’ to an ‘educational capsule’. There are educational packages aimed at both primary and secondary pupils.

Not all London attractions can be seen from the top of the eye. The Imperial War Museum and The Globe Theatre are just two of the visible attractions.

The London Eye at Night

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and one of the most cosmopolitan. It has attractions to suit everyone including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and the Natural History Museum.

London has more than one airport so traveling to London via aeroplane is no problem for the international traveler. Once in London the easiest and quickest way to get around is via the London Underground. The Underground has tube stations located all over the city and there is always at least one tube station near to an attraction.

Many people have now heard of the phrase “boutique hotel” but how many actually understand the qualities that make such a hotel? Well a boutique hotel is usually a smaller establishment run by a family, couple or single entrepreneur. The hotels are commonly unique and very individual in a great many aspects but mainly in interior design. It is very common to find boutique hotels which have been designed around a common theme.

The Very First Boutique Hotel

The term “boutique hotel” first entered the English language in in New York in 1984 when Steven Rubell, who first coined the phrase in reference to his ‘Morgans’ hotel. Morgan’s opened on Madison Avenue, Murray Hill, New York and Rubell used the term to show how radically different his hotel was from the mundane “department store” hotels owned by the big brand hotel chains.

Andre Putman, the Parisian designer, was employed by Rubell and Schrager to devise the interiors of their hotel. Putman came up with an American/European theme whose main characteristics have been described as independent and original.

There are other hotels which lay claim to being the first ever boutique hotel and claimants include the Bedford in Union Square, San Francisco. The Bedford hotel has changed ownership since it first opened using names such as the Hotel Cosmo and, most recently the Vintaggio Suites.

However, as it was Rubell who coined the phrase, and only did so in 1984, these two hotels in effect only became boutique hotels when he created the classification. Therefore the very first hotel to be called a “boutique hotel” was Rubell and Schragers Morgans hotel. Yes other hotels which we now call boutique hotels were built prior to theirs but truly Morgans can rightfully claim to be the first.

Boutique Hotels In The United Kingdom

Leeds was home to the very first boutique hotel in the United Kingdom. In London, an interesting place to stay is The Red Carnation, 41 Hotel in Buckingham Palace Road. This five star boutique hotel is only a stones throw from Buckingham Palace. Boutique hotels are available all over the city of London if one is looking for a different experience to the norm.

London is a very diverse city, considered by most to be the most cosmopolitan in the world. While the cultures, races, creeds and colors are incredibly diverse it is also true that the hundreds of London hotels are almost as diverse especially when it comes to their designs and themes, this being most evident in the broad range of superb boutique hotels. If you are planning to vacation or short city break to London soon why not consider booking a room in one of the wonderful boutique hotels that are available across the city.

The Western Isles are a group of islands which are found out in the Atlantic ocean off the west coast of Scotland. Rather strangely the Western Isles are also widely known as the Outer Hebrides. There are over 200 islands in the group but only a handful are populated with many becoming deserted in the last century. The main island is the Isle of Lewis to the north where you will find the regions main town and administrative center, Stornoway.

At one time Stornoway was one of the busiest fishing ports in Europe but the fishing industry fell into sharp decline after the First World War. The fishing industry had brought the town to life and a small, but highly active, fishing fleet still works from Stornoway. With the fishing boats adding a great deal of interest to an otherwise ordinary highland town Stornoway is considered one of the best places to stay in the Western Isles. Below is an introduction to some of the bed and breakfast accommodation available in the town of Stornoway.

The Caberfeidh Hotel has long been known as the finest hotel in Stornoway and although it looks rather ’70s from the outside inside is luxuriously contemporary. Found on the very outskirts of town the Caberfeidh Hotel has some of the finest surroundings with the densely wooded Lews Castle grounds opposite and some fine gardens of its own.

Steornabhagh’s oldest hotel, the Royal Hotel, first opened to the public in 1850. Situated right in the center of the town, the Royal has managed to maintain much of it’s unique character while also managing to keep up to date offering modern high standard accommodation.

The Caladh Inn is Steornabhagh’s most substantial hotel with the most rooms. The Caladh Inn is found just on the outskirts of the town on the road that heads out to the airport. The Caladh Inn is extremely popular with both businessmen and tourists who appreciate the superb hospitality and central location.

Holm View Guest House is a four star guest house offering superb bed and breakfast accommodation about fifteen minutes drive from Stornoway’s town center. Also available is Holm View Cottage which also provides excellent bed and breakfast.

The 3 star Thorlee Guest House is found right in the very center of Stornoway and offers the cheapest accommodation in the town. Offering such reasonable prices it is not surprising that the Thorlee is one of the most popular places in Stornoway.

Whichever hotel or guest house in Stornoway you decide to stay in you are almost guaranteed to have a wonderful time in superb friendly surroundings. The Western Isles are well known for the first class hospitality offered and the accommodation available in Stornoway is no exception and you will, most probably, experience the finest hospitality ever.

A portage at a narrow strip of land that joined Pender Island was made into a canal in 1903 to assist marine traffic. This separated the Penders into North and South Pender Islands. The Penders were once again joined in 1956 by a one-way bridge.

Pender Island is really North Pender and South Pender, they lie between Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia. They lie in the calm and picturesque waters located in the Strait of Georgia among the Southern Gulf Islands.

Pender Island has, so the residents claim, the best climate in Canada. With only 30.7 inches of rain a year and a sub-Mediterranean type climate makes it the perfect place for getting married, hiking, biking, family vacations, golf, kayaking, whale watching and even quite walks with nature.

Pender Islands offer over 20 beach accesses and Hidden coves. Mortimer Spit and Hamilton Beach have picnic sites and swimming.

Mount Norman on South Pender is a more advanced climb to get to the view point, but well worth the effort. The Parks and Recreation Commission has opened more new beach accesses and have clearly marked the well maintained hiking trails that the novice or experienced hiker will more than enjoyy.

Local produce, arts and crafts can be purchased from the roadside stands that still are in existence along the quite country side roads. It’s like stepping back in time.

BC Ferries provide scheduled service between Vancouver Island and its Swartz Bay terminal and the mainland from the Tsawwassen terminal. There is also Harbour Air seaplanes and Seair Seaplanes Ltd. Canada Customs is located at Bedwell Harbour and operates between May and September. Visitors arriving by plane and boat can clear customs at this site.

Accommodation on Pender Island include Poet’s Cove Resort, The Inn on Pender and numerous Bed & Breakfast Inns. There are also camping sites available at the Provincial camp grounds. Reservations should be confirmed during the high traffic summer months.

A favorite destination for many people is Orlando, Florida, with its many theme parks, it has become ‘the’ place to visit but there is much more to an Orlando vacation than this. In fact, Orlando has such a diversity of attractions that many travel books have been written just about this one location alone. Although it wasn’t always this full of attractions, it has been pulling in visitors for many years and its popularity does not seem to be diminishing.

It is a great place to visit even if you only have shopping on your mind as Orlando area is full of beautiful shopping malls, restaurants and shops of every type. Besides the major theme parks, a vacation in Orlando can offer so many attractions to spark the imagination that it’s hard to know where to begin.

The Central Florida Zoo for instance only opened back in 1975 and was owned by the Sanford Fire Department prior to that but is now the home to over four hundred animals. Even though it is privately owned, it is run by a charitable group with the intention of providing classes for children and protecting species that are only found in Florida and other world wide exotic animals.

Back in 1942, the Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park started exhibiting the world’s most extensive collection of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. The collection is the most comprehensive anywhere with Tiffany jewelry, art glass, ornaments, pottery, paintings and leaded glass.

Orlando is certainly a city for all age groups and not solely designed for the amusement of children as family and adult attractions are in equal numbers. For the young at heart, Orlando vacations aim to please with extensive evening venues including music and dance at Disney’s incredible Pleasure Island and Universals version, Citywalk, to name just a couple of places.

Another great place to visit about twenty minutes drive from Orlando Airport is The Orlando Science Center, originating back to 1955; it is a huge complex with over two hundred thousand square feet of exhibition space spanning ten halls. For lovers of anything relating to trains and trolleys, there is the International Trolley and Train Museum which has fourteen model trains running through the building which actually houses a waterfall.

For something a little different there’s the Titanic Exhibition which tells the story of the ill fated Ocean Liner performed by a character from the ship; the displays contain some original salvaged items and at times the tour is very moving. Lake Eola Park on the other hand has a pleasant 43 acres to stroll around and relax or perhaps a little boating on the lake.

However, there aren’t that many visitors who visit Orlando without a trip to one of the four main Disney theme parks or the equally impressive Universal studios; where a person’s age really doesn’t matter. If you are on you first Orlando vacation, try to visit all the major attractions first because it is almost certain you will return again another year.

Physiological processes of all living beings like animals and plants work on a 24-hour rhythm, one complete cycle per day. We call it our “body clock”. When you pass through a number of time zones in a short period of time, say from Houston to New York, your body clock loses its sync. It cannot adjust to the destination’s daylight-darkness cycle quickly enough. The result is that you feel disoriented or jet-lag.

A person experiencing jet lag can feel cranky, mildly depressed, as well as forgetful. The person may find it difficult to concentrate, may suffer a loss of appetite and may suffer from disturbed sleep pattern. The may become dehydrated and get swollen feet.

A long flight to places within the same time zone will not cause jet lag; it may give you cramps, headache and discomfort. A journey from Los Angeles to Tokyo which goes across time zones can cause jet lag, not the journey from Johannesburg to Frankfurt which is within the same time zone. Crossing time zones is the essential condition necessary for being jet lagged.

Of course not everyone gets jet lagged to the same extent. Generally older persons are found to suffer less from jet lag as compared to younger ones. Moreover, it is found that women in the reproductive age group are more susceptible to suffer from jet lag. It depends to a large extent on the personal physiological adjustability of each individual person. People who know they normally get jet lagged can take some precautions to avoid severity of discomfort from jet lag.

Prior to your flight get a good night’s sleep. Avoid embarking on the journey under strain; try to spend some relaxed time prior to the flight. Drink alcohol in moderation on the aircraft and, as always, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. (Aren’t you tired of hearing that?) Get some light exercise such as walking up and down the aisle and a little stretching will help. Remove your shoes and try to stretch your feet, wiggle your toes some.

You can find many “anti jet lag” suggestions. Act on them with caution. Do not take sleeping pills to get over jet lag as some people may suggest; it may have rather unpleasant consequences. There are anti jet lag diets on the market. Efficacy apart, it is such a cumbersome remedy that it turns out to be not a very practical solution. An OTC (over the counter) homeopathic drug is available which is said to be effective and being homeopathic medicine it is stated to be free of side effects.

As an anti jet lag drug Melatonin has claimed to be effective. You must take it at specific times for a number of days, starting with a few days prior to going on the journey. Research does not support its anti-jet-lag claims and quite the contrary. It may lead to worsening of the jet lag symptoms. You must adhere to its strict instructions regarding timing are not followed. In fact in UK it is banned.

Some people may feel a jet lag condition for many days after their flight. It is suggested by medical experts that a reasonable rate of recovery from jet lag at the rate of “one day per time zone. To get a quick recovery from jet lag after you arrive at your destination rest well, relax, eat sensibly and exercise in moderation. This does not sound like the recipe for a fun vacation but try to have fun anyway. Bon voyage!