Parking At Edinburgh Airport

Scotland's main air hub Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) can be found about eight miles of the city. The airport has one terminal, which operates services to significant centres throughout Great Britain, America, Europe, and Asia. All international and national arrivals are positioned on the ground floor, while outlets and dining establishments are chiefly situated on the first floor.

As a project manager I have to make many short business trips across the year. I frequently use the Edinburgh International from where I fly to mainly domestic destinations. I always drive to the airport with my own car so the availability of good parks is essential to me. The services the parking agencies provide are in general quite good and I can now this because throughout the years I have parked my car nearly at all of them. Location and parking fees are the only factors that aren't similar. I hope my experiences with parking at Edinburgh Airport might be of some kind of assistance to you.

The best experiences I had with the three available services which I will describe below.

Just a stone's throw away (500 yards) from the terminal building you can find the largest off airport parking amenity which is professionally run by Secure Airparks. Transfers to the terminal are provided on request and are available day and night. The travel time is just one minute. The excellently secured parking facility was awarded with the Secure Car Parks Award.

Park and Fly offer good value airport car parking services as well. Their car park is just a short coach voyage away from Edinburgh International Airport's terminal building. The park is very well secured. There are 24 hour man patrols and an infra-red system covers the entire perimeter which is securely fenced as well. For your convenience Park and Fly operates a frequent shuttle bus service which is available around the clock and each day of the following a route to and from the airport terminal building. The ride takes approximately five to ten minutes depending on the intensity of traffic.

The laid-back Meet and Greet parking option is operated by Secure Airparks as well. Secure Airparks can send someone to meet you as you arrive at the airport. A company's representative will safely park your car while you continue with your check-in procedure and they have your vehicle ready for you at the moment you return from your holiday or business trip.

Due to my intensive travelling I know by now that arranging airport parking through the internet is really the best way. Not only it gives you peace of mind but it will save you a couple of pounds too. I guess all regular fliers know that airport parking is quite pricy so getting a discounted fee is a nice benefit. The booking services on the internet which I will mention below are a few of the best online providers. If you want to make your travelling more laid-back I highly advice these as they offer efficient, rapid, secure, and easy services. What's more relaxed than booking your car parking while sitting in your comfortable lazy chair at home?

What Constitutes a Good Aviation Headset?

When you search for Aviation equipments, the first thing that comes to the mind is to buy a good aviation headset. When you operate any aircraft without a proper headset then you are sure to find it uncomfortable or it may even damage your ears. And finding the right headset is not easy. You have to ask suggestions and read reviews and know about them in detail before you purchase one. The headsets come in different designs and prices. These are tools which allow the pilot to communicate freely to the traffic control and it also eliminates the noise. The aviation headset should be of best quality and latest technology to give you a better experience. The telex headsets and the peltor headsets are considered to be the best headset for the following factors.

Certain factors that comprise a good aviation set:

• Noise reduction


The major factor you should consider is that your headset should provide you with the better passive noise reduction. The new technology to this is the active noise reduction. This in particular reduces the low frequency noises, like the engine sounds. The main reason why one needs a headset is to keep your hearing so a good head is that how far it reduces noise from getting you. The one with the better noise reduction is sure to make a best aviation headset. Sound is the most major thing to consider when you choose to fly. Telex headset provides you with the best protection and also at the same time you can enjoy the ambient sounds.

• Quality microphones and speakers


The second major thing of a good headset is that it should help you to communicate with ease and also clearly, with the help of an intercom, when talking to any other flight service. This is made possible only with the quality microphones and speakers. These headsets are not like the normal ones that are used to hear music, the best aircraft headsets should manage with the pressure changes caused due the altitude changes. The headset should withstand any extreme of temperature and also humidity. The best aviation headsets are made up of metal diaphragms and not the diaphragms made of paper. The peltor headset gives you the best microphones that provide you the best comfort and is available with compact design.

• Comfort


The aviation headset should be comfortable so that they can last as many hours you flight takes. If the headsets are tight you may suffer from headaches and it may also become a strain to your shoulders and neck. So the weight of these headsets should not be heavy. The padding in a headset also is important. Padding is more important for your ears. The materials used in the headset are more important when you think about comfort. The metal headsets are comparatively heavier than the plastic one but they are more adjustable. Many prefer gel pads as they provide better cushioning than foam but they are considerably heavy.

• Other factors


There are other features when you choose to buy a peltor headset (http://www.skygeek.com/) or a telex headset. These provides you with additional facilities. There are headsets which are available with the carrying case so that you can carry it with ease. The headsets should have an option to control the volume levels. And it should be a warranty product. There should be clips to pin it with your shirt.

Find Cheap Flights And Beat The System

Need to find cheap flights? Read this to find out how to get the best flight deals.

Finding flights is a mammoth task however this guide makes life easier and could save you hundreds on your flight tickets no matter where or when you are traveling.. After all there are so many different options available and you just want a nice comfortable flight at the right price. However there is a trick which will almost always work which will help you get the cheapest tickets. It is really simple and easy and you don't need to be an expert with computers. In fact its so obvious you will probably kick yourself for not realising it before.

There are hundreds of fantastic airlines providing Cheap flights around the world, you just need to know how to find them.

This guide helps you understand how The Flights market operate and how you can beat it to get the cheap tickets.

Whether you fancy a gambling trip and need a flight to Las Vegas Nevada. Or alternatively need to find a flight to London, flight to Orlando, or any airline flight. This guide will help you find the cheapest tickets even if you want flights to manila, Paris, Singapore, New York, Manchester. Economy or first class whichever you prefer.

Firstly you need to understand exactly how the airlines work in order to use a few simple and easy tricks to get the cheap tickets. They want the most money they can from each ticket, so they cleverly trick you into thinking you have the cheapest ticket when in fact you may have just been ripped off.

The airline market is one of the most advanced around in terms of intelligent pricing. They employ some very clever tactics to ensure that you pay the most you are willing to pay. Mathematicians spend hundreds of hours creating special codes which mean that every single person buying a flight is put into little groups. They then charge each group the most in order to make the most profit.

However you can beat the system by just following a few simple rules.

The first thing you need to do is think like a passenger who will only go on a flight if its really cheap. Sound obvious but its essential and often overlooked.

Now before we can start. There is another step if you have already visited ANY online travel websites in the last month then you need to clean up your internet browser. You can find information on how to do this online. Why do you need to do this? Well the websites you visited will have put on your computer a small file which tell the website and all their friends exactly what your buying habits are like. This can be used against you. For example if you were buying potatoes from the grocer you wouldnt say, " actually I really need potatoes in the next 5 minutes so I can cook a dinner for the queen and I would actually pay whatever is neccesary in order to get them as soon as possible" the grocer would charge you ten times the price and you would pay because you needed those potatoes. Well at the moment you have a big sign on your head saying I need Flights now! you need to remove it.

it is the same game here. So you need to keep your cards to your chest and delete your cookies.

Done? ok lets move on.

Keep your cards close to your chest

Remember i was saying now you have a clean sheet you need to pretend that you aren't that bothered about finding a flight and you will only take it if its cheap.

This means be flexible, vague and not to interested in the specific details of your flight.

Start with a website that is not owned by the operator for example you don't want to go to BA or Virgin Straight away. Try Something Different, there are international ones and specialist national ones.

Ok be as vague as possible with your search, even if you know you need to leave at 10 am on Saturday the 8th don't put that in. They will relaise that you are desperate to leave at that time and charge more. What you need to do is pretend you can go on the 8th give or take a month. Again obviously with departure time select any time.

Select as many departure air ports as possible, For example, All London airports, not just Heathrow. This improves the amount of results you will get.

Depending on if you actually have somewhere to go select as many arrival airports as possible. Some sites offer top ten destinations etc. Or if you are going to a big city like New York select "all New York airports"

Don't click the direct flights only box, this tell the airline that time is a factor, and that you will pay more for convenience. You maybe willing to but don't tell them that.

For the class obviously put the cheapest, economy, discount last minute etc. Or if possible put "I don't mind" The more vague you are the cheaper the tickets will be.

Check out the other options and see if they may help out but remember don't let them know what you are thinking and be vague.

Ok now and only now hit search.

Find the place or option to order your results by price.

Scour the results for the best prices Don't get the site to do it for you

now this is the boring bit. Take time to search for a flight which would be a good time and date for you and the best price.

Make sure you look at taxes etx as these can bump up the costs massively. When you get the full prices write them down, time, date, website, air carrier etc.

Repeat as needed

Ok now find another website and repeat the above steps. When you have looked at about 3 or four websites and decided that you have found the cheapest price. then go direct to the website of that carrier and see if they are doing it cheaper direct. often they do! However make sure you follow the searching rules otherwise they will offer you higher prices.

Good luck and I hope this was useful.

The Hidden Benefits Of Going on a Cruise For Your Next Vacation

I'm about to tell you why the next vacation you're going to go is going to be a cruise. Cruises are fun, rejuvenating, and experiences that young and old alike will remember for their entire life. Many, however, hesitate going on a cruise because it's an entirely different league of vacationing that they believe they have no right to go on.

Are you stressed? Are your kids getting in your hair? Is the world around you seeming to fall apart, or are you just frustrated with things are going at your job? Do you deserve to relax every once in a while? Then I'm going to let you in on a secret:

You have a right to go on a cruise. If anything, you have the need, not just the right.

Still not sure? That's fine. This article was written for two purposes, really. One, to inform you that going on a cruise is probably one of the best vacations you will ever decide to go on. Two, this article will plant a nagging seed in your mind; an unquenchable desire that can only be filled by going on a cruise.

Benefit Number 1:

Unless you like spending hours in an airport, or car, traveling can be stressful, and a very difficult way to start off your vacation.

Cruises are an easy travel method for those who wish to make their trips less of a hassle, and more of a relaxation.

If you don't want to fly, drive, or take a bus to a destination, consider a cruise. It's a very fine, relaxing way to travel to the various destinations around the world.

Benefit Number 2:

Going on a cruise is not just a great way to relax, it is also an exciting to doorway to see the world!

Many of the larger cruise lines have destinations reaching Australia to the Caribbean. Going on a cruise is a great way to visit places you've never been to, or experience old favorites with a new twist.

Benefit Number 3:

Sometimes, finding something to do on vacation can be trouble. Some believe that entertainment is a vacation. If this is the case, cruises also have an amazing array of activities.

If you have a hard time finding entertainment when you're vacationing, a cruise has it all on board, and not to mension the destinations.
Going on a cruise is an excellent way to relax, but is equally enjoyable as an activity based get away; without the worry of finding, or planning your day to day activities.

Benefit Number 4:

There is no planning required on a cruise. If you want to relax, you can relax. If you want to play, you can play! Many cruises today have so many options that it's almost overwhelming.

Some cruise lines make suggestions of activities, gatherings, and shows, but you're left with the decision to partake in the fun, or continue with your relaxing.

There is really no planning required on a cruise. It is as "do as you please" as it gets.

Benefit Number 5:

Most people worry that going on a cruise will devastate their wallet. Although cruises are not cheap at first, adding up the cost of a regular vacation may open your eyes to new vacating possibilities.

Say you're taking a trip to Alaska from San Diego. You've just decided that you want to see Alaska, and you want to drive. The drive alone could cost you 200 dollars there and back. That's 400 dollars. Not to mention the cost of hotels, souvenirs, and food.

All of these costs combined will show you that a cruise to Alaska, with all of the benefits of not having to travel, not having to plan, and still being able to see the world actually either comes out less expensive, if not dead even.

With a little research, and some savvy planning, you can find extremely inexpensive cruises. Many people merely lack the will to look around. And with the internet as vast and as helpful as it is today, you can find almost anything at any price.

So in conclusion, I encourage you to make a cruise your next vacation idea. Cruises are easy, fun, and potentially less expensive than a regular vacation, lacking in the flavor of an enjoyable sea journey that only a cruise can provide. Now go and start packing!

Changes Happening With Cruise Travel

Before the sixties, traveling on board a ship was the way of going to another continent. Travel by air, by passenger jets, which were absolutely luxurious, then ushered it. Even when Boeing introduced the famed 747 jets, travel by sea continued. This was despite the fact that it was nowhere near as pleasurable and relaxing as it is today. It was probably because it was a less expensive mode of travel as compared to air travel.

The film Titanic has quite accurately portrayed what a cruise aboard a liner entailed, aside from the great love story that unfolds in the film. There was a clear demarcation between the upper and lower class. While every luxury was available to the former right from their plush cabins to dancing and dining at the fine lounges and restaurants of the top deck, the latter had too be cooped up in their small cabins. It was simply money that decided the facilities that were available to a person. However, as a mode of travel to reach a certain place from another, an under deck ticket was the cheapest way to do so.

There were many cruise ships like the Queen Mary and the Lusitania, which were owned by shipping companies. There is a lot of legend associated with ships such as these. However, the number of such cruise liners was not many, but the companies were financially secure since there were enough passengers from all classes who brought in the money.

A perceptible change in the average view of what a cruise aboard a ship was, came with 'The Love Boat', the popular series on TV in the seventies. Now cruise travel seemed more like wonderful hotels which glided around the world offering luxury and recreation in the form of just lounging about on the deck drinking in the beauty of the ocean all around or reading a book, swimming and playing games, and dining in the fine restaurants. Once more, shipping companies acquired the same success that they had before the advent of the Boeing jet. The number of people wanting to go on a cruise holiday has been only increasing since then.

There is a wide variety of choice available right from the duration of the cruise, which ranges from four days to three weeks, to the size and amenities of accommodation on board, and the price that it costs to take a cruise. This makes it possible for anyone and everyone irrespective of their needs and budgets to enjoy a cruise. This is the main reason why cruises are the prime choice of vacation.

Set Sail Towards Your Paradise

It might seem to you as if practically all your friends are going away on exotic vacations which involve cruises; it might seem to you that you can go on such vacations only in your dreams. Well, dreaming about going on a cruise may in reality be your first step towards taking one!

If your information about cruises is primarily from what your friends tell you, then you are most likely to think of them as extremely expensive and difficult to organize.

Cruise lines do have to dock at a port for stocking up on their supplies and for refueling. Should you be lucky enough to be living close to a shipping port, and then it's just a matter of having to drive up to the Liner to be able to go on a cruise. If this were not the case then you would of course have to spend some effort and money on getting there. However this in itself may not be a deciding factor in taking the cruise both from a monetary as well as organizational angle. The important factor is to identify which port of destination that you would like to sail to. The choices seem limitless ranging from Alaska and Norway to New Zealand, spanning all the oceans of the world and all the climates that you may want to experience.

The next step after deciding on your cruise destination is to decide on the season and time of your cruise. Although this may depend more on when you will get your holiday from work, it might be prudent to some research on the weather conditions in the port of destination during the time of your cruise, considering that the seasons are opposite in different parts of the world. You would surely not want to be caught unawares to face the dangers of sailing in icy waters.

The third choice that you have to make is the length of the cruise that you wish to take. Even though cruises are normally for four to twelve days, you can even take a short cruise taking up just a weekend, if you live close to a port.

Costing would probably be another important aspect to consider while planning a cruise. You can either go for an all-inclusive fare or go in for a cruise that offers luxuries like massages and beauty salon services as extras. This way you can decide whether you want to use such luxuries or not. The tariff for the cabin too is variable depending on the location and the amenities that go with it. Starting from ordinary cabins on the inside, which do not cost much, you have a wide variety right up to cabins with fabulous views of the water and cabins with balconies too.

Having got all this information, you are now ready to start making your cruise travel plans. If you are a member of AAA or some other similar organization, then you can just choose from one of their holiday packages. Otherwise you can surf the internet and get all the information that you need, in addition to listening to the boastful stories recounted by those who have just returned from a memorable cruise to make an informed choice and you are sure to enjoy your Cruise holiday.

Journey into Life With a Cruise

The distance that a cruise can put you from your life and most reality is what makes the cruises so special. You will find that it can be very romantic for you and your loved one to experience a cruise. Can you see yourself sailing at full speed with the wind in your hair and the stars above while in the arms of your lover? It's a beautiful moment and you'll find that it's a perfect vacation for you to be able to find the romance once again. If you want to have a vacation filled with romance, you may want to think about a cruise. A cruise is your best option when it comes to reviving the romance.

There are others who would like to go on a romantic cruise. These other couples may end up making the atmosphere even better. You may want to ask some of your friends to go with you so that you can have the best time of your life. You can have romantic times with your lover and then you can do some friend things with your best bud. You will find that asking another couple to go with you, you'll have a great time and you'll feel a lot more comfortable.

However, most of the time the couples that take a cruise are on their honeymoon. For the honeymoon you will want to shop around for a cruise line. Many of the cruise lines have discounts for newlyweds and you'll find a lot of attractive rates and privileges. Some of the privileges that you may have is going to a certain location or having a dinner at a restaurant. You will find some kind of special treatment and it's good idea to see what they will offer you by shopping around. You will also want to contact the cruise line if you would like to make some special arrangements. You will notice that no favor goes unnoticed and there is a price for everything, including flower in the room.

You should know that many newlyweds will go with the Carnival cruise line. Well most couples end up on Carnival. It is a cruise that will create a fairy tale background and get the romance in full bloom. You will fall in love all over again when you take a carnival cruise line. You can have things like balloons and flags in your room. You may need to pay for such décor, but you will get a free wedding care at the first dinner on aboard. You will want to purchase a honeymoon package. This package includes champagne, T-shirt, cameras, and other things that the cruise thing thinks that honeymooners will enjoy.

If you don't want to go with Carnival, you can always look up the Princess Cruises that are offered. Cabin decorations are free to honeymooners and they will also give you a wedding cake. This line offers two packages; the Honeymoon Experience and Princess Honeymoon packages. With the less expensive package, you will be given champagne, engraved glasses, chocolate dipped strawberries, and long stemmed roses (all totaling less than $150. The other package (the Princess package) will give you all of that and more. You will get massages, robes, breakfast in bed, room service, and more. You will diffinately feel pampered with either package.

Caribbean Cruises - The Three Main Itineraries

Caribbean cruises are generally broken into 3 main itineraries: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean. We will describe each one for those who aren't familiar with these routes. The Western Caribbean itineraries typically depart from Galveston, TX; New Orleans; Mobile, AL; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL and sometimes from Port Canaveral, FL. These routes will include ports of call like Cozumel, Mexico; Belize; Grand Cayman; Jamaica and Costa Maya, Mexico. You can take 4, 5, 7 day, or longer, cruises from most of the ports we listed.

Sometimes, certain cruise lines will offer 8 day or longer cruises that travel further south down towards the Panama Canal. They usually call these "Exotic Western Caribbean Cruises" because they are ports of call that are not usually found on your typical 7 day cruise. These will offer ports like Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; the Panama Canal, itself; and, if your lucky, Aruba. The Eastern Caribbean itineraries will usually depart from ports like Miami, FL; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Port Canaveral, FL and now, from Bayonne, NJ and New York!

The Eastern Caribbean routes usually include San Juan, PR; St. Thomas, USVI; St. Maarten; Tortola, BVI and Labadee, Hispaniola (Haiti). The Southern Caribbean itinerary is one of the most beautiful. These usually depart from San Juan, PR but occasionally you will find an 8 day or longer cruise to the Southern Caribbean that originates from the mainland. The ports of call that are typically found on the Southern Caribbean route are: St. Thomas, USVI; St. Maarten; Dominica; St. Lucia; Antigua; Barbados; Aruba and Curacao.

Now, typically, the airfare is usually more for most people to fly into San Juan, but the cruise lines know this so they usually lower the price of the cruise, in comparison to a mainland departure, to compensate for this. We have a personal preference that is as follows: Southern Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and then Western Caribbean.

Achieve Great Savings - Take a Last Minute Cruise

Don't be misled - a "last minute cruise" can actually be booked 90 days in advance. But booking at the last moment can be an advantage as sometimes the cruise lines will try to fill their unsold cabins by offering them at a cheaper rate. Provided you have the time and are flexible with your travel dates, then don't think twice about booking your cruise at the last minute.

If the cabins remain vacant as the cruise date approaches, the cruise line will start lowering the price. For instance, you may be able to book a six-night package on a Caribbean cruise for just $499 per head in the month of October. But a last minute cruise for nine days in September will cost $659, which is a $10 per day difference.

Many people associate cruises with the open ocean, but there are also river cruises that offer great last-minute deals.
For those who are reluctant to leave the country, taking a cruise down the mighty Mississippi is a great alternative and for others exploring the mysteries of the Amazon will be a wonderful experience. Cruising the beautiful Hawaiian Islands also remains a favorite and the Galapagos Islands are something which you should certainly not miss.

Booking a last minute cruise deal on any of the major cruise lines is still the best bargain you can get. They sometimes even sell a cabin for $250 if the room goes unoccupied till the very last minute.

You can also check out the cruise line's website as it is one of the best places to find last minute cruise deals. Even the better staterooms such as balcony cabins or suites are offered at a discount if they appear to be going empty as the cruise date approaches. If you are flexible with your travel dates and are willing to avoid the peak seasons, then a last minute cruise will also allow you to achieve great savings without compromising on quality!

Understanding Airplanes

An airplane flies on its wings. The wings produce a force that keeps the plane aloft, known as lift.

Lift opposes gravity and comes in various shapes and sizes. A jet plane has short wings while a glider has long wings. Most wings are designed to have camber, or curvature to enhance flight.

The word airfoil is also used to describe the curvature of the flight wing.

So with that out of the way, let's move on to our first topic:

Angle of Attack and Stalls

Everything that an airplane does in flight depends on the angle with which the leading edge of the wing meets the oncoming stream of air.

This is also called the angle of attack.

If you go too slowly while pulling the nose higher to try to maintain flight, the wing will stall. A wing can be stalled at any speed, including the airplane's top speed.

To accomplish a stall, all you have to do is to simply increase the angle of attack past its critical point, normally between 16º and 18º in a light airplane.

Gliders have no engine but they still are able to fly.

Their wings produce lift as a glider moves in the air just as the wings of a powered airplane do. Stalling the wing is what destroys lift not shutting off the engine power.

Stall Warning Devices

All modern airplanes have some sort of device to warn the pilot of an impending stall. The first is the aerodynamic warning that occurs when the entire airplane buffets, which is usually accompanied by the control wheel shaking in the pilot's hands.

Almost all airplanes have also an additional warning that is visual or aural. There is a sensor on the leading edge of the wing usually in the form of a little metal tab mounted upward, which moves and activates an electrical switch. This in turn, activates a horn in the cockpit or turns on a bright red warning light.

Educate Yourself On How To Watch Birds

Ask any expert how to watch birds and you will be told that finding a place to start is the most common hurdle that many have to jump when they first begin to wonder about 101 bird watching. Beginners may have seen a breathtaking display in some museum, or watched a documentary on television that really caught their attention or piqued their interest in bird watching.

For those who are introduced to the world of birding through these means, instead of developing their love for it through talking with other people, it can be difficult to get started. The interest and desire are there but the knowledge and practical experience is not.

Before you begin learning how to bird watch, you need to make sure that you have the proper tools readily available. If you plan to trek into the forest to do your bird watching then you may need to invest in a sturdy pair of boots. Other than that, all you really need is some kind of optic device. Binoculars are the most popular tool, but a tripod mounted spotting scope also works very well.

The second step that an aspiring bird watcher must take is to find a location. This task can be as easy or as difficult as you would like it to be. Birds, of course, are found everywhere. They live in your backyard, in city parks, and in the deepest, most rugged, and hard to get places in the forest. Where you go depends largely upon what you want to see.

You can find suggestions for local outings in several places. There are bird watching discussion groups on various bulletin board Web sites, such as Yahoo Groups. Here you will find fellow bird watchers who will be more than willing to share the information that they have, not only about how to watch birds, but where.

As with any hobby, it is a great idea to find a mentor, or some senior members of a bird watching club. If you are able to connect with someone who has years of knowledge and experience, then you may be able to glean some of their wisdom to heighten your own experiences. Not only will a mentor be able to provide guidance about where to go and what to see, they may also be able to teach you some things about methods, ethics, and best practices.

The best part about having a mentor is that, as you grow in your own experience and knowledge about how to watch birds, you are preparing yourself to be a mentor to someone else in the future.

Caribbean Cruises Offer The Newest Ships

Caribbean cruises offer you the newest ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian cruises. The Caribbean is the largest cruise market because of its popularity and because these cruises run throughout the year. Naturally, the major cruise lines inaugarate their newest ships there because they are assured of filling the space to pay for them. These new ships typically are at a premium to the older ships but you can still find bargains on them.

Look at the off-peak dates-September thru the first two weeks of December and January up to Spring Break. Spring break dates, June thru the first two weeks of August, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are typically your highest rate periods. If you are looking to book a Caribbean cruise on these dates, book early. On Carnival Caribbean cruises you will find the new ships Miracle, Conquest, Valor, Glory and Legend, and soon, you will have the brand new Carnival Freedom.

On Royal Caribbean, you have the Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas. Norwegian offers the Jewel on their Caribbean cruises. All of these ships are are the newest and biggest ships in the cruise market. The Caribbean is the most popular market for most cruises and is typically the most affordable of all the itineraries.

People like the Caribbean because it is relatively close and presents little challenges for most people when it comes to getting to the departure piers. Most people can drive to the many piers now being offered as departure points for the Caribbean cruises. Ports like Galveston, TX; Tampa, FL; Miami, FL; Port Canaveral, FL; Norfolk,VA; New York; Philadelphia and Bayonne, NJ. With so many close departure points, people don't have to rely on airfare like they do for Alaska and the Mediterranean. Go here for more on Caribbean Cruises.

Residential Cruise Ships

Cruising homes - that are a new era residences. Huge cruise ships with luxurious residences. These residences are really spacious. They can have from 1000 to 3500 square feet. You can have 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, terrase with yacuzzi, simply all you need. There are restaurants, cinemas, clubs, game rooms, fitness clubs or even art of state spa and wellness. You can go fishing, diving or boat cruising from an onboard marina. And there is more you can do on these ships.

Some of these ships even use their own onboard helicopters to get you comfortably from airport to your apartment. Ships itinerary is planned to circumnavigate the planet every 2 or 3 years. There are about 300 ports of call. When ship reach a port, it stays there for 2-5 days so you can enjoy the city or surrounding nature, then it moves to another port.

Of course, to get this kind of residence is costy. It can cost you couple of hundred thousands of dollars or even millions. That depends if you choose to buy a full ownership or partial.

One of the most luxurious and latest residential cruise ships on market these days is a vessel Magellan. This ship is currently being buit by Residential Cruise Lines, Ltd. Construction time is about 3 years. It is a huge US$650 million project.

The Magellan will have 76,000 gross weight tons and will be 860 feet long and 106 feet wide. Magellan will feature 15 decks and there is going to be a multinational crew of 350.

Magellan is being constructed by Aker Yards. Aker Yards is a part of the Aker Group, which is one of the largest and most renowned shipbuilders in the world.

Magellan is designed by the internationally acclaimed Norwegian firm of Petter Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten Architects A.S.

If you buy an apartment your residence will circumnavigate the world every few years while you will live in the luxury with such a services like marina, on call private helicopters and about 150 ports of call. Residents will have non-stop access to their floating penthouses. That includes other luxuries like housekeeping staff, spa, marketplace, 24-hour concierge , pools (in and outdoor), 4 restaurants, a 450-seat theatre, Monte Carlo style casino and Starbucks cafe. These are only just a few of the conveniences. Magellan residences are sold from US$1.8 million up to US$8 million. Also there is a fractional ownership available, which could be reachable through share clubs.

10 Tips That Make Cruises Enjoyable

In a world that is moving at a fast pace people treasure their vacations. And world wide vacation options and popularity are growing with cruising being among the top 5. A cruise makes a vacation exotic yet affordable, exciting not hum drum and represents a great mixture of adventure, sun and sea, socializing and more.

A cruise offers a sumptuous range of choices you can wear yourself thin in a tizzy of activities or just lie back and soak in the sun. According to the ASTA, American Society of Travel Agents the gurus of travel the way to have fun on a cruise is to:

1. Book a cruise that fulfills your dreams. Choose locations that make your heart skip a beat. Decide what can I do that will make my cruising vacation the best? Think what is best two nights, one hundred days, or a fortnight?

2. Study different cruise lines and where they go. Find out which cruise path will suit you best as far as taste and affordability go. It is island paradises you would like or exotic far-eastern ports? Cruise lines have so many choices and options. Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or Bali?

3. To make the cruise affordable book early. If you firm up plans around 120 days before sail date you will get a nice discount on the brochure price. Consider traveling off season cruises are cheaper off season and more enjoyable. You cane escape the crowds. Often a four day cruise in the middle of the week is more affordable than a three-day weekend cruise and some companies even throw in an extra day free.

4. To get the best deal and advice consult a cruise specialist. They are experts and will even offer group rates, shipboard credits, upgrades, and great prices. Experts in the cruise-holiday business they will take care of passports, visas, dietary requirements, and any other special needs. They will even get you the benefits of any price drops that occur after you book your holiday.

5. Make all arrangements carefully very often choosing an ari –sea package is worthwhile as it takes care of transport from airport to port and back and the cruise line will take care of luggage transfers and all other nitty-gritties.

6. Create a file of essential travel and health documents as well as copies of travel insurance and medical prescriptions.

7. Find out how to pack for a cruise. Many agents offer detailed lists of what you will need on vacation including formal clothes, camera, swim wear and more.

8. Ask about on board programs and activities so that you can prepare well. You may want to take a crash course in dancing or theater to win prizes during the cruise. Many cruises have costume parties and other activities, so knowing what to prepare for will help you enjoy the cruise.

9. Update your information on all the places the cruise ship will dock at. Create on shore plans for the family so that you don't miss any important events or sights.

10 Update your self on cruising etiquette. Learn shipping terminology, dress well, socialize with other families, make friends, ensure that your kids are not troublesome to others, and follow the rules formulated by the cruise director.

If you make up your mind to enjoy yourself to the fullest the cruise will be a wonderful experience that you will want to repeat time and again.

Exciting Holidays

Activity holidays a great way to spice up your vacation, so if you are stuck for ideas then why not try one of these:

SCUBA-DIVING
Scuba-diving is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. The Maldives are acknowledged as one the world's greatest dive destinations, as are many of the Red Sea resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Taba. Diving in the Red Sea is popular due to its amazing underwater scenery with coral gardens, deep blue canyons and famous wrecks.

SKIING
Bulgaria is a perfect destination to try out skiing and snowboarding for the first time as it is really good value and tuition is cheap. For more experienced skiers, Charmonix in France or St Anton in Austria may prove more testing, while further afield, Jackson Hole in USA and Colorado's Aspen boast some of the most challenging ski terrain in the world.

HIKING
As well as a tough pair of boots you'll often need an equally tough mentality. The Canary Islands are ideal for discovering on foot. Whether you decide to venture to the summit of Mount Teide on Tenerife or simply stroll through the lush tropical greenery on La Palma you are sure to enjoy a fascinating experience.

SAFARI
Kenya is undeniably the best known destination for safari holidays. Hosting some of the most spectacular and varying wildlife in the world, Kenya features mountainous rainforests and large game reserves which take in lion, cheetah, elephant, and an abundance of bird life.

HORSE RIDING
Horse riding holidays in many destinations can combine both daily riding with time to relax on the beach. In Greece, the unspoilt Pelion Peninsula on the east coast is an excellent riding resort. Italy is famous for good horses, beautiful landscapes, delicious food and plentiful wine, so Tuscany is an ideal location for a horse riding holiday with several challenging long-distance rides from village to village.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
A fun family activity, rafting can take in spectacular scenery and the natural beauty of surrounding areas, as well as providing a natural roller-coaster ride through ferocious mountain rivers. White-water rafting in Dalaman, Turkey is one of the most exciting holiday experiences and is perfect for active thrill seekers. The Dalaman River is rated as one of the top rafting destinations in the world, but don't worry - professionals will guide you every step of the way for an unforgettable adventure.

SAILING
Whether you sail on your own or opt for luxury crewed sailing, whereby a crew takes care of everything for you, there is no other activity to match it. With its tropical islands, the Caribbean is a particular favourite sailing holiday destination. In the Mediterranean, the Greek islands dominate the sailing scene with the Ionian Islands. Turkey's Lycian Coast is also very popular.

GOLF
Golf holidays are an increasingly popular way of exploring the world while playing some of the most exciting golf courses on the planet. The all-year-round sunny mild climate of the Canary Islands and Florida make golf holidays an ideal break. Spain offers famous courses like Valderama and plenty of cheap golf holidays in Catalonia and the Costa Brava. Golf holidays are particularly popular on the Costa del Sol (nicknamed the Costa del Golf!), which has the biggest concentration of courses in Europe and of course offers plenty of options for the 19th hole!

CYCLING
Leaving your troubles behind on a cycling holidays is a refreshing and liberating experience. The concept of being free to go where you want is very luring to many cyclists. Of course, you can follow established routes which are littered throughout Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and - a relative newcomer - Croatia, which boasts ancient roads criss-crossing through the stunning countryside.

WINDSURFING
With consistently reliable winds, the Canary Islands are a favourite windsurf destination, particularly on Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. In southern Spain Tarifa, is for the more experienced windsurfers, while Hurghada on the Red Sea coast boasts equally powerful year-round conditions. Further afield, Aruba and Barbados provides perfect conditions for windsurfing.