If you need to fly, the cost is likely to be a turn off. Watch the news and read financial reports; you will see that airline companies are in financial trouble. Many are barely staying afloat. What does this mean for you? It means higher airfare. If you want to save money and find a cheap flight, you may wonder whether you should book your trip in advance or wait until the last minute. Each option has their pros and cons.

The greatest benefit of booking a flight early is the preparation. If you are planning a vacation, you not only need to make your airline reservations, but reservations for a car rental and hotel too. For some travelers, it is too nerve-wracking to wait until the last minute. And, the price difference varies from airline to airline. Some airlines offer $100 or more discounts for last minute travelers, some offer a measly $25 discount, and others actually increase the price. If you are the type of person who needs to plan, go ahead and do so.

Another benefit to booking your airline reservations early is that you are guaranteed a seat. As previously stated, most airlines are in financial trouble. To save money, they have not only increased fares, but cut flights. There are now fewer airplanes in the air. The planes that are flying are usually booked full. If you wait until the last minute to book your airline reservations, your flight options may be limited. This will not happen if you book early. In fact, you should have a number of flights to choose from. Are you traveling with kids? Choose the trip with the fewest and shortest layovers, so you aren’t stuck in an airport with bored kids, and so forth.

As for waiting until the last minute to book your airline reservations, you may find good deals. It all depends on when you look. Towards Saturday morning, you are likely to find the best deals on last minutes flights. Airlines just reviewed their flight lists. They are trying to fill all empty seats. To increase appeal, they offer better discounts. This is your chance to save money and get a cheap flight.

Your reasons for travel should also be considered. If you are traveling and staying with friends and family, you can be flexible with when you make your travel plans. However, if you are looking to attend a special event and must make hotel reservations, keep these in mind. You do not want to wait until the last minute to book your airline reservations only to find that nearby hotels are booked solid. Yes, you may have gotten a good deal on the tickets, but now your entire trip is thrown out of order.

So, should you book your flight early or wait until the last minute? Honestly, it all depends on your personal preferences. If you have to plan ahead for your sanity, do it. If you don’t want to take any chances, book your flight early. If you wish, monitor the airfares for your flight. Although airlines are under no obligation to refund you the difference, you can attempt to get that refund.

Since it is risky to book your flight too early and too late, it is best to familiarize yourself with other moneysaving tactics. For starters, price compare. Unusually, multiple airlines can get you to your destination. Price compare to find the best deal. Next, avoid flying on the weekends and holidays. Flights departing on Wednesday to the same destination are usually $100 cheaper than flights that depart on Monday or Friday. Also, consider other ways to save. Do not fall victim to the high fees passengers are charged for snacks, drinks, pillows, and blankets. Bring your own. Even if you pay $2 for a 20-ounce bottle of soda at the airport, it is still a better value than buying an in-flight drink.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Cheap Airfare Should You Book Early or Late

Are you in the process of planning a good, relaxing vacation? If so, you want to reduce your costs. Right? After all, who wants to pay more for a vacation than they need to? If you are looking to reduce the cost of your vacation airfare, please continue reading on for how you can do so in five easy steps.

1 – Be Flexible

You are at an advantage if you are planning your vacation in advance. You should have the ability to play around with your travel dates and times. If you have yet to put in for your vacation time at work, play around for a little bit with airfare quotes. Did you know that wisely choosing the day and time that you depart for your trip could save you hundreds of dollars? In some cases, it can.

So, when is it the best time to travel? You are likely to find the best deals in the off-season. For example, if you live in the Northeast, you are not the only person who wants to go to Hawaii to escape the cold winter. Thousands of others travelers do too and airlines know this. If you want to save hundreds of dollars on your flight, travel in the off-season. For you, this would be spring and fall. Another simple way to avoid paying extra is to avoid weekend travel and holidays. The best days to fly are on Wednesdays.

2 – Compare the Rates of Airline Companies

Online, there are many ways to book a flight. You can go directly through the airline in question or a third-party travel website. Start with the airline. Perform a standard internet search with the airports you will be departing from and arriving to. Visit these websites and you will find a list of airlines that service the airport. Now, find these websites, also with a standard internet search. Request a free quote. Remember, you can experiment with your travel dates and times to find the best deals.

Make note of the airline that will get you there the fastest and the cheapest.

3 – Compare the Rates of Third-Party Travel Websites

Typically, you get better discounts by booking your flight directly through the airline company. There are however, instances in which third-party travel websites get you the best deal. These websites include Priceline.com and Orbitz.com. Perform a search to see. Compare the rates to those offered by the airline company. Who is it cheaper to make your reservations with?

While on the website of a third-party travel website, also consider vacation packages. If you are in need of a hotel or car rental, play around with the websites features. Well-known websites, like Priceline.com, are known for offering convenient and moneysaving travel packages. With just a few clicks and one payment, you cannot only get cheap airfare, but a cheap hotel and car rental too.

4 – Compare Your Findings

As previously stated, you want to compare the airfare rates of different airlines. You want to find the cheapest company to fly with. Then, you want to compare the rates of online travel websites. Is it cheaper to book your flight through these websites or the airline? Compare your findings and then make your reservations. Most passengers benefit from opting for the cheapest and shortest flights. To increase your chances of getting a good seat, book early.

5 – Monitor Your Flight

Unfortunately, there are some risks involved in booking a flight too early. If an airline notices a flight is still empty in the weeks leading up to departure, they are likely to offer discounted tickets. In most cases, an airline or third-party travel website is under no obligation to refund you the difference, but it won’t hurt to call and ask. So, if you can monitor your flight. If you notice a significant savings, place a phone call. It is a long shot, but it may reduce the cost of your airfare.

Author: Sara Wells

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Get Cheap Vacation Airfare in 5 Easy Steps

If you are planning your next family vacation, you may have heard that booking your trip in the form of a vacation package is the way to go. Yes, it can be, but do you really get the best deal? Yes and no; it depends on a number of factors.

One thing you need to remember about vacation packages is that they are sold through third-party travel websites. These websites are essentially the go-between. They aren’t helping you book your vacation out of the kindness of their heart. They are getting paid to help you. Who pays them? The airline, hotel, and car rental companies do. Where do you think this money comes from? It essentially comes out of your pocket. So although third-party travel websites do boast they can get you a good deal for your next vacation, it does not mean that good deal is the best available.

Another factor to consider is hidden fees. Third-party travel websites are known for tacking on extra fees and taxes for travelers. Unfortunately, rarely do they disclose these fees upfront. With some, you don’t know until after the payment is processed. Luckily for you, these fees are outlined somewhere on the travel company’s website. If you want to gain insight into these fees ahead of time, search the website. You want to look for sections that outline fees, rules and restrictions, or terms and conditions. By actively seeking this information, you won’t be surprised when it comes time to make payment.

One of the most common questions travelers ask is “how do I know if I am getting a good deal with a vacation package?” Unfortunately, many mistakenly believe it is impossible to tell. Some just accept the word of the company selling them the package. Do not do this. It is easy to tell if you are getting a good deal with a vacation package. In fact, it will only take you minutes to check and you can do so right from your computer. How?

Visit an online travel website, like Orbtiz.com. Search for the travel package of your choice. For example, at the time of this article, there was a package available for a 7-night stay at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, with a car rental, and tickets through Delta Airlines for $753 a person. This is departing from Syracuse, New York. You now have the name of the airline and hotel. Visit these websites. For the same travel dates, it costs $514.94 for a 7-night stay at the Luxor hotel in Vegas. The lowest fair available for a Delta flight is $419.90, including taxes and fees. A car rental for the same time costs about $125 a week. So, your total is $1,059.84. Do you save money by booking your trip through Orbtiz.com? Yes. In fact, you save over $300!

Although the Las Vegas travel package highlighted above did result in a savings through a third-party travel website, there are no guarantees. That is why you are encouraged to verify this information ahead of time. Luckily, it will take you less than 15 minutes to do. If you aren’t getting a good deal, move on to the next travel package. If none of them save you money, bargain with the car rental, airline, and hotel, occasionally you can get the price reduced by being polite and convincing.

Author: Sara Wells

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Vacation Packages: Do They Save You Money

If you want to save money on the cost of air travel, a good place to start is with your airline reservations. The less you pay for a ticket the more you save. With that said, many airlines are now increasing their fees and even creating new ones. You will see this with luggage. At first, airlines started charging passengers for a second bag of checked luggage. Now, some are even charging for the first. If you are taking an extended vacation, these extra fees can quickly add up. So how do you eliminate them?

For starters, you must know that the fees exist. An increase in fees is not something an airline wants to shout from the rooftops. Most travelers showed up for their flights to learn, for the first time, it would cost $30 roundtrip for their only suitcase. Imagine the anger. Although these fees are well-known now, you still need to look for them. Know if your airline charges you a fee for your first or second suitcase and how much.

As for how you can avoid or lessen the impact of these extra baggage fees:

Pack your carryon bag full. Most airlines outline rules and restrictions for carryon bags on their websites. You should know ahead of time how big your bag can be and how much it must weight. Use a ruler and a bathroom scale to ensure you are just under. If traveling for a two to three day trip, you can get away with using your carryon bag alone, provided you pack wisely.

Speaking of packing wisely, do it. Only bring what you need. Having four pairs of shoes for your trip to Hawaii is nice, but do you really need them all? You should be able to get away with a pair of sandals and sneakers. Also, research your hotel or resort ahead of time to see what you are supplied with. Is there a curling iron and hair dryer in your room? If so, don’t waste valuable space by bringing yours from home.

Watch the weather. Knowing the weather forecast for your vacation destination makes it easier to pack wisely. If you are traveling to Hawaii, see what the weather is forecasted to be like. If rain is predicted, bring a raincoat. If the temperatures will be above 70 your entire trip, live the winter coat at home. Pack only what you need, especially in terms of clothes and accessories.

Opt for large suitcases. Most airlines have strict rules on carryon luggage, but they are more lax on checked luggage. Do you need two suitcases to hold all your clothes? Are they small suitcases? Head to your local department store and purchase a bigger suitcase. Most airlines charge $25 one-way for a second suitcase. For $50, you can easily purchase a larger suitcase that you can reuse, making it a wise investment.

Share luggage with family. If you are traveling with your romantic partner or with your entire family, condense luggage. This is best when charged for each checked suitcase. Does your ten year old really need to have his own suitcase, especially if it is only half full? Have all members of your family condense luggage into as few suitcases as possible. Depending on the size of your family, this could save you $100 or more a trip.

Use space saving bags. Because the commercials for Space Bags appear like infomercials, many consumers believe they don’t work. They actually do. Not only that, but they have bags designed for air travel. With these bags, you place your clothes inside and apply pressure by leaning. Watch your clothes as they shrink in size. You can use this approach to eliminate a second suitcase. For short trips, use these space saving travel bags in your carryon; you may not even need to check a suitcase!

Author: Sara Wells

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Save Money by Avoiding Extra Luggage Fees

If you want to travel, but are turned off by the rising costs of airfare, you may consider flying with a budget airline. These airlines come in many different formats, but most operate by a “what you see is what you get,” standard. That is usually a cheap flight with little perks. If your one and only goal is to save money, flying budget may seem like a good choice, but is it really?

The Pros of Flying Budget Airlines

You usually get good rates. As previously stated, most budget airlines have cheap flights, but offer very few perks to travelers. This is an easy way to save money. If your goal is to cheaply get from point a to point b, you should have no problem flying on a budget airline. As for how much money you save, it depends on the airline in question, your travel dates, and your destination. On average, most travelers save at least $100 a trip by flying budget instead of well-known.

You have a number of airlines to choose from. For the most part, budget airlines were a well-kept secret in the United States. Most air travelers were familiar with the big carriers, such as American Airlines and Delta. It wasn’t until airfare skyrocketed that passengers started examining their options more. Most were pleased to see that not only did budget airlines exist, but there were quite a few to choose from. In the United States, just a few of your options include Southwest, Spirit, Virgin American, JetBlue, and Horizon Air. With a number of budget airlines to choose from, you have a good chance of saving money.

The Cons of Flying Budget Airlines

There are little to no perks. When most of us think of perks, we think of in-flight movies, drinks, and snacks. On occasion, some budget airlines forego these extras, but there is more. Some budget airlines allow you to make your reservations, but you don’t choose your seat until you arrive at the airport or board the airplane. For most travelers this is okay, but it may be risky if you are traveling as a family. Since budget airlines focus on cheap travel, many completely forego first class. If you want to have your perks, it may be best to avoid flying budget airlines.

You don’t always get the best deals. For example, JetBlue was mentioned above as a good airline. If you search for a flight between Syracuse, New York and Orlando, Florida, a big $114 pops up on your screen (at the time of this article). You think great, as Northwest Airlines quoted you $156 for that same flight. That is until you see the $114 isn’t for a roundtrip flight, even though you selected roundtrip from the options. You must scroll down the page and select your return flight, which also has a price tag of $114. This “budget,” airline is now $72 more expensive.

Some budget airlines load you down with fees. Southwest Airlines is well-known for being a good budget airline. Their website and commercials say “what you see is what you get.” This means the price you see is actually the price you pay. Not all airlines are like this. Many have hidden fees and taxes, which you may not see until you are ready to pay for the flight. Always read the fine print of a budget airline. After doing so, you may see that their deals aren’t so good after all.

You have a limited number of airports to choose from. As previously stated, there are many budget airlines in the United States. Unfortunately, they service a limited number of airports. The reason why budget airlines are able to offer discounted flights is because they wisely choose their destinations. They know where travelers want to go and when. Unfortunately, if you want to travel to Kansas, it will be hard to find a budget airline that services state airports. On the other hand, if you want to travel to Florida, your options are virtually unlimited.

As you can see, flying budget airlines does have its pros and cons. If you opt to give these airlines a try, price compare to ensure you really are getting the best deal, make your travel plans in advance, and arrive at the airport early.

Author: Sara Wells

Post from: Vacations Destinations

The Pros and Cons of Flying Budget Airlines

If you rarely fly, you may mistakenly believe that first class seats, also commonly known as business class seats, are only for the rich. They are expensive, so only the rich must be able to afford them. This is not true. Did you know that many of the people sitting in first class did not pay full price for their ticket? In fact, some are relaxing in first class with a free upgrade from coach. How does this happen? How can you get an upgrade to first class?

1 – Pay for an Upgrade

When it comes to paying for an upgrade, you have two options. Most airlines enable flyers to upgrade their seats to first class on their website. If you monitor your flight and know that first class is quickly filling, you may want to upgrade your seats in advance. You can usually do this on the airline’s reservation website or over-the-phone with a representative. You can also upgrade at the airport ticket counter. When checking in, ask if there are first class upgrades available for sale. If there are, purchase an upgrade. They are usually cheaper at the airport and at the last minute.

When it comes to paying for your first class upgrade, you have two options. You can pay the traditional way with a credit or debit card. If you are an avid flyer and have accumulated frequent flyer miles, use these to pay for the difference. While it seems like a hassle, you save more money than just using your miles to buy a first class seat.

2 – Ask for an Upgrade

Whether you want to pay for a first class upgrade or not, just ask. It all depends on how you ask, who, and when. If you ask the airline representatives at the check-in counter, you will likely have to pay for your first class ticket. These individuals specialize in making and changing reservations. If you want a free upgrade to first class, wait until you are inside airport security. This group of airline workers takes your tickets. Before the flight boards, just ask if there are any additional first class seats available. If there are, you may get a free first class upgrade.

3 – Be Nice

When it comes to asking for a first class upgrade, whether you pay for it or want it free, be polite. You must be on your best behavior. Even if first class seats are available, flight attendants are under no obligation to provide upgrades, especially free upgrades. The key is to be polite. Right now, most airlines have low approval ratings. Customers are upset with the long lines, airport security, rules and restrictions, and high airfare. Many take their anger and frustration out on flight attendants and ticker counter representatives. Being polite not only puts a smile on their face, but it may get you an upgrade.

4 – Volunteer

This approach is hit or miss, but there are times when flight attendants must scatter the weight on a plane to balance it. This is a safety issue. In small flights with first class, this can result in passengers from coach being put in first class for free. Many times, flight attendants ask for volunteers or seek out passengers flying alone. If this happens on your flight, be one of the first to volunteer. Since you are doing the flight attendants a favor by volunteering to relocate, you get a free first class upgrade.

5 – Get Bumped

Most times, getting bumped from a flight is an air traveler’s worst nightmare. Not everyone is traveling to relax or see friends and family. Many travelers are on a strict deadline. These individuals may be flying to attend an important business meeting, see a sick relative, or attend a special event. If you are traveling just because, offer to be the person bumped from an overbooked flight. With that said, state you want something in return. That is a free upgrade to first class. Most flight attendants and ticket counter representatives will quickly accept your offer.

Author: Sara Wells

Post from: Vacations Destinations

5 Ways to Get Upgraded to First Class

All in all, the Loire Valley offers everything the travelling golfer requires.The Loire valley area in France offers great accommodation at a reasonable price, lots of things to see and do and, of course, a multitude of superb courses. This region has been providing a temporary home for golfers from the United Kingdom for the past few years.

It is a stunning area and one that definitely deserves special attention for any budding photographers out there. One of the Loire Valley’s major attractions is that usually an impressive, majestic chateau overlooks the golf chateau course.

As its names suggests, Chateau de Cheverny is a grand setting for a day’s golf. The course was designed in 1989 and is located among 350 acres of stunning woodland, lakes and open countryside for a quite magnificent experience. Tourraine is another beautiful course. Although short, its raised small greens make approach shots extremely tough while various natural hazards keep you on your guard at all times. Ardree, a rolling parkland with natural lakes, is dominated by a turreted 16th century chateau that is awaiting development.

Les Aisses is another of those European style courses where you can choose from three loops of nine to form your round. Chateau des Sept Tours and Limere Orleans are also not to be missed.

The finest golf course in the area, however, is Les Bordes, consistently ranked in the top five of France’s best courses. The golf course is thoroughly deserving of its secluded location not far from Chateau Chambord and a work of art. In terms of cost and convenience, Les Bordes is eminently achievable and should rank high on your itinerary.

Built at the behest of the industrial magnate Baron Marcel Bich (of the Bic empire) and his Japanese trading partner, Mr Yoshiaki Sakurai, Les Bordes was originally dreamt up as a private club for their own pleasure and that of their friends. Leading architect Robert von Hagge was drafted in and handed a simple but determined brief “to create a golf course that would prepare French golfers to play the finest courses in the world without being intimidated”.

Construction commenced in 1984 and, with money no object – a useful clause in anyone’s contract. Von Hagge’s creation is today the centrepiece of a course that enjoys to the full its charmed position in the Sologne, the ancient lake-studded forest at the heart of the Loire Valley.

In accordance with the owner’s wishes, scrupulous care was taken to minimise disruption to the surroundings, and what was once Bich’s hunting domaine has been blessed with a course that has been ranked as one of the finest – and toughest – in Europe. Best of all, the place retains an air of privilege and privacy, but is without the tiresome airs and graces that can so often put you off a destination.

The risk-reward element is very much the name of the game at Les Bordes, and though the course does open up a good bit on the homeward nine, your ball-striking is tested even more thoroughly, with the slightest errors multiplied the further back you choose to play. Jean van de Velde’s course record of 71 gives you some idea of just how demanding the course is, not that the difficulty should in any way put you off playing here.

Les Bordes is one of only two courses in Continental Europe to enjoy the highest rating in the Peugot Golf Guide to 1000 European courses.

We run a luxury chateau in the Loire Valley ideal for visiting vineyards, castles and perfectly located to play on all these golf castle courses. It is a great venue for visiting many fine golf castle courses.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

A Wonderful Golf Holiday In The Spectacular Loire Valley In France

The truth is, if you cannot find a discount cruise holiday these days then you are not trying hard enough. In this article, we’ll concentrate on Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines and some of the discount cruises on offer from these two giants.

Carnival Cruise Lines

The Carnival cruise lines company is one that is committed to total guest satisfaction and which strives to ensure that each and every traveler is absolutely satisfied with their trip, from start to finish.

The emphasis on these cruises is round-the-clock fun, and they offer a ton of different activities, from Vegas-style revues to high energy discos and nightlife. Here are some real cruise bargains on offer.

For example, 3 day cruises have become extremely popular and you can grab a cheap cruise to the Bahamas for as low as $350 or Baja, Mexico for under $400. Five day cruises to the Western Caribbean will set you back just under $600 while Carnival has some excellent value in their Eastern Caribbean cruises and with a little due diligence, these can be found for under $900.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

Another great discount cruises cruise line is Royal Caribbean International, they are most well known for the grand scale adventure that they offer on their cruises.

If you are looking for new experiences and choices for the whole family, then they are the ideal option for you. They offer discount cruises but they certainly do not skimp on quality, and offer all the possible amenities that you could imagine.

They offer discount cruises to a variety of destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Orient, Panama Canal, and South America. They offer everything you could possibly imagine, including golf courses and rock-climbing walls looming up to 200 feet over the ocean.

Meanwhile, last minute cruise deals through Royal Caribbean offer great value. Holidays for less than $500 to the Caribbean for under $500 are hard to beat while those with a little more adventure should consider Alaska cruises during the summer months starting at under $700.

With a little homework, finding a cheap cruise is not difficult at all particularly if you do a little extra investigative work by checking with a variety of travel agents. You’ll be amazed how much you can get an original quote down just by asking.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Cheap Cruise – Secret To Finding The Best Cruise Discounts

To learn about the basics of shore-side activities, keep reading for great tips on how to enjoy optional side trips and save money on your next cruise.

Getting to Your Cruise

Your first “add-on” is going to be the actual transportation to the ship and the port of departure for your cruise destination. Sometimes, booking a flight as part of a cruise package will save you money and other times, it won’t.

Therefore, it’s important to compare the cost of your cruise with a flight package against your own flight prices and various airline deals. Or if you are geographically close enough, you might consider driving to the port.

Many cruise lines offer a shuttle service from local hotels or airports in their departure city. To save money on a taxi to the actual ship, call ahead and ask.

Port Excursions

Almost every cruise ship offers port excursions at an additional cost. These can range from basic guided tours to fully-outfitted scuba diving expeditions. The majority of these excursions will cost money.

You can review and book these excursions in advance, allowing you to not only budget your activities accordingly, but also to look for destinations and ports-of-call where you can explore on your own.

For example, you may want to indulge in some structured wine-tasting when your boat docks in France, but explore Athens on your own with little more than a guide book and a shuttle back to the ship at the end of the day.

Additional Activities On-Board

Not everything is free on a cruise ship; from spa treatments to rock climbing to golf courses, many of the activities on a cruise ship are available at an extra cost.

To be sure you understand all the costs associated with your next vacation on one of the many cruise lines, read through your passenger materials thoroughly. And read the fine print!

For spa treatments and tee times at the driving range, book early as these tend to fill up fast.

Extra Cabin Amenities

Cruise ships offer a number of additional cabin amenities like a departure gift, champagne on arrival, laundry service and room service. All these extras come at additional cost. Again, before you book and as you budget, be sure to take into consideration the extra expenses associated with additional cabin amenities.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Tips to Pick a Terrific Cruise Line Vacation

The King encouraged discussion, experimentation and much thought at Clos Luce. In this pretty chateau, he happily continued to paint, sketch, and work as an engineer, architect, and festival organizer for the court. Francois I found great pleasure in listening to Leonardo.

Da Vinci arrived at Amboise over 60 years old with his disciple da Melzi and three paintings, Saint Anne, Saint John the Baptist which he finished at Clos Luce and the Mona Lisa.

In a corner of the basement is an entrance to the underground passage connecting Chateau Amboise with Clos Luce, giving Francois I a direct link to the Leonardo’s home.

The chateau is open to tourists every day of the year except Christmas Day and New Years Day.

It is situated on a quiet back street of Amboise, a town south of the Loire River between Tours and Blois about 2 hours from Paris by train. The village street has troglodyte houses opposite built into the limestone cliff face.

Da Vinci’s chateau is not large, but it is warm, inviting and personable. You get a sense of his life in the early 16th century as you wander unescorted throughout the sparsely decorated chateau. The chateau is surrounded by a magnificent treed park with a bubbling brook and peaceful pond with paddle boats available to hire. There is a small formal Renaissance garden in the courtyard behind the chateau with perfumed roses and clipped box hedges. It is peaceful, ideal for bird watching, conversation and quiet contemplation.

You can visit his study, salons, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. Renaissance artifacts, paintings, tapestries, and furniture adorn the rooms which have high, timbered ceilings, huge fireplaces and well worn plank flooring.

There is a large four poster canopied bed in Leonardo’s bedroom swayed with gold and red fabric. Cherubs are carved into the dark wood on his bed.

It is most likely that the yellow salon bathed in light, functioned as studio space for Leonardo. It is probably here that he finished his painting of John the Baptist.

The kitchen has a huge fire big enough to spit-roast a wild boar whole. In winter Leonardo would have warmed himself beside this fire.

His paintings and drawings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.

Downstairs in the basement, 40 models made by IBM from Leonardo’s drawings are displayed. These military, naval, hydraulic, mechanical, and aeronautical inventions demonstrate his sheer genius. Many of these designs were envisioned centuries before they were first constructed. Devices such as swing bridges, a machine gun, a flying machine and an automobile all show sound principles of design.

“A well filled day gives a good sleep. A well filled life gives a peaceful death.” After only three years in Amboise, he died on May 2, 1519 and is buried in the Chapelle St. Hubert on the chateau’s grounds

We run Chateau du Guerinet a luxury french wedding castle in the Loire Valley near Blois. Our wedding castle is perfect for a fantastic french holiday with family and friends and for touring vineyards, historic chateaux and unwinding. It is also a fairytale castle wedding.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Da Vinci’s Last Home – Chateau Of Clos Luce In France’s Glorious Loire Valley

A civil marriage is obligatory in France and religious ceremonies, which are optional, are not legally binding in any way and can only be performed after the civil ceremony. To be legal, a marriage in France needs to be performed by a French civil authority. In practice this means that the mayor or his legally authorized replacement performs the wedding.

A civil wedding in France requires legal procedures and advance planning, as well as a minimum stay of 4 weeks and blood tests to complete the necessary documentation prior to the wedding.

As this is usually difficult to comply with, many couples opt to have a legal wedding in their home country, before flying to France for a religious ceremony held at an amazing location like a fairytale chateau in the Loire Valley or in Paris and they then honeymoon in France. Either a religious or civil ceremony in France will offer you a romantic and picturesque setting for your special day.

For a civil ceremony there is a requirement of residency in France which one of the parties to be married must comply with. One of the parties must reside in the town or the arrondissement if in Paris, for the thirty days prior to the marriage. In addition to these thirty days, French law requires the publication of the marriage banns at City Hall for 10 days which makes a total residency requirement of 40 days before the ceremony can be scheduled to take place at City Hall.

Documents for a civil ceremony are as follows:
1. Birth certificate not from a hospital but from the official government Bureau for recording births like the Bureau of Vital Records in the United States of America.
2. A notarized “Affidavit of Law” (Certificat de Coutume), drawn up by an attorney in law licensed in the State of residence of the party, swearing:
- that this person is free to marry
- that the marriage to be performed in France will be recognized as valid in their home country
- and that publication of marriage banns is not required in their home country, neither under States nor Federal law.

3. In the case of previous marriages, a certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse or a certified copy of the final divorce decree needs to be produced.

4. Prenuptial certificate of health issued not more than 2 months prior to the date of the marriage by a medical doctor after:
- serological tests for syphilis,
- serological tests to determine blood types and possibly the presence of irregular anti-bodies,
- and further for females also serological tests for rubella and toxoplasma.
It is possible to have all these tests done in France.

[spin]Regarding prenuptial agreements, if no special measures are taken by the parties with a French Notary or an attorney at law in the States, prior to the marriage, then the couple are considered married under the communaute reduite aux acquets. This means that what each party owns personally prior to the marriage, or whatever comes to them afterwards through inheritance, remains their own property. Only what is acquired during the marriage is owned equally by both parties.

|[/spin]In all cases, it is recommended that the couple contact the Marriage Bureau of City hall upon arrival in France as extra documents may be required, such as a residence affidavit. All the documents listed above must be translated into French for presentation to French officials. Translations can be done in the United States by a Translating Agency or by a certified translator in France. If the translations are done in America the translations as well as the original of the document must be presented to the French Consulate General for verification.

All foreign documents must be legalized prior to being presented in the French authorities. American documents can be legalized by obtaining the Apostille provided for by the Hague Convention which was signed by the United States on October 15, 1981. The apostille is usually obtained through the office of the Secretary of State of whatever state the document was issued in.

[spin]American citizens holding ordinary American passports are not required to obtain a visa for a trip to France as long as they do not stay longer than three months. The visa exemption does not apply to members of airline crews or to journalists no matter what the length of their stay. American citizens holding diplomatic or official passports must obtain a visa before going to France no matter what the length of their stay. Other foreign nationals must check with the visa section of the Consulate General of France.

|[/spin]As the legal requirements for getting married in France are detailed and may be reviewed or amended at any time, it is recommended that you engage a competent wedding planner if you wish to get married in France. Not only will she advise you on up-to-date legal requirements she can assist you with every little detail for your special day.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

What You And Your Fiance Need To Do To Tie The Knot In France The Land Of Romance

When she came with Louis de Breze to the court of Francois I, she found herself immersed in the wonderful Renaissance atmosphere that she loved. This was a time when France was discovering the new wonders of architecture and art brought back to France by Francois I from his travels in Italy, where, of course, the Renaissance was in full swing.

Her elderley husband died in 1531, but Diane remained at court. Whilst there she not surprisingly managed to catch the eye of young Henri who later became Henri II. Although she was in her 30s by then, and surrounded at court by many women who were much younger, she was considered to be one of the dazzling court beauties. Before Henri’s arranged marriage to Catherine de Medicis in 1533, Diane became his mistress. Henri was 14. Incidentally, at the time of the marriage, Catherine was herself something of a looker and she was 18 years younger than Diane.

Despite Henri seemed to try to shun Catherine as much as he could, continuing to pursue his interest in Diane. [Spin] |You might guess that [/spin]Catherine de Medicis did not take nicely to her husband’s pursuit of Diane, especially when Diane was officially acknowledged as his mistress three years after the marriage. The age dynamic added insult to injury, and things just seemed to go from bad to worse for Catherine.

As Henri’s wife, it was of course her duty to produce an heir (or better yet, several of them), preferably male, since, a daughter could not succeed to the throne in France. Catherine appeared to be incapable of fulfilling her duty in this respect. Of course, this failure may have had something to do with the fact that Henri seemed resolute to spend all his time, day AND night, with Diane.

Now this is where the story gets really good.Diane appreciated that there was no love lost between her and Catherine, of course, but she was also conscious that if Henri’s marriage were annulled because there was no heir, he might have to marry someone even less accommodating. Being something of a pragmatist, she made a deal with Catherine, agreeing that on some evenings Henri would spend a few hours in Diane’s bed, then go to Catherine’s for a while, then return to Diane’s bedchamber. We are told that Diane also gave Catherine some practical hints which we guess were not directed toward how she could cook a better pot roast.

Apparently this did the job, because the future Francois II was born in 1544, followed by the future Charles IX in 1550, and the future Henri III in 155l, plus several other children..

So Diane did not exactly marry a younger man. She did come close, managing to retain Henri’s interest and love until his demise in 1559. Although Diane did present an enduring distraction, Henri II managed to enjoy some other interests. One of them, unfortunately, was jousting.

Every so often, Henri would host a huge fete, which would customarily involve consuming copious amounts of wine, eating the French equivalent of a bar-be-que, and enjoying, as entertainment, a sort of recreation of a medieval tournament. Now this would have been fine, as long as the King just sat in the stands and barracked for his favorites. But that was not the sort of man Henri was.

One day, Henri, always the life of the party, mounted his horse and prepared to have a go at his opponent with what we believe were tipped lances. This did not turn out to be a good idea. Although the sport was aimed at simply knocking your opponent off his horse, something went wrong. Henri zigged when he should have zagged and the next thing he knew he had been nearly run through by a lance, which pierced deeply into his eye.

Henri should have known better than to intentionally expose himself to such danger, because there was really no able heir ready to succeed him. In spite of his heroic efforts to produce children by his wife Catherine de Medicis, not one of his sons was yet of age to assume the throne. This meant, of course, that when he succumbed to his injuries subsequent to the tournament in 1559, he left France in the hands of at least one minor children.

Soon a new king on the throne, Diane suddenly found herself persona non grata at court. Since Catherine de Medicis was now in a better position to exact her revenge, being the mother of the king instead of simply an out-of-favor wife, she began to pressure Diane to hand over one of the most important presents she had been given by Henri II – the castle of Chenonceau, something of a sore point between the two women.

Diane loved the castle of Chenonceau. In 1547 Henri II had made her a gift of the castle and in 1551, she had become the Duchess of Valentinois there. If the accounts are correct, she ran the castle with an iron but artistic hand, turning the already lovely area into a garden spot with plants and trees personally selected by her, including such exotic offerings as artichokes and melons. The balls and hunts given by her at Castle Chenonceau became legendary.

By 1552, Henri was spending most of his time, frequently without Catherine, at Chenonceau. It was probably expected that Catherine would want Chenonceau returned if anything untoward ever happened to the man in both women’s lives. But when Henri died, Catherine discovered that Henri had not simply given Diane the use of the property instead, the title to the castle had been given outright to Diane, in spite of legal restrictions which specified that such royal property could not be alienated.

Since it was potentially no longer part of the royal estate, it would be difficult for Catherine to assert a claim to Chenonceau on purely legal grounds. On her side, Diane had not been naive enough to trust that all would be well forever between her and Henri, and she had sensibly set about to make her own castle of Anet quite comfortable just in case.

The battle began, but since Catherine’s power was clearly on the ascent, Diane did the sensible thing and decided to yield, however painful that may have been for her. There is some reason to believe that Catherine offered to provide her rival with the castle of Chaumont in exchange for Chenonceau, but in the end, Diane retired to Anet, where she died in 1566, seven years after Henri’s passing.

We run a luxury wedding castle near Blois, for up to 15 people ideal for visiting vineyards, Loire Valley chateaux and relaxing.
It is a perfect location for a castle wedding. Why get married in your home town when instead you could get married in a fairytale wedding castle.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

The Amazing Story Of Diane De Poitiers And You Think Your Marriage Is Difficult

The Loire Valley is a splendid region awarded world heritage listing because of its amazing castles. We operate a luxury rental castle near Blois, for up to 15 people ideal for a castle wedding. It is a perfect romantic wedding castle.

The royalty of France, seduced by the mild climate and the game-filled oak forests built their sumptuous homes here in the Loire Valley. They surrounded themselves with the greatest artists and architects of this era. This is the country of a thousand castles.

Chateau Blois
Chateau Blois is almost like four separate chateaux rolled into one – so diverse are the architectural styles at play here. The Medieval heart is centred around the Salle des Etats Generaux which is where the court and council were based. Flamboyant Gothic flair is evident in the Louis XII wing whereas Renaissance architecture is the dominant style in the Francois 1 wing. It is in the Francois 1 wing that you’ll find Catherine de Medici’s private rooms complete with array of poisons. This was also the spot where the Duc de Guise was brutally murdered in 1588 after he was thought to be planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III. Apparently, it was Henri who carried out the deed himself only to be murdered himself a year later by a monk. Evenings are a particularly good time to visit Blois especially if you book to see the ‘son et lumiere’ shows that recount the chateau’s turbulent past.

Chateau de Blois: Place du Chateau, Blois, 41000 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 90 33 33 Open: Closed on 25th Dec and 1st Jan

Chateau du Chaumont
Chateau du Chaumont is located on the southern bank of the Loire River about twenty minutes west of Blois. It was the first chateau at Chaumont-sur-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, France. Originating in the eleventh century, it was built by Eudes II, Count of Blois.

In 1560, the castle became the property of Catherine de’ Medici who entertained numerous astrologers there, including Nostradamus. On the death of her husband, King Henry II, Catherine used her power to take over the much coveted Chateau de Chenonceau from her husband’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers. As certain legalities had to be met, Diane was forced to accept the Chateau de Chaumont as payment for her beloved Chenonceau.

The chateau holds an international garden event covering a different theme each year from April to October.

Chateau de Beauregard
Chateau de Beauregard was largely built at the same time as Chateau de Cheverny as a hunting lodge for Francois I. It is famous for its Galerie des Portraits which comprises over 327 portraits of Kings and their mistresses plus famous dignitaries from fourteenth to 17th centuries. Take note of the unique flooring that is covered in 17th century porcelain tiles.

Chateau de Beauregard: 6 kilometres south of Blois, Cellettes, 41120 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 70 36 74 Open: Closed Wed in winter months and entirely for the month of January

Chateau de Villandry
Villandry was one of the last of the very big castles built around 1536 in the Loire valley during the renaissance. It houses some interesting and very valuable antiques and furnishings but it is probably best known for its Italian Renaissance garden created by Dr Carvallo. As well as being very ornate and decorative, the gardens produce fruit, vegetables and herbs which are sold locally to raise funds for the maintenance of the chateau.

Chateau de Cheverney
Chateau de Cheverny is unmistakedly the most lavishly furnished of all the Loire Chateaux. Built between 1604 and 1634 little has changed. Its present owner is a direct descendant of the original owner and his 70 hounds or so are still used for regular stag hunting. Some of the chateau’s masterpieces include paintings by old masters, tapestries from Paris and Holland plus Louis XIV’s commode and unforgettable grandfather clock. The 1640s interior decoration, consisting of panelling, painted ceilings, and fireplaces, and paintings by Jean Monnier, is among the finest of its kind.

There are two interesting facts pertaining to Cheverny. Firstly, serious Tintin fans will note that Herge based the mythical Moulinsart on Cheverny. If this appeals, check out the Tintin exhibition situated directly opposite the chateau. Secondly, the 18th century Orangerie served as a hiding place for the Mona Lisa during world war 2. From here, you’ll be able to take in the majesty of the park and its canals which are open to the public from April to November.

Chateau de Cheverny: 16 kilometres south-east of Blois, Cheverny, 41700 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 79 96 29 Open: Open daily

Chateau de Chenonceau
Le Chateau des Dames built on a bridge across the river Cher is one of the more beautiful castles of the Loire with elegant turrets, arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. It’s romantic feel is further heightened by the fact that its stylised and symmetrical structure is reflected in the waters of the Cher.

Chenonceau owes much of its design and beauty to four women in particular. It was Catherine de Briconnet who first started the trend and was largely responsible for its early Renaissance style. Catherine then passed the baton to Diane de Poiters (mistress of Henri II) who was responsible for the formal gardens to the left of the chateau as you approach it. Unfortunately Diane de Poitiers was forced to relinquish ownership of Chenonceau to Catherine de Medici (the bitter wife of Henri II) who offered Chateau de Chaumont in exchange. Not entirely a fair swap! Later the castle was inherited by Louise de Lorraine, the bereaved wife of Henri III Catherine’s favourite son. Louise painted her bedroom ceiling black and white out of respect for her late husband.

Madame Dupin also had a pivotal role in the development of Chenonceau in the 18th century and was responsible for encouraging literary events to be held here. The likes of Rousseau, Voltaire and Montesquieu all spending time here. Today Chenonceau is a profitable business owned by the Menier family who are known as respected chocolatiers.

Chateau de Chenonceaux: Chateau de Chenonceau, 30 minutes from Blois, Chenonceau, 37150 Tel: +33 (0)2 47 23 90 07 Open: Closed 25th Dec & 1st Jan, 1st May

Chateau de Chenonceau
Le Chateau des Dames built on a bridge across the river Cher is one of the more beautiful castles of the Loire with elegant turrets, arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. It’s romantic feel is further heightened by the fact that its stylised and symmetrical structure is reflected in the waters of the Cher.

Chenonceau owes much of its design and beauty to four women in particular. It was Catherine de Briconnet who first started the trend and was largely responsible for its early Renaissance style. Catherine then passed the baton to Diane de Poiters (mistress of Henri II) who was responsible for the formal gardens to the left of the chateau as you approach it. Unfortunately Diane de Poitiers was forced to relinquish ownership of Chenonceau to Catherine de Medici (the bitter wife of Henri II) who offered Chateau de Chaumont in exchange. Not entirely a fair swap! Later the castle was inherited by Louise de Lorraine, the bereaved wife of Henri III Catherine’s favourite son. Louise painted her bedroom ceiling black and white out of respect for her late husband.

Madame Dupin also had a pivotal role in the development of Chenonceau in the 18th century and was responsible for encouraging literary events to be held here. The likes of Rousseau, Voltaire and Montesquieu all spending time here. Today Chenonceau is a profitable business owned by the Menier family who are known as respected chocolatiers.

Chateau de Chenonceaux: Chateau de Chenonceau, 30 minutes from Blois, Chenonceau, 37150 Tel: +33 (0)2 47 23 90 07 Open: Closed 25th Dec & 1st Jan, 1st May

Post from: Vacations Destinations

The Ten Most Impressive Chateaux To Visit In The Loire Valley Of France

They are not cheap and the locals prefer to avoid them where possible and stick to the national routes (the RN and D roads).

The minimum driving age in France is 18 years old. All drivers in France need a valid driver’s licence. Proof of insurance coverage is necessary. The gendarmes may request to see your license, insurance certificate, and vehicle registration at any time. You should also carry a National Identity Card or passport.

Beware because on the spot fines are imposed for not carrying the proper documentation. All drivers should carry a red warning triangle in their boot, together with spare head-light bulbs, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

If you are driving to France from another country, there is a good choice of car-ferry operators from England and the Eurotunnel.

In France to rent a car you must be over 20 years of age and have held a full driving license for at least a year. Insurance is compulsory. All of the main car rental companies have offices in all major railway stations and airports, as well as in major city centers.

All foreign cars need to display a sticker showing the country of registration displayed close to the rear number plate. Right hand drive vehicles need to have the head-lights adjusted or have deflector kits fitted which are easily available at all the English ports.

You will need to obtain a green card from your UK insurer for full cover abroad. If you do not have a green card your UK insurance will not cover you outside of England. You can also arrange for rescue and recovery service with the AA, RAC and Europ Assist. The most expensive place to buy this is at the ferry or train terminal.

In France you must give way to the right unless road signs indicate otherwise. Like in England, cars already on a roundabout have right of way.

Permanent speed cameras are normally well signposted and are big rectangular boxes painted with bright fluorescent black and yellow diagonal stripes to warn you. The Michelin website lists where these fixed speed cameras are on your journey and advises the speed limit at those locations. It will also calculate the toll for you on motorways.

On autoroutes the speed limit is 130 kilometres and 110 when it rains. On dual carriage ways the speed limit is reduced to 110 kilometres and 90 when it rains. On other roads the speed limit is 90 kilometres and 80 when it rains. In hamlets, towns, villages, the normal limit is 50 kilometres and the French do not always display the speed limit.

If you are travelling on the national routes you have to be really careful about buying petrol or diesel on a Sunday. Almost every service station is closed on a Sunday (except those on Autoroutes) and all of the automatic petrol pumps do not accept international credit cards only French debit and credit cards. Hypermarkets and large supermarkets sell petrol at a discount but remember only to locals with French cards on a Sunday.

We operate Chateau du Guerinet a luxury french chateau in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to 24 people perfect for a fantastic french vacation with friends and family and for visiting vineyards, historic castles and unwinding. The castle can be rented as a fully catered chateau or a self-catered chateau. You can rent a castle and drive from England or hire a car to explore this incredible region.

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The Beautiful Loire Valley Of France And What You Need To Know To Drive Through It

At that time Villandry when Dr Carvallo purchased the property it was on the point of being demolished. It had been disfigured by the walling up of the arches, fake windows and additions and the moat had been filled in. Joachim Carvallo envisaged the original designs and the harmonious renaissance architecture. He devoted himself to the restoration of the chateau and its gardens giving up an impressive career in science under the tutelage of a professor who later went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Dr Carvallo went on to found the Association de la Demeure Historique with the objective of saving historic buildings throughout France. He sure saved Villandry which is now one of the most visited Loire Valley chateaux.

Carvallo’s best work was the restoration of the gardens, which still make the reputation of Villandry today. Gardens existed as early as the 16th century and these were recreated under Carvallo’s instructions following evidence of engravings found in “Les plus Excellents Bastiments de France” (1576-1579) by Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau.

The gardens at Chateau Villandry are the grandest examples of formal Renaissance style gardens in France. The gardens, which are terraced on three levels, were influenced by Italian gardeners brought in by Charles VIII. The protocol for plantings on each level are:

The first level is the highest, at or above ground level with the chateau, is the Le Jardin d’Eau, (water garden) featuring fountains, lawns and the reflecting pool whose edges are bounded by arbors.

The second level, includes the : Le Jardin d’Ornement, (ornamental gardens), consisting of the Decorative Flower Garden, the Garden of Music, the Garden of Love and the Garden of Simple delights. In the front of this level where the castle stands is a bed planted with a pergola walk shaded by vines.

The third and lowest level, is the kitchen garden Le Potager, (vegetable garden), consists of fruit trees and bushes, vegetable plantings,as well as herbs for medical or seasoning purposes. This garden, in the Louis XIV style, and takes the form of a rectangle of slightly irregular shape surrounding on three sides the two higher tiers of gardens. It is devoted to vegetables and has 9 square sections divided into beds of various coloured plants, surrounded by box hedges and hardy plants. Villandry is a vegetal feast, with big purple cabbages, beds of yellow and green peppers, zigzags of crazy-growing leeks, blocks of autumn pumpkins and mounds of celery all replanted twice a year with a brilliant eye for the colours of the changing seasons.

At the opposite side of the garden to the castle, there is a maze of 12000 clipped beech trees. Each of these gardens is impressive in their own rights, so I will not recommend one more than the others. Without too much pomp and ceremony you can witness a chateau that lives in harmony with nature, and the remarkable beauty of these gardens. Villandry is well worth the visit Eight gardeners work at Chateau Villandry full time, and plant about 60,000 vegetables and 45,000 plants in its gardens each year.

In July every year Chateau Villandry holds Les Nuits des Mille Feux, when they light up the magical gardens of the Villandry castle with 2000 candles. Lit just as the sun begins to set, the candles burn on until after midnight in the beautiful grounds of the Loire’s most famous chateau. Baroque music, played live by strolling musicians, adds to the mystical atmosphere during this quintessential Loire experience. It really is spectacular, so don’t miss it if you can.

If you can not make it to the Les Nuits des Mille Feux (The Night of a 1000 Candles) in July, then you definitely should try to see all the Chateau Villandry gardens in the summertime, and preferably about 2 hours before sun-down, as the light adds that certain ‘Je-ne-sais-quoi’.

We operate a luxury french castle wedding in the Loire Valley near Blois, perfect for a fantastic french vacation with family and friends and for unwinding and touring historic chateaux and vineyards,. It is a perfect castle wedding. You can rent the whole castle or rent a luxury suite. Do not just get married at home you can opt for a fairtyale wedding castle.

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The Spectacular Gardens At Chateau Villandry In France

1. If you can stay indoors during peak sun hours, you should. Try to schedule outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon, and try to stay in the shade as much as possible if you must be out in the sun in the middle of the day.

2. If you must go out into the midday sun, wear clothing that protects you from the sun. This means a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a broad-brimmed hat that protects your head and ears and shades your face. Not all clothing provides equal degrees of protection. Dark-colored, heavyweight, tightly woven fabrics provide better protection from the sun than light-colored, lightweight, loosely woven fabrics do. If you must spend a lot of time out in the sun, you may want to buy special sun-protective clothing with a high UPF rating. The UPF rating (the letters stand for Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much ultraviolet light can penetrate the clothing. For example, if a piece of clothing has a UPF rating of 20, that means that only one-twentieth of the sun’s ultraviolet rays can get through it. Commercial sun-protective clothing with UPF ratings of 50 or higher is available.

3. Protect all of the exposed skin on your body with sunscreen, even on overcast days. Make sure to use enough sunscreen. Most people use too little. It takes about one ounce of sunscreen to cover the exposed parts of an adult’s body adequately. (Don’t forget your ears.) It’s especially important to make sure to use enough sunscreen on all the exposed parts of your body if you’re going to be near sand, snow, or water, all of which reflect the sun, thus increasing your chances of getting burned.

4. Choose your sunscreen carefully. You’re probably familiar with the SPF (sun protection factor) rating on sunscreens, which is a measure of how well the sunscreen protects against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the kind that cause sunburn. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15. Also, look on the label of the sunscreen to make sure that it is a “broad-spectrum” product that protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, as well as UVB. UVA rays don’t cause sunburn, but they do increase your risk of skin cancer. Finally, make sure that the sunscreen you choose is water-resistant. The American Academy of Dermatology recently made choosing a good sunscreen easier. The Academy allows its AAD Seal of Recognition to be placed only on sunscreens that are water-resistant and broad-spectrum and that have an SPF of 15 or more. You can look for this seal on the product label or on advertising or store displays.

5. Follow directions on your sunscreen (e.g., when to apply, etc.

6. Reapply sunscreen often, at least once every two hours. If your skin has gotten wet from swimming or sweating, reapply sunscreen even more often because even water-resistant sunscreens can wash off. And if you’ve dried yourself with a towel, put on more sunscreen because you may have rubbed off the previous layer.

7. Even if you are scrupulous about using sunscreen, don’t expect that you can stay out in the sun all day without damaging your skin. No sunscreen provides complete protection.

8. People who spend lots of time behind the wheel should consider wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen while driving or having ultraviolet-protective films installed on the car windows. In most cars, only the windshield is made of the kind of glass that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The other windows block UVB rays only.

9. Don’t deliberately try to get a tan. Tanning increases your risk of skin cancer. You don’t want skin cancer, whether it’s melanoma or another form.

10. Get your vitamin D from means other than ‘sun exposure’. You can get all the vitamin D you need from foods, especially vitamin D-fortified milk, or from vitamin supplements.

There’s lots of information about skin cancer online. Learn about tanning and skin cancer and related topics, and determine whether you, a friend or relative might be at risk. Don’t be ignorant about skin cancer and its causes.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Skin Cancer – Tips to Prevent Melanoma and Carcinomas

Adventure travel packages are available for almost any destination in the world. Hiking or camping out under the stars in a desired location are the most popular forms of adventure travel.

Do you dream of visiting ancient ruins or exploring canyons and valleys? Do you wish you could see more than just a far off view of some of the world’s most beautiful sites? If so, adventure travel may be just what you are looking for.

Adventure travel is a great way to truly experience a destination. Instead of viewing the beautiful Rocky Mountains, why not take a hike through the beautiful scenery to get an up close and personal view, and experience it right under your nose?

You can also find African Safari packages, as well as adventure travel packages that will take you to South America, Asia, and Australia. If you have a special place in mind, chances are there is an adventure package that will take you where you dream of going.

Packing for adventure travel will be a little more complicated than your average vacation. You may need more supplies than normal. Things like tents, sleeping bags, sturdy hiking boots, and in some cases, your medical records, are all necessary.

Many companies have made adventure travel much easier. They offer packages that will take you to places you may not have even thought to explore. They can help you pinpoint the type of adventure you wish to have, and help make choosing your destination for adventure a whole lot easier.

There are also packages that are designed especially for women. You can find packages that cater to those who want to experience sport, biking, kayaking, and many other athletic pursuits.

Remember to keep your options open when choosing a package. Prices will vary widely, depending on which source you choose. It never hurts to look for the best travel package for your adventure travel by looking both online and by visiting a travel agent.

Also remember that your options are almost unlimited as far as destination, activity, and duration of your adventure travel package. It’s your money and your time, so take the time to find the package of your dreams.

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You have 14 years left before the middle class disappears altogether. Join the Home Based Business Initiative now before time runs out!

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Adventure Travel

But no matter what you preference for your type of holiday there is one location in the Peaks that you simply must take a day out to visit, and that of course is Chatsworth.

Chatsworth house is the magnificent focal point of the Chatsworth estate nestled against a backdrop of ancient hilly woodland (no doubt once used as ancient hunting g grounds) and next to the banks of the river Derwent.

It is not hard to see why the splendid example of architecture has been nicknamed the Palace of the Peak , and the National Gallery of the North not due in part to the huge collections of Art and Treasure that has been collected over the centuries by the Devonshire family.

The fine world class collection contains many Old masters as well as a good representation of over 4000 years of European art and culture which is spread over three floors of this magnificent house

Chatsworth House gives you a glimpse at the power, money and luxury of the upper classes and gentry in old England, which is still awesome by today’s standards when you consider for example that the Chatsworth estate also encompasses the villages of Beeley, Pilsley and Edensor.

Surprisingly in total contradiction to the trend of modern landowners the park is still open to the public and astonishingly is free to enter so you can stroll around the vast park imagining yourself to be one of the Lords or Ladies of the day .

A far better experience however is a visit to the house and gardens itself which will surely leave you breathless and is an experience that can last all day.

The Gardens here at Chatsworth house are as equally impressive as the Grand House itself and are situated in 105 acres of land that has been lovingly developed and added to by successive generations for nearly 500 years.

The landscape and garden exhibits are truly magical and can be enjoyed by participating in the five miles of walks within the garden. Visitors will enjoy a stunning arboretum of rare specimen trees as well as a plethora of other plant life and foliage, streams and ponds.

The landscaping isn’t restricted to flora and fauna though, and you will be stunned by the collection hard landscaping that is here and consists of sculptures, temples fountains and other water features.

Notable of course is the highest water jet in the world and the 300 year old cascade that stretches down the hillside and is a picture from the top that cannot help but remain etched in your memory for ever .

Make sure you set time aside on your Peak District holiday itinerary to visit the Palace of the Peaks.

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Peak District Vacations – Chatsworth House

Water versus Land

While waterfront properties offer water access and swimming, they also bring safety concerns, extra expense, reduced privacy and added headaches.

Before you spend the extra money on a waterfront cabin, ask yourself why you’re renting a mountain cabin this summer? Are you planning on hunting, hiking, having bonfires and trail running with the kids? If so, you don’t need a lakefront property to do that. Of course, if you have your heart set on a summer spent reading on the dock, go for it.

Finding a Mountain Cabin Rental

If you rent a mountain cabin in a popular ski area, you can save major money during the slow summer season in the continental US. Most of these cabins are fully equipped for winter, but are also suitable as a fantastic summer retreat option.

To find a summer mountain cabin rental, try looking at sites like VRBO (vrbo.com) or classified sites like Craigslist (craigslist.org). These sites will list a number of properties being rented directly from owners. You can typically search and sort by location, price and sleeping capacity.

For cabins that are rented by property management firms, try looking under your local real estate listings or the classifieds section of your newspaper. While you pay more for a cabin managed by a company, you’ll also get the assurance of legal contracts and a clear business transaction.

What to Look For in a Mountain Cabin

If you have kids or pets, your main priority is going to be to find a cabin that’s open to either or both, even at international locations. Before you start your search, make a list of the amenities you want and need. For example, laundry, fire pits, privacy or water access are all options to consider.

Before You Pay

Before you put down any form of deposit on your mountain cabin, have a written contract in your hands that clearly lays out all the terms and conditions of your rental agreement.

Make sure both parties, the renter and the landlord, understand what is and isn’t included in the rental along with each party’s responsibilities.

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Identifying a Super Timeshare Vacation Rental

Obviously, you can’t miss this one. This is solid stock. 440 rooms, 420 feet wide, 84 staircases, 365 chimneys, …. Inside the chateau the highlight is the double helix staircase which serves as the axis for the whole chateau, and is thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

We run a luxury french wedding castle in the Loire Valley near Blois, ideal for a fantastic destination wedding or vacation with friends and family and for visiting vineyards, historic chateaux and unwinding. The castle is also perfect for a fairytale french castle wedding, party or any event. Go ahead and spoil yourself with a castle wedding. We always recommend our guests go and visit Chateau Chambord.

Chateau de Chambord was commissioned in 1510 by the young King Francois definitely an egomaniac when he was only 25 years of age, to help establish his power. He was not content with the amazing chateaux of Amboise and Blois.

He wanted a hunting lodge. Francois I spent without caring to realise his masterpiece project. He even went so far as to change the natural course of the Loire River. The castle we see today was not completed until 1685, and it is the largest chateau in the Loire by far.

The Royal Chateau at Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France is the most recognisable chateau in the world because of its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture that combines classical Italian structures with traditional medieval forms and a variety of towers and turrets. The roofline really is amazing.

The chateau is in the centre of a thirteen thousand acre wooded park and game reserve with [red deer and wild boar|wild boar and red deer[/spin], surrounded by a 20 mile wall. It is the largest walled forest park in Europe.

If you’re going to visit one chateau on the Loire, it should be this one.

Obviously, you can’t miss this one. This is solid stock. 440 rooms, 420 feet wide, 84 staircases, 365 chimneys, …. Inside the chateau the highlight is the double helix staircase which serves as the axis for the whole chateau, and is thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

The castle was rarely inhabited. Francois I spent barely seven weeks at Chateau Chambord on short hunting trips. Because the castle had been constructed for the purpose of short visits, it was not practical to stay there on a longer-term basis. The massive rooms, high ceilings and huge windows made heating a logistical impossibility. This was exacerbated by the fact that the castle was not surrounded by a estate or a village. There was no immediate source of food other than game. The end result was that all the food had to be brought in for the hunting parties which typically numbered between 2000 to 3000 people at a time. This puts catering for the extended family for the holiday season into perspective doesn’t it.

When the castle was not inhabited it was left completely devoid of furniture. All of the tapestries, paintings, furniture, eating implements, were brought in especially for each hunting trip. Imagine trying to co-ordinate a party of two thousand odd including the royal family going camping.

This is why much of the furniture from this era was built to be disassembled in order to aid transportation. French beds and armoires all disassemble beautifully. Contrary to popular belief flat-packing was not invented by Ikea.

After King Francois died, Chateau de Chambord remained unoccupied for some 80 years falling into a horrible state of decay. In 1639 Louis XIII gave it to his brother, Gaston d’Orleans who carried restoration work which was greatly needed. Gaston d’Orleans saved the castle.

Louis XIV furnished the royal apartments and added a horse stable for just 300 horses to allow him to use the castle as a hunting lodge.

In 1930 the chateau became the property of the French Government but restoration work was not begun until a few years after World War II ended in 1945.

Next time you are thinking about complaining about packing for a camping trip remember Chateau Chambord and King Francois’ seven weeks of hunting.

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The Historic Hunting Lodge – Chateau Du Chambord In The Incredible Loire Valley

It is amazing the diversity in quality of wedding speeches and how many speakers panic at the thought of delivering their speeches.

Here are a few pitfalls to avoid, and a few tips to heed, when giving a wedding toast that will leave other wedding guests impressed.

Prepare for Your Wedding Toast

The first key to an impressive speech is preparation. Decide first whether you will you just wing it or whether you will you write it out and read it verbatim, use notes for reference?

Normally just winging is best left to the naturally gifted speakers and unless you fall into that category unquestionably it is most likely to get you in to difficulties on the day. If you want to wing it on the day, it is worth making some well-rehearsed mental notes before going into it.

Writing Out a Toast

If you’re a great writer, there’s nothing wrong with writing out your entire toast. Your ease with language and your ability to string together impressive words won’t be lost on your audience provided only if you read your toast with conviction. Just don’t get too stuffy like Frasier would. Read it convincingly and pause and remember to breath.

Or alternatively you can elect to just to make some notes to keep you on track as you go – this will allow empathy from the wedding party and your fellow guests, and it gives you the flexibility to make changes on the fly as you see what’s working and what’s not as you deliver your toast.

Here is a simple but universally effective game plan for delivering a fail safe wedding toast.

No-Fail Toast Game Plan

First introduce yourself, and your relationship to the bride or groom. Explain how you came to know them, and how far the three of you go back. Next think funny, but don’t be obnoxious. Share a witty story about how you met either the bride or groom, and how their lives became better after they were together.

Talk about some quirky characteristic that one of them has which completely complements the other. Remember that wedding audiences are generally easy going. They are all friends, and they’re probably a little drunk or even a lot drunk.

A good natured approach will get them smiling and if your lucky laughing with almost no effort. But remember whatever you do, the goal is to NOT embarrass the bride and groom in front of everyone they know. Never mention ex-girlfriends or boyfriends, This is a toast, not a roast.

Make the Wedding Toast Emotional

Talk about what an incredible couple they are, how inspiring they are to all those around them, and how the world is a better place with them together. Bring up the beautiful union of families. You can hint about the expectation of incredible kids down the line.

Keep the Toast Positive

If you are in trouble, go for compliments. The poor wedding couple have been through a lot to get to this day, and sometimes it’s just nice to hear how much your friends and family dig you. Also be sure to steer clear of these all-too common snares:

Wedding Toast Faux Pas

Boring your guests, insulting your inlaws, and pronouncing your love for your best friend’s wife are all pretty much faux pas in the game of life.

Don’t drink too much before your toast – a drink to loosen up is okay, but much more than that and you’ll be telling old college stories that are best left in college.

Never use an insult of any kind – this is a festival of love, remember? Don’t use any corny one-liners, make sure that any humor in your toast comes from genuine emotions.

Staying Cool During the Toast

But if all this sounds totally daunting and you have broken into a sweat just reading this because you are simply terrified of speaking in front of other people, just keep it simple.

Tell the bride and groom how much you care about them, and how much it means that they have included you in their wedding celebration. Wish them all the success in the world, have everyone raise a glass, and give them a big hug.

Easy, peasy. No sweat necessary.

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How To Deliver An Amazing Wedding Toast At A French Castle Wedding

Douce nuit is the French version of Silent Night. They are sung to the same tune, but the translation given is the literal translation of the French Christmas carol Douce nuit, which is quite different than Silent Night.

Douce nuit, sainte nuit !

Dans les cieux ! L’astre luit.

Le mystère annoncé s’accomplit.

Cet enfant sur la paille endormit,

C’est l’amour infini,

C’est l’amour infini !

Sweet night, holy night!

In the heavens the star shines.

The foretold mystery comes true.

This child sleeping on the hay,

Is infinite love,

Is infinite love!

Lyrics for “Au Royaume du bonhomme hiver,” a French Christmas carol

Au Royaume du bonhomme hiver is a French Christmas carol, the equivalent of “Winter Wonderland.” They are sung to the same lyrics, but the translation of the French given here is literal, as the French lyrics are quite different than the English ones.

Écoutez les clochettes
Du joyeux temps des fêtes
Annonçant la joie
De chaque coeur qui bat
Au royaume du bonhomme hiver.

Listen to the bells
Of the joyful holiday times
Announcing the joy
Of each heart that beats
In the kingdom of the winter snowman.

Sous la neige qui tombe
Le traîneau vagabonde
Semant tout autour
Une chanson d’amour
Au royaume du bonhomme hiver.

Under the falling snow
The sleigh wanders
Spreading all around
A love song
In the kingdom of the winter snowman.

Le voilà qui sourit sur la place
Son chapeau, sa canne et son foulard
Il semble nous dire d’un ton bonasse
Ne voyez-vous donc pas qu’il est tard ?

France is magnificent at Christmas time. The little french villages are a mass of Christmas Decorations, spirits are high, the shopping is to die for.

We now rent out our chateau during the festive season as a holiday christmas castle. Come and lord it up at our christmas castle and enjoy roaring fires with your family and friends, walks through the forest, roast goose, foie gras, champagne and shrimp. Come and experience a christmas castle.

Christmas is a very special time of year to visit France. It is a particularly handy time for antipodeans to visit France and Europe as the festive season co-incides with the big summer school vacation.

France is a very catholic nation and many french go off to Christmas Mass.

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Carols In French – A Fairytale Christmas Castle For Rent

If the prospect of yet another dry turkey with all its trimmings leaves you feeling a little jaded, try a French favourite and serve Roast Goose rather than the boring old turkey.

You can have your golden goose and eat it at our chateau this Christmas.

Goose is Gordon Ramsay’s favourite Christmas roast. This is our favourite recipe for Roast goose. We now rent the chateau out for a weekly rental over the Christmas and New Year holidays fully-catered. Last year we received lots of compliments on our roast goose at our christmas castle.

Tips if you are doing this at home yourself:-

For those of us who take on the responsibility of preparing Christmas dinner (voluntarily or not) this can be a very stressful time of the year. But as any chef will tell you, the key to providing a successful meal is mise en place – in other words, preparation and organisation.

If you buy your goose in advance you’ll need to know how to store it. Always unwrap the bird and place it either in a refrigerator or cool larder. Place the giblets into a refrigerator. If you want to store longer than two days (for giblets) or five days
for (geese), it is best to freeze. Geese freeze very well, thawing takes around 24-30 hours. Pat dry with a dry cloth and they will roast to perfection.

The roast goose can be prepared or assembled the night before, so that all you’ll need to do is put it into the oven on Christmas morning.

Make sure that your to go in[spin] the oven.

Do remember to use some of the rendered fat from the goose to baste the potatoes with, as it imparts a wonderfully rich flavour to the spuds. Keep the rest of the fat to use through the winter months.

Lastly you do not have to wait for Christmas for “One Goose A Roasting” you can serve Roast Goose for a wonderful Sunday roast at any time of year.

This year let us spoil you over Christmas. Rent a christmas castle and sit back and relax and enjoy lording it up with your family over the festive season.

Ingredients:-

1 large yellow onion (chopped)
1 large tart apple (chopped)
1/4 cup chicken stock (organic is best)
6 cups toasted fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup currants or chopped raisins
1/4 cup slivered almonds (toasted)
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
1/3 cup chicken stock
1 goose – 4 kilos, giblets removed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Calculate the cooking time (see tips, below). If the goose is ready-trussed, then loosen the string and pull out the legs and wings a little – this helps the bird cook better. Check the inside of the bird and remove any giblets or pads of fat. Using the tip of a sharp knife, lightly score the breast and leg skin in a criss-cross. This helps the fat to render down more quickly during roasting.

2. Combine the onion, apple, and 1/4 chicken stock in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until onion and apple are tender.

3. Combine onion mixutre, bread crumbs, currants, almonds, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss 1/3 cup stock with bread crumb mixture.

4. Rinse goose; drain, and pat dry. Prick the skin on the lower breast, legs, and around the wings with a skewer. Stuff and truss goose. Then, place goose, breast-side-up, on a rack in large roasting pan. Insert a roasting thermometer in its thigh without touching bone.

5. Place remaining stuffing into a lightly greased casserole; cover and refrigerate.

6. Roast goose for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until the thermometer registers 175°F, drain fat often. A goose gives off more fat during roasting than most other poultry. Every 30 mins or so, baste the bird with the pan juices, then pour off the fat through a sieve into a large heatproof bowl . You will end up with at least a litre of luscious fat – save this for the potatoes and other vegetables. At the end of the cooking time, leave to rest for at least 30 minutes, covered loosely with foil. The bird will not go cold, but will be moist and much easier to carve.

7. Bake the covered casserole of stuffing alongside the goose during the last 30 minutes of roasting.

8. Let the goose stand for 30 minutes and then serve.

Makes 6 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes.
Cooking time: 8 minutes.
Roasting time: 2 hours.
Standing time: 15 minutes.

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Spoil Yourself – Rent A French Castle For Christmas – Christmas Castle Goose With All Of The Trimmings

Details of 5 of the best-known castles are below.

Chateau Chenonceau

Chenonceau Chateau amazes you with its two-story, 260-foot Great Gallery spanning across the River Cher. Originally “acquired” by King Francois I, it passed to his successor, Henri II, who gave it to Diane de Poitiers his mistress. Diane expanded the castle and constructed a bridge over the river.

When Henri II died, his bittered wife, Catherine de Medici, took revenge on her rival by forcing Diane to exchange Chateau Chenonceau for nearby Chateau Chaumont. Catherine then commissioned the construction of the bridge gallery. Unbelievably extravagant galas were hosted here until Catherine’s son, Henry III, was murdered. His wife, Louise de Savoie, placed the castle in mourning, furnishing it entirely in black and white.

History leaps out as you tour the rooms and the gardens. In world war I the Great Gallery was converted to a hospital. In WWII the castle marked the boundary between free and Nazi-occupied France and became the site of prisoner exchanges. Today the castle and grounds are maintained at their height as if they were at under Catherine de Medici.

Chateau Clos Luce

Not more than a half mile from the village centre is Chateau Le Clos Luce, a castle built and designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Under the generous sponsorship of Francois I’ he lived the last three years of his life here. The rooms are filled with 40 models of Leonardo’s inventions so you can marvel at his impressive mental powers and foresight five hundred years earlier.

Chateau Amboise

The narrow cobbled streets of Amboise wind at the base of the huge Chateau Amboise. Although only 25% of the original castle survives, the fortress walls with flying banners look down river and the village at its feet. It was here that King Francois I hit his head on a low arch, bringing an early end to his life.

Chateau Chambord

King Francois I was not content with just the castles at Amboise and Chenonceau. He acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting land and decided to build the world’s most incredible “hunting lodge.” Chambord was constructed over many decades by Francois and his successors, Henri II and Charles IX in the 16th century.

Fully restored now, Chambord stands as the most extravagant of all the Loire chateaux – 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. The central grand staircase was supposedly designed by the great Italian, Leonardo da Vinci. It has double spirals which enable two parties of people to descend and climb simultaneously on foot or horseback without meeting. Chambord will reward any visit with its grandeur and extravagance.

Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire

Built in the fifteenth century by Lord Amboise on the site of a tenth century feudal fortress, Chaumont has incredible views of the Loire Valley. It was later the home of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici of Castle Chenonceau fame. Enjoy this castle for its furnishings, drawbridge, fortress feeling, tapestry, and incredible vistas.

Rememer whilst castle hopping to take the time to happen upon some local wine cellars, for tasting or “degustation”. Take the time to relax and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy your vacation.

We run a luxury castle in the Loire Valley, perfect for a wedding castle and for visiting vineyards, castles and relaxing with family and friends. A french wedding castle is a wonderful location for a wedding.

Go ahead and spoil yourself with a wedding chateau

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France’s Beautiful Loire Valley And The Wonderful Adventure Of Chateau Hopping

Being the nearest tropical islands to Europe; just off the north-western coast of Africa, only {five and a half|5.5 hours} flight from the UK and just an hour south of the Canaries you will find these fantastic Islands basking in the sun.

Here are the top 10 reasons why Cape Verde property investment is increasing in popularity

Cape Verde is a marvellous archipelago of 10 islands boasting a colourful Creole of African and European cultures for you to enjoy.

Every island has its own unique characteristics and distinct beauty and once you visit the Islands fall in love with them.

The unique Islands offer a mix of stunning pristine environments with picturesque white powdered sandy beaches with awe-inspiring coastal views, lush vegetation, breathtaking mountain landscapes

Definitely an island paradise now easily accessed from {UK & Europe | Europe} and just waiting for you to explore & discover
Cape Verde is now known among international property developers as the new global property and holiday hotspot, and a star investment opportunity.

Below are the top 10 reasons why investors are looking to Cape Verde.

Economic and Political stability: Cape Verde has experienced a solid increase in GDP growth over a sustained length of time and economists predict continued growth in 2008 and beyond

High rental potential : High demand and shortage of good quality accommodation creates a stable buy-to-let environment for investors

Increasing property prices : Being a young emerging market makes it an ideal time to invest. Property prices are rising and have been delivering 30% average year on year returns on investment

Established & thriving tourist industry: As a result of a booming reputation with UK and international tourist industries, Cape Verde’s tourism sector has recently become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations worldwide

Easily Accessible: Nearest Tropical islands to Europe with direct flights readily available from the UK (5.5 hrs and no jet lag)

Internationally recognised : Good economic position, helping to generate high returns on investment with massive government and private investment with strong possibility of inclusion in the EU .

Ideal Climate: Sunshine for most of the 365 days of the year encourages all year round tourism

Stunning Scenery: Beautiful white sandy beaches, exotic tropical plantations and magnificent mountains

Affordable: Living expenses are low and affordable holidays
Low Inflation: Exchange rate value of local currency is fixed to the Euro.

Privileged Geographical Location: on the equator and central to America, Europe and of course Africa, the islands are accessible to all 3 contents

These are all attractive factors and indicators that the Cape Verde property market is set to steadily increase for the foreseeable future.

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Ten Reasons why Cape Verde is a Hot Investment Property Destination

Visitors flock to Villandry for its harmonious vision of gardens and architecture.

Fifteen kilometres west of Tours, and nine kilometres west of Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry built in 1536 is the last in the series of the great Renaissance chateaux of the Loire. It was the seat neither of a king, nor of a king’s mistress, but of one of France’s ministers, Jean Le Breton.

Le Breton’s had considerable architectural experience and he oversaw work for the Crown for many years and directed construction of Chambord. Earlier in his career he had been stationed as an Ambassador in Italy and he had the opportunity to study the art of gardening.

The gardens were designed by Joachim Carvallo a spanish doctor and laid out between 1907 and 1920. He drew his inspiration from local tradition and the remains of the original layout.

At the highest level is a large basin in the shape of a Louis XV mirror. It is called “Le Miroir d’eau” Its water feeds the moat, the fountains, and the irrigation system. The fountains at Villandry play an important role bringing music to the gardens with the gentle splashing of water on stone andd lending a freshness to the air.

In the middle is the ornamental or pleasure garden – “Jardin d’ornement” with flower beds framed by box hedges.

Under the windows of the west wing and on the same level as the outbuildings, is the third garden – the ornamental kitchen garden.

Each of the three gardens is surrounded and overlooked by a raised and covered pathway. Limetree-vaulted pergolas on the top and grapevines trailingover a trellis below.

One of the premiere design features of the gardens of Chateau Villandry is that gardens should be viewed from abvoe, either from contiguous buildings, or from raised terraces surrounding the beds.

Gardening techniques

In total, the gardens at Villandry cover 5 hectares tendered by only nine full time gardeners. This is an incredibly low ration of gardeners given the density of the planting.

Rigorous planning and a precisely organised timetable is implemented. The kitchen garden uses some twenty thousand flowering plants, sixty thousand vegetables in spring and forty thousand in summer.

The whole gardening team participate in the design of the planting arrangements for the kitchen garden each year. Two plans are needed each year. The spring plan which uses peas, broad beans, radishes, lentils, springn cabbage, lettuce (romaine, red and green). Some perennials are also included – strawberries, sorrel, chives. Various spring flowers are planted in the edging to bring some colour to the kitchen garden like alternating reda nd yellow pansies, large white daiseies, blue pansies, forget-me-knots and stock.

The summer plan fixes the arrangement of flowers and vegetables from June into autumn. the main vegetables are cabbages, pumpkins, spinish, beets, swiss chard, celery, celeriac, carrots, leeks, aubergines, capsicums, tomatoes, chives, parsley, basil, round or long beetroot, gourds, endives and cardoons. Petunias, verbena, purple sage, marigold, begonias, tobacco plants are used as edgings.

Technical factors for Chateau Villandry.

Each planting for spring and summer for the kitchen garden need to take into account both the technical and aesthetic factors.

Crop Rotation

Careful crop rotation is essential if soil exhaustion and plant disease are to be avoided.

It is not a good idea to plant vegetables of the same family in a bed the following year because they take the same nutrients from the soil and are vulnerable to the same soil-borne diseases. For example you should not plant carrots in a bed used the previous year for celery as they are both members of the Umbellifer family. Similarly cabbages and radishes both Crucifers, should not be allowed to follow each other.

Balancing this technical factor can be quite a challenge given that there are eight botanical families planted in the kitchen garden and it is advisable to wait three years before replanting a bed with a member of the same family and there are two plantings a year for each bed in the kitchen garden at Chateau Villandry.

Originally the kitchen garden was watered from the fountain in the middle of each squaree. Now an automatic irrigation is now used to water all five hectares.

Aesthetic factors

The patterns of form and colour are the second major factor in planning the kitchen garden. The texture, form and colour of each vegetable all contribute to the multicoloured chequerboard of the kitchen garden. It is a difficult exercise because vegetables often offer little in the way of colour contrast.

The gardening team at Chateau Villandry try to bring together contrasts such as the jade green of the carrots and the blue of the leeks, or the red of the beetroot leaves and the golden-tinted green of celery.

The kitchen garden covers a hectare and consists of nine identical sized squares in a square pattern. The square beds were popular in France during the Renaissance period. Each square has a different box hedge pattern. Inside the hedges forty-odd varieties of vegetables and floweres are planted out with their alternating colours making up a rainbow chequerboard. Each of the squares has thirty standard roses, laid out in geometric patterns, and sixteen pyramid-trained pear-trees.

Words can not do the gardens justice and no trip to the Loire Valley in France would be complete without a visit to Villandry and its magnificent gardens.

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The Spectacular Chateau Gardens Of The Incredible Loire Valley

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan; this is where most visitors choose to begin their adventure. The “Taipei Basin” was originally inhabited by the Ketagelan tribe, one of the Aboriginal tribes noted above.

In the late 19th century, the Han Chinese occupied Taipei and used it predominately for trade purposes. The main trade item passing through the port was tea. Taipei’s status at this time was as a provincial capital. However, in 1894 it became the capital of the entire island.

No Taipei tour is complete without seeing Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building. Competition for this status has always been fierce because of the way “tallest” is defined, but most people concede this mantle to Taipei

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is also located in Taipei. You might hear it called the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall. Whatever you choose to call it, it’s most definitely worth spending some time at.

Beyond Taipei, you might want to consider a trip to Sun Moon Lake. Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake and home of the Thao Aboriginal tribe. Because of this, the Aboriginal Cultural Village has been built near here. In it, you can see how the ancient tribes lived as well as perusing a museum which showcases aboriginal artifacts.

Always take local holidays into consideration when traveling. The Taiwanese distinguish between holidays and festivals. Holidays are followed based on the western calendar while festivals are celebrated based on the lunar calendar.

Festivals commemorate China’s past, both cultural and Chinese-based wisdom.. The one most visitors are familiar with is the Chinese New Year Festival. The Lantern Festival is included at this time and symbolizes shedding the old and ushering in all things new. The Mid-Autumn Festival links the symbolism of the full with the unity of mankind.

Holidays are more official in nature. For example, Founding Day of the Republic of China is one of the most important. Some others are Women’s Day, Teachers’ Day, Youth Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, Children’s Day, and Armed Forces Day.

Wherever you go, you are sure to enjoy it. Be sure to learn as much about the history and culture as possible before you take your vacation as well as verify all entry requirements such as a visa to Taiwan.

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Taipei Taiwan: Take A Tour Of This Asian Capital

[/spin]Traditionally on or about Christmas eve, a big log was brought into a home or large hall. Songs were sung and stories told. Children danced. Offerings of food and wine and decorations were placed upon it.

Personal faults, mistakes and bad choices were burned in the flame so everyone’s new year would start with a clean slate. The log was never allowed to burn completely, a bit was kept in the house to start next years log. It was believed that the log brought good luck. Any pieces that were kept protected a house from ligtning or fire, or hail. Ashes of the log would be placed in wells to keep the water good. Ashes were also placed at the roots of fruit trees and vines to help them bear a good harvest.

The log also predicted bad luck. If the fire went out before the night was through, tragedy would strike the home in the coming year. If its flame cast someone’s shadow without a head, supposedly that person would die within the year.

In England the log was supposed to burn for the twelve days of Christmas, from Christmas eve on December 24th to Epiphany on January 6th. Some English Yule logs were large enough that a team of horses were required to drag it to the christmas castle or manor. Some English preferred a log from an ash tree. In the Slavic and other countries oak was the wood of choice. Almost everywhere, the fire was started with that bit of the last year’s log, to symbolize continuity and the eternal light of heaven.

In some parts of France, a special carol was sung when the log was brought into the home. The carol prayed for health and fertility of mothers, nanny-goats, ewes, and an abundant harvest.

Of course the French were probably the first to eat their yule logs. They started out burning them like everyone else, but when big open fireplaces began to disappear in France, they moved the tradition to the table by making a cake roll that looked like a Yule log, called a “Buche de Noel”.

At first, burning a Yule log was a celebration of the winter solstice. In Scandinavia, Yule ran from several weeks before the winter solstice to a couple weeks after. This was the darkest time of year, and the people celebrated because days would start getting longer after the solstice.

There was a lot of ceremony and ritual tied to the Yule log, for it marked the sun’s rebirth from its southern reaches.

[spin]The Yule log gets its name from the Scandinavian tradition, but the ritual burning of a special log during winter solstice took place as far west as Ireland, as far south as Greece, and as far north as Siberia.

|In the fourth century AD When Pope Julius I decided to celebrate Christmas around the Winter Solstice, the Yule log tradition continued, but the fire came to represent the light of the Savior instead of the light of the Sun.

If you don’t need anymore Christmas goodies around the house, you can light a special candle as they do in Denmark and Norway. Or you can use a decorated log as a center piece like the Italian “ceppo”. However you mark your Yuletide, the spirit of the tradition requires gathering family and friends for a warm and cheery celebration. The burning of the Yule log marked the beginning of Festive celebrations.

[/spin]Traditionally on or about Christmas eve, a big log was brought into a home or large hall. Songs were sung and stories told. Children danced. Offerings of food and wine and decorations were placed upon it.

Personal faults, mistakes and bad choices were burned in the flame so everyone’s new year would start with a clean slate. The log was never allowed to burn completely, a bit was kept in the house to start next years log. It was believed that the log brought good luck. Any pieces that were kept protected a house from ligtning or fire, or hail. Ashes of the log would be placed in wells to keep the water good. Ashes were also placed at the roots of fruit trees and vines to help them bear a good harvest.

The log also predicted bad luck. If the fire went out before the night was through, tragedy would strike the home in the coming year. If its flame cast someone’s shadow without a head, supposedly that person would die within the year.

In Appalachia, as long as the log, or “backstick” burned you could celebrate. Often a very large “backstick” was chosen and soaked in a stream to ensure a nice long celebration. In the early nineteenth century, American slaves didn’t have to work as long as the Yule log burned, so they would choose the biggest, greenest log they could find. If they did have to work while it burned their master had to pay them for the work.

You have a choice. You can burn your yule log like the English. Or if you don’t have a fireplace, you can eat it like the French.

We rent our chateau out over the festive season for Christmas and New Year as a holiday rental by owner. You can experience a christmas castle with all of the French traditions. You can have your yule log and eat your buche de noel as well. Come and experience a christmas castle.

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Christmas Traditions In France – Yule Tide Log

If you want to go on s sailing charter in Belize, you better start at Rio Dulce, Guatemala. It’s a large river that spans around 30 miles and is the gateway to the Caribbean Sea. It also boasts of a lake-like stretch, which called El Golfete. This body of water becomes limit yourself with the waters of Rio Dulce. For example, if you’re looking for some privacy, you can bring your yacht or boat to Roatan, the most developed in the Bay Islands. It has a very long ridge and unspoiled beach, which is great for water sports, canoeing, and kayaking. Utila, on the other hand, is the most ideal destination for those who love to explore the barrier reef but aren’t licensed divers yet. End your sailing in Belize with a trip down its colorful history. The Maya ruins at Tikal give you an idea of the culture that in many ways defined the people of Belize and of Guatemala. You can find the Great Plaza, which is a large structure that has administrative and residential palaces, ceremonial buildings, and even sculpted altars. Quirigua, on the other hand, is a very small Mayan city, but is popular because of the many monuments of great Mayan leaders and gods that cover the entire area.

Find more information on sailing in Belize and yacht charter Croatia here. In this website you can find information on yacht charter from other parts of the world.

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Tips For A Sailing Charter – Belize

Post from: Vacations Destinations

Take A Walk In The Toronto Condos Neighbourhood