Travel Around The World

All about selling timeshare fo free

2010-06-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

When you decide that you want to sell your timeshare, the main problem is that from where to start i.e how to sell timeshare. With thsi article I want to give some information which would help you sell your timeshare free. When I was trying to sell my timehsare the same problem webuytimeshares came to my rescue and they did everything for me.
But before you go to anybody for selling your timeshare, these are some of the points you should take care -
Word of mouth advertising
One good way to start selling your timeshare is by telling your friends and acquaintances about your plan. You will want to inform as many people as you can about your timeshare sale. The good thing about word-of-mouth advertising is that your friends will be able to give good referrals to your unit. They can effectively promote the good aspects of the property and attract a possible sale.

Online advertising
The Internet is a good venue for you to be able to reach a wider audience for your timeshare sale. It provides a wide variety of options through which you can sell timeshare for free. For instance, you can participate in user forums and advertise your property to those who are looking for vacation options. You're bound to come across people who are shopping for quality vacation getaway ideas.

There are also various timeshare websites where you can post your ad for free. You can get your property listed there along with pertinent information that you feel your prospective clients will want to know. Make sure to include photos of the unit as well as your contact details so prospective buyers will be able to make inquiries.

You will also want to consider setting up a website or a blog where you can promote your timeshare. There are many free webhosting options that you can try. You can post photos of the place, write about your vacation experiences or just any other general information about the area where the property is located. It's easy to convince people into buying your timeshare if you can provide a lot of reasons why the property makes for a good investment.

These are some of the many things that you can try to sell timeshare for free. In promoting your unit, be as honest as you can while trying to highlight the positive aspects of your property. Think as a buyer would and be ready to provide good answers to possible questions that customers may have.

Travel Asia with Airasia

2009-11-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

I found this great website which makes travel to asia and other parts of the world easy.So Get cheap Airasia ticket at AirAsiaPlus.com

Happy Travelling to my fellow bloggers.

Farnce - Paris

2007-10-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

While spending the day simply walking around Nice, sipping cafe or lounging at the beach is likely more than enough to sate any visitor, this Mediterranean city also offers a few must-see stops as well.

Among them are the Matisse Museum, the ancient Roman ruins, and most certainly the Cours Saleya Flower Market. Nice is famous for its Flower Market, which is open six days a week (on Mondays, the Flower Market is replaced by an almost equally delightful flea and antiques market).

This brief walking tour of the Cours Saleya area will help you make the most of your visit to one of Nice's brightest, most colorful gems.

To get to the Cours Saleya, follow the Promenade des Anglais along the shoreline until it turns into the Quai des Etats Unis. At the Place Massena, turn left and then make your first right. A few meters before the entrance to the Flower Market, you will see a handful of tacky souvenir shops, hocking their overpriced t-shirts, postcards and knickknacks. You will also see a number of newergourment food shops and high-end gift stores that now line the road leading up to the Cours Saleya.

Once inside the tented Flower Market, you are likely to feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and even smells. Pace yourself. There are more than one hundred vendors, so check all (or most) of them out before you start buying, because you are sure to see something even more delectable or delightful at the very next stand. When you are ready to buy, the Nice procedure is to place your goods in the silver bowls atop the stand. If there are sufficient bowls, separate your goods by type. Put your oranges, for instance, in one bowl and your plums in another. While waiting for you change, be sure to hold your ground locals have been known to throw an elbow or two to get their pick of produce.

When you have had your fill of the Flower Market, there is still a world to explore right outside the tented walls of the Cours Saleya. There is an opera house on Rue Saint-Francois de Paule and the architecturally unique La Chapelle de la Misaracorde. Also less than two blocks away is the heart of Nice's Old Town. (At the eastern exit of the Cours Saleya, turn left and then walk a few meters ahead.) This quaint, cobblestone lined area offers an eclectic blend of historic features, pastry and cafe shops, and boutique shopping.

Other Helpful Tips

To truly make the most of your visit to the Flower Market, plan to arrive early. Very early. The best time to get there is 6 a.m., when all the sellers are just setting up and the hordes of tourists have not even had their first cup of me. If that is impossibly early for you, then do plan to be there no later than 9 a.m.

Pack your billfold with change and small denomination bills. Vendors have been known to refuse to break large bills, and you will not want lose out on that perfect peonie or juicy red grapefruit.

You haven’t lived until you’ve been to Paris in the winter -- during Fashion Week of course! It may be cold and rainy, but Paris is always beautiful, and buzzing with excitement at a myriad of fashion shows, expositions and parties that even us mere mortals of the public can attend. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to brush elbows with celebrities and fashion world icons who jet-set over from the prior Fashion Weeks in New York, London and Milan.

The Fall/Winter Paris Prêt-a-Porter Fashion Week is the most prominent trade event for the fashion industry, when Fall fashions are rolled-out as a season preview for the world’s biggest retail buyers who’re scrambling to place their orders for fashion, handbags, jewelry, shoes, hats and cosmetics. Unlike other large industry convention hall tradeshows, Fashion Week is orchestrated citywide at some of Paris’ most prominent points of interest.

This year from February 25th to March 4th, top designers and fashion design students staged fashion extravaganzas ranging from the pinnacle of good taste to the surreal. Among the selected sites, were the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Musée de l'Homme, le Champs-Elysee, le Tour Montparnasse, place du Trocadéro, Théâtre du Châtelet, and La Sorbonne.

Winter Paris Fashion Week 2007 took place February 26 through March 4, and featured everyone who’s anyone in the designer world, including long-time Parisian favorites Chanel, Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier Christian Lacroix and Givenchy.

Ah, the drama! Aside from the expected eccentric styles and surreal shows, more than a few eyebrows raised when an animal rights protestor stormed the catwalk nude in response to this year’s apparent return to use of fur as a luxury material.

London designer Stella McCartney (daughter of Beatle Paul McCartney), then made headlines for her “fur-free” show, showcasing warm alternatives to fur, with models clad in taffetas, satins, knitwear and cashmere.

Emanuel Ungaro’s Peter Dundas got everyone ready to hit the discos with his collection designed to celebrate night clubbing. Decked-out in plenty of bling and leather, the models strutted and slinked down the runway.

The most controversial show of the week had to be that of Viktor & Rolf. Dutch design partners Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, are renowned for elaborate, wildly-imaginative shows. This year, they invented awkward contraptions that the models had to balance delicately, which were fitted with lighting and music as a kind of “personal fashion show.” The designs were somewhat gothic, reminding one of the movie Van Helsing. The poor models were also required to were stylized wooden clogs, which clip-clopped loudly as they paraded carefully down the runway.

Expectedly, there were WWII and ancient war themes in many of the fashion collections this year, leather, fur, fatigue green, body armor, medallions and epaulettes. Even Sean Paul reporter revealed models wearing Scottish tartans with stylized Mohawks, as if going into battle.

Also during Fashion Week, the exclusive Paris boutique Colette, celebrated its 10th anniversary by inviting 10 art curators to spotlight a talent gallery-style on one of it’s walls. It was a fabulous way to show off it’s ultra-trendy collection of music CDs, shoes, handbags, branded water and accessories. The boutique is also renown for glamorous parties, art exhibits and dance classes, and definitely worth a visit when you’re in Paris.

Speaking of accessories, Nokia decided to unveil its Nokia 7373 Special Edition fashion phones by designer Giambattista Valli at Fashion Week, at the “Dress-your-Nokia-in-Giambattista Valli” Party. For the label-conscious, this is a must-have phone. Each one comes pre-loaded with a "behind the scenes" video for a glimpse into the life and inspiration of the designer, along with a selection of Valli graphics and the exclusive ring-tone, "Rhodium.”

Next year is sure to hold more fun and surprises. For sure, Paris in March is the place to be!

Madrid - Travelling Destination

2007-10-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Madrid, Spain has a long and complicated history. For centuries it ruled half the world as the center of the monarchy power, but it is now a one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. One central to the Spanish Inquisition, Madrid is now known for its vibrant nightclubs, incredible shopping and abundance of art.

A trip to Madrid rewards the traveler with first-rate soccer and bullfighting, and shopping third in Europe to only Paris and London. The traveler also experiences the best and most beautiful art,Museums, parks equal to those in Manhattan, New York. A trip to Madrid is surely not a quick pass through. Visitors should anticipate spending some time in the city.

Art lovers will surely want to visit the Prado, but the Museum Thyseen-Bornemisza is a recent addition that should definitely not be missed. It was founded by the family of wealthy industrialist Baron Thyssen and his wife, a former Miss Spain, housing over seven hundred of Europe's beautiful treasures from the thirteen to the twentieth centuries. The Queen Sofia is home to an abundant amount of twentieth century art, enough to satisfy fans of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

However, there is more to Madrid than the art museums. You can take a walk in Madrid's sunny climate and visit the beautiful Parque del Buene Retiro. Though this park is smaller than Manhattan's Central Park and even smaller than London's Hyde Park, it is no less beautiful with lakes, sculptures, lovely grounds and Crystal Place.

At nearby Plaza Mayor, travelers can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants or cafes. Or, they can simply sit under the shade and "people-watch." The Plaza Mayor square is nearly 100m on each side and is surrounded by buildings that have watched many things throughout the years, from beheadings to bullfighting.

Be sure to allow time for a visit to the Royal Palace, or Palacio Real. It was home to Spain's monarchs and still contains the Royal Armory, throne room and Royal Pharmacy. Visitors can stand in some of the 2,800 rooms and imagine what it was like for the royal families and monarchs ruling half the world from that very room. It is not a difficult thing to imagine, though, when you are looking at displays of El Cid's sword, porcelain vases and hundreds of jewels.

Of course, leave time to shop. Gran Via is Madrid's most well known shopping area. You can find anything form the popular El Rastro flea market to department stores, such as the El Core Inglés. In addition to these, Madrid's shopping offers much more, including Calle Montera, Calle Alcala, Calle Princesa and so many terrific stores and boutiques.

For anyone planning to visit Madrid, you will want to plan to spend some time in the beautiful city. There are many great packages available offering fabulous accommodations and great travel deals. Take a look and make your way to Madrid to experience its art, history, attractions and fabulous shopping!

Destination Jersey City

2007-09-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Jersey City is a city rich with lifestyle variety, attractions, and entertainment. It is also a city with fascinating small ethnic neighborhoods, modern high rise condo towers, and attractions that include museums, a nationally recognized science learning center, and unbeatable, world class harbor views overlooking the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Jersey City is also steep in history. Before the Civil War, the city was an important stop on the Underground Railroad that led to a secret trail of safe houses that helped runaway slaves escape from the southern plantations. Four main railroad routes converged in Jersey City, and thousands of slaves passed through here on their way to freedom.

In recent years, Jersey City has undergone major redevelopment. The city has benefited from being across the Hudson River from New York City and from the relocation of many major corporations; new residents followed to enjoy a less expensive life style than NYC. This development has seen a dramatic increase in new high rise housing, shopping areas, restaurants, and major attractions.

The redevelopment of Jersey City is best exemplified by its waterfront. Construction of tall office towers and apartment complexes have taken hold along the downtown district, while further south, Liberty State Park is also experiencing improvements with the preservation of its natural environment to preserve the wetlands and creation of recreational areas, and the restoration of the historic CRRNJ railroad terminal. There is no better view in the world than Jersey City’s view of the harbor, overseeing the New York City Skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Jersey City’s Neighborhood’s

The Grove Street area, with easy access from the PATH station, is the center of downtown activity with arts, restaurants, and nightlife.

Van Vorst Park is one of the city’s nicest neighborhoods, with tree lined historic brownstone homes, and a convenient walk to the Grove Street Path station, café’s and restaurants.

Paulus Hook is a charming neighborhood of Brownstone Row Houses with an excellent view of New York City and is convenient to the ferries to and from Manhattan. It also has many restaurants, arts and shopping throughout the mostly residential district.

Jersey City’s financial waterfront, known as Exchange Place, is home to many large financial firms and tall office towers. 30 Hudson Street, at 781 ft and 42 floors, is the tallest building in New Jersey, and the tallest building in the United States which is not within its metro area's largest city. However, like many financial centers it’s virtually deserted after 6 PM.

Journal Square is anchored by the Loews Jersey movie palace, which is also home to live music and art works. A short walk from Journal Square is Little India, where you can sniff the aroma of spices, and sample some of the excellent Indian restaurants.

Newport is a 600-acre master-planned mixed-use community, made up of residential rental towers, condominiums, office buildings, a marina, schools, restaurants, hotels, The Newport Centre Mall, a waterfront walkway, transportation facilities, and on-site parking for more than 15,000 vehicles. The Newport waterfront complex almost constitutes a separate city from the older neighborhoods.

Jersey City’s Major Attractions

Liberty State Park

Created in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial, Liberty State Park is as large as NewYork's Central Park but is far less developed. It is a prime waterfront location that draws 4 million visitors a year to experience the many world class park attractions.

With sweeping views of lower Manhattan, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and ferries to all of the above, it also has playgrounds, picnic areas, bike paths, jogging paths, estuary, gardens, a marina and a large, beautiful restaurant with an awesome view. The park is host to many festivals, concerts, and other cultural happenings, and offers a great view of the fireworks displays over the water on the Fourth of July.

The park is easy to access via car, bus or light rail.

In the park’s northwest corner is The Liberty Science Center, a family science museum, located on Phillip Drive. The most visited museum in New Jersey, it has 3 floors of interactive exhibits that focus on invention, health, and the environment. Also located in the Liberty Science Center is the Kodak Omni Theater, with the largest sized IMAX dome screen in the world. The Liberty Science Center is undergoing expansion and construction and will re-open in July of 2007.

The Liberty walk promenade graces the eastern edge of Liberty State Park, and is a 1.3 mile stroll taking in the park office, the Statue of Liberty overlook, and the restored CRRNJ railroad terminal.

The Interpretive Center, an environmental and historical educational facility, is located on Freedom Way. The Center, which houses an exhibit area, auditorium, and classroom space, offers programs for both the general public and school groups. Adjacent to the Center lies a sixty-acre natural area that consists mostly of salt marsh, nature trails and observation points to complement this wildlife habitat.

Hop on a ferry near the CRRNJ railroad terminal and visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Statue of Liberty

Located on Liberty Island, a 12 acre island, it is 2000 feet from Liberty State Park. While there have been many claims as to which state the Statue of Liberty (Liberty Island) is in, it is in closer proximity to New Jersey and the State of New Jersey in fact does retain the riparian rights to all the submerged land surrounding the statue. However it continues to be within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of New York. Picnicking may be enjoyed at the southern end of the park located near the Administration Building. Picnic tables are provided with magnificent views of the harbor and skyline.

Ellis Island

Since it opened in 1892, Ellis Island has been the nation's premier federal immigration station until 1954 when it closed down. The immigration center processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. After being greeted by the Statue of Liberty and processed at Ellis Island, the arriving immigrants purchased tickets and boarded trains at the nearby railroad terminal that took them to their new destinations throughout the United States

The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990. Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are free, but you need to buy a ferry ticket to make it to the both places. The ferry and tickets for the ride can be had on the waterfront in Liberty National Park.

Liberty National Golf Course

Liberty National Golf Course is the world's most expensive golf course. Opened in 2006, it stretches along New York Harbor with dramatic views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and the New York skyline. It features five lakes, a waterfall, four streams, underground air ducts to optimize turf moisture, and several acres of wetlands for migratory birds and other wildlife.

Jersey City Museum

Located in the historic Jersey City’s Van Horst district, it contains a collection of more than 20,000 objects of regionally significant art and historical objects, and important 20th century acquisitions. The Collection includes over 300 paintings and works on paper by local illustrator and landscape painter August Will (1834-1910), as well as drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, maps, textiles, decorative arts and industrial objects.

Ready for cheap vacations

2007-08-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

Ready for a vacation? Relaxing and boding with your family doesn't need to be expensive. Here are ten fabulous cheap vacations for budgets under $1,000.

1. A family of four can enjoy the great outdoors at a National Park for under $1,000. Buying some gear, getting there and park fees will not set you back too much. If you are really ready to be rustic, cook on a small camp stove or even over an open flame to save cash.

2. Take the kids to the most magical place on earth: Disney World. This popular theme park offers holiday deals to make this destination fit almost any budget. By booking during value seasons and staying at a value resort, you can get all of the fantasy and fun for a fraction of the cost.

3. Look to discount carriers like Southwest and JetBlue when booking a flight. By getting a deal on airfare, you could afford to take your family to some pretty remote destinations. Try Cochran, Ontario where you and your loved ones can bunk in a real igloo.

4. If you're the kind of parent that likes to make every experience educational, take your family to Boston, a city dense with landmarks. By staying in the city you can easily get to Freedom Trail, a walking tour that will take you through the highlights.

5. Maybe you enjoy sleeping outdoors but are not ready to give up a hot shower in the morning. Visit a hot spring destination! In Hot Springs, Arkansas you can camp to save on lodging and still enjoy soaking away your day in the springs.

6. Adventurous adults making their way through Europe can save a lot of money by staying in hostels. Hostels are lodgings where travelers can stay for very little money. Though there is little in the way of quality control, they are perfect if you just need a place to sleep for a few nights before making your way to another city.

7. For a romantic vacation with your partner, check out travel packages on a cruise. Lines like Carnival frequently offer deals, some as low as $500. Book a trip to the Caribbean and spend your vacation walking slowly down some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

8. Travel the country by Greyhound Bus Lines. Greyhound will take you all over the United States so you can pick the cities you have always wanted to see. Try taking a bus overnight allowing you to sleep on board and be at your destination in the morning.

9. If you want to escape to an island for your vacation, check out Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa in Mexico. You can get a travel package that includes round trip airfare and three nights at the Resort for only $571.

10. If Mexico isn't your style, you might try the Dominican Republic and, specifically, the Punta Cana Resort. This particular spot offers rooms as low as $150 per night, though the scenery is still five stars.

Croatian Holiday

2007-07-12T10:45:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to be homesick for a place you only spent a week in? Because I am.

So is Mel my flatmate. We're homesick for Croatia and our amazing sailing holiday.

The adventure began Saturday August 5. Notorious for being late to everything, we were both quite proud to be just 20 minutes behind schedule. Bags thrown into the luggage-hold, we boarded the bus that would take us to Stansted airport.

A quick double check of our tickets and itinerary had Mel looking at me with a face that screamed panic. "WHAT WHAT?" was all I could manage. "We're on the wrong bus! Our plane leaves from Luton not Stansted!" (Insert unprintable, panicky, curse words here). Slinking with shame to the front of the bus, we explained our "little" dilemma to the driver who saved the day when he dropped us around the corner to the Luton bound bus.

Heart failure over, we relaxed into our seats and enjoyed a good gossip. After covering subjects from clothes, work, men and who had hairier forearms, we arrived at the airport and checked in.

Supplies of magazines and candy were bought, we made it through customs and ran to the gate to make our flight. Two hours later we landed in Rijeka, Croatia and caught a cab to the port in Kirk.

Recognising our boat from the website pictures, we made our way over, climbed over another boat and finally we were onboard our home for the next week. We were met by our steward Denis, but not with a "Welcome onboard!" just a "Room 13". 13? Call me superstitious, but that's hardly a room number I was happy to be staying in while on a boat!

Escorted to our room, it was clear Mel and I would be spending cosy nights together after discovering we had a double bed. "Breakfast at 8 am, lunch at 1 pm" said Denis. 8am? I thought we were on holiday, not bootcamp.

With towels and lilos to be bought we headed off to the supermarket. While waiting in line we noticed a group of six; five guys and a girl, they were all wearing matching yellow shorts, bar one, who had rather unfortunate tight blue shorts. "Must be boat crew," I commented to Mel.

Supplies bought, we went for dinner and then onto an amazing bar where you entered through a hole in a concrete wall.

One thing we quickly worked out was that people don't come out to play until around 10 pm each night. We felt it was our duty to check out the local talent, so made our way down to the wharf, took a seat and put on our talent spotting goggles.

Our blonde hair seemed to work like bait and we soon lured a couple of locals. One being a very intoxicated Croatian offering us his candyfloss. His friend was much more coherent and we spent an hour or so learning about the war in Croatia and the effects it had on his life. Interesting to say the least.

Not far away, we spotted the yellow shorts crew, one horizontal on the ground, the others trying to help him up. Obviously, a good night by the looks of things.

Retiring to our boat, we came face to face with more yellow shorts. Not crew afterall, they were six young Aussies, in matching outfits, unless you did something "stupid" and were made to wear the blue shorts. After quick introductions and a "See you Sheilas tomorrow" we knew we were in for a crazy week!

Hiroshima and Osaka

2007-07-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

The bullet trains are brilliant - not only are they
always on time but they're fast, clean and you even have room at your seat to stretch your legs. But best of all are the respectful staff. Every time they enter and exit a carriage, they turn to bow to the passengers. Only in Japan!

In fact, the other thing I'm pretty confident only happens in Japan is people lining up to board the trains, then shuffling backwards without a moan when someone pushes into the carriage.

This would NEVER happen in London. It's kill or be killed there. You do your best to push your way in and will often get an evil glance if you make someone shuffle back more than they want to.

Dropping our bags at our chic hotel, we decided to check out the nightlife. It was a little unusual. Walking around the streets was enough entertainment for us. Every corner had a drunken businessmen either passed out or on their way. There were strip joints left, right and centre, and generally very strange people.

Sunday's first stop was the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum. We spent a good couple of hours reading about the events that led up to this tragic day. They also had items of clothing that had been worn by people who died in the attack.

This was quite shocking to see, everything was burnt or melted. Outside the museum stands the only remaining building that survived the bomb.

In the afternoon we boarded a ferry to beautiful Miyajima Island. Full of little alleys with traditional shops and restaurants along with many shrines, it’s a pretty little island that is rated as one of Japan’s Top Three Spots.

My time in Japan was running out, so I needed to get my last minute shopping fix in. Osaka, a favourite city of mine is just 40 minutes away from Kyoto so I arrived early to start my mission. A fan of gadgets, stationery and various stuff I don't need but really want, I bow down to two stores in Japan, Tokyu Hands and Loft.

They stock everything imaginable, so after about four hours of scanning the aisles I left with bags containing elephant shaped mayonnaise holders, Elmo magnets, funky stationery and creme brulee scented bath salts; this being only a portion of my goods.

Unnecessary stuff bought, it was time to check out the clothes and see the style conscious strut their stuff around the streets of America-Mura. The area is mostly dedicated to hip hop clothing, cool shoes and various other American style shops. One thing I love about the Japanese is their confidence to express themselves through their clothes, and what's better is that no one gives a sideways glance no matter what outrageous outfit is being worn.

I was probably one of the few sideways glancers, always amazed at the effort people put in each morning before heading out. The 'Victoria Beckham' look seemed a favourite - big wavy hair with the help of extensions, denim hotpants and thigh high boots, topped off with big sunglasses. I was impressed.

Deciding I better leave Osaka before I ran out of cash, or worse, got sucked into buying something featuring Hello Kitty (trust me, the cat grows on you), I made my way out of this exciting city.

My final night was upon me and I was taken out for dinner by Dean and Kumiko. But not to any old restaurant. We went to a prison themed place, where after walking through the equivalent of a haunted house, squealing at the top of my lungs when things jumped out, I was then handcuffed, led to our cell and "locked in" for dinner. If that wasn't enough craziness to finish up my holiday, the cherry on the top had to be on the way home that evening when we saw a young guy walk backwards out of the trains station, stairs and all! Hilariously strange!

Annmaree

PS: If you're heading to Japan, beware of the toilets. The Japanese squat style always terrified me, with the fear of falling in. But when faced with the fact that I was bursting and had no other choice, I took the risk and was so proud of the new skill I'd mastered! Later on, thinking I'd found the safety of a western loo, I accidentally leant on one of the many buttons (think music, seat warmer etc), and a jet sprayed up from inside the toilet causing me to leap into the air and duck for cover from the spraying water! I'm sticking with the squats next time!

PPS: Start spreading the news, I'm leaving March 1 to go to New York, New York! Next time I'll be live from the Big Apple…watch this space.

THE WORLD'S BEST SKI FIELDS

2007-06-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

It’s cold, your nose is running, your favourite suede boots aren’t waterproof and the heating in your flat is non-existent. One could be forgiven for becoming slightly depressed.

But rather than dwell on the dismal weather, it is time to rejoice! Winter is here! Think thermals, cute outfits, hot snowboarders… and the chance to hit the piste. With our comprehensive guide to these top ski resorts you will be speeding your way down the slopes in no time.

Val-Thorens, France
Situated high in the French Alps, Val Thorens is a
world renowned ski resort that offers a base from which to discover the Three Valleys Ski Area. Over 600 kilometres of piste means there’s plenty of room to bust out your 180 turns, or just to practice staying upright for a whole run. Val-Thorens is a haven for snowboarders, with snow parks and half-pipes galore. Nightlife is plentiful, and although 8 euros ($16) for a Coke up the top of the chairlift is steep, there are numerous bakeries in the village below where Nutella and baguettes can be procured for comfortably cheap prices.

Go because: It’s France.
Watch out for: Fluorescent, one piece ski suits, of the kind that are apparently still
fashionable amongst the middle aged in Europe.

Cervinia, Italy
Often overlooked in favour of Zermatt, this Italian field actually gets better snow than its more famous Swiss neighbour. It shares a large area with nearby resorts and is perfect for intermediate skiers or boarders. If you really feel like giving your legs a workout, this ski resort has some of the longest runs you will find, anywhere. Try 22 kilometres all the way from the Swiss-Italian border to the village at the bottom, where quaint Italian restaurants await your patronage. Hot chocolate has never tasted so good.

Go because: It’s right next to the Matterhorn, so if you live in Wellington you will be
able to slip your holiday into conversation every time you walk past the pub of the same name.
Watch out for: Accidentally skiing into another country – possible, and difficult to explain in a foreign language.

Banff, Alberta, Western Canada
The nightlife in Banff is worth a holiday in itself, but if you do manage to rise before midday and make it out onto the piste then it’s the stuff dreams are made of. Located in a national park in the depth of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is set to a backdrop of mountainous peaks and native forest, and is made up of the three ski areas of Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. The snow is reliable, the vibe is second to none, and at the end of the day you can relax your weary bones in the natural hot springs nearby.

Go because: You will regret it if you don’t.
Watch out for: The inevitable love tryst with your Canadian ski-instructor.

Vail Mountain, Colorado, United States
Vail Mountain slips in ahead of the ubiquitous Aspen, because although your chance of mixing with the rich and famous is slightly less, so are the prices. The State's largest ski resort, Vail Mountain has three distinct ski areas each with their own features, and boasts over 5,300 acres of skiable terrain. If you get bored boosting fresh powder every day, you can always try your hand at the variety of other winter sports on offer - dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice hockey to name a few.

Go because: You won’t bump into Posh and Becks.
Watch out for: Crazy little kids who have been learning to ski since they could walk
zipping past you with no poles.

Remarkables, Queenstown, New Zealand
This local skifield is deserving of inclusion partly so
you don’t feel bad for not being able to afford an overseas jaunt, but mostly because it’s so good. Not only do The Remarkables boast some of the best ski runs in the Southern hemisphere, but they are close enough to the nearby resorts of Coronet Peak and Cardrona to make a trip down to the South Island well worth your while. A relatively new ski area, The Remarkables’ abundance of terrain parks and a superpipe mean that this is where all the cool cats hang out (read; young, possibly single snowboarders). If you time it right you might even
get there in time for Winter Fest, the highlight of the
social year in Queenstown.

Go because: Good times are guaranteed
Watch out for: The cocktails at The World bar.

Michelle Duff

Summer in London

2007-06-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

My flatmate’s girlfriend made them a “squirrel stepladder” so there would be no more tragedy. We discussed the reasons why they had taken to our pool, but I think it’s obvious, they were desperate, like us, to escape the soaring heat.

Two weeks ago, we hit 36.5°C, with the temperature dropping to a not so mild 22°C by 2 am the following morning. Summer is well and truly here.

Thankfully, we have a back garden at our flat (often considered a luxury on this side of the world), that can accommodate our huge inflatable pool, our very necessary swingball set and our barbeque.

The English love summer and the warm weather certainly makes you forget about those cold dark days in winter. We have a TV ad over here that shows the sun coming out and crowds of people running for the outdoors while ripping off their clothes. This is EXACTLY what happens! Walking through any park in London on a warm day you’ll view hordes of people in their skimpiest bikinis and various other outfits, soaking up the sun. With such a contrast between seasons here, you quickly learn not to waste even one sunny day.

We’ve had our barbeque fired up each week, with every man and his dog heading over for a sausage in bread. It was doing overtime during the Football World Cup and competition in my flat was fierce!

Our only male flatmate, Dale, had a set of rules stuck to the fridge to abide by during this time. These included the fact we had no right to change the channel during a game and the only question we need ask him during the match was whether he’d like any food or beer. Boys!

When Italy beat Australia, there was a sense of sour grapes coming from Aussie Dale and smug triumph from Italian flatmate Elisa.

That was nothing compared to the depression that swept the nation when England were knocked out. England flags hanging out house and car windows were quickly removed and life returned to normal.

Two weeks ago, New Zealand celebrated all that’s great about the country’s culture at the Toast Festival in London’s Regents Park. Being in the UK for 5 ½ years, I found the huge amount of Kiwis in such close proximity slightly overwhelming! I soaked up the sun while devouring a sweetcorn fritter and ate cheezels off my fingers (I swear they taste better that way!), then sang along with everyone else to ‘Loyal’ as Dave Dobbyn played live to the crowd.

You would be the odd one out over here if you didn’t go abroad at least once over the summer period. So I’m crossing off the days until my flatmate Mel and I head to Croatia, to spend a week on a boat sailing to various locations, swimming, eating and sightseeing.

We’re then heading north for a night in Ljubljana, Slovenia (never heard of it? Don’t worry neither had I) and further north again to Salzburg, Austria where I will be spinning on the Austrian mountains singing 'The Hills are Alive; while on the Sound of Music tour. So stay tuned for my Croatian adventure and how to solve a problem like Maria.

Wanaka

2007-06-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

Wanaka is the perfect summer getaway spot. The lake is a balmy temperature and perfect for kayaking, fishing, wakeboarding and swimming. The lakefront sits in the city centre and everything is a two minute stroll away. There is a wide selection of bars to suit all tastes and most places all you’ll need to do to dress up is slap on a pair of jandals. Red Rocks is my favourite spot but if you feel like getting rowdy Shooters is always a goer.

The Doughbin is a mandatory stop in Wanaka, open 24 hours this place has the meanest sugared doughnuts and a chicken and mushroom pie perfect after a big night out.

Oooh and don’t forget Puzzle World. It has a massive maze and heaps of tricky games, perfect if Central Otago dishes out a less than perfect day.

If you’ve got camping gears then a stay at Glendhu Bay is definitely recommended. The campsite sits right on the beach and denotes the kind of lifestyle that will make you never want to leave. Be sure to build yourself a campfire at night time and see who stops by.

The locals are friendly, you’re bound to get a good tan and the lake is a perfect aqua blue… what more could you want?

Vanuatu

2007-06-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Look out across the horizon, take in the azure blue skies, feel the warm, fine sand beneath your feet and the ocean fresh sea breeze against your skin. Island life, island time – worries have no place here.

With over 100 different cultures and languages found within its 83 or so islands, Vanuatu is a cultural wonderland. The locals, known as Ni-Vanuatu, are so friendly that you will feel like you are welcome from the very moment you step foot off the plane.

For those out for a little adventure, there are active volcanoes and a sunken ship to be explored, as well as sky diving and shark feeding. If you want a more peaceful holiday there are village tours, nature walks, shopping, feasting and pampering! Otherwise just laze on the beach or by the poolside and take in all the eye-candy while sipping on a tropical cocktail.

Get the holiday booked and bags packed because the best thing about Vanuatu is being there and having the opportunity to experience all its wonder for yourself.

Video & Web Conferencing

2007-06-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

As the cost of business travel soars, companies are continually looking for ways to set up group meetings that don't involve airplane tickets. Conferencing can help to meet this need. Enhanced technology has dramatically lowered the cost of audio, video and web conferencing. Depending on the services that your business requires, it may be possible to find a surprisingly affordable conference call provider. If your business is in the market for conference call services, let's look at how you might go about finding the best conference call provider and what factors you should consider.

One of the first things you'll need to consider when choosing a conference call provider is whether you know ahead of time when your conference calls will be or if most of your calls happen on the spur of the moment. Some conference call providers only work on a reservation basis You'll need to set up in advance with them the specific time and date of your call, the type of call it will be, the number of lines you'll need, and how long you expect the call to last.

The alternative to setting everything up ahead of time is to use a reservation-less conference call provider. They will normally set up an account for you in which you always use the same telephone number and the same passcode. In this sort of arrangement, you have the capability of putting together a conference call at any time during the day. You simply have to invite your participants and they'll use the standard telephone number and passcode. However, you should ensure that you have enough lines to meet your needs. Reservation-less conference call providers often allocate lines on a first-come, first-served basis. That means that in the midst of a busy business day there might not be enough lines available for all your participants to join.

Another consideration that should be part of your decision is how much operator interaction you want or need. There are three basic levels of service. In operator-dialed calls, a human operator actually calls each one of your conference call participants and connects them to the meeting. Another method is to have each participant call a telephone number that is answered by an operator, who then connects them to the appropriate call. Finally, there are fully automated systems in which your participants call a telephone number and key in a passcode that connects them to your meeting.

What sort of optional services might you want from your conference call provider? There are a variety of optional services that can make your conference call more efficient or more effective. Examples of these optional services include a roll call that tells you exactly who is connected. Does the conference call provider record the call? Is this recording available later on CD or as a digital audio file? You should verify whether these additional services are included in the price quoted or if they're only available for an extra charge.

Sometimes the deciding factor for choosing a conference call provider is the billing support that they offer. One of the main reasons for choosing a conferencing solution is to control costs. So it only makes sense that she would want as much detail in your invoices as possible. For example, do they allow you to mark specific conference calls with particular cost center account numbers? One good way to check this is to ask each prospective conference call provider to provide a sample invoice.

Find out if the conference call provider is capable of handling special events. It may be tempting to choose a low-cost provider for your daily needs and a different provider for special events. But if you can find a conference call provider that's capable of handling everything, then you have a better chance of accessing volume discounts. Working with the same provider also helps them learn more about your corporate culture and provide better services over time.

When searching for the optimum conference call provider, you need to consider reliability, customer support, their billing structure and their rates. As is the case when you purchase most services, there is always a delicate balance between customer service and pricing. If you want the best price, you may have to give up some customer service. If customer service and assistance is more important, then you'll have to pay for it. So ultimately, choosing the best conference call provider will depend on your familiarity and comfort level with conference call procedures and technology.

Barcelona

2007-06-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a place that’s exotic, vibrant, and full of life, Barcelona is your city. After a major overhaul for the ‘92 Olympics, Barcelona now boasts a spectacular waterfront and beach that is suitably modern, yet still undeniably Spanish. You can dine at a stunningly good seafood restaurant or walk two minutes and have sangria in a bar on the sand. It’s diverse to say the least.

But there is much more to Barcelona than the beachfront. The city is bisected by the unforgettable Las Ramblas, which can only be described as a completely amazing experience. You can wander down Las Ramblas at any time of the night or early morning and it will be packed to the brim with performers, artists, bars, people, smells, and life (although don’t be surprised if it seems empty in the mid-afternoon - it’s siesta time).

Another Barcelona un-missable is Montjüic - the mountain that hosts the former Olympic stadium. The mountain is easy to walk up, boasts excellent views and holds not only the stadium but the botanic gardens, a huge castle and the Catalunya art gallery which leads down to the Placa Espanya. These buildings will take your breath away.

The last place that is essential to get to is the Le Sagrada Familia. It’s best described as a huge gothic church, designed by one of the most innovative architects in the world - Gaudi. This church is Barcelona’s trademark, and like everything else in this magical city, it is stunning.

India

2007-06-03T09:43:00.001-07:00

India has a myriad of cultures and landscapes which all combine to create a truly exotic and enriching destination. If you're an adventurous nzgirl you can take a camel journey across the Thar Desert in the state of Rajasthan, go rafting on the Kali River between the borders of India and Nepal, or even climb a Himalayan mountain.

For the fainthearted nzgirl there are plenty of sedate activities sure to take your fancy. You could work on your tan at the sunny beaches of Kerala and Goa (described as one of the 50 must-see destinations of a lifetime by the National Geographic Society), become spell-bound by majestic monuments like the Taj Mahal or the palaces of Udaipur, or indulge yourself with a soothing Ayurvedic body massage after a killer shopping expedition at a bazaar.
For nature-loving nzgirls the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a must see, besides being a bird's paradise, the waters are rich in corals teeming with varieties of vividly coloured fish, sea turtles and other exotic marine life.

If you're looking for a diverse exotic location, India is it. It offers such a wide variety of adventures that there is sure to be something for everyone.

Fiji

2007-06-02T09:46:00.001-07:00

Tropical temperatures, golden sands and an underwater world as beautiful as the sunsets - Fiji is the perfect exotic location. There are two sides to Fiji, the resorts and then the local culture, which both add to the unique experience Fiji provides.

Fiji’s resorts and islands are the definition of romanticism and luxury. With its picturesque scenery, palm trees, clear water and golden beaches, it deserves it’s ‘honeymoon’ and exotic status. It’s the perfect location for lazy days at the beach.

Fiji also has a society rich in culture and diversity. From the markets to the villages, parts of Fiji are very "back-to-basics". It balances with the richness of the resorts and introduces a simple, yet beautiful way of life. Things here run on island time. The locals are friendly, inviting and every second person on the street stops to greet you.

Even though Fiji is only three hours away from New Zealand, much of it has remained untouched and unspoilt by Western advances. The beaches are unpolluted, beautifully clear and home to some very bright and colourful inhabitants. The water is warm and the underwater world intriguing, making it perfect for endless hours of swimming and snorkelling.

Whether you want to relax, explore, hit the beach or take in another way of life, leave your busy schedule behind and give island time a go.

Thailand

2007-06-01T10:42:00.001-07:00

If exotic is what you’re after then you can’t go past Thailand. Beautiful beaches, huge pumping cities and an incredible countryside resplendent with tropical rainforest mean this country suits all tastes.

If Asian travel isn’t your thing, head south to the incredible white sand, clear water beaches and live it up at a luxury resort. If you’re more adventurous then spend a few days exploring the historical sites of steamy Bangkok as well as soaking up the incredible hum of the city.Chiang Mai in the north is not to be missed, the night bazaar is a brilliant shopping destination and it’s a good place to be based for jungle trekking. You won’t regret doing one of these trips, riding on an elephant for several hours is an incredible experience.

If you head down to the island of Koh Samui consider spending some time at Laimai beach. The best week of my life was spent staying in small hut style accommodation right on the beach which cost $8 a night. With delicious food, incredibly friendly people, cheap prices, amazing sites and shopping, this country should be on everyone’s must see list.