San Francisco is Located on the Coast of California

San Francisco is on the coast of California about 400 miles north of Los Angeles. It is situated along the shore of a large bay sheltered behind the California Coastal Mountains.

The city is renowned for its steep streets with panoramic views of beautiful San Francisco bay and the surrounding mountains.

It has a very moderate climate with warm summers and chilly winters but without extremes. Constant breezes off of the Pacific Ocean keep the summers from becoming too hot and also prevent freezing winter weather. Take a sweater, as the evening breezes can be quite brisk all year round.

Oakland and Berkley, California lies just across the bay from San Francisco and are easily accessible via the Bay Bridge. The more famous Golden Gate Bridge spans the narrow inlet that extends from the Pacific Ocean into the bay. The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with a mountainous peninsula called the Marin headlands that is primarily known for beautiful scenery and expensive homes with spectacular views.

Sausalito, a small village on the bay shore of the Marin headlands is famous as a local artists community. Alcatraz Island with its abandoned prison is situated in the middle. The city of San Jose lies about 30 miles south at the southern tip of this extensive bay. The area near San Jose and Santa Clara is known as Silicon Valley home of the largest concentration of electronics and computer firms in the USA.

It was founded in 1776 when father Junipero Serra constructed the mission San Dolores to Christianize the local native Indian population.

At the same time, Spanish troops constructed a Presidio, or fort, to protect this colony for the Queen of Spain. By the middle of the nineteenth century, the village of Yerba Buena, consisting of whalers, traders, adventurers and pirates, occupied the present site.

In 1848, gold was discovered in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains about 100 miles to the east. By 1849,it was inundated with forty niners as the gold seekers were commonly called, and the population of the city exploded. Ever since, it has remained the centre of commerce, entertainment, culture and tourism for Northern California.

San Francisco is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the USA. Steep streets lined with Victorian era houses, a great turquoise bay surrounded by low mountains, and antique cable cars that still shuttle passengers up and down the city slopes all make it one of the most picturesque cities in the US.

My Top 10 European City Weekend Breaks

Are you looking for a great city break in Europe but are flat out of ideas on where to start?

* Are you “local” and looking for a fabulous long weekend break? * Or maybe you’re form the US, Canada, Australia or elswehere and are planning a European your?

No matter! As long as you’re looking for city’s that match the criteria below then look no further -

1) Easy to get to.

2) Have loads to see and do.

3) Great food for all budgets

4) A wide range if shopping.

5) And sights and events for culture vultures

***Here are my top 10 European City Breaks***

STOCKHOLM – My local town

Amazing. Vibrant. Modern and old at the same time. Timeless and charming. Built on 14 islands where the huge and beautiful Lake Malaren joins the Baltic.

Water so pure and clean that you’ll see people salmon fishing in the middle of the city. (Except in winter when you’ll see ice skaters)

Be sure to walk the cobbled-stoned streets of Gamla Stan (old town), maybe buy an axe at the Viking shop & for sure take one of many boat trips to the local islands of the 14,000+ island archipelago. Oh, and if you’re after a mad party try the Finland boat on a spring or summer weekend crossing. Madness!

LONDON -

My previous home. Hardly needing introduction. 2000 years of history goes head to head with the modern world. Bursting at the seams with restaurants & shopping (Oxford Street and Camden for starters) Museums. Madame Tussauds wax works. The London Eye, art at the Tate Gallery, and of course any sort of nightlife you fancy.

BRUSSELS – Great beer

Fantastic architecture & numerous museums. More Michelin ***** restaurants for it’s size than any other European city. Visit the Place du Sablon for bargains galore at the weekend antiques markets.

LILLE -

European Culture Capital 2004. Crammed with designer shops lining beautiful olde worlde cobbled streets. Visit the Musee des Beaux Arts for art. Brilliant restaurants. A must is the Les Heures Bleues where global artists fill the streets & squares performing in parades, concerts and festivals on holiday weekends.

PRAGUE -

Stunning! (I’ve been here maybe 30 times) Fairytale architecture abounds – The Charles Bridge has to be seen to believed – pictures not enough but you’ll take a lot! Food from romantic candle-lit restaurants to hardcore party bars. Not as cheap as it once was but still good. If you’re adventurous try a locals bar or club – half the price you’ll pay in the main tourist ones. And take a day trip to the spa town of Karlovy Vary if you can, absolutely stunning.

AMSTERDAM -

Yes a party town and you can do all the things you’e heard But if you’re gorwn up you’ll find a wonderful canals crossed city lined with gabled houses and moored up huge houseboats. Something for everyone – Intense nightlife of every type imaginable and relaxed daytime…coffees.g., Rembrandt’s house and the Van Gogh museum.

VENICE -

See the stunning Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Square. Venice is simply unforgettable. Quaint shops & enticing restaurants abound. And you must take a ride on a waterbus and get an ice cream! Ideal for a short break.

BARCELONA -

Just has to be done at least once. Bustling, lively and fun. Amazing Gaudi and gothic architecture. Legendary nightlife at the Olympic area and more sedate old and modern art museums. A fantastic climate too.

STRASBOURG -

A cosmopolitan, bustling French city with loads to see and do. Canals and mediaeval bridges. La Petite France, a beautiful quarter of the city with half-timbered houses in contrasting pastel shades. Spectacular views from the top of the Notre Dame cathedral.

MILAN -

See Via Montenapoleone for world leading Italian and international fashion designer studios. Great festivals throughout the year. Stunning local lakes with superb facilities for visitors. Milan Duomo, the third largest cathedral in the world. Loads of art galleries & museums.

***What about Paris and Rome and…***

OK I know I know, no Paris? Berlin? Budapest? Rome? Vienna? Well there’s the problem with a top 10 European city holiday review. All of the others – and many more besides are fantastic and should go on your list. It’s simply that the top 10 listed are this humble travellers top ten.

Guide to Algarve.

It was not until the 13th century that the Portuguese finally secured the region against subsequent Moorish attempts to recapture the area. In 1807, when Junot was leading the first Napoleonic invasion in the north of Portugal, the Algarve was occupied by the Spanish troops of Manuel Godoy. The coastline is notable for picturesque limestone caves and grottoes, particularly around Lagos, which are accessible by powerboat. In addition to the natural beauties and plenty of beaches, the Algarve has invested in the creation of a network of golf courses. Faro, which the Christian residents had called Santa Maria, was renamed Faraon, which means “the settlement of the Knights”.

Traditional agricultural products of the region include fig, almond, medronho, carob beans, and cork oak. The Algarve is a popular destination for tourism, primarily because of its beaches, Mediterranean climate, safety and relatively low costs. In the 15th century, Henry the Navigator based himself in Sagres and conducted various maritime expeditions which established Portugal as a colonial power. When the Moors conquered Lagos in 716 it was called Zawaia. British expatriates, followed by German, Dutch and Scandinavians, are among the largest groups wishing to own a home in this Portugal’s sunny region.

The Romans in the 2nd century BC spread through the Iberian Peninsula, and many Roman ruins can still be seen in the region, notably in Lagos. The Algarve is hilly, but traversed with rich valleys. With more hours of sunshine than California and only short periods of rainfall, generally between November and March, the Algarve has the perfect weather and climate for tourism. Tourism plays an important role in the economy of the Algarve region. The Algarve region is divided into 16 municipalities:

Praia da Marinha, Lagoa was classified as one of the 100 most beautiful and well preserved beaches of the world. There are many other beautiful and famous summer places such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Portim�o, Lagos, Arma��o de P�ra, Quarteira, Monte Gordo and Tavira. In the 5th century, the Visigoths inhabited the Algarve until the beginning of the Moorish invasion in 711. The region’s administrative centre is the city of Faro, which has its own international airport (Faro Airport) and public university (University of the Algarve). Being a region of Portugal, and therefore in the European Union, any EU citizen have the right to freely buy property and reside with little formality in the Algarve.

Due to the Moorish occupation of Iberia, the region was called “Al-Garb Al-Andalus”. The summer months see high temperatures that attract beach-goers and sun-lovers from around the world. The Phoenicians had established trading ports along the coast circa 1000 BC. The region’s administrative centre is the city of Faro, which has its own international airport (Faro Airport) and public university (University of the Algarve). The Algarve became the first part of Portugal to liberate itself from Spanish occupation, in the rebellion of Olh�o in 1808.

Find out about cheap airfare to Peru

As you begin to read through this informative article, give each point a chance to sink in before you move on to the next.

International airlines activate scheduled voyages to Peru’s Jorge Chavez International Airport, located in Lima. Certain voyages from USA also land at Iquitos.

Flights from Asia or Oceania to Peru, connection by USA or Europe. Shortest voyages subsist from New York, Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Los Angeles to Lima, Peru.

International voyages to Peru

you feel that you haven’t learned anything new thus far, there is a whole new realm of information in the rest of this article.

The international cipher for Lima Airport is LIM. Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima is the central gate for international voyages and it’s the central hub to regional voyage connections. Peru is a large country with long distances between central tourist attractions. From Lima to Cusco there are 1,165 Km (724 miles) and you will want 20 hours for a slip by street, and one hour by air.

Before departure – Confirming Reservations

Scheduled departures should be reconfirmed with the airline agency at slightest 72 hours in progress, as reservations may otherwise be cancelled like show any unusual navy mandatory (food restrictions, etc.) on reconfirmation.

Airlines from North America, vital America & Caribbean to Peru: Aero Mexico, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Copa Airlines, Lan Chile, Lan Peru, Taca, Varig

Airlines from South America to Peru: Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeropostal, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Lan Chile, Lan Peru, Lloyd Aero Boliviano, Taca, Tame, Varig

Airlines from Europe to Peru: Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, British Airways, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa

Peruvian Airlines – Domestic voyages: Aero Cóndor, Lan Peru, LC Busrem, Nuevo Continente, Star Up, Taca, Tans.

This article is the perfect way to gain the information that you need to fully appreciate the complexity of this subject.

Escape To Breathtaking Bangkok

Bangkok, also referred to as the ‘City of Angels’ and Krung Thep in Thai language, is one of the hottest tourist spots in Southeast Asia. The largest as well as the political and cultural capital city of the nation, Bangkok is situated in the central part of Thailand, on the low-flat basin of the Chao Phraya River (the principal river of Thailand), the area which is often acknowledged as the ‘Rice Bowl of Asia.’ According to certain records, every year more than 15 million tourists visit this amazing tourist destination.

Further, many of the foreigners have settled here due to its unique tourist destinations, serene lifestyle, and the low cost of living it renders. In addition, Bangkok provides limitless opportunities to enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

Of the tourist attractions in Bangkok that deserve special mention are its breathtaking palaces and temples, all of which are noted for their exquisite architecture and craftsmanship. Spread across 247 acres of lush land coupled with several artificial lakes, Chitralada is perhaps the most prominent among the palaces of Bangkok.

Once the summer residence of King Chulalongkorn, the Chitralada Palace boasts of several attractions such as stunning park with fountain graced with Baroque figures in each of its corner. The palace ground also consists of a school, which was established for the children of the royal family. When it comes to temple, the city has more than 400 temples.

The most popular among the temples in Bangkok is Wat Phra Kaeo, enshrined within the grounds of the Grand Palace. The focal point of the temple is the 15th century Emerald Buddha image in the mediating posture. Other popular temples in Bangkok are Wat Pho – the oldest as well as the largest temple in the city, Wat Tramit boasting of the largest solid gold image of Buddha in a sitting mediating posture with a calm smile, and Wat Arun whose highlight is an interesting monument named Phra Sumen – an octagonal shaped structure. Apart from these temples, Bangkok also contains a few Hindu temples, churches, and mosques.

Another prime attraction of the city is its fabulous museums, each of which provides a glimpse on the glorious as well as charming history of the place. Some of the most popular museums which people often visit are Bangkok Folk Museum with interesting exhibits such as traditional household artifacts, antiques, and items once used for ceremonies; the National Museum with the displays of the Neolithic era; and Prasart Museum with amazing artifacts of the past.

Bangkok’s highlights also cover a plethora of amusement parks, each of them providing your children a day full of thrill and adventure. Among the most popular amusement parks here are the Ancient City and the Dream World. In addition, Bangkok has to its credit the largest crocodile farm in the world, which boasts of more than 30,000 crocodiles.

A small zoo and elephant riding facilities are also attached to the farm. No visit to Bangkok is complete without taking a tour to its nearby wonderful beaches. The main beach of the nation, the Pattaya is only two hour drive from the city. Likewise, the Hua Hin Beach is only 4 hours drive from the city. Also, within the easy reach of the city are the Ko Samet Beach and the Jomtien Beach. All of these beaches render options to enjoy an array of activities such as scuba diving, yachting, and canoeing.

Bangkok is also much famed for its diverse as well as exciting nightlife, which at the same time is safe, enjoyable, and relaxed. Nightlife in Bangkok ranges from lively music clubs and good jazz clubs to trendy bars and ultra cool clubs. Also, worth mentioning are the Bangkok’s restaurants, serving not only sumptuous multi cuisine but also the added attraction of authentic Thai classical music as well as dance with themes such as Ramakien – the Thai version of the great epic Ramayana. Don’t get amused or surprised if a masked performer invites you to pose with him, which is the Thai way of saying that he is your friend. Mostly, the specialty of almost Thai restaurants is seafood. Delicious Thai coffee is also of great demand.

Above all, the city hosts a range of interesting festivals, such as, the International Festival of Dance and Music; Songkran Festival – the celebration of traditional Thai New Year with such rituals as cleaning houses, boat races, and music troupes; Loy Krathong – also known as the Festival of Light; and Vegetarian Festival.

Well linked by air, rail, and water, Bangkok’s accommodation options are aplenty. From budget hotels and resorts to luxury as well as sophisticated accommodation facilities are available in Bangkok, thereby catering to the requirements of people of every taste and budget.

Things to Do in the Rocky Mountain West

The Intermountain west is comprised of the states Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada and Utah. Although all of these places are famous for their incredible beauty there are many aspects of this area that people do not often explore but are warrant attention. If you have the time and inclination then make a point of visiting at least one of these attractions on your next trip.

1. Visit the Thermal Springs- This geographic area has a great deal of thermal activity which has resulted in a a lot of mineral hot springs in this region. These springs vary enormously in how much they have been developed and there is a pool to fit all types of persuasions. For those that prefer the rustic then White Sulfur Springs Hotel is the best place for you. Those that like more of a resort feel, check out some of the hot springs that Colorado has to offer.

2. Hunt for Pictographs- The archaic Native Americans of the Mountain west were very artistic, and a great deal of there 4000 year old art can persists to this day, chipped into rock surfaces and overhanging cliffs across the area. For a quick tour, Fremont State Park in Utah has a interesting trail and museum, for those that don’t mind a hike Grand Gulch in Utah is a great place to spend time at.

3. Tour the Lesser Known National Monuments- If you have not visited Glacier, then by all means you should visit there first, but for people who have experienced the main circuit of parks in the west you should think about stopping by the less famous ones. All together, this region has over fifty National sites, and many of these states have excellentlocal park systems as well.

4. Drop by the Regional Museums (as well as the large ones)- Some of the best museums are those that are not on the map, like the town museum in Three Forks, Montana in which the local people gathered memorabilia from their area spanning a century and a half. Of course, some of the bigger museums are worth stopping by as well, such as the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wy. This museum covers many different aspects of the west such as Western Art or Natural History.

5. Go Skiing- Everyone knows that good weather activities abound in the Mountain West, but we also have some of the best powder around. For those of you that are not interested in trying snowboarding, you might try x-country skiing. Sun Valley, Idaho has groomed trails an addiotion top pick is the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Montana.

6. Visit anAlpine Lake this summer– The big mountain ranges of the intermountain west are full of beautiful alpine lakes. Most of these are well known but a number of the most most interesting are off the primary route of most travelers and often require a difficult trek to reach. One of our favorite picks is Lost Lake in the Wind Rivers. This secluded alpine lake is circled by tall cliffs and jagged mountain peaks that were sculpted by glaciers. The Wind River mountains are well known for fishing and backpacking opportunities. Another great destination in the Wind River Mountains is Lonsome lake located near the Cirque of the Towers in the southern part of the Wind Rivers.

As you can see, there are a wide variety of things that you can do in the mountain west, instead of the tiredgroup tour. Any of the above iteneraies will not only be exciting and fun but provide you with many happy memories for years to come.

The Truth About An African Safari In Mexico

An African safari in Mexico may not quite live up to the expectations of actually being in the wilds of Africa and experiencing the real thing but for those in North America, it certainly is a good alternative especially if you’re on a budget.

Puebla is host to one of the most popular animal parks in Northern America and plays host to thousands of visitors a year. The African safari area is one of the more popular sections and has designated areas named after some of Africa’s popular destinations.

Animals In The Wild

Animals are not restricted in cages yet while they appear to roam free within the park’s boundaries, there is still an element of danger for those visitors who travel through in their vehicles. Like many free range parks, leaving vehicle windows down is an invitation for trouble. Watchful tour guides patrol the park but even they cannot keep an eye on everyone.

There is an alternative to driving your own vehicle through the park and that’s taking the park bus which makes regular trips. It’s definitely a safer option given you’re guided by experienced tour operators

Outside Of Puebla

An African safari in Mexico doesn’t mean restricting yourself to the Puebla park. Puebla has several attractions and day trips are very popular. One of the more recommended day trips is from Puebla to Cholula. While Cholula is a long way from Africa one of the similarities it has with the African continent is the pyramids.

One of the biggest tips for newcomers to Mexico is to be careful about renting cars. It takes people a little getting used to the Mexican driving landscape. Some of the restrictions are a little hard to come to terms with and if you’re even slightly irritable, then give it a miss until you are completely comfortable with the driving regulations in Mexico. Yes, people from outside of Mexico do hire cars however, you’ll find they have usually had a taste of this landscape before and are familiar with the driving conditions.

Meanwhile, if going on African safari in Mexico was your main mission, make sure you have plenty of film in your camera. While Puebla is a popular tourist destination, towns such as Cholula, Tlaxcala and Cuernavaca provide plenty of camera fodder.

Is it safe to travel to these areas? This is a question easily answered by simply staying on the main thoroughfares and not deviating from recommended paths. Don’t go into an area if it looks like a potential trouble spot.

The World is your oyster

Brian has always been a dreamer. Even as a small boy, playing Cowboys and Indians with the other children, his imagination would run riot. The village green became the Wild West as he galloped around, astride a fantasy Silver, and he was the Lone Ranger, with his best pal George as the loyal Tonto.

Whilst never really a scholar, some years later Brian discovered a fascination for Geography. He couldn’t wait to learn about all those far flung places of the earth; places he thought he would probably never see. He would close his eyes, hungry to taste all those experiences for himself… the pyramids of Egypt, the skyscrapers of New York, the Grand Canyon, the Taj Mahal, Niagara Falls… he was totally bitten by a wanderlust that would never leave him.

Now, as an adult, Brian’s desire to travel the world is even stronger than ever. The only thing is that he’s a man who likes his creature comforts. Not for him sleeping rough under the stars, cold and wet. That might have suited him some years ago but not now, with his rheumatism. Even caravanning doesn’t really appeal – could be a bit cramped for someone intent on touring the globe – and there’s always the worry of whether or not the caravan has been securely coupled to the car. The last thing he’d want would be to see it overtaking him on the freeway.

A luxury motor home (or recreational vehicle, as they’re often called) would be just the answer – the ultimate freedom machine for the open road. Introduced into the UK some thirty years ago, today’s RV is truly a home from home with stylish décor and just about every ‘mod con’ imaginable… fully equipped kitchen and dining areas, ducted air conditioning, double glazing, built-in quiet diesel generators, stylish lounge areas with sumptuous leather upholstery, beautiful wood cabinetry, huge and luxurious bedrooms with copious wardrobe capacity, washer/dryers, plush showers and toilets. Some even have walls that slide out ingeniously, making yet more of the available space, and exterior locker storage. Despite their size, they’re easy to manoeuvre with automatic transmission and will access any camp site without difficulty.

Brian’s heart starts to pound as he steps onboard and slips behind the wheel of his motor home to experience the adventure of a lifetime. The miles melting away effortlessly beneath his wheels, his journey begins in la belle France, in the heart of the Loire Valley – an area of beautiful countryside, studded with historic, royal fairytale chateaux, mansions, palaces and fortresses. Taking in the charm of the picturesque villages and later sampling the light refreshing wine and the superb local cuisine before retiring to the cosy bed in his RV, Brian plans the next leg of his journey. It’s on to Germany. As he travels in total comfort through the unspoilt, enchanting countryside, he discovers a host of natural wonders, vineyards, castle ruins and medieval villages. Feeling almost as if he’s in a time warp, crossing into Switzerland, he cannot fail to be spellbound by the sheer majesty of the snow-sprinkled mountains, lush pastures, awe-inspiring lakes and quaint towns. Brian’s tour takes him to so many of the places he yearned to see, as a boy. He strolls along the golden, sandy beaches in Spain, plays golf in the Algarve and takes in the incredible, panoramic views of the Italian Lakes. He takes brisk walks through the well-marked network of trails in Austria, breathing in the fresh Alpine air and relishing the beauty and splendour of its regions. In Slovenia, right in the very heart of Europe, he uncovers a country full of amazing contrasts; lively, historic cities, primeval forests and gently undulating, winegrowing hills.

Waking from a deep and happy sleep, our intrepid explorer contemplates his travels. So that’s Europe done and dusted, more or less. And as for all the other continents as yet uncharted, well, that’s maybe for another time. After all, there’s a limit to how many countries you can visit in one dream. But hold on to your dreams, Brian – they can come true…

Sailing Holidays in Croatia, Greece and Italy

This year, rather than opting for the usual holiday, why not try a yachting holiday? There’s no better way to spend your time than sailing along a beautiful coastline, enjoying the sea breeze and excitement from a yacht.

Where is best?

There are so many destinations to choose from when deciding where to go on your sailing holiday. We’ve chosen three hot spots to help you make your decision.

Croatia

With many unspoilt and remote islands to discover, a Croatian sailing holiday is the ideal destination for those with a sense of adventure.

Cruise upon the crystal clear waters and stop to visit the historical villages and small marinas which are becoming increasingly popular with sailing holidaymakers. With countless town quays, you’ll never be far from a restaurant or shop for supplies.

Overnight, you can either moor up in a marina with all its conveniences or opt for setting anchor in a secluded creek. Alternatively, drop your anchor in a secluded bay for a quiet dip in the sea?

You’ll receive the warmest welcome, typical of Croat hospitality. And warm sunshine too! Croatia has 2600 hours of sunshine per year. Early summer brings good winds, making May and June the best months to go. July and August offer calmer periods, suitable for those preferring a more peaceful sailing holiday.

This amazing country has loads on offer and is great for both those new to sailing and veterans of the sport.

Where to visit – Dalmation Coast, Korcula, Dubrovnic.

Greece

Clear turquoise seas and colourful views ranging from vineyards and orchards to rocky terrains and pebble beaches. Greece offers the most spectacular scenery.

Visit the beautiful quaint villages and sheltered harbours the Greek islands have to offer. Greece also offers sailing holiday makers many places of historical and cultural interest as well as stunning architecture.

Quiet sandy beaches in picturesque coves make for the perfect anchor. In the evenings you can tie up on the quay at one of the many holiday resorts and take in the nightlife.

The weather is invariably good throughout the summer months and the light afternoon breeze makes Greece an ideal sailing location. From April until October there is very little rainfall but the islands still manage to maintain their lush greenness.

The southern island is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to the sheltered waters and shorter routes. The North offers less crowded waters but longer passages for more adventurous sailing.

Where to visit – Cephalonia, Corfu, Ithaka, Paxos, Kythira.

Italy

A gorgeous coastline of breathtaking mountains, still lakes and idyllic islands coupled with vibrant cities, make Italy the perfect destination for holiday cruising.

Italy is a country which has preserved its history for thousands of years. Naples is ideal for art lovers wishing to visit museums and monuments, while Tuscany offers rustic charm and raw beauty. If glamour and style is what you crave then Capri is the place to visit, and the history and diversity of the Amalfi Coast is second to none. A yachting holiday may just be the best way to discover everything that Italy has to offer!

Moor your yacht at one of the many local harbours and take in the superb restaurants serving the finest food. There are always plenty of shops nearby for sailing supplies, making it an ideal base for families. Bays and moorings can get crowded in busy periods.

Italy has superb sailing weather all year round making it one of the most popular locations for sailors. More than 5000 miles of coastline border the country and most of it stays sunny for the majority of the year. The hottest time of year is July to August and this is when the winds are lightest.

Both experienced sailors and beginners will find a yachting holiday in Italy an experience to treasure forever.

Where to visit – Capri, Almalfi Coast, the Pontine Islands, Procida.

What Now?

If you are an experienced sailor you can charter your own yacht. Remember an up to date competency certificate is usually required. Or why not arrange for a skipper to do all the hard work for you? Either way, a yachting holiday is a fantastic adventure and a wonderful alternative to the standard summer holiday. Be sure to plan your holiday carefully, making sure your travel insurance covers you for sailing or any other activity you may do!

You Get What You Pay For With Timeshare

Timeshare units and condominium units more or less share the same concept. However, timeshares are in a way different than condominiums as individual housing units are turned into weekly time slots. These weekly time slots are then bought and sold. As a result, timeshare units can have up to 52 owners, one for each week of the year. Each of these owners have rights for its use to a specified week within the year per unit.

The allocation of weekly time slots on the timeshare varies widely and depends on the developer selling the timeshare units. Some timeshares have you buy a specific week in a specific unit within the vacation resort. Other timeshares offer floating time slots which simply assures you of an available unit in the building for a particular week. However, small these differences may seem, they can have enormous implications when trying to sell and trade your timeshare unit. As a result, it is imperative to understand exactly what you are purchasing if you decide to buy a timeshare unit.

Most of timeshare sales in the United States today are financed by taking a loan and cash purchases of timeshare are increasingly rare. As a result, buyers should consider the cost of the loan in addition to the associated cost of owning timeshare when considering the purchase of a timeshare. Relevant expenses in owning a timeshare include maintenance fees, special assessment fees and taxes on the property. When these numbers are added to the timeshare’s cost, it usually shows that the timeshare is not nearly as attractive in the amount it will save you as the timeshare salesperson makes it out to be.

The primary disadvantage of taking out a loan to finance the purchase of the timeshare is that most timeshare units don’t qualify for a standard housing loan. Consequently, interest costs on financing for timeshares are exorbitant, sometimes reaching as high as 20%, or even more. Most banks and financial institutions do not normally finance timeshares so the developer sometimes acts as the financier of the loan. When you add the finance charges into the other costs of the timeshare unit, the inexpensive vacation unit becomes a lot less appealing as a way to save money. At the end of the day, the timeshare will end up costing you a lot of money if you choose to finance the purchase of a timeshare.

There are three important factors to consider when investing in real estate: location, location and location. This saying is applicable with timeshare units as it is to regular real estate properties. Location of the timeshare does not only apply to the location of the vacation property, but also applies to the date of your weekly time slot.

Timeshare resort units in the best locations and dates can be absolutely arranged with other timeshare units around the world. However, timeshares that are located in an off-peak vacation time slot will find it difficult, if not impossible, to trade for other timeshares. However, purchasing a timeshare resort unit in a great location in high season generally costs more than timeshares in off-peak dates. As a result, you should avoid buying timeshare units in off-peak dates even if they are less expensive than peak timeshare units.