family cruise vacation ideas

Red Light For Visitors on Amsterdam City Break

Filed under: travel — Tags: amsterdam, break, city, light, red, visitors — libertees @ 1:02 pm May 11, 2012

The girls in Amsterdam’s Red Light District, possibly the world’s most famous city break attraction of its kind, are having an unusually hard time. Holiday clients are down and those that pay for their services are haggling over prices.

There are reports that some Red Light women have angered other working girls by accepting half the normal ?50 for basic services. The shortage of city break tourists means some brothel owners see a whole day pass without a single client.

The Amsterdam Redl Light girls posing in the neon-lit windows have to pay hefty rents and it’s getting tough to make money. One or two clients a day doesn’t even pay for window rent of ?150 a day.

Escort agency charges are normally higher than for the girls in the windows but the shortage of well-heeled businessmen means the normal ?175 an hour rate is also having to be discounted.

The cut-backs in business expenses are hitting the more expensive clubs as holiday visitors opt for cheaper options. Many in the Red Light sex industry fear a change in attitudes is also hitting home.

Amsterdam has a famously liberal attitude to sex and drugs. Yes, prostitution has only been legal since 2000 but the Amsterdam Red Light District has been a major tourist draw for many years. Similarly, the city’s coffee shops, where cannabis can be sold openly set Amsterdam apart as a city break destination.

But the Netherlands is seeing some major changes. Amsterdam’s city government wants to cut the number of ‘Amsterdam Red Light District windows amidst fears of organised criminal activity. The coffee shops are coming under pressure too.

The Amsterdam sex industry is worth at least $100m and even more if you count the tourists attracted by the Amsterdam Red Light District who come to look.

This economic success of the Red Light District brings its problems, with the city’s officials pointing to an increase in violence. They blame this on the illegal immigration. With around 140 brothels in Amsterdam there’s up to 10,000 prostitutes in the city, the vast majority are from Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.

Amsterdam’s Mayor Job Cohen is closing clubs and shops as well as buying about a third of Red Light District windows and turning them into studios for artists and designers. Officials have turned down the license renewals of about 30 Red Light brothels.

The mayor is also closing some of the city’s 70 marijuana cafes following the Government’s decision to ban the sale of magic mushrooms and the closure of all coffee shops situated near schools. He says, however, that he doesn’t want to get rid of the Red Light District but reduce it.

This could bring its own problems with many of Amsterdam Red Light girls forced on to the streets. It appears the industry is undergoing a massive change, just as Dutch society seems to be embracing a more conservative approach to many issues. It will be fascinating to see what happens to Amsterdam Red Light District in the longer term but there’s little doubt, credit crunch or otherwise, it will remain a city break tourist draw for years to come.

Andrea writes for TravelSavvy Amsterdam – independent city guide for tourists. For more information visit: Amsterdam city breaks.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/red-light-for-visitors-on-amsterdam-city-break-1585678.html

Atlantic City Hotel Deal – Team Central Announces December Atlantic City Hotel Deal

Filed under: Hotel Deals — Tags: announces, Atlantic, central, city, deal, December, hotel, Team — @ 1:39 am November 18, 2010

(PRWEB) November 25, 2007

Atlantic City hotel deal – Team Central has just announced their December Atlantic City hotel deal. “We are a fast growing group within a company called Global Resorts Network,” said Samuel Servedio, specialist for Team Central. They provide exclusive vacation specials like Atlantic City hotel deal through their luxury vacation membership. “We have made several Atlantic City hotel deals with some gorgeous four and five star resorts,” Samuel proclaimed, “Rates from just $ 298 to $ 699 for eight days seven nights.”

Team Central is able to offer this kind of Atlantic City hotel deal and other hot deals through its exclusive membership. “This isn’t some everyday special discount card,” said Samuel, “This is a permanent discount on vacations for the rest of the members life!” Team Central members get a lifetime membership with no fees or blackout dates.

This Atlantic City hotel deal is changing the way families and couples spend their money while on vacation. “Families now have more money to spend on things that are more important to them,” explained Samuel, “Such as better food, more entertainment, shopping, and souvenirs.”

Team Central and Global Resorts Network Atlantic City hotel deal is just one of the thousands of deals they have to offer exclusively to their members. Luxury traveling with Team Central and Global Resorts Network is proving to be a viable solution to saving thousands of dollars on all future vacations.

To learn more about Team Central, Global Resorts Network, or Samuel Servedio, visit their website at http://daddyseasymoney.com/AtlanticCityHotelDea or call 724-799-2697.

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Visit Your ?sister City? for Economical Traveling

Filed under: Cruise Deals — Tags: city, Economical, traveling, visit — libertees @ 2:12 pm September 9, 2010

Visit Your ?sister City? for Economical Traveling

What is a ‘sister city’ and how can you travel to one on a budget? 

 

A number of cities all over the globe have adopted a sister city in another part of the world to promote greater understanding, among other things, between the two cities and their nations. The sister city ‘movement’ began at the end of World War II and was instigated by America.

 

Participating cities aim to develop friendships and foster relationships between their chosen sister cities (some cities have more than one sister) and to encourage peace and understanding between nations. This is done in a number of ways – encouraging business and economic relationships through trade and technology, stimulate cultural and creative networks, develop partnerships between cities and countries and to provide the opportunity for sister city citizens to experience other cultures through travel.

 

Traveling to your sister city may be something you wish to do and it can be done at relatively low cost if you are able to become part of an exchange program. Cultural exchanges between sister cities are generally paid for by your home town. Some cities select students to travel to their sister city for a period of time, (it could be weeks or months) and pay all expenses. If you are a student, investigate what opportunities are available for this type of travel.

 

Traveling to a sister city is not only for students. Other residents may participate in the program as well. You may be selected as an ambassador of your town to travel to the sister city and take part in projects fostered by the sister cities. You will then likely to be asked to host visitors from the sister city when they travel to your country. If you are able to get on one of these exchange programs you can expect accommodation and food to be taken care of (you will probably be living with a sister city family) but you may have to get involved in fundraising for your trip.

 

If you think this sounds like a fun (and cheap) way to travel, visit your town’s web site and find out about their sister city program. You’ll need to become a member and join in the volunteer program to help with fundraising. You could be asked to host visitors from your sister city and you may get the opportunity to travel. Becoming involved in the sister city program means becoming a part of creating community links and learning about other cultures – exactly what traveling is all about. You may even have ideas for your community’s sister city program and how it can further foster its global sisters’ relationships.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com

Stuart S. Travel / Your All World Online Travel Guru:

Sherry Hardesty has been a professional flight attendant for over 15 years. Her experience is extensive and she provides professional travel consulting and booking services at http://www.stuartstravel.com

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New York City Hotels Search: Newyork Hotel Search Revamped!

Filed under: hotels — Tags: city, hotel, hotels, Newyork, Revamped, Search, york — libertees @ 5:02 pm September 7, 2010

Looking for a hotel anywhere in the world? Try the recently revamped Hotel Search feature at NewYork.com! If you ask someone about their recent travels, most people will talk about where they stayed. Accommodations, good or bad, play a big part in how much you ultimately enjoy your trip away from home. Finding and booking the right accommodations in the most-visited city in the U.S. can be particularly daunting. The cost, quality and locale of New York hotels vary widely. The good news is, whatever your style there’s certainly plenty to choose from, with NYC lodging ranging from hostels to high-end hotels. Remember to sign up for the NewYork.com newsletter which contains special discounts on New York Hotels!

To help you find comfort on the road, NewYork.com just revamped our Hotel Search with lots of new search features. In addition to the standard selections by date, location, price and quality, the added capabilities let you target your search to find lodging tailored to your lifestyle. With NewYork.com advanced Hotel Search options you can specify amenities that are important to you. View photos, virtual tours and maps, and read a quick description about the hotel and its policies.

Vacationing families can search for children’s activities, swimming pool and pets allowed. Businesses can save time by narrowing the search to hotels with meeting rooms and services. Travelers trying to stay in shape can look for fitness facilities. If food is a factor, search for complimentary breakfast, in-room kitchen or hotel restaurant. Or if you already know the hotel you want, just look for the name.

As an extra perk, the NewYork.com staff has highlighted several hotels with added New York City hotel reviews and ratings by customers. For the ultimate in luxury, try the famed Plaza overlooking Central Park, and step out the door for some world-class New York shopping on Fifth Avenue. If you’re looking for hip and affordable, check out the Pod Hotel in Manhattan’s Midtown East, an invigorating walk away from the Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, the United Nations, and Grand Central Station. Or overlook Times Square from the Edison Towers, just a stroll to the Broadway theaters.

Hotel Search on NewYork.com realizes that everyone has different needs. Once you decide what is important to you, the advanced search can help you look for options that suit your lifestyle, schedule and budget. When you find a place you like, you can check availability by dates for a number of guests and rooms. Finally, you can make your reservations.

You can also use Hotel Search on NewYork.com or call 1-800-611-7485 to find accommodations in destinations around the world. And soon to come, NewYork.com is renovating its Restaurant Search to include more searchable dining options!

Sweet dreams from New York City Hotel Search at NewYork.com!

Nancy is the author of this article. For more information about this article, please feel free to visit http://www.newyork.com

owl city – captains and cruise ships lyrics

Filed under: cruise — Tags: Captains, city, cruise, lyrics — libertees @ 5:02 pm August 8, 2010


lyrics to captains and cruise ships by owl city

Captains and Cruise Ships – Owl City

Filed under: cruise — Tags: Captains, city, cruise — libertees @ 5:01 pm July 19, 2010


Owl City’s Song from the album “Of June”. Go buy their latest albums! I am stuck in LA Through the week and can’t get away And you’re alone on the pier In West Palm Beach on your holiday Stormy night, reawake The stomach ache that I’ve acquired From feeling down, things look grim And I’m so sick of being tired Apartment lights go dark And it’s depressing but what can I do? The midnight streets feel dead When I am so used to driving with you Brighter lights fill the night and Bluer skys reflect in your eyes As I inspect and analyze All of these dreams I don’t recognize If you’re still up when the ships In the port prepare to set sail Comb the beach and put those blue flowers up in your ponytail Inside my head you’re voice is still resounding but what can I do? Empty rooms feel cold when I am so used to being with you Count the stars, watch the waves absorb the summer sun And think of me When you explore hidden coves and tiny island chains throughout the sea Can you still, hear my voice, when I’m outside from over the phone For what it’s worth, darling dear, I wish you were here Cause I feel alone When you were home we’d sing but since you’ve left I don’t hear anything Though I feel so sad, I can’t believe things are really that bad Old captains and brand new cruise ships Sailing over the brimy sea When I crash my beloved desk job And swim through the debris I’ll cut loose leave this mad house all for the atlantic blue I’ll stroll down your treelined driveway, and sail the

Chicago Hotel Deals in the Windy City

Filed under: Hotel Deals — Tags: chicago, city, deals, hotel, Windy — libertees @ 2:13 pm July 14, 2010

Chicago Hotel Deals in the Windy City

Chicago is a wonderful city, but for good Chicago hotel deals you have to stay out of the Loop. The Chicago Loop refers to the historical center of downtown Chicago, and this is where the most expensive Chicago hotel deals are to be found. For Chicago hotel deals it is better to look in Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Bridgeport. Chicago hotel deals can be found in the Loop if you are able to find attractive package deals.

Saving Money with Chicago Hotel Deals

There are cheap hotels in Chicago and staying in these will save you money. However, you really don’t want to be wasting precious time on your vacation by spending time on busses and trains but rather be close to the heart of the city. Chicago hotel deals can be found at the Benedictine Bed and Breakfast which is run by Benedictine Monks in Bridgeport. Other options can include the Villa Toscana, close to Wrigley Field, the Days Inn Chicago which is a boutique hotel that is very affordable and is apparently the home from home of touring rock bands, and the Old Chicago Inn. Finding Chicago hotels deals at these hostelries will mean that you are situated within easy reach of public transport, and just outside the downtown area.

Chicago Hotel Deals at the “Heart O’ Chicago”

The Heart O’ Chicago is not in The Loop. It is a motel, situated approximately nine miles north of this downtown area. Situated in Edgewater, this retro motor lodge should not be easily dismissed. The rooms are not that pleasantly decorated and it is a traffic heavy area. But you should not let this deter you, this bare-bones motel provides free parking which is an absolute treasure and staying here will ensures a great Chicago hotel deal. It also means that you will be staying near the shopping in Clark Street and Broadway as well as close to the bar hopping scene. Accommodation at this cheap Chicago hotel costs from as little as per night.

Chicago Hotel Deals in Low Season

It is virtually impossible to find cheap Chicago Hotels in high season, conventions are being held in the central hotels at this time so it is better to stay out of the Loop. It is obvious that for money saving reasons you should visit in low season, but Chicago is not called the „Windy City“ for no reason. Its close proximity to Lake Michigan means it is windy, and although there are still a great many attractions and things to do in the low season, make sure you take your winter woolies with you. Chicago has a well established public transport system so this makes it easy to book cheap Chicago hotels and commute, and still be only a few minutes away from the main attractions. Staying out of the Loop means you still have access to the Seneca Hotel and Suites, from per night, the Windy City Urban Inn from 5 per night and the Willows Inn from 9 per night and this includes breakfast. To get the best Chicago hotel deals you have to stay away from the city center, it is also possible to find cheap Chicago hotels in low season.

Content writer for Last Minute Travel

Find More “hotel Deal” Articles

Owl City – Captains and Cruise Ships (w/ lyrics)

Filed under: cruise — Tags: Captains, city, cruise, lyrics — libertees @ 5:01 pm July 7, 2010


No copyright infringement intended – Credit goes to Owl City! From the album: Of June (Track 02) Lyrics: I am stuck in LA through the week, and cant get away And youre alone on the pier in West Palm Beach on your holiday Stormy nights re-awake the stomachache that Ive acquired From feeling down, things look grim and Im so sick, of being tired Apartment lights go dark, and its depressing but what can I do? Midnight streets feel dead, when I am so used to driving with you Brighter lights fill the nights and bluer skies reflect in your eyes As I inspect and analyze all these dreams I dont recognize If youre still up when the ships in the port, prepare to set sail Comb the beach and put those blue flowers up in your ponytail Inside my head your voice is still resounding but what can I do? The empty rooms feel cold when I am so used to being with you Count the stars, watch the waves, absorb the summer sun and think of me When you explore hidden coves and tiny island chains throughout the sea Can you still hear my voice when Im outside from over the phone? For what its worth darling dear, I wish you were here cause I feel alone When you were home, wed sing but since youve left I dont hear anything And though I feel so sad I cant believe things are really that bad Old captains and brand new cruise ships Sailing over the briny sea When I crash my beloved desk job And swim through the debris Ill cut loose and leave this madhouse Bound for the Atlantic blue Ill stroll down your

Where to Buy Airline Tickets to Find the Best Travel Deals

Are you searching for the best travel deals? Do you need to buy airline tickets? Sometimes you will need to purchase some airline tickets whether for personal reasons or for business situations. There are two ways in which can individual can buy airline tickets. First, the individual can call around to all the airports can ask for prices. Or they can call to a travel agency to get help. The individual can also log on to the internet and search for the best travel deals. You can find better deals over the internet in a much shorter period of time.

 

There are many websites that you can use to buy airline tickets. The one we are going to discuss today is Optifly. Optifly is a very easy to use user friendly website which will allow you to find the best travel deals within a short period of time. The website is extremely easy to use. When trying to find a flight you will want to start out by inserting your starting city in the column provided. After you begin typing the city into the box you will notice that it will automatically fill in the rest of the location for you. You will want to do the same with the destination.

 

After inputting your origin or starting point and your destination then you need to press the Search for Flights button. After you push this button you will be shown a large map and a chart. The map will show you all of the available flight from your starting location to your destination. Each flight’s path will be color coded making it easier to tell apart from one another. After looking at the map you will notice a chart at the bottom which displays a variety of information.

 

As you will notice the chat will have a number of columns. You can use the chat to determine a bunch of different things. For instance, the box on the far left will have a color. This color represents the color in the map at the top. Each path will have a different color showing the path from start to finish. The flight segment box will provide more detailed information about the path. It will tell you the exact path from start to finish from airport to airport. The Expedia logo is where you will want to click when you want to buy airline tickets. Expedia will provide you with the best travel deals.

 

The other boxes will provide you with different information including the name of the airlines, segment distance, and total distance. The middle box is the one you need to use to buy airline tickets. By clicking on the Expedia logo which is a yellow airplane you will be shown the best travel deals. Expedia is one of the cheapest and easiest places to buy airline tickets. When you need to find the best travel deal, be sure to log on to Optifly and use their tools to help guide you in your search.

Are you searching for the best travel deals ? Optify is the best place to go to if you are looking to buy airline tickets at a good price.

Cruise Deals: Little Known Ways to Save Big on Your Vacation

You might not think you could actually save money by cruising on your next vacation, but with some careful planning, you can do just that! Special packages can take you on a three-night cruise to some sunny locales for under $200 a person. (Of course airfare is separate and prices are based on adult double occupancy.)

Check out some of these specials:

A three-night cruise out of Miami, Fla., with stops at Cococay and Nassau, both in the Bahamas, for just $169 a person.
A four-night cruise out of Miami, stopping first in Key West, Fla., and then on to Cozumel, Mexico, for $179 per person.
Go a different direction with a seven-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean for $675 a person. It leaves from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and stops in Bridgetown, Castries, St. John’s, Philipsburg and St. Croix.
For still another direction, how about a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera, starting at $499 a person? It leaves out of San Diego, Calif., and stops in the Mexican ports of Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

These are just a few of the discounted cruise deals that can help you save money on your next vacation. Almost all of the major cruise lines offer some kind of discount package. And once you’re onboard, relax and enjoy all the amenities – from activities for the children to world-renowned dining to nightly entertainment. And don’t forget, once you drop anchor, get off the ship and explore the ports of call.

One word of advice – space on these discounted trips is often limited. You need to plan in advance and see what is available. And once you’re booked, try not to change the date as most cruise lines will charge a change fee.

Special packages are not the only way to cruise for less. There are other tricks for traveling in style and for less.

Book it now. If you’re on a cruise and you’ve had a great time, you can realize significant savings by booking your next cruise right there on the spot – or right there onboard. You won’t necessarily need to commit to the location, but the cruise line will be looking for a deposit to hold your place on your next cruise. If you’re not sure where on board to conduct this business, ask if there’s a cruise consultant or booking agent who can help you plan your next trip.
Repeat business. Some cruise lines reward their repeat customers with incentives or room upgrades. If not those perks, they may reduce the amount of your deposit or offer you onboard credits.
Transfer the booking. Even after you’ve booked a cruise, don’t think you’re locked into it. Often, you can transfer your booking to an online discount agent. These sites are able to help you monitor your booking, make changes and sometimes even find additional offers or savings. It’s nice to have someone on your side.
Cabin guarantee. When booking a cruise, you can sometimes get a cheaper price or a discount if you go with a cabin guarantee. This means you will be guaranteed to get a cabin in a certain category – inside, outside, with a verandah – for a cheaper price. In exchange, the company gets to select which particular cabin you’ll get – whether it’s midship, low deck, high deck, etc.
Get a consultant. If you’re new to cruising or you’re not sure what kind of cruise you want to take, where you want to go or what’s the best price available, contact a travel consultant. These are experienced travelers with an expertise in cruises. Let one of them help you arrange a floating family reunion, a quiet getaway for you and your spouse, or maybe a special group trip. Consultants can also help you make plans to fly into the port city and find you a hotel to stay in after you dock, if that’s what you want.

If you’ve not taken a cruise before, be good to yourself and make this the year you step out and step onboard!

Hal McDougal is a freelance writer who writes about several topics including cruise deals.

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