Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, family and friends gathered around the biggest tree ever seen. Room service caters the breakfast, cleans up the mess the children make, and mommy and daddy lays back in a penthouse suites, with a bottle of complimentary wine, for that special occasion which happens to be today. Not mention that beautiful scenery that your balcony provides once you step out of your luxurious room and enjoy the eye catching sunrise as it reflects the finest clear blue sea waters your eyes has ever viewed, on your way sailing to Jamaica.

Christmas cruise vacations are definitely something to experience within your lifetime just to getaway from the traditional way of celebrating Christmas. Wouldn’t you agree? Some of the itineraries for vacation cruises around the Christmas holiday are definitely bargains worth the investment of fun.

We are talking Cheap Christmas cruise packages. Plus with the all-inclusiveness that cruise ships offers you can’t get better deals than this. Think about this for a hot second will you…

Your meals are served like clock worth once aboard the ship. No tipping and cash flow needed. The entertainment is just a showroom away. Whether it’s watching terrific live comedians broadcast their humorous talents, watching the stunning Las Vegas style shows that’s forever entertaining, or not missing a beat onboard with the full service fitness center, or maybe just getting a lot of relaxation, and anticipating for your next onboard spa treatment; it really doesn’t get any better. Not to mention the countless Christmas parties onboard, wow.

If you only knew how cheap cruise vacations were around Christmas time and how much more fun you would experience once onboard, you’d be on a cruise every Christmas, if not every other month on a cruise ship.

Plus, with different destination listed on the itinerary, different countries celebrate the holidays quite different. Can you imagine how exciting it would be celebrating Christmas, Jamaican style?

Maximize your vacation and holiday planning by taking your family Christmas cruise vacation for 2008. Not only is it very cost effective, it’s fun for everyone. And now for a limited time only, you have the luxury of downloading “The Top 10 Cruises for 2008-09″ ebook for free, which features the Christmas cruise vacation, Disney cruises, valentines cruises and many more already discounted, packaged, waiting for you to just pick, click, and go. Download it (ebook) now and for free at http://millenniumfortunes.com/brad/TopCruises.html
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How is your Travel Dollar Travelling???

us dollar - Google News

Yen Heads for Third Weekly Advance on US Recession Concern - Bloomberg Maktoob Business (press release) Yen Heads for Third Weekly Advance on US Recession Concern Bloomberg - 51 minutes ago “As the global economy slows, the US dollar and the yen will continue to strengthen against virtually every other currency in the world,'' wrote … FOREX-US dollar sinks vs yen, rises vs euro as stocks swoon Reuters Yen rises, euro falls against US dollar as stocks tumble eTaiwan News Drop in Stock Market Sends Traders to the Safety of the US Dollar International Business Times Bloomberg - Bloomberg all 295 news articles

High-yielding currencies under pressure - MarketWatch 3 News NZ High-yielding currencies under pressure MarketWatch - 2 hours ago "The US dollar and Japanese yen have soared in response to the liquidation and repatriation." , , ) , a measure of the greenback against a trade-weighted … CPI Does Little to Move Dollar Wall Street Journal High-yielding currencies under pressure MarketWatch all 21 news articles

China yuan ends at 6.8345 to US dollar vs 6.8285 in OTC trade - Forbes China yuan ends at 6.8345 to US dollar vs 6.8285 in OTC trade Forbes, NY - 16 hours ago BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - The yuan finished at 6.8345 against the US dollar on the over-the-counter (OTC) market, down from 6.8285 yesterday. …

The year 2025: Oil, dollar out; Russia, Islam in - The Associated Press The year 2025: Oil, dollar out; Russia, Islam in The Associated Press - 1 hour ago The report, a year in the making, also suggests the world may complete its move away from its dependence on oil, and that the US dollar, while remaining … Report: US Influence Will Fade By 2025 CBS News UPDATE 2-US clout down, risks up by 2025 -intel outlook Reuters US 'set to decline by 2025' Aljazeera.net Telegraph.co.uk - Times Online all 173 news articles

METALS STOCKS Gold falls as data reduce inflation pressures - MarketWatch CEP News METALS STOCKS Gold falls as data reduce inflation pressures MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008 … said falling inflation worries in the US will encourage the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates further, a move that could weaken the US dollar and … Gold rises on physical buying as stocks tumble Reuters Gold gains on weakening dollar Sydney Morning Herald Gold rises on safety buying as crude, stocks fall MarketWatch MarketWatch - MarketWatch all 68 news articles

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Hot Christmas Sea Cruise Info

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Seaport Report - Downtown Express Seaport Report Downtown Express - 3 hours ago Christmas at Sea … Continuing another S3 neighborhood holiday tradition, the Seaman’s Church Institute holds its annual “Christmas At Sea Gala & Auction” on …

Disney Cruise Line Premieres First-Ever 3-D Cinematic Experience … - e-Travel Blackboard (press release) Disney Cruise Line Premieres First-Ever 3-D Cinematic Experience … e-Travel Blackboard (press release), Australia - 2 hours ago Disney Cruise Line is revolutionizing movie entertainment at sea with the debut of Disney Digital 3-D, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience premiering …

Holiday cruising guide - MSNBC Holiday cruising guide MSNBC - Nov 13, 2008 Many cruise lines — and officers, staff and crew — embrace the holiday season with a cheery vigor that goes beyond the symbolic Christmas tree, … Onboard holiday festivities MSNBC all 2 news articles

Theater listings - Chicago Sun-Times Theater listings Chicago Sun-Times, United States - 2 hours ago Circle Theatre presents the musical about two ex-showgirls who embark on a European cruise. Directed by Kevin Bellie. Fri-Sat, 8 pm; Sun, 3 pm. …

Festive spirit runs high on Caribbean cruises - Toronto Star Festive spirit runs high on Caribbean cruises Toronto Star,  Canada - Nov 15, 2008 Our Christmas cruise rates are not significantly different than prior years." Prices for a seven-day Caribbean cruise on their newest ship, the Splendor, …

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Adventure Travel to Kenya: Discover Kenya’s Best Kept Secrets
by Michael Donner
How would like adventure travel to Kenya, to learn some of Kenya’s best kept secrets? How about checking into Hemingway’s, a luxury hotel on the Indian Ocean, or spending some time in the same area that Elsa was released into the wild by Joy Adamson? You can enjoy these, and more, with luxury adventure travel to Kenya, land of the Luo, Kalenjin, Turkana and the famous Maasai warrior race, as the name is correctly spelled although we shall use the more popular western spelling of Masai.
The capital is Nairobi, and that would be a good place to start. There are many types of hotel in Nairobi, but if you can, try to book into one of the few boutique hotels that accommodate only a few guests, twelve being a good number. For that you will have to book yourself a luxury adventure vacation, with personal service offering vacation planning from just yourself and your partner.

That is a better way to enjoy Kenya’s secrets, rather than traveling in a large group of 40 or more as most people do. If you can find a tour company that offers this level of personal service, then your vacation can be tailored to suit your own timetable and needs, and not those of the majority, or even in some cases the minority!

Nairobi has a lot offer somebody seeking adventure travel to Kenya, and you don’t have to travel to unknown places to discover some of Kenya’s best kept secrets. Take Karen Blixen’s house, for example, the author of ‘Out of Africa’, made into an Oscar winning movie, or the Carnivore restaurant, where you can dine on some exotic game. You should also check out Masai crafts at the Utamanduni Craft center and visit the giraffes at the Giraffe Center.

However, it is the game reserves that most people visit Kenya to see, and that adventure travelers to Kenya are particularly interested in, so take a plane ride over the Meru National Park and land near Elsa’s Kopje - a rocky outcrop on Mughwangi Hill in the Meru Park, where Elsa was released by Joy and George Adamson back in 1958.

Why not spend some time in the park and check out the elephants, leopards and cheetahs, and of course the lions. Unfortunately the big game, the lions in particular, are in grave danger in Nairobi Park due to the action of humans, so take advantage of the opportunity to see them in the wild while you can. Although most people prefer to go on guided safaris, others prefer fishing and nature walks, or even just to lie by the pool. It’s your vacation so indulge yourself.

You must then visit the Masai Mara Nature Reserve, where the big game animals are less under threat from human activity. Try to head for the Cottar 1920 Mari Safari Camp, where the 22,000 acre private concession houses only 12 guests, but it’s well worth it, and no luxury adventure travel to Kenya should miss a visit to Cottars. Calvin Cottar is one of the best guides in the country, and will take you on a game drive in a 4WD or even a more traditional ox cart. It is an advantage that the camp is not part of the reserve, because you can go on night drives and guided walking tours, which would not otherwise be permitted.

Malinda is another part of Kenya you must not miss: situated on the Indian Ocean Malinda offers Hemingway’s a luxury hotel that offers the very best personal service. Use it as a base for a trip to Lamu Island, which used to be a base for the slave trade, and on which the only means of travel other than foot is by donkey. Try a dip in the ocean or simply relax by the pool, contemplating what you have seen

The type of luxury you can experience on these trips is unbelievably high, and adventure travel to Kenya is not all safaris and living rough. You can also do it in style, but make sure that your price is all-inclusive since the extras for the flights and safari trips can be high. A good luxury vacation company will offer you all-inclusive deals that will work out cheaper in the long run than trying to keep your initial costs low and pay your own way. You will either end up paying more, or missing out on a lot, which would be a shame after traveling so far.

Try to get a personal deal, with just the two of you traveling, rather than being part of a large group, and make sure that your travel is commensurate with the luxury you are seeking: a minimum of business class flights, and first class rail and road travel where it is involved. Your accommodation should be the best available, and the small personal hotels are often the best.

Achieve all that, and there are no reasons why your luxury adventure travel to Kenya should not provide you with the vacation of your dreams, the memories of which will last you a lifetime.
About the Author
If you are interested in a luxury personal vacation service for you and your partner, you can book luxury adventure travel to Kenya at http://www.ultitude.com and do everything above for an all-inclusive price for luxury travel, accommodation and cuisine, including safaris and flights over the reserves.
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Travel Tips to European Countries: Italy

About the county

Italy, the birthplace of pasta and pizza provides a wide range of choices for artwork lovers to experience. A temperate climate exists here with very hot summers and not so cold winters. The weather is the best in spring and autumn with pleasant temperatures and scenic views. At that time of the year, the place isn’t crowded much and things can be enjoyed in leisure. Incase of emergency call 112. For fire call 115 and for ambulance call 118.

Culture

Italian is widely spoken and is the official language. English isn’t very familiar to the locals. Family ties are of utmost importance here and hence social courtesies mean a lot to the locals. There is a great impact of the Roman Catholic Church on the culture here. There is a high content of chlorine in tap waters, so bottled water is recommended for staying fit during the trip. Since Italian is spoken on a wide scale, it is highly recommended to learn few common Italian phrases which can be of great use. Social gatherings call for formal wear, but one can dress in casuals otherwise. At some religious places, sleeveless shirt and shorts are frowned upon. So they are better avoided. Purses and wallets should be well guarded and in case of any theft, police should be informed about the incident.

Site Seeing

The first thing to check out is the leaning tower of Pisa, where Olympics originated. At places like museums and art galleries, photography, especially flash photography is restricted. Check out the ticket counter for more information. Italy should be majorly discovered on foot for a thorough viewing of all the beautiful buildings and monuments. Coaches and trains are a good option to get to a tourist spot.

Shopping

Shops here are open from 9am to 8pm, closed for lunch. Quality of goods is great although the prices are very less. Items like crystals, lacework, leather good, and jewelry can be bought at the stores. Remember to hold on to the receipt. Tipping of 10% is customary along with the service tax levied on the bill. Italy is famous for top designers of the world, so do buy clothes and accessories to update your wardrobe. Cruises have formal gatherings in the evening, so ensure to buy a cocktail dress or some formal wear, though casuals can be worn at other times.

Electricity

The voltage used is 220 volts and 50 Hz frequency.

Getting there

Alitalia is the national airline of Italy. Many other flights connect to Italy from USA, Canada and Australia and there is big competition to attract passengers giving a wide range of offers to travelers. Rome airport is located 26 km away from the city and it takes 45 minutes to get there from the airport. Trains connect directly to Termini Station from where one can take taxi to get to their destination. Duty free shops, bank, car hire and restaurants are the other services provided at this airport. Milan has another famous airport here, which is at a distance of 45km away from the city.

Brindisi, Ancona, Naples and Venice are the major seaports of Italy. Italian State Railways connects many European cities. But, Eurostar provides the fastest train service.

If choosing to drive, don’t forget to carry international driving license and international insurance certificate. Roads connect Italy to France, Austria and Switzerland. Many coach services are provided from the neighboring countries.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 2liter of wine and 1liter of spirits (over 22 per cent) or 2liter of fortified or sparkling wine
3. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (if over 15 years of age)
4. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
5. Gifts not exceeding €89.96 (if entering from an EU country), €175 (if entering from a non-EU country).

When traveling on a budget it’s best to keep in mind the following points:

1. Travel in the off-peak seasons. You can save up to as much as fifty per cent off air flights and accommodation costs if you plan to travel in low season times.
2. Stay away from popular tourist spots (unless they are on your ‘must-see’ list). If you can go off the beaten track with your destinations, things can be cheaper to see and do and your cultural experiences will be richer.
3. Try camping. Not only is it the cheapest form of accommodation it’s a great way to get up close and personal to nature. It’s the best way to see National Parks and Heritage listed areas.
4. Look for special travel offers (or packages). But make sure you check everything that they include - and don’t include.
5. Invest in a travel pass where you are able. Most developed countries have a rail or bus transport system where you can obtain day, week or monthly passes that will get you around cheaply.
6. Get a work permit if you aim to gain employment while traveling overseas. Working can help subsidize places that aren’t so cheap, such as Europe and Australia.
7. Look for good exchange rates on the dollar. This may help you decide which country to travel to.
8. Think about shortening your visit to destinations that are expensive and increasing your length of stay in cheaper places.
9. Where possible use your credit card. The exchange rate is better.
10. When staying in a hotel, avoid paying for ‘extras’. Don’t touch anything from the honor bar. Don’t watch the in-house movies and don’t use the hotel phone. And try not to use room service too much!

On the world scene there are some great places to travel on a budget for under thirty dollars a day. In Asia you can try India, Laos, China, Cambodia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Thailand, Sumatra and Burma. In Central and South America you can visit El Salvador, Bolivia and Ecuador. If you are after a budget experience in the Pacific, try Fiji or New Zealand. Over in Africa there are some great budget destinations such as Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Ghana. Don’t forget the Middle East where places like Iran, Syria and Turkey provide excellent value for money and wonderful experiences for the budget traveler.

There is no ‘best place’ to travel on a budget. Just be prepared to look around, avoid the pitfalls of unwanted costs in package deals or hotel bookings. If you want to travel and your budget doesn’t meet your expectations, be flexible and see if there is somewhere cheaper you might like to experience. You could be pleasantly surprised with your stay in India or Iran, when you thought you wanted to go to Tahiti.

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