Tag: military

Things you Should Know when you Travel to China – By Best Hotel Deals

Things you Should Know when you Travel to China – By Best Hotel Deals

All about Weather and Clothing

* It is probably best to travel to China during autumn season, which spans from September to early November. The temperature during this time is a comfortable range of 50-72F with few chances of rain.

Aurora Lillo Editor of the “Best Hotel Deals” website — http://www.BestHotelDeals.biz — pointed out;

“… Refrain from traveling to the so called, “four furnaces” of China during summer, these are Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanchang and Tianjing…”
* China has four seasons, Spring from March to May, Summer from June to August, Autumn from September to November and Winter From January to February. Be sure to bring with you suitable clothing for each season.
* Summer is also rainy season in China, a raincoat is essential during this time as umbrellas are usually defenseless against winds.
* Chinese are conservative people so try not to wear revealing clothing.
* Women should not forget to bring pants with them as Chinese temples prohibit women wearing skirts to enter.

What to Bring into China

* Clothing is probably one of the things you shouldn’t worry about when going to China. Clothing is very cheap here, and would make pretty good souvenirs. So pack your bags light, and you can buy the rest of your wardrobe on the go.
* It is recommended to take no more than one bible into China. The Chinese are very particular with Christianity, and Christian Catechism.
* A few prohibited materials in China aside from the usual narcotics and deadly weapons are food, micro-organisms, biological products, waste materials, portions of human body, blood and blood products and animals that may spread diseases to humans.
* Any items that are harmful to China’s economy, politics, culture and ethics are forbidden; these include but are not restricted to printed materials, films and tapes.

When you Arrive

* Health checks would be the first that you will undergo before you are allowed out of the airport, this is to make sure that you didn’t bring in any harmful diseases with you.

Photography

* It will be best not to take pictures at aerodromes, military and political facilities in China.
* Never take pictures from an airplane or any type of aircraft.
* If you want to take pictures of residents or their possessions, ask their permission first.
“… Most museums ban picture taking, so does, Palaces, grottoes and Temples.  Be aware of signs that prohibit picture taking to prevent any unnecessary trouble. However some establishments allow picture taking for a fee…” added A. Lillo.

Further information about the cheapest rates on hotels all around the world by visiting; http://www.BestHotelRates.me

HOW TO GET A HOTEL DISCOUNT- By Best Hotel Deals

HOW TO GET A HOTEL DISCOUNT- By Best Hotel Deals

You need to ASK if you want a discount.  Here are ways to do it:

Search the internet, look for great deals.  There are various types of hotels that offer great discounts on the web for online customers.  Be sure to check these out.

Aurora Lillo Editor of the “Best Hotel Deals” website — http://www.BestHotelDeals.biz — pointed out;

“…Plan your trip during the off season months.  These are the times when big discounts are given…”

*Call the hotel of your choice.  Ask them about offers and discounts that they can give.  List all promotions.

*Certain hotels can give discounts to credit card holders of certain card establishments.  Ask for the manager and ask him about it.  The manager is the best person to ask, since if you can make negotiations, he has the authority to make negotiations with you.

*Ask if they give discounts to students or senior citizens.

*Simply ask through the phone how can you qualify for a discount.  If at certain day of the week or at certain times of the year they give discounts, ask them about it and ask how much or how less can they give, then ask if you could get still a higher discount.  Usually at off peak seasons, hotels will be willing to give in, just to fill the empty rooms.

*Ask for certain packages.  Hotels usually offer rooms with free breakfast.

*Do name drop.  If you know of someone who frequently stays them, mention his name.  It can help.  Tell them your friend referred you to them and ask for a discount.  Don’t ever give up if they say no.  A statement like “is that the best you can do?” can encourage a big discount.

*Often, people in the military get good hotel rates.  Usually, discounts are offered to government employees.
*At off peak seasons, you could definitely ask for special rates.  Then if they don’t budge after you have offered a discount, ask some extras, like breakfast.

*When negotiating, it is very important to write down all agreed discussions.  Write too, the names of the persons that you have been talking to, the time as well as the day and date. Ask for a number that you can call before checking in to the hotel for confirmation.

“…Upon arrival to the hotel, look around and ask for negotiations once more.  For instance if you feel that the hotel is not fully booked, ask for a room with a better view than the one you are in, if you don’t agree with what you see…” added A. Lillo.

Further information about the cheapest rates on hotels all around the world by visiting; http://www.BestHotelRates.me

Koh Samui Tips – How to Get Around Koh Samui by Looking at a Map of Koh Samui

Koh Samui Tips – How to Get Around Koh Samui by Looking at a Map of Koh Samui

Firstly, you may want to take a look at some Koh Samui maps. I have found two good sites that have maps or point you to where you can find good Koh Samui maps. You can find two links for this in the last paragraph.

As you look at your Koh Samui map, you will notice the two major places where visitors arrive are on opposite sides of the island. If you come by a Koh Samui ferry, you will most likely arrive at Nathon pier, which you can see is on the west coast of the island. Or, if you fly you can see the airport is on the other side of the island on the northeastern peninsula. Chaweng and Lamai beaches are the west coast and the most populous and popular areas. The central part of the island has some beautiful jungle but some of it is off limits as it is military land. To get to Koh Phangan, you can take a ferry from Nathon or from the northern beaches of Bophut and Maenam.

Now that you have an idea of the layout by looking at a map of Koh Samui, you will need to know how to get around. Anyone who has been there has his or her own Koh Samui tips, but there are a few constants. If you are someone who likes a comfortable trip and doesn’t mind paying for it, you can take a taxi. There have been some wars of words between the local government and the taxi drivers because they have a bad reputation. Anyway, they will always try to charge you high rates, even 200 to 300 baht. They have negotiated to start rates around 100 baht now but they hate to use the meter. Whatever they quote, just try to negotiate nicely and with a smile. If you want a cheaper ride, take the songthaews (pickup trucks with benches in the back). You should not have to negotiate. Just pay 50 or 60 baht after you get off every time. If they try to charge more, tell them nicely that you know you do not have to pay more, give the money, and leave.

As you can see, there are not that many options for transportation. If you hate to negotiate and can afford it, I recommend renting a vehicle. There are many places on the island to rent a vehicle for around 1000 baht per day and up. There is even an Avis Rent-a-Car at the airport. Drive carefully (on the left side of the road, not the right) and cautiously. Also, I recommend not renting a motorbike as it is the number one killer for tourists as you will not be used to the roads and rules of the road. Best to avoid this accident waiting to happen.

Now you know the basics of how to get around the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Remember, if you have any trouble, the best thing to do in Thailand is to just smile and walk away.

You can find a great list of maps here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Important-Faqs-Islands-samui-Pha-t98300.html

Also, if you want to look at just one map of Koh Samui check this one out: http://www.on-samui.com/samuimap.html

Five Essential Sights to See in Paris

Five Essential Sights to See in Paris

Every visit to Paris the capital city of France brings memorable nostalgic feelings. In every square mile there exist sights full of splendor and beauty.
Paris is rich in historical monuments and sights that are breathe catching. If you are making a first visit to Paris, there are plenty and worthy tourist attraction sights that you simply can not afford to miss. Here are five of the best Paris tourist attraction sights, frequented due to their popularity, historical importance and sheer aesthetic appeal.
1. The louvre
The louvre is a site that boost of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of pre-20th century paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects, The Louvre is one of Paris’ best tourist attractions site. Ever read or heard something about the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo? Then keep in mind that the louvre is the home of this famous artistic work. Admire the lovely works of Vermeer, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Leonardo Da Vinci and countless other artistic masters. The Louvre contains a rich history spanning from the ancient or medieval period to the modern day.
2. Notre Dame cathedral
A trip to Paris is never complete without a visit to this marvelous gothic architecture. It’s believed to be one of the best and beautiful cathedrals found in the entire Europe continent. Notre dame cathedral is beautifully designed with dramatic towers, stained glass, spire and statuary that are definite to take your breathe away.
This is considered to be the heart beat of ancient France. It’s believed that it took over 100 years of sheer hard work and labor to complete. You can climb the North tower to see Paris from the hunchback Quasimodo’s vantage. With the site you will understand why Notre Dame is one of Paris’ top tourist attraction sites.

3. Eiffel Tower
If there’s any breathe catching landmark in Paris is the Eiffel Tower. This magnificent tower represents an elegant and contemporary France. This iron Tower was built in 1889 for the world exposition by Gustave Eiffel. Though in the beginning, it was very unpopular with the residents of Paris who nearly pulled it down. But it currently boosts a record of over 220 million visitors. This Tower defines France and it could be very hard to imagine modern France without it.
4. Arc de Triomphe and the champs-Elysees
This 164 foot Arc de Triomphe which was commissioned by the Emperor Napoleon I was made to evoke military mighty and triumph and that is what exactly continue to do today. The monument was erected and built in an age when leaders erected one in their honor and to fulfill their egos. The monument’s architectural design and sculptures commemorate napoleon’s generals and soldiers’ varlour in battles. Make a tour to the Arc de Triomphe to culminate or walk down the equally grandiose Avenue des Champs-Elys?. You’ll definitely feel grand yourself.
5. Sacre Coeur and Montmartre
This is and unmisteakable white dome, it sits at absolutely the highest point in Paris on Montmartre knoll, or sometimes referred to as butte. This basilica, was consecrated in 1909, and is best known for its garish gold mosaic interiors and not forgetting its dramatic terraces. From here you can expect getting views of Paris on a clear day. You can take the funicular up using a metro ticket and stop over at Sacre Coeur as you explore the winding, village-like streets of Montmartre. After expending all your energy as you climb Montmartre’s formidable hills and stairs, remember to view a traditional Parisian cabaret at the legendary Moulin Rouge.