Traveling and Living

Seniors have plenty of ways to cut costs if you know where to look.

Air travel is generally the biggest money outlay—and therefore the biggest deterrent to going anywhere. Consider some key ways around it. One is the extraordinarily low winter airfare to get to Europe that happens every year, usually between mid-October and March or April. Airlines offer transatlantic roundtrip fares of $400 or even less to London, Paris, Rome, etc.

Why would you want to go abroad in the winter? To see and do the same things as in peak seasons and without the crowds and high costs for museums, concerts, theater, language courses. Hotels and all-inclusive packages are generally cheaper at that time too. Book at least six months in advance and pay early to get low-priced promotional airfare, or, if your time is flexible, see what you can get at the last minute for a low price. Most major airlines have discontinued the senior discount fare, making the off-season rates especially attractive. Once in Europe, you’ll find more new airlines to provide cheap travel from nearly all the major hubs to wherever you want to go (see below).

Read the rest of this entry »

Everybody loves a good vacation and a New York vacation is on my priority list. The idea of traveling is quite fun and exciting. I love traveling as much as I love shopping. The best place to do some serious shopping is in New York City.

Vacationing in New York will lead you to stores like Bloomingdales and Macy’s. These stores are a shopping haven to a lot of shopaholics out there. There are also designer shops in New York. You will be happy to find out that theses shops includes Prada, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Versace, and so on. You can spend days in New York just shopping till you drop.

If you like the theater then you will surely love visiting Broadway. A New York vacation will never be complete without a visit to Broadway. You can enjoy operas and other entertainment shows. You will surely be amazed at the glamour of the theater. One of the liveliest and happening destinations of United States of America with various New York Hotels around, this city tops the priority list of almost every tourist.

Read the rest of this entry »

Amsterdam is defined by its canals.

Built 400 years ago in concentric horseshoes, they are the rib cage of the city. Coasting their waters on a canal boat opens windows onto a history of vast wealth and global power. The cobbled streets alongside the canals are scenic urban pathways for walking or biking. And they are anchors for funky shops, and cafes.

The inner city of the Dutch capital is a compact warren of heritage buildings, of museums both grand and odd, of hidden gardens and outdoor markets – all within easy reach by any mode of transport except the unwelcome car.

No longer is the bargain city of Europe, Amsterdam still a town of wonders that can be had for a discount, and sometimes for free.

WALKING AND BIKING

Seeing 17th century Amsterdam, with its proud past and sometimes quirky culture on display, from a bike or on foot is a happy cost-free experience. Among its 2,000 or so bridges, the Bridge of 15 Bridges at the intersection of two canals is among the most spectacular, with a view of a series of stone spans whose arches are gracefully lit at night.

The city also has hidden gems that require guidance or tips to find: Some gardens, tucked away in courtyards or behind stately apartments, are open to the public any time, while others open on a special day of the year. The Rijksmuseum, with its Rembrandts and Vermeers, costs 11 euro ($A18.86) entry, but its garden is open year-round for free.

The Begijnhof is a grassy courtyard surrounded by 14th century cottages – an oasis of quiet at one of the busiest sections of town where a small chapel often stages musical recitals. Near the Begijnhof is a covered passageway known as the Civics Guard Gallery, with 15 huge group portraits – from the same time as Rembrandt’s Night Watch – of leading citizens from the Dutch Golden Age.

Outside the well-trod shopping lanes are the lesser known sections, like the Nine Lanes, lined with tiny specialty establishments like the handmade soap shop, the spectacles museum and a store dedicated to toothbrushes. The Jordaan, once the working class district, has been revived with boutiques, tapas bars, ethnic restaurants and Amsterdam Hotels. Read the rest of this entry »

Travel to barcelona, in spain, for a unique cultural, historical and sensorial experience. It is a throbbing, vibrant city at once firmly grounded in its rich heritage and looking to the future. A tour to Barcelona promises an eclectic palette.

The second largest city in spain , barcelona is situated in the northeastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

As you travel to barcelona, it is interesting to note that the city has its roots in a Roman colony founded way back in the 2 nd century B.C.

You will be struck by the architecture of the city on your voyage to Barcelona . It is the seat of Modernist Architecture and the city skyline sports a dynamic and dramatic look courtesy the concrete creations of Master Antoní Gaudí and his contemporaries.

You will surely discover the amazing history of barcelona traveling through its lanes. Its Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance monuments are lovingly conserved, as are the labyrinth of narrow alleys.You can also share and express your views on Barcelona Hotels.

Read the rest of this entry »

London can be an intimidating city, but it’s also one of the world’s most fascinating places. Here’s some advice for first-time visitors.

London attracts more American visitors than any other European city. Dig deep enough and you’ll find Roman, Saxon and Medieval remnants but, you’ll also find skyscrapers and imposing Victorian architecture. The past is alive and well in London, you just have to know how to look for it. Over the centuries, all the outlying villages have become consolidated into one huge and wonderful city. The size alone can intimidate the first time visitor. Here are a few suggestions to make your first journey to London stress free.

Take an orientation tour. Get your bearings by taking an orientation tour, such as London Hotels where those offered on the red double-decker buses. Take the tour on the very first afternoon, or the next morning at the latest.

Be sure your accommodations are near a subway (tube) stop. Don’t even think about renting a car within the city. Streets are typically congested, drivers are aggressive and parking is nearly nonexistent. Read the rest of this entry »