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Archive for December 13th, 2009

A Visitors Guide To Stockholm Sweden
Stockholm is one of the most progressive cities in the world, and nowhere is this reflected more than in its social policy. Citizens are provided with housing, health care, and educational opportunities, all of which makes for happy, productive people. While taxes may be high, the money they generate is used to create a high quality of life, which makes Stockholm extremely appealing to the many hopeful immigrants that flock there each year. You don’t need to move all the way to Sweden to make the most of what Stockholm has to offer; a simple trip will also allow you to experience this utterly unique metropolis. The weather in Stockholm definitely reflects the seasons, from snowy winters to balmy summers. Spring brings the heaviest flow of tourists to the city, so you might want to wait until summer or fall to visit. Summer, naturally, brings the warmest weather of the year, with temperatures starting at 68 degrees. Fall is considerably cooler, when temperatures range from 41 to 64 degrees. Both of these seasons also include the benefits of fewer people and lower lodging prices, two definite musts for the smart and thrifty traveler. Traveling in Europe is often an expensive endeavor, but Stockholm allows tourists to visit without paying a hefty price. In fact, one of the city’s best-rated hotels is also one of its most affordable (with double rooms from less than $200 a night). Hotel Rival, owned by Benny Andersson, of ABBA fame-houses 99 boutique-style rooms, each containing an array of high-tech extras, such as large plasma screen televisions, CD/DVD players, and wireless internet. This fashionable lodging spot also has its own bakery, caf, and restaurant, which enable guests not only to be well-rested, but also well-fed. There is much to see and do in Stockholm, including over 100 museums and a wide array of dining and shopping options. One convenient way to experience many of these entertaining possibilities is by purchasing a Stockholm Card online ahead of time. A one-day pass costs about $38 (a two-day pass runs around $59, a three-day pass, $75), and with it you gain admission to 75 of the city’s top tourist attractions and unlimited access to its excellent public transportation system, as well as special deals from local shops and restaurants. You can arrange to have your pass mailed to you, or you may pick them up at the Stockholm Tourist Centre (located at Sverigehuset, Hamngatan 27). Stockholm’s many museums target different audiences. There are some specifically geared toward children (such as the International Child Art Museum, located at Vrby All 14 , 143 03 Vrby), while others cater to niche interests, like maritime navigation (such as the Vasa Museum, Galrvarvsvgen 14, 102 52 Stockholm). Keep in mind that museums worldwide are closed on Mondays for maintenance, so make sure to schedule the start date of your Stockholm Card for another day. Each museum includes a permanent collection, as well as special visiting exhibits. There are also many dining choices for tourists, featuring cuisine from all corners of the globe, including Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of Europe. Shopping options are no less diverse, and visitors are sure to find that Swedish design extends to far more than just home dcor (a la IKEA). Make sure to check out Gamla Stan-an older region of Stockholm-for all your handmade gift needs. You have the author’s permission to publish this article in your ezine or on your website as long as you do not modify it. You must retain the resource box with live link back to the Search Sweden Hotels website. Planning a trip to Stockholm? Visit the Search Sweden Hotels website to find a <a href="http://www.searchswedenhotels.com/Stockholm-1.shtml">Stockholm luxury hotel</a> by going to http://www.searchswedenhotels.com/Stockholm-1.shtml You'll also find Stockholm car rentals, last minute deals, vacation packages and flights.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

How To Choose A Tour Operator
Choose a tour operator can be a difficult process. Who do you choose? What questions do you ask? How can you be sure that this tour operator will give you the right vacation at the right price with the right level of service? The answers all come from the right questions. By asking the right questions, you will find out all that you need to know in order to choose the right tour operator. What Is Their Reputation? This is among the first questions you should ask. Of course, being this general may not produce the information you desire, but it is the underlying goal of this line of questioning. A company’s reputation can be identified by how many years it has been in business, how it ranks in crucial areas compared to its competition, and any awards it may have won. These aspects may provide some insight into what kind of company the tour operator in question is, although there is no better review that can be given than a word-of-mouth critique. If you have any friends, family or co-workers who have used a specific tour operator that opinion is a great place to start. If no one you know has used this company, then find out if the tour operator has any affiliations with business organizations that are held in high esteem. Any awards or similar recognition for excellence is another telltale sign of a company that could be a winner and worth looking into further. Other important questions are: Is this company small or large? How does this affect its service on the personal level? How does this affect the choices it offers when it comes to tour packages? The answers to these questions can indicate what kind of experience you will have if you choose to make your plans with this specific tour operator. A small company may work harder to keep you satisfied with personalized service, and a large company may offer more options. Of course, a large company may work just as hard to make sure you are satisfied, and a smaller company may have just the tour package that you are looking for. You just have to do some research to find out. Rest assured, the more time that you take to become informed about the company, the more comfortable you will be when you make your final decision. Check Their History Another aspect you may want to consider is the company’s track record. Has the company been in business for a long period of time? The answer to this important question can be an indication of stability and reliability of the company. If everything else you have found out about the company is adding up, the length of time the company has been in business could be what finalizes your decision. The more questions you ask, the more information you can learn. Is the company well connected? If the company is a partner with other reputable companies then it may be able to offer you special discounts on related services. Also, does this company specifically have a long history of tours like the one you are looking for? An established tradition of tours may have led to improvements to the tour over time. You want to know what they have done, how well they have done it, and how long they have done it for. What Is Their Relationship With Their Customers? This is a big question and a telling aspect about the level of service the company provides. Although price is very important, customer service is important as well. How friendly is the tour operator? Are they available for questions, concerns, and anything else you may need? Can they tell you everything about the tour that you are considering, and can they send you thorough information which pertains to tours and attractions? Remember, the tour operator you choose will work for you. Providing you with all of the details and the level of customer service you require is important to your eventual happiness with the vacation itself. Find out if the tour operator in question has a website or not. If they do have a website, how helpful is it? If you prefer to do most of your communicating online then this can be an important factor. While you want to be able to get someone from customer service on the phone at any time, a website that allows you to do everything you need to do online can be a big plus. You want the website and all other interactions with your tour operator to have a user friendly feel. The act of choosing the right tour operator starts with asking the right questions. You will trust this company with your vacation and travelling arrangements so you want to make sure that they will go above and beyond to make this the tour of your dreams. By learning as much as possible about the company’s reputation, history, and their relationships with their customers, you can make sure that you have chosen wisely. After that you can focus completely on enjoying your tour.Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific tour operators such as Globus Tours at http://www.flightcentre.ca/tours/globus/.
Source: www.ArticlePros.com

London Hotel Breaks ? Grange Holborn Hotel 5* (Holborn)
Contemporary design reflecting one of the world?s most fashionable cities ? the Grange Holborn Hotel contrasts some of London?s more traditional accommodations. The modern architecture and d r mirror a city eager to keep its standards, striving to remain the benchmark. Your stay at the Grange Holborn Hotel will be one of luxury. Service is exquisite and obliges your every need. Situated where West End greets the city, the hotel is ideally placed for shopping adventures in Oxford Street, or maybe you prefer the surreal experiences of Covent Garden. The Holborn tube station is barely 400 metres walk and offers easy access to the city?s financial district. Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you ?89 (per person per night) during spring, and ?92.50 throughout summer and winter. For those travelling alone a supplement of a similar amount will incur. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement valid for summer and winter will cost a further ?32.50. Royal Garden Hotel 5* (Kensington) The 5 AA red star Royal Garden Hotel parades elegance and panache to very high standards. The Royal Garden sets the yardstick others strive for, and invariably fail. Boasting a total of 396 sizeable rooms, many have magnificent views over the majestic Kensington Palace and its beautiful gardens. The hotel features two marvellous restaurants and serves three stylish bars. For the more health conscious a health club is on site and also a spa. Based in up-to-the-minute Kensington, the hotel resides just 4 minutes walk from High Street Kensington tube station, presenting easy access to most of the city and London?s vast library of attractions. Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you ?102 (per person per night) during spring. Through summer and winter the price drops slightly to ?87.50. The single person?s supplement is ?93 in spring, falling to ?87.50 in the course of summer and winter. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement of ?7 is valid during spring. This rises to ?32.50 throughout summer and winter. A deluxe room upgrade is available from an extra ?40 per room per night. Please note all prices are correct at time of press (December 2005). For reservations call Superbreak on 0870 701 2200. Lines are open 8am ? 11pm 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day). Steven Cronin owns the Sargas Travel online magazine featuring travel reviews, news, inspiration, advice and special offers. For further reading please visit <a href="http://www.sargas.co.uk" title="http://www.sargas.co.uk" target="_blank">http://www.sargas.co.uk</a>
Source: www.ArticlePros.com