Luxury Homes and What Their Owners Usually Have in Them

Luxury homes are houses and dwellings that are usually owned by people who are intent on having the best things in life or the most comfortable things that they can afford. For the most part, these individuals or families usually start off with dwellings that are larger and grander in scale than the ordinary ones. They are usually located in neighborhoods that have similar residents and houses. Some may be located in remote areas which can only be reached with the use of vehicles and other means of transportation that are usually luxurious and privately owned. Some of these luxury homes usually have features and perks that are exclusively found in the most luxurious dwellings. One thing that should always be remembered when dealing with people who can afford the little luxuries and quirks that are available is that they always want to feel comfortable and safe in their houses.

Safety

In terms of safety, the rich splurge on their security in terms of CCTV cameras and other monitoring equipment that they deem necessary to feel safe. In many cases, security people are often hired to make sure that there is always someone around the premises who can be trusted to keep the owners and other occupants of the dwelling safe. Before, panic rooms were not so common but these days there are more and more people who require the installation of such rooms in their luxury homes. Apart from the panic room, some people also outfit their houses with escape routes that only they and their family know. Alarm systems are also the norm for many people who wish to stay safe and secure in their houses. There are security companies that actually maintain the safety and security of their clients upon their request. The local police may also be connected to the alarm system of the house if this service is available.

Comfort

The level of comfort that rich people have in mind may be vastly different from ordinary people. Many home owners of this caliber often see their domiciles as an extension of themselves and the comfort that they need. This means that they want their every need to be addressed as well as their every desire. In terms of needs, luxury homes often have the many amenities and facilities that first class hotels and resorts have. These are readily available to their owners at their convenience. Usually, some people have movie rooms made in their dwellings that can accommodate up to several people. Kitchens are also state of the art with every conceivable convenience available. Many of these home owners might also wish to stay in remote areas with spectacular views of the mountains or the beach or a lake. Picture windows are the norm for domiciles that offer great views to their owners.

These are just a few of the perks that often come with luxury homes. Some of these dwellings are often put up for rent while others are only accessible in our dreams.

Dog Sledding Holidays - 5 Wonders in the White

Many people picture their annual holiday with white sandy beaches rather than white snow, comfortable beds rather than carriages urged across ice, and the relaxing sound of waves or a summer breeze rather than canine howls. But many are missing out!

Why not add a little adventure to your life and feel the thrill of being driven across the ice by noble beasts with four paws? Here are five wonderful reasons you should brave the experience of dog sledding holidays.

The canine conveyance

Dog sledding holidays give you the unique opportunity to be transported on an ancient form of human conveyance. From the earliest days of canine domestication, humans have being using 'man's best friend' for travel across the snow, and you can get a taste of this ancient custom. Find out why bonding with a team of Huskies, Malamutes or Mahikans (and trusting them as you gently wind or wildly careen over the ice) is a once in a lifetime experience.

The scenery

All snow is not alike. Dog sledding holidays give you the chance to get up close and personal with places of aching beauty which most travellers cannot access.

The sombre and brooding peaks of the Swedish Lapland, peeking through a haze of glacial mist, the snow topped firs and pines of Ontario, the chill silver rivers and glistening frosted valleys of the Yucan - these winter wonderlands offer a glorious escape from the mundane.

The wildlife

Dog sledding holidays do not only expose you to the company of your gentle canine guide. As you rush through the snow you will have the chance to witness some of the rarely seen wildlife in Alaska, Canada and Northern Europe that most people simply do not see because road access to these places is often limited in winter. As your animals catch their cloudy breath, pause and gaze at the cautious lynx, the secretive fox, the indomitable wolf, the winter bears and the last remaining birds to resist the migration to warmer lands.

The lodging

While dog sledding holidays sound rough and gritty, with the help of experienced guides you can take short or long trips and truly relish your varied accommodation options. Whether you stay in a camp or a cabin, you will know that you have access to all the necessities while you venture out of your comfort zone and deep into the vast, remote, and incandescently beautiful outskirts of nature. However, you also can rest and relax in luxury hotels at the beginning and end of your journey.

The challenge

Ultimately, the key reason to forgo the more mundane and tame holiday in favour of a trip across the snow is the challenge. Not a challenge that will break you and dampen your spirits, but a challenge where you will have all the support you need to uniquely experience amazing wildlife and wilderness with the special companionship of your canine conveyance. It is a challenge that will leave you feeling truly alive.

Camel Safaris in Rajasthan - Riding Golden Sands to Rustic Pleasures

Riding on camel's back or being a part of more elaborate camel caravan tours across Thar Desert, offers you an ultimate soft adventure experience that takes you to the heart of rustic Rajasthan with all its lively and vibrant colors, hearty acrobatic dance performances, haunting music, traditional lures and struggles of getting on with daily chores within little means. The outstanding desert scenery and golden sands provide an overwhelming expiring that allow you to observe the desert people, admire the ongoing sculptures created by winds and undulating waves of sands, and explore the forts, palaces, temples and other architectural monuments strewn all over the region.

Most camel safaris start from Jaisalmer. Other important destinations that you will come across during your camel safaris are Bikaner, Osian, Khimsar and Mandawa, which lies at the heart of the Shekhawati region famous for its typical paintings. The best season for camel safaris is from November to Match as desert sun is especially scorching during summers. Desert climate is extreme in most case. While you will need sunglasses, head covers and suntan lotion during daytime, you will need blankets and woolens in the evenings to keep yourself warm. However, do not let the warnings deter you from one of the most memorable traveling pleasures you will ever come across.

Camel safaris at Rajasthan are usually organized in a planned manner and tour operators offer you everything that you will need or desire during the trip. They can be a week long or may stretch up to nearly a month and allow you perfect opportunities to get in touch with the local people and participate in their unique traditions. The region is full of rich historical legends and folklore that form basis for many artworks here including visual arts, handicrafts, and performing arts such as dance, music, plays and puppet shows. Western visitors love to see how women and men of the region wear bright vibrant colors that provide interesting contrast to the barren stark desert landscape.

The turbans, mustaches and beards of men are as striking as flared ghaghras or skirts and heavy tinkling jewellery of women, who keep their faces veiled and can balance several pots of water on their head at once, with using their hands. Harsh conditions in which these desert people survive do not at all dampen their spirits to enjoy lives and everything from their clothes to wall paintings to fairs and festivals to their pastimes speak volumes of their lively spirit. Some of the camel safari destinations such as Osian is an oasis in the vast desert region while Jaisalmer Fort with its golden hue looks like a mirage rising from the very golden sands on which it stands.

The camping sites during camel safaris are purposely chosen to provide you glimpses of actual desert lifestyles. Campfire delights often include interesting legends of local heroes and deities by guides who speak fluent English combined with performances that bring the mood of the story to life. Camels are usually bedecked with comfortable saddles and pace is kept leisurely so that tourists can enjoy views well. Camel Safari tours are also the best options, if you want to witness local traditions most prominent at religious places and fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.

Choosing Chamonix for Your Ski Holiday

Here are some of most frequently asked questions about transfers from Geneva to Chamonix and the ski resort itself.

Which is the nearest airport?

If you ignore some smaller airports, the one perhaps most commonly used for this resort is Geneva. It's only about 80 or 90 kilometres away and transfers from Geneva to Chamonix are fast, frequent and easy. However, it's also not too far from Lyon or some of the northern Italian airports.

Are there other ways of getting there?

Yes, you can drive there on your own or go by train. The nearest railway station is St Gervais-le Fayet at about 20kms. You will then need to get a taxi or make private arrangements.

Are there issues crossing the Franco-Swiss border?

None at all - nor for that matter if you are crossing from France into Italy during your stay in the resort (which is right on the border). Do remember, though, that if you're not a citizen of an EU country you may need visas or other entry documents. The rules here will typically be highlighted by your tour operator. Whether you are a citizen of an EU country or not, it is still advisable to carry some form of formal identification with you when you travel.

What are the winter sports like?

The area has a vast array of snow-based opportunities, covering just about every level of skiing and snow sport imaginable. Some people regard this lovely resort as the spiritual home of French skiing and you're unlikely to be disappointed at the choices available.

There are also various luxury spas and well-being clinics available and, in passing, remember that this is also a very popular area for summer mountain activities. (You will still be able to get a transfer from Geneva to Chamonix in the warmer months.)

Where is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

A long time ago (1916) the commune appended Mont-Blanc to its name. So, the name as it stands now is just an abbreviation of the older name for the area.

Are there plenty of restaurants?

Yes! The traditional fare is hearty Savoyard comprising cheeses, tarts, bacon, prunes and eggs. As the 20th century progressed, the cuisine became increasingly diverse and the locality now offers a huge range from the traditional and classic French cuisines through to various international options such as Japanese.

How's the après-ski?

Plenty of choice and lively! This is not known as one of the quieter resorts but, having said that, the frolics are typically moderate with excesses avoided. There are the traditional pubs, bars, cafés, and nightclubs though, and you can dance until dawn if you're up to it!

Can you find luxury accommodation?

Yes. There are several four and five star hotels. It's also possible to rent a luxury chalet or share one with others. These can be fully serviced if you wish, including catering - you'd have to do little or nothing other than to relax and ski.

Is pre-booking of airport transfers required?

Theoretically no, but you might find that it's more reassuring and less stressful if you do arrange your transfer from Geneva to Chamonix ahead of time online.

Exhibition Stands Advice: More Effective Exhibition Booths At Trade Shows

1. Recognise opportunities and set definite goals.

Product sales, lead generation, new product launches, gaining awareness about upcoming trends, checking in on competitors and enhancing their staff members' marketing skills are some of the objectives that can be pre-defined by businesses. Make lists of people likely to attend the event and determine the best ways to meet them. Potential clients can be attracted by show specials.

2. Create an impact on the exhibition organisers

Active participation can create an impact on the event management, the people making key decisions about speaker selection and booth placement. These key trade show players can introduce you to the significant people in the industry, invite you to special business events and offer placements on planning committees, which can improve your position in the industry.

3. Choose the right shows

Avoid participating in every event that comes along. You need to look for trade shows that cater to your particular demographic.

4. Get organised

Create a master calendar, listing relevant information including deadlines, fee, travel dates, planning outlines and onsite activities. Monitor the planning and preparation progress by meeting your staff frequently. Design an attractive and functional both according to your budget. Gather all the requisite materials well ahead of time.

5. Monitor poster and podium presentations

Find out what topics are being presented at the trade show. If any of them are of particular interest to you, contact the speaker and offer information or other essential support. This will benefit your business if the speaker presents data or demonstrates a product that highlights your company positively.

6. Enhance your presence

Look for opportunities that can create a buzz in your stall. Your company personnel must attend the starting off ceremony and other informal events to gain benefit from the networking opportunities presented by such events. Raffles, live product demonstrations and interactive presentations can attract the interest of casual passers-by.

7. Don't simply be there

Do more than just attend. Prepare the staff for optimising your organisation's presence and strategise their activities. Train them to execute their role very well. Define ground rules for conduct, such as no drinking, smoking, excessive chatting among staff, eating at the booth or being inappropriately dressed. Bad-mouthing competitors is also in very bad taste.

8. Recognise media opportunities

Pursue relationships with the media present at the event including print publications, online magazines and news channels. Leading industry events attract top trade journalists so meet up and try to gain some part in their next publication where they cover the event.

9. Stay at the show sponsored hotel

Simply by doing this, your company can benefit from de facto networking. You may meet key business people in the elevator, the coffee shop or even on the treadmill. Such casual meetings can turn into valuable connections that can be handy.

10. Attend host events

Attending host events can generate innovative ideas so don't skip out on attending them.

Cruise to the Caribbean

If you and your family have yet to visit the beautiful Islands in the Caribbean, there is no better way to see them than on board a luxury Cruise Ship. Choose from a number of fantastic itineraries from just a few days to a couple of weeks or more. It is your choice and you pick exactly what is right for you and your family.

Relax and escape on one of these magnificent floating luxury hotels. Leave your worries and pocket - book behind, because when you take a cruise holiday, most everything is included in your package price. Leave your troubles behind and sail into the beautiful Caribbean sunset!

Family cruises to the Caribbean offer some of the best inclusive 'Value' vacations to be found most anywhere. You simple cannot beat what this type of cruise includes in your holiday package. You will be delighted by the variety, quality and meal choice options to choose from, the splendid cabin amenities and accommodation, ongoing entertainment, daily activities, as well as different and exciting new Caribbean islands to wake up to each morning. It simply doesn't get any better than this!

The great thing about taking a Caribbean cruise is the variety. Most Caribbean cruise itineraries will have you wake up to a different port and tropical island each and every morning. This gives you a taste of each unique and individual island to enjoy on your cruise. After your cruise holiday, you decide which island is the Best Caribbean Island you and your family enjoyed most of all and would like to return to in the years ahead. A wonderful way to experience a number of islands on one vacation without having to unpack your suitcase!

Once you experience a cruise holiday under the warm Caribbean sun, you will want to return again and again. Sailing the deep blue sea with dolphins swimming along side in the warm tropical air is an experience like no other. Gazing out at the gorgeous Caribbean sunsets each evening outside on your favorite deck is simply breathtaking.

So stop thinking about a Caribbean cruise holiday and start planning today. These types of vacations are very affordable, making for the perfect family vacation choice. There is a cruise package that is tailored to your wants and needs just waiting for you!

There are numerous fantastic all inclusive cruise deals for you and your family to choose from, with destinations that are sure to please most everyone as well.

Happy Travels!

Unique Destination Wedding Ideas: Beach Wedding Favors and All

As you plan your dream destination wedding there are so many stunning things that you can do. Think about the invitations, the music, the food and anything else you can imagine. Every detail should be special no matter whether you are with friends and family or just you and your fiancé declaring your love.

Before you start, you must decide whether you want to hire a wedding planner or take the time to plan your own wedding. You will also want to make a budget. If you begin with these two things, your wedding day will be exactly what you want it to be.

Now let's start with save-the-date cards and wedding invitations. Why not do something different, like creating an invitation that resembles a map, or how about a message in a bottle? You might consider sending your invitations in a treasure chest with sand and seashells. Be creative.

The dress and the tux are two of the most elegant parts of your wedding. Choose something that you will be comfortable in. It can be any style, but keep in mind the climate of your destination. A nice linen suit or shorts and a button down shirt are one way to go for your fiancé. Your dress will be stunning no matter what you choose, so follow your heart and find the perfect dress.

Have you thought about your wedding registry? You can always register for the traditional gifts, but another idea is to setup a honeymoon registry. Have guests treat toward the cost of travel, spa days, massages, day trips, dining and anything honeymoon related. It is a wonderful day to give the two of you the honeymoon you always wanted.

When you arrive at your destination it is not only time to think about yourself, but you want to remember your guests. A Welcome Bag is a wonderful way to greet your guests when they arrive at the destination. Have little tote bags with sunscreen, maps, flip flops, and itinerary - there is an endless amount of things you could add to a bag.

Next comes beach wedding favors or any type of wedding favors. You want your guests to have something that will remind them of your day for years to come. There are votive candles covered in shells, adirondack chair picture frames, sand dollar coasters, sailboat tea lights. How about sunscreen, fans, or lip balm to protect your guests under the sun?

Flowers are essential to both the ceremony and reception. Choose bouquets with local flowers. On a side note though, flowers from some places are not allowed to leave the country or enter the US. So if you want to save your flowers, you might want to think of other options. Have the bridesmaids carry parasols or fans. The flower girl could carry a ball bouquet covered with seashells and the ring barrier might hold an open shell with the ring inside.

Your Ceremony should me beautiful and unforgettable. If it is on the beach a nice idea would be to print the ceremony program on a fan. This will keep your guests cool and they will have the fan as a keepsake. The smaller the wedding the more personalized you can get. The vows will be beautiful while be said in front of the rolling waves. In replace of a unity candle, think about a Sand Ceremony or tying a Lover's Knot. Both are symbolic of your dedication to each other.

Onto the reception! Besides beach wedding favors, think about table numbers and centerpieces. Using seashells, sand, flowers and candles will give you the ambiance you need. A nice idea would be to provide your guests with flip flops. Have a basket full when your guests arrive and let them be comfortable during your reception. This might lead to dancing as well. You will want to decide whether to have a dj. You might also make your own playlist to have played. Depending on your venue, some will provide you with decorations, but any little special touch you can add will complete a perfect day.

Do you think we forgot about food? Food and what you serve will be an important part of your reception. When choosing your menu there will be a lot of options, it is nice to offer choices. Choose a meat dish, a chicken dish, and fish dish - don't forget those vegetarians. How about a local favorite to spice things up? A sit down dinner is very romantic; however buffet stations are a wonderful trend. And the Cake, here is an opportunity to let your personality come through. There are so many different avenues to take. You can always be traditional with flowers and jewels, but the beach theme will be memorable. Have a cake with candy seashells and brown sugar for sand. Use a sailboat or conch shell as a cake topper. Once again use your imagination!

A destination wedding should be exactly what you dream about. Whether you hire a planner or do everything yourself, make sure to get every detail perfect. You want to give you and your guests a special experience. Enjoy the beach and say your vows while the sun sets.

Caravans For Sale - Finding One That Suits Your Budget

When it comes to travelling around the state or even the country, many people are looking towards cheaper methods of accommodation. One way of saving money on expensive hotels and resorts is finding a caravan for sale, but finding one that suits your current budget is a challenge in itself. Even if you make the decision to buy second hand, it can be extremely difficult to find a caravan that meets both your travelling requirements and your budget.

Before you begin your search for a caravan for sale, it is important that you do some research into the area to determine what it is exactly that you are looking for. Your research could also unearth which caravans tend to experience issues as they age and which tend to age more gracefully, giving you a better idea of what you should be looking for.

There is also a number of other ways that you can work towards finding a caravan that fits in with your budget, including:

  • Financing - You should begin by determining exactly how much you can afford to spend on a caravan, new or second hand. Are you planning on using your own personal savings or are you interested in putting the van on a payment plan? If it is the latter, make sure that you visit the bank and speak about how much you can borrow.
  • Insurance - When purchasing a caravan, it is extremely important that you take into account how much you are going to need to spend on insurance. More often than not, people forget about this cost and are stuck with a large bill that they cannot afford to pay. Investigate what insurance is available to you.
  • Seller - You should also make sure that you are purchasing the caravan from a reputable seller, whether this is a dealer or someone selling privately. This will help you to ensure that the van you purchase is of exceptional quality and that you are less likely to be overcharged or even completely ripped off.

Some people also like to look into how much their fuel consumption is going to increase when looking at caravans for sale. You must understand that towing will put some additional strain on your car, causing it to burn through fuel much faster than usual. If you are already struggling to fill the tank each week, towing a caravan is likely to increase this even more so you must ask yourself, is this an expense that you can afford?

The Genesis of Boomer Literature

Starting in December 2012, Boomer Literature, or baby boomer novels, suddenly became the talk of the town. A couple of articles were published and the blogosphere was quick to pick up the story. People began discussing the birth of boomer literature as a new genre on many heavily trafficked websites, from Boomer Café to The Passive Voice, Gawker Media, The Kindle Nation Daily, Digital Book Today and many others.

Suddenly retirees were fun, even sexy. Stories about them had found a market even if some disgruntled voices were heard, expressing discontent at the idea of having to grapple with yet another genre in books.

What had happened? Why the controversy?

You'd think the publishing industry would be the first to notice that a new genre was in the making, yet that is not the case. Hollywood preceded publishing. Perhaps it's in the nature of the beast. Hollywood has access to a much larger public (everyone views films and videos) than the publishing industry (limited to people who read). As a result, one may expect that new trends in the general public, new tastes, new interests emerge first at the level of movies before they are reflected in book sales.

In any case, film directors were the first to take the plunge some ten years ago and aim movies at a silver-haired audience, taking, as is often the case, a novel as a starting point. Begley's About Schmidt inspired a hilarious film made in 2002 starring an unforgettable Jack Nicholson. Although the film is rather far away from the book, there is little doubt that its success marked an early turning point. This change was noticed in the media some years ago, including by the New York Times.

A film market for silver-haired audiences was born and many films followed exploiting the same marketing vein, some humorous and suspenseful like RED (i.e. Retired Extremely Dangerous), others more emotional and historical like The King's Speech. But they all were centered on challenges facing the over-50 generation.

2012 was a special year, starting with a fun film that came out of England,The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Featuring Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, it focused on a bunch of British retirees on a romp in India. By year end, Amour, Michael Haneke's film starring Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva, took the trend one step further, featuring a somber story about a couple of music teachers in their 80s (the wife is dying). It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Festival and it is widely expected to win an Oscar for best foreign film.

This signals a major change in the tastes of the general public - and in this case, what is noteworthy is that the film features much older people than boomers. Indeed the only boomer here is the couple's daughter, beautifully played by Isabelle Huppert. Moreover, the trend promises to continue in 2013 with Quartet, Dustin Hoffman's brilliant film about retired opera singers.

Such movies suggest that the range of boomer interests is expanding: the themes can be either light or dark and likely to cover boomers themselves but also their relationships with people around them, both younger and older.

But how to define this new genre? And more to the point, how to avoid the negative connotations of such terms as "aging", "old age", "silver haired"?

After all, novels featuring older people have been around for some time without registering any particular success and the publishing industry has been in the habit of ignoring them, relying instead on its traditional range of genres. In particular, since the 1960s and 70s, the industry has kept a strong focus on the young: that was the time Young Adult literature became a huge success as boomers themselves - technically defined as those born between 1946 and 1964 - were leaving their teen years behind and wanted to read coming of age stories. With the exception of YA lit (and more recently New Adult lit focused on adults in their twenties), no other major genre is audience-centric. The industry has always relied on theme-related genres like romance, thrillers, sci-fi etc., to assist readers in book discovery. Indeed,YA lit itself is sub-divided in theme-related genres, from paranormal YA to dystopian YA, romantic YA etc.

Now that boomers are getting older, some 78 million of them in the US alone, and hitting retirement age at the rate of some 3.5 million every year, there is once again a need to meet their interests as readers. They want to read stories relevant to them at this stage in their life, stories that feature people facing the same kind of challenges that they do.

Thus the new boomer lit genre could be defined as addressing "coming of old age". Boomers, who in their young years were rebellious and keen to change to world of their parents, still see themselves as an active, dynamic lot. They are convinced that their third slice of life, made longer (and often better) by medical advances, is a chance for them to do amazing things, even start on a second career. And it is certainly a moment when people ask themselves existential questions again: now that my career is behind me, who am I? What can I do in my remaining years?

Books, to stay relevant, need to accompany these changes in their lives, meeting the new demands, putting forth characters boomers can identify with, characters who face those existential questions.

Hence the term boomer literature or Baby Boomer novels (BB novels), a term that eschews the negative connotations of "aged" and "aging."

Why is there the expectation that boomer lit will become a major genre? This is a simple matter of demographics. The same generation that made the success of YA lit will be responsible for the success of boomer lit. In that sense, boomer lit or BB novels are a true pendant of YA novels, with BB stories occurring on the other side of maturity. But the similarities don't stop there. Like YA lit, boomer lit is a vast and flexible genre that can accommodate all kinds of sub-genres, from light comedy to tragedy, from romance to thrillers and more. Beyond novels and graphic novels, it also covers poetry, short stories and non-fiction. And like YA, boomer lit is likely to attract the interest of people outside its age group, in this case younger people, both as readers and writers.

In the fall of 2012, the movement towards the creation of a new BB genre gathered speed. In September, a thread was started on the Amazon Kindle fora for authors to list their BB novels and it immediately began to grow. In November, a group was created to discuss BB novels on Goodreads, the largest online reading club in the world. It began very small but at the start of 2013, the group had attracted close to 200 members and it featured over 50 titles on its bookshelf, including many from NYT bestselling authors and at least one runner up to the Man Booker Prize (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce). The group is actively reading a BB novel every month, democratically selected through a poll, as a practical way of exploring the confines of boomer literature.

A definition has already been put forward by two writers, Stephen Woodfin and Caleb Pirtle who are members of the group:"Boomer books reflect fundamental human issues and can be any genre, but they are character-driven stories centered around those who have the experience to understand life: its trials, its tribulations, its triumphs, and its contradictions." And that understanding can only come about with the accumulation of years and experience...

Setbacks? - 7 Tips to Realignment

We all experience setbacks or glitches along our sacred journeys. It is how we view and handle them that realigns us, or set us off balance. Each obstacle we encounter is an opportunity for us to learn, grow and expand even if it doesn't seem that way at the time. When setbacks occur in our relationships, jobs, health, well being, or a combination of these, it can be a challenge to see there are possibilities hiding in these very problems. They can leave us feeling frustrated, stressed, anxious, sad, depressed, alone, angry and perhaps second guessing ourselves. Sometimes we even want to throw in the towel.

You might wonder, "How can anything good come of this?"

Think of the setbacks like tires on a car; when they feel wobbly, or the steering is pulling to one side or another, you sense something isn't quite right so you take the vehicle into the garage and before long you are back on the road. Everything in alignment and balanced once again. In a way we aren't any different; we feel something isn't quite in sync, or something occurs and sets us off track, or spiralling down some deep dark tunnel. Sometimes there may be the feeling like the tires are flat and you are stuck or stranded and don't know where you are heading or how things are going to be from this point forward.

If this is the case, not to worry, help is on the way.

7 Tips to Realignment:

Awareness.
Setbacks are just that, setbacks. They aren't the end all or be all even though they might seem that way. When you view these discomforts in your personal, professional, and/or spiritual life as ways to learn, grow and expand, then they become manageable and more comfortable. They are occurring for your realignment for the next phase, transition and awakening in your life.

Choice.
We can forget that we have a choice of how we are going to handle these learning curves. We can handle them with ease and freedom, or be stressed and fearful. We can meet and greet them with an open or closed heart and mind. We can be impatient or patient; the option is yours. Either way, whatever is happening is still occurring with or without your acceptance.

Trust.
This can be a real test for many because it's something you can't see, taste, touch or smell. Therefore, you are taking a leap in faith believing all is happening at exactly the right time in exactly the right way for you. How can you know it is meant to be as it is? It just is. You may not like what is occurring. In fact, you might downright hate it, but either way, it's unfolding and you can trust that something is about to change for your expansion or, not trust it. I don't know about you, but trusting is filled with much more promise and potential than not trusting.

Possibilities.
When you develop trust and look at the apparent problem as filled with possibilities for something or someone new, anything is possible. This isn't a car race; this is a leisurely drive through the unknown. You might travel down roads that seem dark at times, or perhaps through a few storms; you may take a wrong turn or two or feel lost and confused. There may be some rough roads, but with an open mind and heart, before long you are on the roads paved with opportunities and new horizons brilliantly shining your way. They aren't as far off as you may think. In fact, they are only a breath away.

Breathe.
We take our breathing for granted and often forget about the benefits of being conscious of it. One in particular is when we focus on our breath as often as possible, especially during stressful and anxious times it helps put things back into perspective. Conscious breathing promotes relaxation. When we connect with our breath we are connecting to Universal life and allowing the stillness within to speak to us. We are pausing for a moment to breathe life in; it's an opportunity to look at things differently, to slow down, to listen and gain insights. We are strengthening not only our physical and emotional state of being, but our connection to our spiritual existence.

Strength.
Setbacks make us stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually, if we allow them to. When we look back at what we have been through, it amazes us how we made it. That's strength! At the time it may seem like you are weak, but these challenges are strengthening you even if you aren't aware of it. Every problem you encounter tests and strengthens your faith, your commitment, your very being.

Transformation.
Changes occur, things happen, life continues, and you have the ability to transform with them and through them. You can shift your thinking, adjust your attitude and realign with your inner harmony, peace and love. You can move from problems to possibilities and transform limiting beliefs around Setbacks. It's up to you! When internal harmony is renewed and restored, setbacks become a thing of the past.

Ancient Sites in Pompeii

Pompeii, in the Italian state of Campania, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not far from Naples. The ancient city was buried on the fateful day of August 24, 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted burying it in ash and soot, killing about 20,000 people and preserving the city in the same state from that fateful day. The city has now been excavated and it serves as an outdoor museum of the ancient Roman settlement. It is one of the few sites in the world where nearly everything has been preserved in detail- from paintings and people to tables and jars- all frozen in time. Pompeii gives visitors an unprecedented opportunity to see how people lived some two thousand years ago.

What to see

The amphitheatre: Located near the Sarno Gate entrance, the amphitheatre dates back to 80 BC. Measuring 135 x 104 metres it could house about 20,000 people and was used for gladiator battles and other sports and spectacles.

The Great Palaestra (Gymnasium): Set opposite the amphitheatre, the area was used for sporting activities. It has a pool in the middle with three lengthy internal porticos or colonnades.

House of the Vettii: It is widely believed that the house belonged to two brothers who were originally slaves but became affluent when they were freed. The house contains several frescoes including that of Priapus, God of Fertility. Then there are other frescoes on display illustrating cupids, couple making love and many other mythological characters.

House of the Faun: The house is named after a statue of a dancing faun found on the site. The house also represents an interesting fusion of Greek and Italian architecture.

Forum: Though located to the southwest of the excavated area, it was the centre of public life. It was surrounded by religious and government buildings.

Temple of Apollo: Set near the Basilica and the Forum, the temple is the oldest remains found on the site. It contains Etruscan items dating back to 575 BC.

Theatre: The Theatre which can seat about 5000 people was built in the hollow of a hill for acoustic advantage.

The Garden of the Fugitives: The site has reopened to the public after it was closed for restoration work. It contains the plaster cast of 13 of Pompeii's residents who had tried to flee to safety when Mount Vesuvius erupted. They were trapped in lava; however, their bodies decayed and left hollow spaces in the hardened ash. They were later filled with plaster to make statues of the victims.

Accommodation

Pompeii is a popular tourist site and attracts a fair share of visitors every year. The region has all amenities to cater to the visitors from luxury Italy villas to budget hotels and guesthouses. You can set base near Pompeii and explore nearby Naples also.

Royal Families In Europe

Times have changed for a lot of people across many different countries. There have been many economic changes that have made people alter the way they spend their money. This is also true for the royalty across Europe. Royal families have also taken great pains to cut their spending, requiring less support from their loyal subjects and state.

European royalty have their subjects interests at heart of course. They are naturally not oblivious to the fact that the world has been going through a deep recession in recent times. This requires that everyone plays their part in helping to alleviate the situation and royal families have been striving to show they are not immune to changing attitudes

One of the most watched members of the European royalty is Queen Elizabeth II. This is a family which Europe has supported for many centuries. Although they have been supported for many years by their country, Queen Elizabeth II didn't use that as an excuse to continue demanding support when she saw the economic struggles of her countrymen.

Rather than continue to demand total support, the Queen set the standard for royals to reduce their upkeep and maintenance. Queen Elizabeth II opened her private homes to tourists to raise revenue for her budget. She also halted expensive maintenance on other royal estates.

After other royals saw this, they followed suite. Another royal family which Europe has supported for centuries decided to help supplement and ease the burdens of his subjects. Juan Carlos of Spain voluntarily cut the salary of his entire royal family. They have trimmed many of their excesses and expenses because they don't want to cause excess burden to their countrymen.

When people around the world look at European royalty, they think of different advantages they are born with. They normally don't look beneath the surface of the palaces and constant traveling. Many people think that a European royal family is only a symbol. In today's modern times, they aren't just a symbol. A European royal family has many responsibilities and obligations they have to fulfill.

In today's modern times, a European royal family isn't exempt to the different economic struggles their countries are facing. They don't want to lose the respect of their country and the world by living an extravagant life while everyone else is struggling. A royal family that weathers storms with their countrymen are royals that will forever be respected by their country.

Cruises Are a Fun Way to Take a Vacation

If you are planning a vacation in the near future, you may want to consider one of the amazing cruises that are available. There are many companies who offer outstanding trips that you can customize to fit your exact needs. It is important to take the time to compare a few key features offers by each trip to determine which one has the features you want and is within your budget.

Look at the onboard amenities. If you enjoy seeing a great play, hearing a comedian, or watching a band, there are cruises available to suit any of those desires. Many of the ships now have amazing bars, casinos, and even swimming pools to allow you to have fun in the sun or simply dance the night away for hours on end.

If you want to travel with your family, it is a good idea to determine if the trip is a family friendly trip. There are some ships that are designed with families in mind. They have special places for children to play, pools with slides, and even arcades. Finding a family friendly trip can be easy if you take the time to look for the details about the specific ship you are considering.

When booking a package, it is important to note if the trip is all-inclusive or if you will have to pay for items separately. If you plan to have a few cocktails while you are aboard the trip, you want to be sure that you pay for an all-inclusive package because drinks can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 each. You can rack up a very high bill in a very short period of time by simply enjoying a few drinks. Food is often included with the cost of the trip. There are often many different types of foods served on the ship at all times of the day. Even the pickiest of eaters will be able to find something wonderful to eat.

Many ships will stop at a specific destination to allow you and your family to see the new area. There are many activities that the cruises offer that you may want to take advantage of when you are booking the trip. There are many people who make the mistake of thinking that they can save money on the excursions by simply asking a local to take them to the location they want to go. This can be a dangerous practice because you will not know if the person is going to take you where they claim they are going to go or if they are going to overcharge you for the trip. Booking with the ship is the safest way to book an excursion.

The Philippines Travel Industry Is Fast Growing and Continue to Attract Foreign Visitors

The Philippines comprises of 7,107 islands, of which only about 2,000 are habitable. Luzon is the northern part, Visayas is the central, while Mindanao is located in the southern Philippines. The country boast's a number of beautiful beaches from north to south, these tourist destinations makes the country's tourism marketability at par with other southeast Asian nations if not the world. Some of the top beach islands are Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Batangas just to name a few.The local travel industry is fast growing and continue to attract foreign visitors.

Exploring the Philippines could be compared to traveling to different continents around the globe, the culture in Manila (capital city) is entirely different from Cebu in Visayas, the locals are arguably the most friendly and hospitable people in the world. Filipinos are known for being accommodating particularly to tourist, they welcome these foreigners with open arms, and their eagerness to show how beautiful their country is.

This archipelagic Asian country offers the best of both worlds when it comes to adventurous vacation, tourist can opt for luxurious five star hotels or a more modest motels that practically offers a more distinct approach for tourist exploration. A number of travel methods can be done depending on a person's needs, some opt to travel by sea by ferry boats to visit different islands nearby, while others opt for a faster plane ride to get to their destination in no time. Most transport companies provide affordable rates that comes with numerous packages, people from different parts of the world find it amusing to see how cost-effective it is to explore different parts of the Philippines. The Philippines tourism agency reported a record high of 4.3 million foreign http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/IndustryPerformance.aspx visitors in 2012, this is due to the improved economic and security policies implemented by the current government led by the President Benigno Aquino, not to mention the efforts by the tourism board in promoting the Philippines with a slogan "Its more fun in the Philippines". This has greatly benefited the local economy and created more jobs for the Filipinos.

A number of adventurous activities can be explored in the Philippines, from the clubbing and bar hopping in Manila to swimming with the whales in Oslob-Cebu. Some other notable destinations can be found in El Nido in Palawan (where a Hollywood movie was filmed), the gorgeous island of Boracay, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Laiya in Batangas, surfing in La Union. We are more than happy to help you explore Philippines.

Trekking In Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the haven for those seeking spiritual bliss. A land that holds a prominent space in the Hindu mythology is also deeply rooted in the conscience of the religious folks. Rishikesh is not a mere pilgrimage. A traveler here never leaves alone, but with a slice of spiritual life within him, which can be cherished for a lifetime.

The modern fast-paced time has left us immersed in more work, and moreover a mundane life full of stress of various kinds. Finding time for yourself seems to be mammoth task with all the planning activities which includes finding the right location, time, and budget. Beyond all the deciding factors for a great holiday, the most important question is what you are looking forward to in your holiday. The idea of a holiday is relative, it differs from person to person, one might take a tour to find inner happiness, and one may look for some adrenalin rush i.e. an adventure journey.

Rishikesh situated at the foothills of the Shivalik Himalayas, is a picture perfect location for a holiday. Enjoy trekking, river rafting and other adventure activities here; also get a chance to get spiritual enlightenment at the glorious foothills of the Himalayas. The magnificent Himalayan treks at Rishikesh attract thousands of both national and international tourists every year. Rishikesh is just the right adventure location that you are looking forward to have a fun filled time, with all the thick forests, tranquil rivers and magnanimous mountain ranges. Rishikesh offers a window to Buddhist culture, especially the picturesque monasteries and ancient temples on the way. The trek into Garhwal Himalayas is a notable trekking destination in Rishikesh. Trekking in Rishikesh begins from Thallisain through Pauri. Thallisain trek is a bounteous forest of deodar, pine and silver fir, and oaks; a journey through this region will leave you spell bound due to the beauty of this forest. Trekking in Rishikesh can be enjoyed in the best way during the winter months. Roopkund trek in Rishikesh is one of the major treks; it is situated at an altitude of 5029 m amidst the Trishul ridge.

Buwani Neergud is another trekking route in Rishikesh which boasts of natural environment, picturesque views, waterfall and wildlife. This trek is the best if you are an amateur, as it offers the perfect trek setting to beginners. Neergud is also ideal for CSR activities that involve small groups.

Be it a journey to explore the adventure terrains or a journey to explore spirituality, Rishikesh is the best place find both. Take advantage of the experienced and trained tour guides at The Adventure Journey to make your holiday a memorable one.

An Historic Walk Around the Town of Llangollen, North Wales

Walk Information

Start - Market Street - large car park available accessed via this street.

Refreshments - the Cornmill, (restaurant/pub) provides an extensive choice of beers/wines and meals in an attractive river setting. Seating is also available outside overlooking the River Dee.

Terrain - tarmacked paths, pavements, hills and steps. If you intend walking in the glen at Plas Newydd, walking boots are recommended as the paths can be muddy.

Duration - 2 hours. The walk can be shortened or lengthened by removing or adding sections. It is worth having a quick look through the guide before starting out, so a route can be planned.

Maps - These are available from the Tourist Information Centre, situated on the main street namely Castle Street. Various Internet sites have maps which can be printed out also.

N.B. Throughout this guide, directions for the walk are provided in regular text. Historical information on the various attractions is provided in italics.

The Walk

After parking, proceed out of the car park onto Market Street. Cross over the road and turn down East St. Continue down the street, turning right onto Parade St., and then almost immediately left down the narrow street alongside a circular building to reach the Cornmill.

This licensed restaurant opened in 2000, is situated on the site of the oldest mill in Llangollen. Corn was produced here for around 600 years until 1895. The use changed a few times before becoming a restaurant. The waterwheel still turns today.

From the riverside balcony, spectacular views can be admired whilst enjoying a nice cool glass of beer, or wine if you prefer. The menu is extensive and a lunch or evening meal is recommended. The stretch of white water is very popular with canoeists who can often be seen racing past.

The original mill producing corn was built by the monks of Valle Crucis Abbey. The Abbey is situated one and a half miles North of the town and is well worth a visit.

The Llangollen Railway

The Llangollen Railway can be seen across the river from the Cornmill. The sound of a steam train gently puffing its way up the valley is heard periodically. A journey by steam or diesel provides wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It is worth alighting at Berwyn station and walking back to the town along the canal towpath. For children, special trains such as 'Thomas the Tank Engine' run on certain days. 'Santa Specials' run near Christmas.

The Llangollen railway runs for nearly eight miles from the town to Carrog. The journey takes around thirty minutes. The original railway opened in 1862 and travelled from Ruabon to Barmouth. Trains stopped running in 1968 due to cuts. By October 1985 the first train was running again with the help of volunteers, and the line was extended further and further up the valley as far as Carrog.

The Victoria Promenade, town park and Llangollen Bridge

Feeling refreshed, turn right out of the Cornmill along the pavement towards the town park.

The Victoria Promenade was opened in 1899 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The Promenade is situated alongside the picturesque River Dee. There are fine views of mountains upstream and the town in the opposite direction. There is a very attractive children's play area towards the end of the park. The rocks at the edge of the river are very crowded in the hot summer months with people lazing in the sunshine or paddling to cool off. Care is required as the current is very strong. There are fine views of the castle to your right and Barber's Hill ahead.

After strolling around the park, retrace your steps until you reach the Cornmill, and then continue along the pavement until you arrive at the bridge. There are excellent views from both sides of this historic old bridge, but looking upstream is probably the best.

The bridge is one of the 'Severn Wonders of Wales'. A wooden construction existed here very early on. The first stone bridge was built in 1345 by John Trevor, the Bishop of St. Asaph. There have been a lot of changes over the years. The construction was widened in 1873 due to the increased traffic resulting from the Industrial Revolution and again in 1968. A square arch was added to accommodate the railway line in 1863.

St. Collen's Parish Church

Cross the road carefully and admire the views from this side of the bridge. Continue past the large white building on your right, (the Royal Hotel) turning left up Bridge Street and then Church Street. St Collen's Church is on your right. Stop to admire the fine views of the Castle, river and town on your left. The church yard is worth a quick visit before making your way to Plas Newydd, the former home of the 'Ladies of Llangollen'. These two ladies are buried in the church yard along with their maid Mary Carryll. You will find the tomb to the right of the main church door. This monument is easy to spot as there are railings around it.

The tomb is constructed of white marble with an inscription relating to each person on different sides. The poet, Robert Browning is also buried in the church yard. You may want to explore the interior of the church - viewing is by arrangement. Llangollen is named after St. Collen who founded the church in the 7th century. The earliest stone church was built in the 13th century. A wooden tower was added around 1500 and was replaced by the existing stone structure in 1749. The church was extended in 1863 with the addition of the south aisle. The carved oak ceiling is a beautiful feature along with many stained glass windows. One commemorates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

When you are ready, exit via the way you came in. Stop a moment to look at the view across the river. To continue the tour to Plas Newydd, turn right and continue to the end of Church Street. Cross the main road, Regent St. carefully and make your way up the narrow street opposite which leads onto Butler's Hill. Continue for a short way until you reach the shaded entrance to the grounds of Plas Newydd.

Plas Newydd

Plas Newydd is a perfect restful place to end the walk.

This was the former home from 1780 to 1829, of two women known as 'The Ladies of Llangollen'. The fascinating story of how Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby escaped from Ireland to build a new life is illustrated in the house.

The view of the house beneath the back-drop of the castle is wonderful, especially if you are lucky enough to catch the sun setting. There is also a lovely walk through the shady glen where the ladies used to enjoy many an evening stroll.

The peaceful grounds are free and are open in the evening. There is a charge however to enter the house, which is open April - October, 10am - 5pm, Wednesday - Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Many personal effects can be seen such as pictures, clothes, furniture along with some of the gothic features they introduced. These include many original wood carvings. An audio tour which takes the visitor through the history of the house and their romantic friendship is well worth listening to.

A lot of carvings were presents from visitors and came from old chests, beds and cupboards in houses and churches. The porch is made up of two wooden bedposts with carvings of lions which were presents from the Duke of Wellington. You can see examples of other carvings on doors, fireplaces and around the walls and stairs. The ladies named the cottage Plas Newydd which means New Hall in English. They led a busy social life often visiting local gentry. Famous people came to visit them also. Some of these people were the Duke of Wellington who was a famous naval officer and Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth who were famous writers. Members of the Royal family at that time also visited.

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance In Your Auto Insurance Policy?

Insurance policies are straight forward. Automobile insurance covers your car in the event of unexpected damage and other expenses. Homeowners insurance covers your home the same way that auto insurance covers the car. However, insurance policies are not all created equally. The amount of coverage a policy holder is eligible for can vary depending on the state, the specific policy, and what was choose to be included. Since all insurance policies will reach a limit or a liability ceiling, the purpose of umbrella insurance is to pick up coverage where your other policies leave off. Simply put, it is an insurance policy that covers all of the other policies you hold like an umbrella. When they reach their limits in the amount they can pay, the umbrella policy will activate and cover the rest.

An Example of Umbrella Coverage

Typically, an umbrella policy is activated when the policy holder commits an act of gross negligence that will amass a large number of bills. Here is a good example of an umbrella policy at work: Let's say you have a maximum liability of $200,000 on your car insurance policy, and someone driving your car caused an accident that resulted in $300,000 worth of damage. After the first $200,000 is paid off by your auto insurance, the final $100,000 is paid for by your umbrella policy. Due to the nature of their coverage, umbrella policies usually offer coverage in the millions.

Who Needs Umbrella Insurance?

People who have a lot to lose and a number of ways in which they could be held responsible for gross negligence would be wise to consider purchasing an umbrella policy. Having a high net worth, owning a house with a pool, maintaining rental properties or even having teen drivers in your home increase your chances of having standard insurance policies that run the risk of reaching their liability ceiling. Umbrella insurance will cover legal fees, medical expenses, therapy bills and even lost wages, and it will cover you no matter how far your travels take you.

The Cost of Umbrella Insurance

Although it offers a great deal of coverage, umbrella insurance is surprisingly affordable compared to the cost of standard insurance. In fact, since the usual amount of coverage policy holders are entitled to is so much lower than what an umbrella policy covers, this type of insurance is actually inexpensive. The bottom line is that it's a matter of your financial budget and personal prefernce.

Halong Bay Is Bai Chay Beach

Bai Chay is a huge attractive beach which faces Halong Bay. This man-made beach is extremely large and is secluded from the neighboring countryside by two kilometers of rolling limestone hills. At 100 meters wide and approximately 500 meters in length, it is among the largest beaches in Vietnam.

Legends

Bai Chay Beach is made of sand that is dark in color, which is ironic since Bai Chay means 'scorched beach'. The name Bai Chay descends from a tale dating back to 1287. At that time a fleet of ships carrying food to an invading army was anchored within the bay. This fleet belonged to the Yuong-Mongolian conqueror Truong Van Ho. The indigenous troops, led by Tran Khanh Du set fire to the entire fleet, which was then fed by an unusually strong wind. The burning ships then drifted apart and ashore where they burned with such ferocity that the nearby forest that once lay to the west of Cua Luc was destroyed.

One other legend states that the western side of Cua Luc once contained a wharf that was used to give boats access to the shore. These vessels struggled against acorn barnacles which would frequently affix themselves to the sides of the boast, beneath the water line. These barnacles were a threat to sink other neighboring vessels. The local sailors used leaves from the casuarina trees to burn the barnacles. The neighboring villages could always see the blaze coming from the beach, and so they called it Bai Chay.

Tourism

As with the entire area of Halong Bay, Bai Chay beach has a tropical climate. It is typically warm, and thousands of residents and tourists are known to fill the beach with a lively atmosphere during the cool parts of the day. Access to this beach is made possible through a paved road that is bordered by the powdered white sand of the beach and lush green rows of casuarina trees.

The visiting tourists may feast at the surrounding family run restaurants. The beach is also served by resident fishermen who can bring locally caught seafood or local cuisine to the visitors of the beach. There is also the opportunity to leave the beach and board one of the neighboring cruise vessels for food or tours of the bay. The most inquisitive travelers can even charter their own boat to travel within the safety of Halong Bay.

Travelers can entertain themselves by viewing diverse theater attractions including water puppets, traditional musical theater, and sporting events. For overnight tourists, there is lodging available in a range of prices, including full resort style accommodations, several luxury hotels and even locations in the quaint local villages. With the beautiful landscape and friendly atmosphere, no trip to Halong Bay will be complete unless it includes time enjoying Bai Chay Beach.

Mt Huang - The Best of All Mountains in China

Mt. Huang in East China Anhui province is celebrated for having all the features of mountain scenery and known as the No. 1 Mountain under heaven. Its unique scenery of jagged peaks and twisted pines are often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings. Rocks, mist, trees, and waterfalls make it an unforgettable place. Xu XiaKe, a noted Chinese geologist and traveler in Ming Dynasty, praised Mt. Huang as the best of all mountains.

With many peaks and spectacular scenery, Mt. Huang is listed by UNESCO as a world culture and natural heritage area. There are over 400 scenic spots, making Mt. Huang one of the most spectacular areas in China.

It is characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. The best way to enjoy the mountain is hiking. The most popular route is to ascend via the Easter steps, and descend via the Western steps. It was about a 10-hour hike, if completed in one day and only recommended for those in excellent health.

Hiking here will include visits to unique attractions below:

Odd-shaped pines are the queer trees that exude an exquisite beauty. You will be amazed by their vitality and strength. Another feature of Mt. Huang pines is that many trees grow branches on one side only.

The Grotesque Rocks are extraordinary. Tiandu Feng (Celestial Capital Peak), Bright Top and Lianhua Feng (Lotus Flower Peak), all rise above 1,800 meters (5,600 feet). These rocks are so unusual that visitors will be struck not only by their beauty but also by the many images they represent.

The Cloud Seas seen from the peaks of Mt. Huang are truly mystical. The best time to see the cloud sea is in autumn or in winter. Lucky visitors can witness Mt. Huang spectacular sunrises. Get up early to view Beihai sunrise, you will be amazed to see a sea of low clouds blanketing the valley to the north and "island" peaks hazily reaching for the heavens.

The Hot Springs are constantly at a temperature of 42C. Visitors can have opportunity to take a soothing soak in the warm waters and have a lifetime memories of stunning mountain scenery.

Enjoy the Mt. Huang in different season:

Spring time is from March to May. You will view all flowers blossom, pines to vomit the green, the mountain bird flies and sing.

Summer time is from June to August. You will watch pines, cloud and mist and go to summer resort and has leisure.

Autumn time is from September to November. You will watch the landscapes of green pines, natural stone, red maple, yellow chrysanthemum etc.

Winter time is from December to February. You will watch flowers of ice and snow and fogs pine. In the good weather you can appreciate the strange pines and stones in Yellow Mountain; in cloudy day you can watch a sea of clouds transformation; in rainy days you can find to flow the spring waterfall and in snowy days you can see the jade tree, the breeze hears pines in empty valley.

Usually the whole Mt. Huang needs at least 3 days to go through. The perfect for many was to spend the night in the hotel on the peak.

Here we recommend hiking routes. Take the one you like and explore different elements of the Mt. Huang area:

  • D1: South Gate-bus- Cloud Valley Temple (Yun Gu Si) - Climb the mountain or cable car- White Goose Ridge (Bai E Ling)- Black Tiger Pine (Hei Hu Song)- Beginning-to Peak (Shi Xin Feng)- Black Tiger Pine (Hei Hu Song)- live near the North Sea (Bei Hai hotel or you can live in West Sea Hotel, Pai Yun Lou Hotel or rent tent)

  • D2: Bright Peak
  • Georgia's Top Picks - Romantic Getaways

    Georgia is one of the perfect spots in the United States to stay for a romantic getaway. The rich history and geography of Georgia mixed with fine weather made the place a haven for romantic people. New and historic hotels, bed and breakfast and resorts provide romantic surprises for every couple.

    Callaway Gardens
    Callaway Gardens lies on 14,000 acres of landscaped setting in Pine Mountain. It is situated at the foothills of the Appalachians. Cason and Virginia Callaway bought up the garden in the 1930s and were opened since 1952.

    The place is perfect for weddings and honeymoons. It is consists of a tropical conservatory of butterflies and hummingbirds. Many couples love to visit the woodland, Azalea Bowl, golf area, Birds of Prey Program and the display garden. The garden raises 700 varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits.

    Ritz-Carlton Lodge - Reynolds Plantation
    Ritz-Carlton Lodge was among the World's 500 Best Hotels in 2008 by Travel+Leisure Magazine. The place is just 75 miles away from Atlanta that present a stunning lake, verdant hills, a resort and 99 holes golf courses.

    The lodge also offers 251 guest rooms and suites, 6 golf cottages, a Presidential House of 5,400 square feet area and a 26,000 square feet spa and fitness center. Visitors can access the 15,000 square feet meeting space with 10 rooms. It includes faxing facilities, photocopying, technology butler and computers with high speed internet. Shipping and receiving services are also available.

    Ritz-Carlton Lodge provides legendary services with Southern hospitality. This includes an indoor and outdoor pool, 24 hour business and concierge services, child care and shoeshine services. Couples can indulge at The Chiminea for fine dining and relax at the manmade Lake Oconee.

    Ritz Carlton also offers wedding and honeymoon packages. This includes personalized services of a welcome basket and spa. The resort does cigar parties, candlelit dinners, bridal teas, fishing expedition and farewell bunches. Pet less than 25 pounds are also welcome.

    Barnsley Gardens Resort
    Barnsley Gardens Resort provides a romantic setting in 1,400 acres of landscaped. It is located at the foothill of Blue Ridge Mountains 60 miles north of Atlanta. The resort is modeled on the 19th century pedestrian village with English style cottages. There are 33 cottages that hold 70 suites with private porches that overlook the gardens.

    The 160 year old gardens offer hundreds of heirloom roses and recreational choices. The heirloom garden has an astounding array of 200 antique roses, old-fashioned perennial and heirloom plants. Beautiful flowers burst into the place like the spring daffodils and native azaleas. Outdoor lovers can access the 18-hole golf courses, clay tennis courts, Grecian-style swimming pool, spa, and fitness center. Couples can go horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and walking trails.

    Barnsley Gardens Resort is a place for legendary romance suitable for weddings and outdoor receptions. Couples can avail of the Romantic Escape and a Vow Renewal package.

    Mansion on Forsyth Park
    The Mansion on Forsyth Park Hotel is a Victorian Mansion in Savannah. It offers an essence of Southern luxury. The hotel received the AAA four-diamond award because of its world class services. There are 126 guestrooms and suites graced with 400 pieces of artworks. Room accommodation features magnificent furnishings, flat TV, beddings, whirlpool tubs and wireless Internet access. Guest services include a business and fitness facility, Grand Bohemian Gallery, 700 Kitchen Cooking School, Outdoor relaxation pool, mini bar and Poseidon Spa.

    The hotel also offers Bohemian Nights package for honeymooners. This includes a chilled bottle of Champagne, candlelight bath, fruits and a gourmet breakfast. The 3,450 square foot ballroom is great for receptions. It can accommodate up to 380 guests. However, the Marble Garden Courtyard can host themed weddings for up to 250 outdoors.

    Other romantic places to stay in Georgia are the Savannah Beach Inn in Tybee Island, MacMillan Inn in Savannah and Four Seasons in Atlanta. Romantic Bed and Breakfast getaway includes the King Keith House, The Gaslight Inn and the Sugar Magnolia Bed And Breakfast.

    There are plenty of fantastic options in Georgia that caters to couples for a romantic vacation. The splendid nature and comfort it gives makes Georgia one of the most interesting and unforgettable romantic places in the world.

    Get Set for Whale Watching Excursions During December-April

    Looking for some adventure during your extended stay in San Diego this winter!

    Be a part of Whale Watching this December when California gray whales start migrating southward.

    Starting their journey from the chilly Alaskan seas, these giant creatures swim towards the warm water lagoons of Baja California. By April, whales swim down the coast to warm waters where they birth and rear their offspring.

    The winter season witnesses thousands of whales appearing within a few miles of the coast during their 5000-mile journey. 70-mile coastline forms an ideal location for the visitors to capture this impressive parade.

    December to April period presents you the opportunity to observe a part of the incredible 10,000-mile Alaska to Mexico annual migration of the Pacific gray whale. May to November period marks the migration of the mighty fin whales and great blue whales.

    It's not just the whales that boast all the excitement! Whale watching operation includes marine birds, sea lions, seals, and dolphins on the surface of wide Open Ocean. Come with your family and enjoy this sea adventure. It is a great time for vacation.

    Birch Aquarium at Scripps

    The Birch Aquarium at Scripps has come up with educational activities and whale exhibits to celebrate the gray whale season. You can view the epic journey of gray whales from the excellent vantage point of outdoor tide-pool plaza, overlooking La Jolla's shoreline and the Pacific Ocean.

    Next Level Sailing and the Maritime Museum

    Next Level Sailing and the Maritime Museum offers incredible whale watching experience during December to April. The visitors can board a 139-ft. long sailing yacht that for its deep keel for stability, low sleek lines and the ability to quietly reach close to the whales under sail perfectly suits for watching. Reach at 11:00 am for the 4-hour whale watching excursion.

    Fun Cat Sailing Catamaran Adventures

    The small group whale watching tours from Fun Cat Sailing Catamaran Adventures offers an amazing sailing experience with the whales and dolphins while resting in a safe, shaded, wind and rain protected cockpit. This is 4-hour adventure voyage providing plenty of time to see whales.

    Horn blower Cruises and Events

    Horn blower Cruises and Events brings 3.5-hour deluxe whale watching adventure from mid-December to mid-April. Expeditions leave for a joy ride daily at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm. Horn blower promises the guests a free sea visit if no whales are spotted.

    H&M Landing

    Starting at 10:00 am on select days, H&M Landing offers daily 3-hour whale watching cruises between mid-December and March. The visitors will be provided with informative narrations on the gray and blue whales and other sea creatures spotted on these cruises. Boats are equipped with indoor and outdoor seating. Hot food and beverages will be served to you.

    Sail San Diego

    During the entire period of whale migration, daily whale watching excursions aboard sleek 40' Catalina boats. The 3.5-hour excursions leave the port daily at 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. You can also opt for private whale watching charters.

    There are plenty of other excursions during December to April months.

    Lodging has never been a matter of concern for the visitors as budget hotels in San Diego take care of your accommodation. Make your reservation for fun-filled experience today.

    The Tao of the Easy Rider

    The very title Easy Rider (1969) suggests a Taoist theme, for the movie wasn't titled, Struggling Rider, but Easy Rider. Rather than struggling against Nature and the world, the motorcyclists were flowing with the Tao, the Way of Nature. This concept of ease and effortless action by going with the flow of Nature was called by Taoists, wu-wei. Certainly Easy Rider was a post-modern critique of commercialized, commoditized, sloganized America. Yes, it was a road-trip film, a buddy film, a motorcycle film, a gang film, as Roger Ebert points out in his review. It was all of those. But all true Journey myths --- from Homers Odyssey to Tolkiens Lord of the Rings Trilogy --- achieve a timeless quality by making the journey not merely a journey across space but a journey into Self. The motorcycles of Billy (Dennis Hopper) and Captain America (Peter Fonda) were not merely taking them on a journey to discover America, as is suggested by our textbook, but were taking them on the journey from the level of the ego to the level of the id and ultimately the collective unconscious.

    Easy Rider tapped into an Aquarian Age zeitgeist that revolted against the artificiality and rampant commercialism of modern society. As Laurence Boldt explains in The Tao of Abundance, the Wests concept of nature as being separate from Man keeps him constantly in the mode of ego consciousness. Because we view ourselves as engaged in a willful struggle against nature --- which we view as separate from ourselves --- we therefore create an artificial society as a means to insulate ourselves from contact with nature. Mass production, advertising, and mass consumption conspire to keep modern man in a constant lack consciousness which Taoists and Buddhists would call ego-attachments. Taoists, however, had a concept of being in harmony with nature because they considered themselves as part of the same cosmic river, the Tao. Whereas the western concept of wealth centered on hoarding things, the eastern or Taoist concept of wealth centers on having an abundance of leisure time time to enjoy nature. By throwing off his wristwatch at the start of his journey, Captain America symbolizes his attunement with the Taoist concept of abundance --- free time.

    The Hippie movement was in large part a back-to-nature zeitgeist --- fueled by a Taoist spirit. Captain America had definitely tapped into that zeitgeist when he said to the rancher: Its not every man who can live off the land, you know. You should be proud. It was also why he admired the Hippie commune. Easy Rider essentially makes the argument that when we lost our connection with the land we lost Thomas Jeffersons concept of the American Dream. This is reflected in the ACLU-attorney (Nicholson) George Hansons fireside critique of superficial people whose very lives are nothing more than a commodity bought and sold in the marketplace. To be freed from the metallic breast-milk of an artificial society is to return to the life-giving bosom of Mother Nature. The theme song of Steppenwolfs Born to Be Wild echoes this: Like a true natures child, we were born, born to be wild. The highway that returns the traveler to Nature is the same highway that leads to Natures most primal drives, buried within our unconsciousness.

    Lacking any guru (for Yogi Bhajan would only arrive in L.A. in 1969), the bikers turned to drugs as their psychopomp to guide their souls into the underworld of the psyche. The progression of their choice of drugs represents the layers of the psyche. Cocaine, with its wiry energy, merely amplified their ego-consciousness, tying them to the physical world, the basis of the ego and its obligations of money and the endless rat-race. Marijuana, their favorite drug, however, opened them up to some of the layers of the id, the unconscious. It freed their minds from the limitations of the left-brained, rational, separative ego-consciousness and brought them to the right-brained, non-rational, whole-istic shores of the id. As a result of reminding them of their personal unconscious, the bikers were reawakened to their forgotten drives, the primal instincts of the libido, the sexual/creative life force. The unconscious material surfacing also allowed them to transcend the Herd Instinct and sublimate the fears associated with conformity. In The Psychedelic Experience, Dr. Timothy Leary advocated using LSD according to the method outlined in the Tibetan Book of the Dead as a means of exploring and mapping the far reaches of the inner world. In Easy Rider, the graveyard LSD trip opened up the other two primal instincts of the unconscious: the Survival Instinct and the Religious Instinct, along with the previously awakened Sexual Instinct.

    Theoretically, as a result of allowing the buried complexes of the id to surface, the bikers would become more Whole, more integrated between the upper and lower, light and dark, aspects of the psyche. This enabled them to be more in touch with their te, their innate pattern of Being. (The Soul as Westerners commonly label it.) As a result of attuning to the te, the bikers gained a release, a sense of freedom to be ones self, naturally resulting in a Power, the power of te. The rednecks --- representing the earth-bound ego --- obviously were threatened by the bikers sense of te, and the dangers associated by a liberated and powerful libido. The bikers thus become Joseph Campbells Hero With a Thousand Faces. The egos very existence is threatened by the emerging Soul, just as surely as Set was threatened by the rise of Osiris, and Typhon was threatened by the rise of Apollo. The rise of the Solar Divinity heralded the Golden Dawn of the Souls awakening from its slumber in the depths of matter (Isis). This was a threat to the Dark Night of the Soul during the egos reign of terror over the realm of matter. It is the Steward of Gondors (ego) reluctance to hand over the throne of Middle-Earth to the exiled King (the Soul). As such, the awakening of the Secret Fire (the Sun God Within) stirs the complexes of the personal unconscious (Draco the Red Dragon) and the ego (Cetus the Sea-Beast) desperately wage war against the Virgin Mother (Virgo) who is attempting to give birth to the Solar Divinity (Christ). Like all avatars who awaken their Soul, they are martyred by those whose ego-existence is threatened by the liberating power of the Soul and the release of attachments to the mortal realm.

    Captain Americas realization that we blew it was the realization that the never-ending quest for money and its artificial comforts --- attained through the coke deal --- are but the enslaving attachments of the ego. But by blasting the bikers with the shotgun of stasis, the rednecks merely replanted the Soul within Mother Nature, where the seeds will lie dormant. Until, that is, the Sun stops rising in Pisces and the Hero finally enters the constellation of Aquarius. Consciousness during the age of the Water-bearing Man will finally be much more fluid than during the dark age of the Fish Cult.

    Bibliography

    John Belton, American Cinema, American Culture (2nd ed.), (New York, NY: Rutgers, 2005).

    Laurence G. Boldt, The Tao of Abundance: Eight Principles of Abundant Living, (New York, NY: Penguin, 1999).

    David Fideler, Jesus Christ, Sun of God: Ancient Cosmology and Early Christian Symbolism, (Wheaton, ILL: Quest Books, 1993).

    Timothy Leary, Ph.D., Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., & Richard Alpert, Ph.D.,

    The Psychedelic Experience: A manual based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead (New York, NY: Citadel, 1995).

    Best Value Destination Spas

    Not everyone is able to hop aboard their private jet and whisk off to an exclusive spa destination for ridiculous amounts of pandering and pampering. In fact, most Americans are happy to take a family vacation (dog included) or sink their toes into a white-sand beach once or twice a year.

    However, there are still some spa destinations out there that cater to the budget-minded.
    This budget destination spas listing was complied by the Travel + Leisure Website as a part of a readership survey.

    Combining international standards with Thai values and beliefs, the Chiva-Som in Thailand offers an individualized, holistic approach to health that incorporates the mind, body and spirit. Guests may immerse themselves in relaxing views from a lakeside room, while indulging in an aromatherapy facial or traditional Chinese medicine sessions. Ocean View rooms face the Gulf of Thailand and offer private balconies. The resort's signature treatment is called Chi Nei Tsang, a 45-minute abdominal massage based on traditional Chinese medicine, which is designed to aid digestion. Chiva-Som equates good health to vitality, wellness, peace, harmony, and balance.

    Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, the original destination fitness resort and spa, opened some 65 years ago, and provides guests with space to breathe clean air, relax, and renew. The ranch practices sustainable organic gardening and was probably one of the world's first "eco" resorts. Spa treatments use aromatic and medicinal herbs and other healing plants grown in the resort's gardens. All Rancho La Puerta guests receive complimentary skin-care analysis and consultation. Highlight treatments and services include the mineral-essential Golden Door Facial, Hot Riverstone Massage, tai chi, and yoga.

    Surrounded by wildlife and the Teton Mountain Range, guests at the Wilderness Adventure Spa at Spring Creek Ranch find true relaxation and rejuvenation. Here, guests can choose from hotel rooms, condominiums, or homes during their stay. One thousand feet above the town of Jackson, the spa is an ideal place to disconnect from the outside world with signature treatments such as the Moisture Drench Body Treatment. Parched skin is soothed with coconut, buffing grains, and shea butter containing orange and cedar extracts. Or guests might indulge in the Divine Detox, which includes the 45-minute custom Rocky Mountain Relaxation Massage with Juniper Cypress Detoxifying. In the summer months, guests embark on guided hiking expeditions and in the winter, wildlife safaris reveal some of the best wildlife viewing available anytime of the year.

    Nestled in another range of mountains, the Westglow Resort & Spa makes its home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The full-service, European-style spa is housed in an elegantly restored Greek Revival mansion with a beautiful fireside lounge offering spectacular mountain views. Here, guests indulge in oxygen facials, Grandfather Stone therapy, or a Thai Massage. Westglow also offers a variety of outdoor activities including supervised mountain biking, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting.

    Taking its inspiration from its Native American roots, Mii amo Spa at Enchantment in Sedona, Arizona, is situated in red-rock country. The spa takes its name from the Native American word for Journey. Guests here take an amazing journey in the transformation of their physical health, emotional well-being, and spiritual renewal. The resort's signature treatment, the Mii amo Spirit, helps to restore energy flow with the use of oils which are applied to chakras and citrine and rose quartz stones. The Crystal Room, used for quiet contemplation, is the heart and soul of the Mii amo. The spa's full schedule of activities feature hikes in the Red Rocks, aqua aerobics, yoga, and meditation.

    What to Consider Before Signing a Car Lease

    If you are interested in leasing a new car, you will definitely not want to rush into anything until you have taken the opportunity to look through some of the options which you are going to have. There will be quite a few special deals which you will have to choose from when it comes to car leases, so it will therefore be necessary to take some time to see what you can find. By going online and using the internet to your advantage, you will most likely be able to find the best possible deal on a lease for the kind of vehicle you are interested in.

    You will also need to figure out what your budget is going to be like when it comes to the monthly payments you will need to make on your leased vehicle. Take the time to compare quotes for leases online, so you will know how much you are going to pay with each one. There are going to be a number of websites which will allow you to get these quotes instantly, so you can find out how much you will be required to pay each month for certain vehicles.

    Make sure that you find out if there are any catches to the lease deals you come across, because it will be important to get this information as soon as possible. A lot of people are blinded by seemingly good deals on leases for the kind of car they want, but often times there are certain conditions which come along with them. One of the most common catches to car leases is that there is a mileage limit which you can go up to, and after you exceed it you will be required to pay a certain amount for every extra mile you travel in the vehicle.

    The amount of sales tax which you have to pay on the vehicle will be something else to consider. This is usually something that is put in the "fine print", so it will be extremely important to read it before signing an agreement. Keep in mind that any down payment you make will not go towards the sales tax, and there are also title and registration fees to consider. Before you decide whether or not a certain lease is a good overall deal, you should take these things into consideration.

    Before you sign a car lease, you should also take into consideration what the length of it is. It's a good idea to stick to leases that are no longer than 36 months, because otherwise you will most likely end up paying more than you need to. Although some people are tempted to make a down payment on their leased vehicle, this is not always the best idea. In the event that you get into an accident shortly after leasing the car, the gap coverage in your insurance could mean losing the down payment you make. Overall, it will be important to consider all of these things before signing a lease for a certain vehicle.

    Limos - 100 Years

    Automobiles have been around for a very long 243 years, the very 1st one built in 1769 was a steam engine. Then 133 years later came the first automobile limousine, built in 1902, it was designed so that the driver would sit outside under a covered compartment. Now it has been 110 years since then, how do you think the limousines have changed over the last century?

    Well, we know the first limo would have looked more like a horse and carriage but upgraded to an automobile appearance. It had the covered seating for the driver who was not in the car like the passengers would have been. Limousines have taken on many different shapes and designs in the last century from the well-known six door limo to the ultimate or novelty limos some painted pink or purple most capable of seating up to 10 or 12 passengers.

    Later on after the limo was built came the stretch limo created in Arkansas around 1928, a good 26 years later. A coach company named Armbruster in Fort Smith produced these cars primarily to transport famous "big band" leaders, their bands and equipment. These early stretch limos were called, "big band buses".

    The power-operated glass partition between the front and rear compartments, powered windows and two fold-down seats in the passenger seating came in 1950. The Chrysler Crown Imperial was the first model to feature disc brakes and was the largest car in the Chrysler line at that time.

    The Hummer Limousine first appeared in the 1990's, along with advanced technology. The hummer limo is bulletproof and it is a top choice for celebrities on a night out. Hummer limos have a fully stocked bar lounge seating and dance floor, some even accommodate a casino. One big advantage with a hummer limo is that they can carry up to 20 passengers.

    Nowadays almost every limousine if fully equipped with a bar containing enough alcohol to keep a party going for hours. Some will include fancy glasses made of crystal, counters with neon lights and some even a sink with running water! Another treat we get in lots of limos are entertainment systems, televisions, DVD players, surround sound, satellite radios, and free wifi. Then there are the party bus limos with dance floors and karaoke, what's next... mini kitchenettes?

    Other incredible details include crystal chandeliers, blinking lights, funky leather seats, intercom systems, and telephones. Some even feature on board hot tub! A hot tub, even knowing there are crazy limos with hot tubs it still seems unreal! Can you imagine blinking lights or chandeliers in a limousine 100 years ago? I didn't think so, it's crazy just how far our amazing automobiles have come, now not only can we drive you around where ever you want to go, it may be even more luxurious that a 5 star hotel!

    Tips For Picking Your Barbecue Grill

    Did you think finding the right girl to marry was a tough choice? Well, your choice of barbecue grill can be tough, too! It will be around for a long time to come and also give you much pleasure, it is to be hoped. Of course, advice on how to find that perfect girl is fraught with risk and uncertainty, but finding that perfect grill is much more straightforward, although also definitely a matter of taste!

    Knowing the basic differences between the many types of grill will make your buying decision a breeze. You won't have to go through the pain of overspending on a hugely expensive implement when you are only going to cook a few steaks once a week while watching the game on TV with a beer in hand. Likewise, if you usually entertain friends or family, you do not want to be embarrassed by a micro-grill that can hardly hold one man-sized steak!

    It is clear, then, that a little bit of insight will go a long way in helping making a wise choice of barbecue grill. But what are the criteria to go by?

    Heat Source

    How the heat is produced is probably the overriding feature with which you should concern yourself. You have the choice between charcoal, natural gas, propane gas or electric grills. Another very popular option is the barbecue smoker, which produces a unique flavor that many people find irresistible.

    Size

    The physical dimensions of the grill should be given careful consideration. With safety being of utmost importance, a recommended distance of 10 feet must be allowed from your house or any inflammable materials. It should also not be used inside a roof-covered building.

    The ease of handling of the unit should also be given thought. Will you be moving it around before and after use, or when cleaning it?

    You need to balance these considerations against the minimum size of the cooking area of the grill that you are going to need.

    Cost

    Will you be able to afford it? For some people, this is the make-or-break question. If you do not have a large budget available, then a charcoal grill will probably suit your pocket better. Propane grills will be slightly more costly, with barbecue smokers also in the same range. Natural gas grills will be in the higher price range.

    Preferred flavor

    A barbecue smoker will impart the most distinct taste to cooked food, a flavor which can be enhanced by using a variety of woods, or - in the case of a smoker with a water tray - by flavoring the water with herbs, spices, or even certain beverages.

    Although aficionados of each method will swear to the superiority of their source of heat, in reality there is very little difference in the taste of meat done on charcoal, as opposed to that done on a gas grill.

    Heat control

    The instant control afforded by a gas grill is a major plus, when compared to a charcoal grill. There is no long waiting for the grill to reach the desired temperature, nor is there any waiting for coals to burn out or to douse it yourself. The heat will be constantly at the right temperature, so you can accurately predict the results in your cooking.

    Ease of Use

    The advantage of the charcoal grill is the simplicity of its use. You light up some charcoal, spread it evenly in the grill, place a grate over it and - voila! - you are ready for business. Gas grills are, by nature, much more complicated, with many more working parts to it. The more parts, the more chance of something going wrong. A charcoal grill is also much easier to carry around when traveling, whereas much more effort is required to convey all the components of a gas grill, especially the larger models.

    A natural gas grill is even more area-bound, since it is usually reliant on a line feed from your house gas supply. A propane gas grill is portable, but you are always at risk of running out of gas. Charcoal is, of course, cheap and easy to find at the nearest convenience store.

    Cleaning

    A gas grill is much easier to clean than a charcoal grill, which can not only blacken your clothes and hands but also leaves you with the headache of dealing with disposing of the ashes. There is also quite a bit of cleaning to do of the grill itself.

    Accessories

    Apart from trying to stay at arm's length from all that charcoal, you will also want to spare your clothes during the process of preparing your favorite barbecue sauce, marinating the meat, and of course the entire grilling time. To take away all the worry about getting your Sunday best all soiled, you simply have to splash on that apron and concentrate on enjoying yourself at the grill. So, essential accessory number one: apron.

    You will also definitely need a pair of tongs, to keep your hands from getting burnt.

    Likewise, mitts are required for protecting your hands at all times during the grilling process, especially when preparing hot coals.

    To facilitate the lighting of the coals, a chimney starter is very useful and could even be considered essential equipment. Simply place the coals inside the chimney starter, light two pieces of fire lighters and place the chimney starter on top. Within 20 to 30 minutes the charcoal should have an ashen appearance and is then ready for the grill.

    You may find it useful to buy a timer and thermometer to help get that perfect result every time.

    To help in cleaning the grates, you will need a brass bristle brush.

    Quality Material

    Finally, you want to ensure that your grill is manufactured from good quality material and is sturdy and well-built. In a gas burner, you will want to ensure that the burners are made from stainless steel. (The better quality grills may even state the BTU value, which is a measurement of the amount of heat for which that burner is graded.)

    Time to Decide

    With the large variety of makes and models available on the market today, Americans have voted with their feet, so to speak, by opting for either a charcoal or propane gas grill. These two types are the most popular by far, but you alone can decide what will suit your needs best, considering all the factors above.