Hiking the Camino de Santiago

Camino de Santiago(Flickr Creative Commons by Martin Bajer)

By Jim Clem

The Camino de Santiago, or The Way of St. James is an ancient pilgrimage route that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, and ends at the Cathedral in Santiago Compostela, Spain.

For hundreds of years, this same path has been used by the faithful making the holy pilgrimage to Santiago Compostela. It was also the route used by Roman Legions, Moor and Saracen invaders, the Knights Templar, and the armies of Charlemagne and Napoleon.

The Camino de Santiago is not only a walk across the hard-packed, rocky soil of Spain, but a journey through history, religion, and western culture.

The trail goes over four mountain ranges, through big cities, rural areas, across the vast Meseta of central Spain, and through the green hills of Galicia.

One of the unique things about the Camino de Santiago is the Albergue system. These are bunkhouse type accommodations every six miles or so. They are run by the church, local municipality, other Camino groups, or private ownership. The cost to stay in a Albergue is free, by donation or a small fee up to six euros. They are generally clean and have showers, bathrooms, and some have kitchens. If you have registered as a pilgrim at the start of your trip, you are issued a pilgrims credential that allows you to stay in the Albergues.

(Flickr CC by Marcin Bajer)

Also along the trail are numerous hostels, hotels, and pensions that range from very inexpensive to expensive. Through most sections of the trail there are bars/restaurants or stores where you can purchase food or any needed supplies or equipment. This allows the hiker to carry less equipment which translates into a lighter backpack.

Pilgrims/hikers of all ages come from all over the world to walk this pilgrimage route making it a truly multi-cultural experience.

If you are interested there are some great internet resources and books on the Camino de Santiago-here are a few:

http://www.ourcamino.com Lots of information, links, reading list and hundreds of photos of the trail.

http://www.americanpilgrims.com American Pilgrims on the Camino-this is the website for the U.S. based pilgrim group.

http://www.csj.org.uk The Confraternity of St. James-U.K. based pilgrim group.

http://www.mundicamino.com One of the best sites about the Camino. Just about everything you want or need to know about the trail.

http://www.backpack45.com Good site with info about hiking in general and info on the Camino.

http://www.santiago-today.com Great site with up-to-date info on Santiago and the Camino.

Some good reading material:

Buen Camino-Hiking the Camino de Santiago by Jim and Eleanor Clem is a day to day record of hiking the Camino de Santiago. The book also covers training and equipment. Over 160 photos gives you a good look at the trail.

The Pilgrim's Guide to the Camino Frances by John Brierley is the guidebook we used on both of our Camino trips. Small enough to carry with lots of information, photos and up to date maps. Our copy is well worn from being used so much on the trail.

The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago by David Gitlitz and Linda Kay Davidson is the best source of info about the Camino. The book is filled with history, facts, maps, and information on art, architecture, geology folklore, etc.

On the Road to Santiago by Bob Tuggle is the first book we read about hiking the Camino, and is still one of our favorites.

Flickr CC by Marcin Bajer

The Pilgrim's Guide by William Melczer is a translation of the Codex Calixtinus-the 12th century guide to the Camino. Very interesting reading.

Camino Chronicle by Susan Alcorn is a great read about her and her husbands(Ralph) hike on the Camino in 2001. Good day-to-day info along with information on how to prepare for the trip. Also lots of history and interesting facts. If you have an interest in the Camino you will enjoy this book.

Some things you need to know before you hit the trail:

Spain is a very modern country with good water, food, medical care, ATM machines etc. The people are very helpful and friendly and they have a very low crime rate.

You will be walking about 500 miles. It took us 37 days (one sick day) to compete the trip walking every step. That comes out to an average of about 14 miles a day-in all types of weather over all type of terrain.

Every year the Camino is becoming more and more popular which means lots of hikers/pilgrims/mountain bikers on the trail. You will always find somewhere to sleep, but it may be on a kitchen floor. Unless you are on a very tight budget, stay in small hotels/hostels. You can make reservations a few days in advance and you will get a better nights sleep.

Every day on the Camino de Santiago is an adventure that brings new challenges and rewards. Whether your reasons for making this trip are for religious/spiritual reasons, or you are looking for one of the premier treks in the world, hiking the Camino de Santiago is the trip of a lifetime. The Camino experience is one that stays with you long after you leave the trail and head home.

Buen Camino

Jim Clem

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Vittoriosa - Malta Holidays And Housing Within The Malta Hotel Milano Central Due

Flickr CC By Robert Pittman

by CAROL SIEN

Your Malta vacations wouldn't be perfect if you do not get to visit in Vittoriosa. The town of Vittoriosa has simply more than four thousand population and is considered as second in the positions of the oldest towns in Malta. The first name of the town should you look for Malta hotel milano central within the region is Birgu, which the name the town bore within the days just before the Great Siege. Numerous visitors who invest Malta holidays in Vittoriosa accomplish this to be able to view the great architectural structures within the region.

Among the architectural and historic structures which you would see in the town when you go out of your accommodation in Malta are the ruins of the Roman temples which now overlaid the temples that were built by the Phoenicians. The old town of Birgu really became the Headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. John before it moved the headquarters of Mdina. Sometime in 1841, a Naval Bakery was assembled by the Knights of St. John in the place which was in service for 100 years until it was converted to a Maritime Museum in 1992 which is really a ideal tour destination for Malta holidays.

From your accommodation in Malta, you would be amazed to view the educational displays within the Maritime Museum which houses the various areas of the maritime history of the Maltese archipelago. One of the excellent hotels in Malta to stay could be the hotel milano central Due which is just a three star resort. The resort is ideally situated and can be conveniently located to other Malta vacations including the Sliema sites, the historic city and capital of Valletta. Also in the hotel, you'd have the ability to go to the Yacht Marina and buy your needs as do your commercial transactions within the commercial centers of Sliema which is only minutes away from this Malta resort.

The single thing is the fact that you can't except to have in this Malta hotel milano is an internet connection and be wired to attend to your own organization transaction inside. Likewise, you're not also recommended to make your pets within this accommodation in Malta because pets are positively banned.

The best things about this Malta hotel is that it also offers a seaside view and is conveniently located to other activity centers in Malta such as the dining establishments, the malls, the pubs and other business centers. This Malta hotel is, in addition, friendly for families who want to spend Malta holidays and have kids with them and no-deposit will be charge upon your entry. One of the outstanding packages in resorts in Malta including the Hotel Milano Due is that the children under a couple of years-old are free of charge even when they use extra bedding. In Addition, the cancellation policy of the organization is sensible because the company wouldn't charge you for a fee in case you are able to call off the booking simply one day prior to your arrival. There is also an excellent residential area around this Malta hotel should you find joy to find a permanent location in Malta to dwell Web Site.


via Amazine

MALTA - THE BRITISH HIDEOUT

Flickr CC Terry Kearney

by MICHAEL MIFSUD


The legendary islands of St. Paul.

Rarely does anything get talked about in the Mediterranean without a mention of the old jewel of the British Crown - the fascinatingly mysterious group of Islands we call Malta and the irascible Maltese. Whilst colonialism never sat very comfortably on the shoulders of the Maltese people throughout its turbulent history, the people without doubt think affectionately of the British days and in particular express its regard for the Crown that once met their gaze with equal satisfaction. Despite much of the scurrilous attacks on British Imperialism, like the Romans, the British occupiers of most of the Commonwealth left a legacy of law, communication and security which unfortunately with subsequent retrograde political changes have in some places, been irretrievably eroded.

Like ancient Rome did in its day, the British left behind strengthened institutional structures which, as always, served the purpose of the rapidly evolving people left behind. In India, the English language turned a classical Babel into a cohesive mold that paved the way without doubt to Ghandi himself (now affectionately honoured in Westminster Square) and a future, the brilliance of which, is yet to be seen. Much of this has to do with the subsequent acceptance of very large numbers of Indian nationals (original India - now divided into three separate countries) into the United Kingdom over a long period of time and who now form an important and structural communication system with the mother country. As a result, it even goes about that Queen Elizabeth 11 is still their Queen - as she still is of the lucky Commonwealth.

In Malta the language incredibly blended with the base Phoenician, together with Italian among other sources, has created the sing song phraseology so musical and exclusive to the Maltese. English, spoken by all the inhabitants, has turned into the anchor which the Islanders needed to expand and reach their international goals. 

The Maltese archipelago is a member of the European Union and its future stability is not only secured, but set to be a major base for all North African and Middle Eastern enterprise of the future. The politicians of the islands in the main come from good solid backgrounds and appear to know what they want for the people even in perhaps the true significance of the geographic setting is still to sink in. Falcon is the word and good eyesight is its attribute. 

Flickr CC By Berit Watkin

Maltese ancient history is reflected in its language with a broad base of Phoenician words common to the Arab world lending to its original interests in places like Tunisia and Algeria. The Romanized phonetics catch the curious Middle Easterners by surprise since the Arab sense only becomes apparent when the words are pronounced. 

Many words, phrases and idioms are identical to both peoples and some, a version of. Most Arabs feel at home in a country that reflects its ancient culture despite the strong Catholicism of the place. The Grand Harbour of Valletta, the capital in the Island of Malta , is probably one of the most imposing entries into any country. 

The Templars were there briefly but chose to make Cyprus their home instead, to the chagrin of Richard the Lionheart who lost his crown for his Templar exploits and zest for adventure. Richard because of his Royal heritage was unable to reach for the leadership of the Order, but still became a predominant figure in its history. 

The islands, apart from the enormous medieaval architectural legacy, also boasts mysterious prehistoric settlements that defy explanation but which point as most of them to Celtic druidic origins on the once great religion that was born in Egypt long before the great days of the legendary Pharoahs. It is also the island where the arm of the Disciple of the converted Paul, the undisputed pillar of Roman Catholicism who was shipwrecked there, is kept in all its glory and escorted by military cohorts over land and sea when displayed abroad.

Flickr CC Nick Ribaudo

Successful inopportune invasion

But that is not all. Malta resisted invasion throughout its history, although its sovereignty was assumed by the Knights Hospitallers who turned it from the 12th. to the 19th. into their international sovereign State. The knights having turned away from their Jerusalem base in retreat, subsequently became The Knights of Malta. 

Napoleon put an end to that at the start of the 19th.century but having lost it to the British in 1815, it remained under British rule for well over a century. Since the Islands´ independance from Britain after the second world war, the people of Malta have run themselves with the blood and fervor of a variety of ethnic friendly settlers in their veins, not to mention British during the occupation. T

he Ottoman conquerors gave up on their quest for these strategic group of islands, although they established bases in most of the North African shores alongside the Corsair state of Algeria.

The Knights of Malta whose relics still impress the world with its majestic architectural examples in Valletta - the capital - and in the harbour especially, left for The Vatican, where the Grand Master now has his sovereign base. Well anchored in Roman Catholicism, this incredible institution which taught the world the Oriental art of the care of the ill and wounded, continues with its elite high powered membership of the most influential nobles of the world to serve modern and peace associated purposes.

Flickr CC By Juan Llanos

The British retired in the main and seeking their Florida, have looked towards Malta as the ultimate in consideration with security and affection as a main objective. In former days of colonial Britain many of these senior citizens were of a highly cultured background and often made substantial contributions locally in the cultural and social scene. 

The British, lovers of fancy dress, fetes and garden parties were often engaged in charitable causes which were well attended by most of the locals of the diverse colonial outposts. Lamentably, with the retreat of the reluctant British veneer in times of transition, many of the colourful and immensely sociable events disappeared from the local calendars. 

Today, with residential tourism on the increase and the current reappraisal of habitual places that no longer offer any of the criteria necessary for choice, Malta becomes a star of great attraction. History, social activity, English language and warmth which surrounds these shores most of the year, make it a choice for the future - for the elegant and educated. 

For these, little is left of what once was a vast panorama of great natural beauty and food for the soul of a people who sought adventure and colour to spike the days of waning life.


via Amazine

Basically the Most Underrated Travel Location in Europe- Malta

Flickr CC By Robert Pittman 

by JIM O'CONNELL


Of all the places which I visited within Europe the one that I'd call the most overlooked is the tiny country of Malta. Most Americans most likely don't know much of this tiny island nation, but if you have a chance to visit this nation in the Mediterranean I will almost guarantee you'll find it an outstanding experience. The reason is because of its critical location and ideal harbors it's for ages been sought after and battled for by almost every Mediterranean power dating back to the Phoenicians.

Over the centuries the island has long been under control of eight major superpowers. It would probably not come as a surprise, then that as you tour Malta you'd be aware of the influence of several of these great cultures. One of the initial things I observed was the language. There are a couple of official languages, Maltese as well as English, and essentially every one of the locals there speaks English effortlessly. But to me the Maltese language appeared to be much like Arabic, even as almost all of the population is Roman Catholic.

An additional impression that I got was the hot, dry weather conditions. I was there in October and although there was modest greenery to be found, it's rough, rocky terrain and large seaside cliffs above the Mediterranean made it incredibly beautiful. Possibly the ideal way to see Malta is on their hop-on hop-off vehicles, which run in a couple of loops, one covering the north as well as the other south regions of the main island. Malta is made up of three inhabited islands, but much of its past is located in Valletta and also the ancient capital of Mdina.

Probably the most historical part of this significant country is the capital and largest city, Valletta. The large fortifications for this downtown area had been constructed in the late 1500s by the Knights of Malta after they had survived the siege by the Ottoman Empire. Those stonewalled buttresses withstood heavy bombing within the Second World War at the time the Germans unsuccessfully attempted to capture it. Valletta is rather compacted therefore the region you will have to include to see lot isn't large.

These days one of the most preferred places to stay for travelers, and also where there are also plenty of business meetings will be the attractive seaside village called Bugibba. It is north from Valletta along the coastline about four or five miles. Now Malta is an autonomous nation, getting its independence from United Kingdom in 1964. This is actually a highly regarded vacation spot with Europeans, and if more Americans knew in regards to this overlooked tourist destination they would be flocking there, too.

These are a few ways to save on train travel. It takes a bit of effort, but that effort can pay off in substantial savings if you choose to travel by car, train, or airplane. For additional tips to help you save money when planning your vacation, visit http://bestvacationeurope.com/tips-for-airline-travel/ for a wide range of travel ideas. 


Jim O'Connell is a writer and travel enthusiast.


via Amazine

Why rent a car in Malta

Flickr CC By John Haslam

by FABIOLA GROSHAN

Malta is an enchanting country that is situated in the Mediterranean Sea, being widely recognized as a real tourist attraction. Many, many people make a habit out of visiting this country, as Malta has much to offer. 

Unlike other counties, Malta can offer tourists the chance to have a warm, sunny holiday, as well as do a bit of sightseeing. If you have not yet had the chance to take a trip to Malta, then what will follow may interest you greatly. 

A lovely blend of many cultures, the architecture in this country speaks for its self. Malta can provide tourists with an impressive number of artifacts that should be on any traveler’s wish list. 

If you really want to know this country and honestly say that you have Malta, then you might want to consider renting a car. Many tourists who have already been here, all agree that deciding to rent a car in Malta was the best choice they made.

Flickr CC By Berit Watkin

As mentioned in the beginning, Malta lies in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, so for this reason, spend a few days enjoying the beaches in this country. One of the most famous places in this country is definitely Ramla Bay, in Gozo. The red sand that covers this beach draws tourists like a magnet, being highly visited year after year. 

A good idea would be to take the time and spend a few hours on the Praradise Bay beach in Mellieha. You can use public transportation, if you can’t find a Malta car rental service, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to get there by foot. 

Once you are done relaxing, you might want to visit the Tarxien Temples. These are truly impressive and it comes as no surprise that the temples are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The Tarxien Temples date from 3150 BC, attesting the existence of an ancient culture on this island. Additionally, if you arrived at these temples, then you could visit Mdina, which is Malta’s old capital.

If you have arrived in Malta, you simply have to see the Mosta Dome. Of an impressive size, this dome is considered to the third largest dome in Europe and in the world, it occupies the ninth position. 

Flickr CC By Al

Tourists should not forget the nightlife, as Malta is known for being a point of attraction in this regard. Names like Tiesto, Paul Oakefold, Van Heill, Magda, all have entertained tourists with their music. There is an entire list of clubs, from which you can choose. 

So, if you are like getting to know the nightlife of a foreign country, you might want to consider getting a few details on this topic. According to enthusiasts, Pacevilla is a great place to be if you are into club music. 

Malta truly is an enchanting country, with many, many things to see. If you are planning your summer holiday, then you might want to consider this country as you won’t be disappointed. Also, if you want to make the best of your time spent here, then you might want to consider transportation, as well.


via Amazine

Discover the most pristine beaches in Malta

Flickr CC By Simon

by FABIOLA GROSHAN

The tiny Republic of Malta is one of the most beautiful places in the world and can definitely be considered a gem of the Mediterranean Sea. Millions and millions of tourists make their way every year to this little Paradise in the middle of the sea in the search for the most rugged and unspoiled beaches that they have ever seen. 

As a matter of fact, with the addition of travelers and business tourists that come every year, the entire population of the country is tripled in comparison to those that reside in the Republic all year round. Owing to this fact and keeping in mind the rocky construction of the terrain in Malta, there are many changes that have been done by the officials in order to facilitate transport through the islands and ensure that all the visitors make their way along the shores with no problems or trouble from their part. 

Hence, long stretches of road have been built and they can even cover the entire exterior area of the island so that you can see all of the amazing shoreline views from the comfort of your own car.

But what happens if you are a traveler coming from a far distance and did not have the possibility to bring your own ride along? Remember that Malta is an island country and there is no other link to the European or African continent than by sea or air, so coming with a car can prove to be challenging, if not impossible. 

Flickr CC By Juan Llanos

In this situation, you can trustfully use one of the firms that offer car rental in Malta. This industry of giving away cars as a temporary measure for those who want to travel in comfort has thrived and flourished in this small archipelagos, where the distances are just large enough to make them out of reach by foot and small enough to make a twenty or thirty minute car ride to the beach a pleasant and breathtaking experience. 

Especially families that travel with small kids will enjoy the perks of having a personal vehicle where they can store all of the important elements needed for travel, such as change of dippers, clothes for the evening, safety kits and plenty of large sized beach toys, water mattresses and kids’ buoys.

This can also be handy for large groups of friends or even smaller ones that need specific beach gear or simply want to feel the freedom of stopping whenever and wherever they want along the way to enjoy a captivating view from above, above meaning the high shores and rocks that make the Maltese shoreline to be extremely tall in comparison to the sea.

Flickr CC By John Haslam

A car hire in Malta is also a great idea if you want to visit some of the impressive sights and touristic spots that the islands have to offer. On the main and largest island, called Malta, you can see the Dingli radar and Dingli Cliffs, which is the highest point of the country and offers impressive views for romantic lovers or couples to gaze at. 

If you want, you can even take your car and travel with it to the nearby island of Gozo, where more impressive Mediterranean architecture and landmarks can be found. You can even tour around Gozo and make your way to the Comino Island, the third in size and last inhabited island of the archipelagos, where the famous Count of Monte Cristo movie was shot. 

There is practically nothing that you cannot do or see with the help of a personal car rented in Malta from a reliable source. This method of travelling will totally transform the way you see the gorgeous Republic of Malta.

via Amazine

Discover The Earth In One Fun Place

Benidorm (CC Pixabay)

By: Larry Austin

Touted as being a veritable “Manhattan”, Benidorm does offer a cornucopia of attractions and events for tourists to experience. Home to a rich heritage and culture that draws much from the Romans and Phoenicians, Benidorm does provide far more than just ancient ruins. There is much to experience with regard to numerous festivals and events that take place every month in this paradise. Yet there are also many theme parks such as the Tera Natura Park which draws heavily from four continents of the globe. This locale has in a matter of words, become in its own right a much loved and well respected attractions adored by a diverse set of crowds.

Catering even to the young at heart, the Tera Natura Park offers much in the way of knowledge and experience. As many would suggest, if one wants to view the rest of the world, go to the Tera Natura Park. This statement serves to be a true fact since the many attractions and sights that are present in this destination are faultless replicas of elements of culture from America, Europe, Asia and Pangea. Visitors can easily view and experience various civilizations such as the Mayas, the ancient ruins of the Greeks, the village of Kalicameni and even indulge in a variety of cuisines that are representative of these continents.

Benidorm (CC Pixabay)

Travelling to the Tera Natura Park is a convenient matter, since there are many transport options available from your hotel or Apartment in Benidorm to this choice theme park. The infrastructure of this theme park is generous in size and is superlative when it comes to the standard of quality that it adheres to. Covering in excess of 30 hectares, the Tera Natura Park boasts over a thousand animals representing 200 species. As mentioned, this theme park covers four continents. There is Pangea which is a world that is dominated by fiery images of fire and sienna. Pangea is in fact the first world, or it represents the origin of the world. From this point onwards, the traveller of visitor traverses a dream journey or in foreign speak “el viaje soñado”.

From this juncture, the traveller is taken to Europe via a Mediterranean forest. Drawing inspiration from Santorini, tourists can view Kalicameni which is a quaint Greek village. There are over 700 metres worth of water slides that tourists can indulge themselves in. From this point, visitors are taken to Namastepur which draws much inspiration from Rajastan. This part is certainly a worth a visit and the sights and smells of this continent would make any tourist easily sacrifice the cosiness of his or her Benidorm Apartment for this unique adventure. The Asian part of this odyssey promises mammals, reptiles and forests not to mention that visitors do indeed come in contact with a variety of exotic animals such as elephants, rhinos, tigers and crocodiles.

Terra Natura Park (CC Pixabay)

Then finally there is America. This part is represented by Antigua and Granada and features the Maya civilization and various rituals such as that of the “flying stick”. In this incredible theme park there are also many shops, restaurants and educational shows that really does bring to reality the various elements of different civilizations. All in all, the Tera Natura Park does constitute an experience like no other. Promising to do the impossible, this theme park offers culture, natural, history and leisure all in one go. It truly does promise to put the word “fun” into your vacation. Not only will the children love it, but this is one theme park which will no doubt put a grin even on the faces of adults.

To make your vacation truly comprehensive and fun, the best place to visit in Benidorm is the Tera Natura Park. Not only is t conveniently located to many of the hotels and apartments in Benidorm, but it also assures any visitor the best time of his or her life. Having spent in excess of 54 million Euros, there is no doubt that the Tera Natura Park does offer a superlative experience like no other.


Via Expert Article

Malta Attracts Hundreds of Thousands of Tourists each year

CC Pixabay

By: Luciano Borg

The Maltese Islands are made up of 2 densely inhabited islands, Malta and Gozo, a small island called Comino, which hosts a large exotic tourist resort, a smaller uninhabited island called Cominetto, and a large rock called Filfla.

Right in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, the Maltese Islands are a paradise for sea lovers. Kilometres of sandy and rocky beaches are easily accessible, making it the perfect venue for those who are looking for a beach holiday, where they can relax in the sun, swim in crystal-clear safe blue seas, walk along promenades and enjoy good food and accommodation at reasonable prices.

An island is always dependent on the sea, and Malta is lucky to have so many advantages in this regard. With beautiful warm climate during most of the year, tourists come to Malta to enjoy the sea even in winter, when days can sometimes turn out to be warmer than it could ever get in Northern England or Italy during summer.

CC Pixabay

Among the hundreds of thousands of tourists who flock each year to this Mediterranean, Island Paradise are many yachting enthusiasts. Malta boasts of many Yacht Marinas that are fully equipped to cater for all types of vessels, from small yachts to luxury yachts and super yachts.

Many are those who chose to stop in Malta to enjoy the island while their yachts are being maintained and refurbished. The Maltese yachting companies are proud of their workmanship that dates back to the years of the British rule, when the Malta Dockyards were one of the pedestals of the British Navy in southern Europe.

The Maltese towns and cities blend into each other, so you hardly know when you have left one village an entered another, were it not for the “Welcome to our Village” signs put up by local councils to show their boundaries.

CC Pixabay

The Maltese islands are very densely populated.  Presently the Maltese population amounts to around 400 thousand. By international standards Malta is so small it’s just like a very small city.  

There are 67 villages that have a local council; 53 in Malta and 14 in Gozo.

Although closely knit together, some villages have very distinct and pleasant features. The older villages have a baroque church built in the centre. Many Parish Churches occupy a central and dominant position in the structure of old villages such as Mosta, Zabbar, Zejtun, Ghaxaq, Tarxien, Gudja, Dingli, Cospicua, Senglea, and too many to name.

This is clear evidence of the great devotion that the Maltese people have always had for the Roman Catholic Religion and the important place religion is still given in the Maltese people’s everyday life.

CC Pixabay

Many historic buildings boast a baroque style of architecture, which was predominant after the Renaissance in Malta. Some of the most magnificent palaces and auberges built by the Knights of St John are today used by the elite, such as the Presidential Palace, the Parliamentary Palace, the Prime Minister’s Palace, Foreign Ministries, etc.

In the towns and villages, the old parish churches’ baroque architecture deeply contrasts with the flat and plain roof tops of the other buildings. The village architecture is reminiscent of buildings in countries such as North African, where the climate and weather is similar.

via Expert Articles

How To Save The Most Money On Domestic Travel

By Matthew Lee

Shopping around for the greatest discounts on airfare and hotels is not the only way to save money on domestic travel. In order to truly control your spending on these jaunts, you have to account for the many hidden expenses that traveling can entail. The following are several ways to keep more cash in your pocket while still having a good time.

Instead of packing up every item that you think you might want to wear on your trip, pack light. With less to carry, you won't have to pay the high costs of having your bags checked. Instead, you can carry everything right onto the plane. If you need more clothes, you can always go shopping or you can take advantage of the laundry room at your hotel.

Eat a decent meal before heading out and pack a light snack that you can carry onto the plane with you. The costs of airport food are exceedingly high and few people find the quality to be in line with their expectations. Check out the official website of the airline that you're flying with in order to determine which carry-on foods are permissible. More often than no, small packs of dry goods like nuts, potato chips and granola bars are allowed.

Book reservations at a hotel that can assist with your itinerary planning and that has on-site shuttles that you can use as need. This could eliminate the need to rent a car. It will also keep you from dealing with the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads, finding a place to park and getting accurate directions.

It is also beneficial to pay a bit more in order to stay in a hotel that has many of the features and amenities you want. This is better than paying a number of secondary companies to access things that are necessary for your trip. A hotel that serves breakfast each morning will spare you the costs of having to dine out three times per day. Establishments with in-house, workout facilities on site will help you keep your fitness plan on track without having to buy punch cards at a local gym.

Rather than parking at the airport, take your car to a domestic airport parking service. The rates that these companies maintain tend to be significantly cheaper. Moreover, they have onsite shuttle services that can get you to and from the airport during your departure and arrival. With their help, you can ensure that your next journey is both low in cost and hassle-free.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9340053

Free Accommodation World-Wide

By Elna Pieterse

My first article is something that is very close to my heart. I used to think that everyone must know about this by now, but people always tend to listen wide-eyed when I relate my experiences.

I remember the day I was reading an article in an In-flight magazine on the way to Johannesburg my life has never been the same since, and I love sharing my secret with you today.

We have traveled for the last 7 years in a way that I never dreamed possible before - Home Exchange!

If you are South African like me, your first question might be - "is it safe?" Of course, there are never any guarantees in life, but in all the years we have done this, I never had any reasons to feel alarmed in any way. In fact, we have made so many dear friends in places we would otherwise never have been to before.

If you love to explore and experience the heart of the place, the people, the local cuisine and atmosphere, this is what you need to do! Getting to those places where you can rub shoulders with the locals, is where the true experience begins.

It works best if you have a second/holiday home to put up for exchange. That way you are able to do non-simultaneous exchanges where both parties are able to visit in summer, for instance. Being in South Africa, it means we are always in the opposite season than Europe and the USA.

If you have to exchange your primary residence, don't despair, there are always the shoulder seasons or local exchanges. Or how would you feel about a white Christmas, or a skiing holiday in the Alps?

The beauty is that no place is too big or too small to qualify. Even a studio flat, like the one where we stayed in Zurich, will attract interest.

This also means that you could take the whole family when you find a big enough place, and it is not necessary to trade size for size - there are many different reasons people travel and you are sure to find the perfect exchange partner.

The best way I found to do this is through http://www.homeforexchange.com. There are many websites offering the idea, but this one is superior to all of them, with over 10 000 houses to choose from, worldwide.

The way it works is to decide where you want to go and start contacting people to see if they are interested in visiting your area. Sometimes it takes quite a few tries before you hit the jackpot. But some of the popular cities like Paris and New York, for example, have loads to choose from and you are bound to find a suitable exchange.

For the senior travelers, with more time on hand, the special deal is to do long-term exchanges with a similar couple. Really, your biggest expense is the flights. Once you are there, it's not going to change much to your budget if you stay for a week or a month! You have to eat anyway! Many of the senior exchangers are interested in long-term exchanges, so now's the time to make those dreams come true...

This, of course, has no age restrictions, and you can even do that with your toddlers. Just look out for a similar family, and the kids would have loads of new toys to keep them busy for the holiday.

You need to be prepared to be a little flexible, though. This is more or less like buying a second-hand car - you might have to search for the right deal and take what is available, instead of walking into the nearest dealer and order the exact model and color you prefer.

BENEFITS

The first and obvious benefit here is to be able to stay for free, chopping thousands off your budget. Often, there is a possibility of exchanging cars as well, saving you another big expense!

The second, for me a biggie, is to be able to really experience the place like a local. Going to shop and eat where the locals do, and not the over commercialized tourist traps; meeting the people. This is something that you will never be able to experience, staying in fancy hotels or resorts.

Another great benefit is that you have a local guide on the other side, ready to help you with any kind of questions, planning, and tips of what to see and do. Imagine on your side, the benefits for your guests to have your knowledge of the local area. No hotel employee will take the time to give you that!

We have done Home Exchanges in Swakopmund/Windhoek, Cape Town, Paris, Scotland (2), Italy, Zurich, Bern and the Swiss Alps, Germany, The Netherlands and the beautiful Gent in Belgium. Coming up in June, are two exchanges in Italy and Ireland!

Feel free to contact me with any questions, I'll be happy to help where I can. Happy traveling! For more on this, visit my blog [http://www.maturetravellerdiscount.com]



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9040495

Inexpensive Methods to Travel the World

By : W Kyle Flowers

Many people dream about being able to someday retire and travel the world. There are also a growing number of people who are considering career breaks and time after school to travel extensively. A top concern and deterrent of these individuals is the cost of travel. This article will outline the several ways to save on transportation costs to allow discounted travel around the world.

Know your top destinations, but be flexible. Making a list of top destinations is an excellent outline for a travel plan, but keeping flexibility on how and when you arrive there is a key to budget travel.

• Airlines use specific airport hubs to connect flights to other destinations. Searching for direct flights both in and out of these locations can save significant amounts of money on tickets. It also often allows for time to explore the area around these hubs between flights.

• Start at an end destination and work your way back. Look at a top destination's airport website and look at all inbound and outbound flights. This will give you information on which hubs service these locations most often, and other possible destinations of interest you can use as a connection.

Time is your friend. Long-term travel requires considerable planning with as much notice as possible.

• Taking time to research destinations is key to affordable pricing. Traveling to destinations during popular events will cost more than during non-peak times. Researching all forms of transportation are key: South America, and Asia offer luxury buses that are often cheaper and more comfortable than flights, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean can be cheaper on a cruise than by a flight once lodging and meals are factored in.

• Having flexibility in time of travel is a significant source of savings. Searching tickets over a month time-frame will allow for the cheapest options. Additional flexibility in travel time, and not being rushed to your destination will also allow for multiple connections and long layovers, the cheapest tickets usually available.

• Many cruise lines and some airlines offer a best price guarantee but do not advertise it. Booking well in advance and routinely checking back for drops in ticket prices gives you the opportunity to contact the company and request they match their current price. If they will not match the price often companies will provide you with a credit of the difference in price to use on future travel.

Use technology to your advantage. The Internet is the best tool for planning, searching, and booking cheap travel.

• Many search engines allow for you to search multiple airlines over multiple dates to find the lowest prices.

• Checking directly with the airline, cruise line, or bus company and not through a travel agent will give a comparison for all other prices. Signing up for the travel company's newsletters and loyalty groups will often provide you with first access to special pricing.

• Following travel companies and travel groups on social media provides direct access to immediate news and specials. Travel groups often post glitches in booking software and most travel companies repair these in minutes. Followers that are able to book during the window of glitches are usually allowed to keep their prices. Travel companies occasionally offer followers discounts and travel credits for public feedback on social media.

• Use the booking company's currency conversion. Changing the booking to multiple currencies can provide significant savings. Often changing currency in software assumes you are in a poorer region and provides discounted pricing. A quick search engine lookup will provide you with an accurate conversion, and a global credit card with no international fees is best for purchase.

Planning well in advance, keeping flexible travel times, and using technology to your advantage can allow you to follow your dreams and travel the world at an affordable price!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9330548