All Things Alceste

Key Travel Tips Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint. Before you go to the Airport .Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport. .Place valuables such as jewelry, money & laptop computers in carry-on baggage only. .Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop. .Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry & accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector. .Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. lots of types of footwear will need additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm. .Put all undeveloped film & cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film. .Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline & place them in your checked baggage. .If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock. .Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport. .Do not pack wrapped gifts & do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons. While at the Airport Each adult traveler needs to keep obtainable his/her airline boarding pass & government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at lots of airports you will be required to display these documents over two times. .Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint: oMobile phones oKeys oLoose modify oMoney clips oPDA’s (personal data assistants) oLarge amounts of jewelry oMetal hair decorations oLarge belt buckles .Take your laptop & video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases & place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint. .Take OFF all outer coats, suit coats, jackets & blazers.

If you travel frequently to the same destination it may be wise to purchase a larger sum of money dependent on the current currency exchange rates.

The rates can fluctuate and if you become aware of a favorable rate it is a good investment to purchase more money at that time.

If you’re planning on traveling to another country you’ll find yourself wondering about current currency exchange rates. It’s important to know how far your dollars will go when you get to your destination.

You simply need to conduct a search looking for current currency exchange rates. Once you’ve chosen a site the rest is very easy.

You put in the amount that you’d liked converted and then choose the country whose currency you have and the country whose currency you want to.

These sites have the current currency exchange rates and you’ll see exactly what your money is worth.

It can also be confusing if you try to exchange money at a financial institution in the country you are visiting. Although most foreign banks have English speaking associates who will explain the current currency exchange rates to you, some don’t.

If this is the case and you don’t speak the language of the country you are visiting it can be frustrating exchanging your money there.

One method of finding out current currency exchange rates is to visit your local bank. They will have the most up to date rates. Your bank can also exchange your money for you prior to your trip.

Many banks also offer this service over the phone. They will quote the current currency exchange rates in messages that are recorded daily. The bank’s customer simply calls an automated system and can listen to the current currency exchange rates at their convenience.

Many of these types of vendors actually charge a significant service fee for this. Therefore although the current currency exchange rates may be favorable the service fee could make your trip more expensive than you had planned.

Many people wait until they arrive in their destination country before exchanging their money. In many airports there are vendors who will do this for you. Although this is a very convenient method of exchanging money it can also be costly.

If you are traveling sometime in the future and want to ensure that you get the best value for your dollar you can check out current currency exchange rates on the internet. There are several websites that offer this information for free.

With shores on two oceans, Mexico is a beach lover’s paradise. Here’s a primer on three of the beach areas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada

Puerto Vallarta

Considered a poor man’s Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta lies in the middle of the Bahia de Banderas, a huge bay. The beach is long and nice while the two lies at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The last ten years have seen a lot of development with condos, hotels and tourist support areas going up like mad. This isn’t particularly surprising since tourism seems to be the hub of the entire economy in Puerto Vallarta.

For beaches, you really can’t go wrong in Puerto Vallarta. The northern beaches tend to be the most popular, which also means more people. Personally, I’ve headed to the south to find a little more breathing room. For gay travelers, Puerto Vallarta is considered the most accommodating beach location in an otherwise conservative Mexico.

Ensenada

Located a few hours south of the border with San Diego, Ensenada is a popular weekend trip. Sitting on the bay of Todos Santos, Ensenada is famous for a vibrant nightlife, nice beaches and being the location where much of the movie “Titanic” was shot.

Historically, Ensenada used to be a secret location known to San Diegans. Then the Mexican government built a smooth highway from Tijuana through Ensenada. So much for the secret!

Today, Ensenada is a good place to go if you want to experience Mexico, but want to avoid the packed, edgy Tijuana scene. In Ensenada, you can ride horses on the beach, do some surfing and visit world famous bars. The most famous, of course, is Hussongs. Hussongs is the place where you can “sample” tequila and sing with Mariachi bands. The two have nothing to do with each other. Honest.

Everyone has a favorite beach spot in Mexico. Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta aren’t bad places to sample.

Holiday rental in France doesn’t have to be all about the main cities of Paris or Versailles. You can find just as many enticing – and satisfying – cities along the French Riviera to enjoy with family or for a romantic south France getaway for UK travelers.

The French Riviera is located in south France on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Italy and flows from Cassis to Menton. It is also one of the most popular resort beaches in the world, hosting many movie stars each year. Some cities along or near the French Riviera include Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Monaco, Vence, Toulon, Cassis, Saint-Raphael, Menton, Monte Carlo, Juan-les-Pins, and Grasse.

The French Riviera has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and abundant sunshine about 300 days per year. Many festivities are held in the area each year such as the Monaco Circus Festival (January/February), the Nice Carnival (February), the Lemon Festival in Menton (February), the Jazz Festival in Nice (July), the Juan-les-Pins Jazz Festival (July), the Jasmine Festival in Grasse (August), and the Rose Festival in Grasse (May).

French Riviera Sea and Mountains

Many tourists enjoy French Riviera rental cruises for relaxation, romance, and even recreation such as golf holiday cruises. There are several major ports including those in Cannes, Nice, and Villefranche-sur-Mer and many choices of adventures throughout the year. The French Riviera coast stretches about 120 kilometers with famous resorts, sandy beaches, islands, glistening night lights, and a variety of sea sports.

The French Riviera attracts mountain lovers each year with its Alpes d’Azur. The snow-covered peeks can be seen from the French Riviera, and ski resorts are within only a 90-minute drive from Nice. The mountains are great for a day France trip for travelers that are visiting the French Riviera and surrounding areas. Activities in the mountains include sightseeing of beautiful landscapes and many leisurely activities such as hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, fishing, white water rafting, and more.

Golf Holiday in France

Those who love to golf will find plenty of fabulous courses during their French Riviera holiday. South France holidays and rentals offer the most amazing golf packages with some of the most popular golf courses. Travelers can stay in any city such as Nice, Vence, or Cannes and visit numerous golf courses in these areas. Or, French Riviera golf cruises can take golfers from city to city to see the scenery and try out a new course every day. There are about 21 courses along the French Riviera with four in the mountainous areas, each designed by world-renowned golf course architects.

With museums, parks and gardens, historical towns and villages, and numerous coastal attractions, there’s something for the entire family to do along the French Riviera. Those considering a holiday rental in France will find plenty of adventures in one of the amazing cities along the French Riviera. Check out online resources to locate specific Provence accommodations or any France holiday accommodations at affordable prices.

Beth Collingz, International Marketing Director of PLC Global an internet based sales and marketing company and lead marketing partners with Pacific Concord Properties, Inc., for the Lancaster Brand of Condotels in the Philippines, recently announced the company has acquired by purchase an additional 27 units in its Lancaster Cebu Condotel adding another 75M pesos to its project inventory and expansion. This brings the number of properties held in the development to 75 suites with another 120 units to be added before year end for Condo Hotel rental operations.

Property is all about LOCATION said Collingz. Mactan, Cebu, provides one with both the laid back pace of provincial living, as well as prerequisites of the urban dweller. Schools, hospitals, restaurants, shopping malls, and leisure are all found on the island itself.

Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences, located a mere 3 minutes from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, provides you with easy access to all the essentials of urban living. This ideal location will complement the Condotel operation since Lancaster Cebu will function as a condominium hotel a preferred accommodation choice of businessmen and holiday travelers alike. Clients can either purchase Condotel Suites for investment purposes or lease the units on weekly, monthly or yearly basis. We have Fully Furnished Executive Studio Suite and Two-Bedroom Suites available at Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences at Pre-Increase Prices that will be Ready For Occupancy from September 2007 at the current price said Collingz.

Fully furnished Studio Suites are priced at -Pph-2,753,924.06 and may be purchased with initial Reservation Fee -Pph-100,000.00 Balance Payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments of -Pph-110,580.17 [Tax Inclusive]. Alternatively Save -Pph-106,156.96 by making Reservation [-Pph-100,000.00] then within 30 days 40% Net Down Payment of -Pph-955,412.70 with resulting Balance payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments -Pph-66,348.10. Another option, Pay Cash and take 10% discount [Save -Pph-275,392.40] Pay the Reservation Now [-Pph-100,000.00] and the Cash Balance within 30 days [-Pph-2,378,531.66] for an Effective Total Cash Price of -Pph-2,478,531.66. This Suite many also be purchased on Five Year Payment Terms through our no qualification In-House Finance with 15% Down Payment.

Whilst, fully furnished 2 BR Loft Type Suites are priced at -Pph-5,467,004.14 and may also be purchased with an initial Reservation Fee of only -Pph-100,000.00 with the Balance Payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments of -Pph-223,625.18 Tax Inclusive. Alternatively Save -Pph-214,680.16 by making the Reservation -Pph-100,000.00 then within 30 days 40% Net Down Payment of -Pph-1,932,121.50 and resulting Balance payable without interest over 24 consecutive equal monthly payments Pph-134,175.10. Another option, Pay Cash take 10% discount [Save -Pph-546,700.41] Pay the Reservation Now [-Pph-100,000.00] and Balance within 30 days [-Pph-4,820,303.73] for an Effective Total Cash Price of -Pph-4,920,303.73. These Two Bedroom Fully Furnished Suites many also be purchased on Five Year Payment Terms through our no qualification In-House Finance Available with 15% Down Payment.

Collingz said Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences is also offering Studio and 2-Bedroom Fully Furnished Ready for Occupancy Suites on daily, weekly, monthly or yearly lease rental terms. Whilst some renovation works are still ongoing within the complex, unit rentals are now available to guests at ‘Special Promo Rates’.

Cebu City is the acknowledged gateway and Queen City of the South. Cebu is the most important trading and commercial hub outside of Metro Manila. Mactan Cebu International Airport assures the arrival of a steady stream of international flights from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Kota Kinabalu, Seoul and Qatar. There are also chartered flights from Incheon, Taipei, Kansai, Nagoya and Kiaoshung that arrive on a weekly basis. Cebu is identified by Asiaweek and Conde Nast Traveller as one of Asia’s Best Cities.

For those looking for the ultimate adventure vacation whether it is by one’s self or with one’s family, look no further then the beautiful and exotic country of Costa Rica, with its golden sand beaches, active volcanoes, lush dense rain and cloud forests, and amazing vibrant seaside towns. With something for everyone, this tiny Central American country has today become one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, with plenty to do and much to see.

Offering fantastic adventure vacations for one and all, Costa Rica combines a laidback lifestyle with stunning natural beauty and a friendly local Tico population to provide a truly memorable and unforgettable holiday. With an impressive wealth of national parks, which cover more than a quarter of the country’s land surface, Costa Rica provides adventure lover’s with a thrilling stage; hosting everything from mountain biking to white water rafting, and jungle treks to canopy and rappeling tours of the verdant forests here. For those who enjoy the ocean in all its glory, Costa Rica has some of the best surf breaks and swells in the world, with incredible snorkeling and underwater diving opportunities as well.

For those who enjoy endless meandering trials set amidst some of the most lush and magnificent forests, Costa Rica has some incredible hiking and trekking possibilities. Visit the beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park or take a hike in the wonderful Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja to become truly one with nature. However, if you prefer you can visit the secluded and remote jungles of the Corcovado National Park, which is home to the last remaining coastal Pacific rainforest.

White water river rafting and kayaking opportunities are also abound in Costa Rica. Kayak out in the open ocean or raft down the roaring rapids of the Rio’s Pacuare, Revenatzon and Naranjo for wild ride. But if surfing is your thing, then head on down to the fantastic beaches that Costa Rica has on offer. Visit the Salsa Brava, Ollie’s Point, Witches Rock, Pavones or Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas for some of the most superb surf breaks in the world.

To explore some of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous sceneries underwater, dive along the coast off Bahia Drake or Drake Bay or visit the lovely Isla del Caño, home to some of the most fabulous underwater and marine life in the country. Along the Guanacaste Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula excellent snorkeling opportunities can be found at Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal and Playa Hermosa. And if all this is not enough, try rappeling down some of Costa Rica’s beautiful waterfalls around the areas of Puerto Jimenez and Cabo Matapalo.

As you can see Costa Rica’s versatility not only extends to its landscape, but its fantastic adventure opportunities as well. So come on down to this gorgeous tropical country to experience Pura Vida or the ‘Pure Life’ and have the adventure of a lifetime!

So you know you’re going on vacation. You know you need to find a good hotel that isn’t going to break the bank. You figure that you can use the internet to find that perfect hotel choice, but what’s the best way to go about finding it online? Read on for some tips for making your online research most profitable.

In the first place, I am assuming you’ve chosen a destination for your vacation. Unless the price of the hotel will be one of the factors that will help you choose between two vacation alternatives, you’ll most likely know where you are going. With this information, you’ll want to start your search at one of the main search engines online. Your choices will be either Google, Yahoo or MSN.

The most basic hotel search you could do would be to enter your destination along with either the keyword hotel or motel. So if you are going to Orlando, Florida, you’d enter a search like ‘Orlando Florida Hotel’. This kind of search will give you a list of websites that either are hotels or are listing hotels worth checking out.

When making a search, it is important to be creative with your keyword selections. Instead of simply typing in something like ‘Orlando Florida Hotel’, you will want to try other combinations. One good way to get a quality list of hotels is to type in the name of some of the attractions you plan on visiting in the city you’ve chosen. To continue with our example of Orlando, you could use ‘Universal Studios Orlando Hotel’. This will help you to find listings that are near Universal Studios.

Don’t be afraid of using Hotel directories to help you scope out a good potential match. For our example city, using an Orlando hotel directory could yield just the right hotel for your needs. Many of these directories include either reviews and maps on their site or easy to find links to these kinds of resources.

Finally, when doing searches with a search engine, try to think of different ways you can say the same thing. Don’t just search for Orlando hotel but search for Orlando motel, Orlando accommodation, Orlando vacation spot and so on. Substitute your intended city destination for Orlando in these example.

Using these techniques and a little time to explore the hotel websites, there is no reason that you can’t find that perfect hotel at the price you expect.