The opening ceremony of the 2006 Football World Cup will be held in Munich on Friday 9th June 2006. The first game of the tournament will also be played in Munich, on the 9th of June at the newly built Munich stadium at Frttmaning.

Munich has much more to offer than Football:

Munich is the Capital of Bavaria, formally a kingdom in its own right. And some of the buildings and their styles still seem to reflect this, with palaces and architecture more appropriate to a capital than to the principal city of a federal state.

Known to travellers mainly for its world famous beer festival the Oktoberfest, Munich has many traditional German beer cellars where large amounts of the local beer are consumed in large pottery mug known as steins. These are often adorned with pictures of hunting scenes or large mustachioed men surprisingly(!) appearing to be drinking generous amounts of beer.

A good way to enjoy a cheap meal out is to buy food from one of the street vendors or pastry stands (that seem to be everywhere in Munich), and eat it in a beer garden. This is entirely acceptable to the establishments, as long as you are drinking their beer! And makes a good and cheap alternative to eating at a restaurant.

Munich is also the home of BMW the luxury car manufacturer and you will see a surprising amount of these on the streets. Possibly due to the fact, that they like to encourage their employees to drive the cars they make with large discount and incentives.

Munich is a university town and boasts a large and lively student population that adds to the party atmosphere of this lively and interesting city.

The travel infrastructure is very efficient (well it is Germany after all!). With the
S-Bahn (local and suburban trains), U-Bahn (underground trains), buses and trams all clean, well ordered and generally running on time.

Munich must see:

Deutsches Museum: A huge museum with extensive display areas, covering about 55,000 sq meters devoted to natural science and the history and application of technology. It also contains a large library with collections of modern and historic books related to the subject,

St. Michaels Church: Built by Duke William V, this beautifully decorated renaissance church is the final burial place of over 40 members of the Wittelsbacher Royal family. The church does not have a tower or spire. When it was being built the tower was destroyed and it was looked on as bad luck to rebuild it again.

Englischer Garten: The English Garden is one of the largest European city parks. It is a fascinating place for a day out and also a quick world tour, containing not only grounds laid out in a German interpretation of the English style, but also a Chinese pagoda, a Japanese tea house and a Greek temple!

Marienplatz: A large square at the heart of Munich. Its main attraction is the gothic town hall with its Glockenspiel. At 11am and 12 am every morning the bells ring and an automaton display high on the walls of the building depicts a jousting tournament, in honor of the wedding of Duke WilliamV followed by a medieval dance.

The Olympic Park: Built for the 1972 Olympics it has many attractions including the Athletes village, now brightly colored individually painted student accommodation and tours of the main stadium. The huge tower has a revolving restaurant with amazing and, if you dont like heights, alarming views(!), over Munich.

Klostergasthof Andechs: A monastery unlike any other youve ever been to! If you’ve been to any that is. In the foothills of the Alps the monks brew a good and very strong beer and serve tasty and reasonably priced food. Sit back and enjoy the wonderful views of the mountains.

Stadtische Galerie: One of Munich’s main art galleries and formally the home of local artist Franz von Lenbach it has an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century works of art, including the blue rider group of artists of which the painter Kandinsky was a member.

Compared with many European destinations Munich is a very safe town and you will not be hassled by street traders or shopkeepers to buy. Everything is well ordered and polite and many Germans speak very good English. Always a lively place with many bars clubs and restaurants the best time to visit is undoubtedly late September to early October. Thats when the beer festival is on and the party side of this interesting city comes to the fore. Munich is a very noisy, busy and interesting city but fascinating and lots of fun.

Glencoes spring sky looked bleak; wrathful clouds glared, threatening imminent showers. Columns of light penetrated the cloud, stood as sentinels guarding entrance to the sweeping valley. The scent of springtime was in the air; a new harvest was approaching.

Animals all around were preparing their nests for new siblings and a busy summer. The echoes of songbirds and their merry tunes sang throughout the valley; the season of courtship was upon us.

A crisp breeze was a reminder of a recent winter; Glencoe was still adjusting to the new season. The wind was the only sound of an otherwise silent valley.

Ahead, a small cluster of trees were dwarfed by the gargantuan mountainside rising steeply from the flat. Foliage managed to climb about a third of the way up the mountain face before conceding to the barefaced rock. It looked impossible to climb; the dominant face was almost vertical.

As the clouds began to clear, the cool, shallow waters to my right reflected an ever changing sky. The lake was fringed by marshland and navigable only by the local wildlife.

I continued my march along the lonely valley road and soon encountered a public house, wonderfully isolated from civilization. It was cast in shadow as the sun hid behind the mountain peaks, threatening to emerge and flood the valley with light.

“Passing through?” enquired the barman politely, breaking his conversation with an elderly gentleman on the opposite side of the bar.

“Heading for the village,” I replied and grabbed the nearest chair to soothe my aching limbs. “Coke please.”

Refreshed and revitalised, I continued my trek along the forsaken road, twisting and turning with the contours of the land.

Glencoes history can be traced back over 5,000 years. Perhaps most infamous was one macabre night during the early hours of 13th February 1692. The resurgence of the Jacobites worried King William the Third and he ordered all clan chiefs to declare their allegiances no later than 1st January 1692.

Maclain of Glencoe however was delayed and didnt sign until 6th January 1692. Unaware of the decision to punish him and his men, Maclain returned to his land believing all was well.

Campbell of Glenlyon led a group of 128 soldiers who stayed with the Macdonalds for 12 nights before murdering 38 of them as they slept during the early hours. Studying this tranquil landscape, its hard to imagine such a brutal event ever taking place.

Despite its barren appearance, the land is teeming with wildlife; nature accompanies my every step. In a world seemingly awash with terror and violence, its good to know these places still exist. Away from the rigours of city life, Glencoe has evolved as nature intended.

Amorgos is one of the most visited islands in the Cyclades of Greece. This island has a size of about 120 km2 and inhabited by around 1800 people can be found at the east of the Cyclades, next to Dodecanese. Anciently called Minoa, the origins of this city and its population can be found strongly attached to the Cretans who are believed to be the first inhabitants in this island.

The island of Amorgos counts with a very rich and interesting past, and therefore all those who enjoy historic spots would be able to have a great time while visiting it. Many centuries ago, Amorgos was used by the Ionians in order to go from their islands to mainland Greece. Many constructions and elements from such poque can be still observed nowadays since was important in shaping the island’s culture and traditions.

Three of the main and most antique cities in Amorgos can also be still visited nowadays. These three cities are Militos, Efessos, and Alikarnasos and also are strongly attached to the poque in which the Ionians used to go through this island in order to reach mainland Greece in such a way that each one of them can tell a bit of the history of those days. These three cities count with the peculiarity of being autonomous although they share a same currency and have many other aspects in common as well.

The city of Arkesini, one of the main spots in Amorgos, contains several appealing and unique characteristics. One of these interesting characteristics tourists could find in Arkesini is the antique walls that surround it and which were part of many important historical events.

It is also interesting to know that the island of Amorgos has received many different names throughout its history, and still, nowadays, it receives a variety of denominations. Among the names tourists could find Amorgos is called nowadays, there is the name of Pagali, Psichia, Patagy, Yperia, and Karkisia. This way, tourists should not be surprised or confused when they hear, read or see any of those names in reference to the town of Amorgos.

Located on the European mainland, Belgium often is short-shifted in discussions of Europe. Following is an overview of Belgium for travelers.

An Overview of Belgium for Travelers

Belgium is located on the coast of the North Sea between Holland, German and France. The name comes from the Belgae, a celtic tribe.

Belgiums geographic location places it at the crossroads of much of Europe, particular in relation to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. As a result, the country has been heavily influenced by the powers that be in Europe during certain periods of times. You can find aspects of Romans, Celtics, Germanic, French and Spanish influences.

Ruled by various European empires, the cities of Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp were major commercial trading posts. They also produced some of the more spectacular artists in Europe, including Eyck and Rubens.

In modern times, the country is really three separate states with significant autonomy. The country is divided up into Flemish, Walloon and a smaller Germanic area. The Flemish are Dutch speaking while the Walloon are oriented to French. The divisions between these areas are significant and they have significant autonomy from the federal government. One might argue they are countries unto themselves.

The official name of Belgium is the Kingdom of Belgium. The country is located in Western Europe and covers approximately 12,566 square miles. Brussels is the capital of the country and has a population of approximately 922,000 people. The second largest city is Antwerp with 452,000 residents.

The people of Belgium are known as Belgians. Total population for the country is 10.4 million with a paltry annual growth rate of less than one half of one percent. The country is divided into three linguistic regions, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. French is the dominant language in Wallonia, Dutch in Flanders and German in the Brussels area. Most people of Belgium claim Roman Catholic as their faith, but Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Anglican communities exist. The literacy rate is 95 percent.

Belgium is an odd hodgepodge of influences. That being said, everyone seems to get along in these modern times and Brussels is a major financial center in the Europe.

While online and retail holiday shopping sales have met or exceeded expectations for most retailers in 2005, there is another “rush” for all retailers to prepare for: gift card redemption.

According to Hitwise, an online intelligence service, the market share of U.S. Internet searches containing the words “gift card” was up 32% for the week ending December 10, 2005 as compared to the previous week. In fact, the National Retail Federation expects gift card sales to increase 6.6% this holiday season to 18.48 billion dollars, with consumers spending an average of $88 dollars on gift cards or 15.6% of their holiday shopping budget.

Gift certificates have always been a popular gift choice for the hard to please recipient or even for the lazy shopper. For the gift giver, it allows a quick purchase at whatever store or online merchant they select, with a dollar amount that fits their budget. For the recipient, they can select what they want from a particular merchant and for the most part use the card at their convenience.

But for some, giving a gift card is a cop-out, reasoning it is too impersonal and opting to hand pick a gift and selecting something special and unique for a loved one or friend. However, for some, the gift card is the ideal gift choice, with family or friends even suggesting the store or online merchant they prefer.

For the merchants, it has extended the holiday shopping season because they cannot record the sale until the recipient uses the gift card to make a purchase. This holds down sales figures in November and December, but provides a boost in January when most cards are redeemed. An additional boost is provided by the fact that most of the shoppers who redeem their gift cards typically spend 15% to 50% more than the face value of the card when they select their holiday gift.

There are some downsides to gift cards. Some retailers clear unused gift cards off the books by subtracting off of the face value of the card, an inactivity fee (usually $2.50 per month) after a certain amount of time. Some gift cards have an expiration date and others come with special conditions or restrictions. However, consumer outrage has prompted many states across the country to introduce legislation limiting or banning the fees. Additionally, there is no federal law on gift cards but, two Republican congressmen, Joe Barton of Texas and Charlie Bass of New Hampshire, have requested that the Federal Trade Commission investigate the way retailers conduct their gift card programs.

Is giving a gift card too impersonal? Is it the best gift choice? That question is up for debate and is a personal preference. But with annual gift card sales projected to reach 90 billion dollars by 2007 (Ernst & Young 2005), the gift card is here to stay.

Just a short bus ride, 25 miles north of Milan, is one of the most scenic spots in all of Italy – Lake Como. Its shores are circled with charming little towns and fabulous century-old villas; one larger, and more ornate than the next. The glistening water beckons one to sit, and take time to enjoy all that the lake and surrounding lush scenery have to offer. Lake Como being the third largest lake in Italy, I found it not only tranquil, but magical. With its lush Mediterranean gardens and spectacular views, it is easy to see why it has earned the reputation as one of the most romantic getaways in Italy.

Traveling with my husband, son and daughter-in-law, we were all pleased to arrive at the hotel we had reserved for our stay. The Hotel Bellevue was our unanimous choice. Built in 1820, it neighbors the stately Villa Carlotta. On arrival we were pleased to see that the hotel was situated just feet from Lake Como. The hotel itself was lovely. It had wonderful charm, gardens, antique furnishings, and an outdoor swimming pool. The lobby was stately with a huge Venetian chandelier and a great sweeping staircase. Art adorned every wall. The rooms were lovely, with antique furniture, and soft Italian linens.

After unpacking and settling into our rooms, it was time to explore. No sooner had we left the hotel when we spotted a charming restaurant called The Victorian Tea Garden,” which sat right on the banks of Lake Como. We were seated at a lovely outdoor table covered in crisp white linen. To our delight, a grapevine-covered pergola hung overhead. But what really stole the scenery was the breathtakingly beautiful view of the Swiss Alps. These majestic mountains circled the shoreline and provided a stunning backdrop to the dark, marine-blue waters of Lake Como. It left us with the impression that we had traveled back in time. The owner a gentleman who looked in his 80s – was very hospitable and could not have made us feel more welcome. We ordered Champaign, and toasted each other (and our magnificent setting) with tall, chilled glasses. We sat there in appreciation and awe of the spectacular setting for the next two hours, finishing two bottles of Champaign!

With the sun beginning to set, we returned to the Hotel Bellevue for a relaxing, fabulous dinner. Then, to cap off the evening, we ferried over to Bellagio, the famed, picturesque Italian resort village. Narrow, cobblestone streets were lined with old shops, restaurants and churches. My advice? Dont leave Bellagio without visiting the shops, as here you will find some of the most wonderful silk scarves and ties – not to mention leather goods – in all of Italy.

There was little traffic on Bellagio. This made it ideal for walking and taking the sights in. Bellagio is completely unspoiled, and possesses the grace and charm of “old world living.” It was also very clear that the Bellagio residents loved their gardens, and kept them well tended.

The wide area of Lake Como offers inexhaustible things to do for tourists. It is an ideal place to vacation with family. For those who desire relaxation, the tranquil scenery of the lake surroundings is sure to please. Lake Como is also perfect for anyone looking for a more active vacation; swimming, water-skiing, sailing, hiking, mountain-biking, and horseback riding await. Day mountain excursion trips are also worthwhile ventures. These trips offer the most breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding areas.

Boat excursions from Lake Como are a must. Ferry service will take you to local monuments and exquisite villas, as well as to lovely lakeside towns (I recommend the picturesque town of Varenna.) Or, you may also choose a ferry excursion to neighboring Switzerland. The Swiss town of Lugano offers great shopping, though it is expensive, so bring credit cards.

If spectacular works of art, classical Italian gardens, and elegant, period settings are your interest, I recommend a visit to the famed Villa Carlotta, located in the town of Tremezzo. It offers spectacular landscaped gardens, while the villa is a must-see for antique lovers. The Duomo, better known as the “Renaissance Cathedral”, is another spectacular must-see. Its located in the town center of Como.

Shopping adventures (and treasures) await at any one of the lakeside towns, as do epicurean delights. Taste regional products like olive oil, wine, and cheese in the numerous lakeside shops, restaurants, and cafes.

In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the local wine bars, and relax before eating at one of the many memorable restaurants that the area has to offer. Most restaurants offer regional or modern cuisine. After dinner, treat yourself to a night of music and dance in local discos; most stay open until sunrise. Or, as my family and I enjoy doing, take an evening walk along the lake before retiring to read a good book.

Lake Como is fabulous unlike any other place. It possesses spectacular views, lush, tranquil settings; fine Italian architecture, elegant, by-gone charm, and warm, hospitable people. With its unspoiled grace and charm, Lake Como offers its guests the opportunity to experience an enchanting slice of life which is relaxed, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful. It is a place where you will be drawn back to time and time again. Perhaps on a sunny day in your own backyard, your daydreams will beckon you to the shores of Lake Como.

London, the capital city of both the United Kingdom and the constituent country of England is a major tourist destination. The city is a commercial hub of leading business, financial and cultural centers making it one of the most global cities. Every year thousand of tourists throng this city to witness world heritage sites, various iconic landmarks such as the House of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye etc to mention few.

Tourists in any part of the world will not be able enjoy his / her trip if he / she do not have a nice and decent place to sleep and take rest. However, tourists coming to London need not worry about accommodation. London Hotels makes sure that tourists do not suffer on this account and offer quality service, comfort, and great value for your money. Keeping in view diversity of travelers and to cater to their various needs, you will find wide range of hotels in London to choose from like luxury hotels, tourist hotels, budget hotels, boutique hotels, B&B hotels etc.

Luxury Hotels: Most of the luxury hotels in London are centrally located. This is a strategy adopted to attract best tourists to stay in these hotels. The Inter Continental Hotel Park Lane is a much sought after luxury hotel in London. Being located on the edge of Mayfair, one of the most exclusive areas not just in London but the UK, the hotel has easy access to Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly – well known for up-market. The hotel has its own restaurant, cafe and lobby bar.

Tourist Hotels: Tourist hotels are the most popular hotels among tourists for the obvious reason that it is tourist-friendly. These hotels are not only budget friendly but also offer quality service thus making your stay worth. The Montana Hotel in South Kensington, London, is one good example of a tourist hotel. Museums, Harrod, shops, restaurants and the exhibition centers of Earls Court and Olympia all at walking distance of this hotel.

Budget Hotels: If you are one of those people who want to have all the fun while traveling, but do not want a hole in your pocket, then budget hotels are the right place to stay. These budget or discount hotels provide facilities like TV, direct-dial telephone, rooms with private bathroom and hairdryer. Chelsea Lodge Budget Hotel in South West London offers a range of rooms to suit travelers need. The best part is that the hotel is situated at a short distance from Fulham Broadway Station and is well connected by buses to Central London.

Boutique Hotels: For those who want to experience the comfort and cozy atmosphere of home in hotels, you have the option to stay in boutique hotels. These hotels are popular among travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, London, offers all modern amenities like stocked mini-bar, refrigerator, work desk, data port and satellite TV. However, the tranquility provided by this boutique hotel is nothing in comparison to the facilities.

With summer approaching, it may be a nice idea to take a break from ones gruelling daily routine and splash around in the cool waters of the Atlantic. Talking about beach resorts, why look any further than Miami Beach?

Originally established in 1915, the city, located in the Miami-Dade County of Florida, changed its name to Miami Beach in 1917. It is a city known not only for the excitements that it offers as a seaside resort but also for its cultural and artistic heritage.
The citys Art-Deco style architecture won recognition in 1979 when the citys Art-Deco Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Hundreds of hotels, apartments and other structures built during the period 1923-43 provide the architectural basis for declaring the district a historic place of national importance. Besides Art-Deco, Mediterranean and Streamline Moderne are the other architectural styles that are well represented in the district.

The citys South Beach is one of the most popular areas. Being a great draw to European tourists and largely influenced by their preferences, South Beach is one of the few public beaches in the country that tolerate topless sunbathing. Today, this part of the city is a major entertainment destination with hundreds of nightclubs, restaurants and oceanfront hotels.

The city is also very well known for its nightlife, fine dining culture, bike riding and shopping. While the once down-trodden Lincoln Road in the South Beach area is today acknowledged throughout the US as the destination for quality food, adventure thrills and great shopping experiences, its real claim to fame is the fact that Lincoln Road and the South Beach area has today replaced Los Angeles and New York City as the countrys top night life destination. Incidentally, the city happens to be among the top 30 destinations for gay tourism in the United States. The city is also the worlds fashion shoot hub with more than 1500 models living in the area and many more arriving during the October to March season.

Often called the Sun and Fun Capital of the world, Miami Beach offers tourists several points of interest. Take Collins Bridge for instance. Way back in 1913, John S. Collins and Carl G. Fisher built a 21/2 mile bridge to connect the City of Miami on the mainland and the City of Miami Beach on a barrier island in southern Florida. It was then the longest wooden bridge in the world. Although the Venetian Causeway has today replaced the original Collins Bridge, it was this link that ushered in rapid development for Miami Beach. Today the Venetian Causeway follows the original route taken by Collins Bridge.
Another must-see landmark is the Miami Beach Botanical Garden spread across 4.5 acres of land. The garden includes a conservatory and has several varieties of palms and orchids.

For fun, sun and so much more there is nothing to beat Miami Beach!

It never fails that each and every year, I have a hard time deciding what to purchase for friends and relatives around the holidays. Lately, I’ve been sending gift baskets as these are the one gift that I know will be appreciated. There are two reasons why I feel a gift basket is a wise choice, especially for holiday gift giving. The first reason is that gift baskets can be tailored to suit any taste or any person. There was once a time when “gift basket” meant fruit and fruit alone. Thankfully, those days are long gone.

While you can still get great fruit gift baskets if that’s something you’re interested in, there are so many other options available today. Gift baskets have evolved to reflect the different people and personalities they can be purchased for. From wines and imported food products to perfumes and toys, there is a gift basket out there for every age, gender and interest. Even knowing just a little about the person you are buying for is enough to get them a gift basket they will love. The second reason I feel that gift baskets make a great gift is variety. What other gift can be given that contains so many choices?

As an example, sending a chocolate gift basket is a safe bet for chocolate lovers because with so many different types of chocolates in the basket, they are sure to find at least a few that they enjoy. Let’s face it, even if a person likes some more than others, isn’t being able to try them all out the true reward of receiving a gift basket? Instead of limiting your giving options, gift baskets allow you to give a gift that is tailored specifically for the individual and that contains enough choices to satisfy. For these reasons, gift baskets really are the perfect gift.

As summer approaches, there’s only one way to beat the heat–lakeside! According to a 2005 summers survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), over 70 percent of Americans will spend their summer splashing in lakes or heading to the beach for their vacation. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or spontaneously hitting the road, some of the best lakeside vacation destinations reside within our own National Park system.

“The U.S. National Park system offers a wide variety of destination and accommodation options at some of the most magnificent lakes in the country,” said Sheri Smack, a spokesperson for ARAMARK Parks & Resorts, an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. “We strongly suggest planning your next vacation at one of our national treasures.”

Several of the National Parks located in the Western states provide unique lakeside vacation options.

Lake Powell, Arizona/Utah

Often referred to as America’s favorite houseboating destination, Lake Powell, located on the border of Arizona and Utah in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, offers a wide array of houseboats for rental, including the new luxury-class, 75-foot Excursion, featuring a fireplace, an eight-person hot tub, home theater system, six staterooms, gas BBQs, waterslide and a GPS auto-tracking satellite system. Additional houseboat rentals include the Discovery- and Adventurer-class houseboats that sleep up to 12 individuals and include all the comforts of home.

With thousands of miles of shoreline to explore and rising lake levels, Lake Powell’s most popular water-based activities include powerboating, fishing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking and water trampolines. All equipment is available for rent at Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, and personalized water-based instruction is also available.

Lake Powell is also home to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, offering visitors the opportunity to explore one of the Southwest’s natural wonders. Full-day and half-day boat tours operate daily from Wahweap Marina.

Lake Quinault, Washington

For those planning a getaway in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Quinault is nestled among the lush Olympic National Forest, offering a myriad of activities from fishing to canoeing. Built in 1926 within the heart of one of only three temperate rain forests in the world, Lake Quinault Lodge is a rustic, historic retreat offering lakeside lodging and spanning views of the forests.

Visitors can explore the lake by renting canoes, kayaks, rowboats, or by scenic boat tours, which are available through the summer and offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding Olympic Mountains. Lake Quinault is also a great place for fishing, with an abundance of trout, salmon and steelhead, and guided and non-guided fishing excursions can be arranged.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe just four miles from Stateline, Nevada, Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina is an historic recreational destination offering everything from camping and lakeside cabins to boating and watercraft rentals and cruises to Emerald Bay. The Zephyr Cove Marina serves as the departure point for the authentic paddlewheeler M.S. Dixie II, voted “Best of Tahoe” for the past 11 years. The M.S. Dixie offers daily cruises, including the GlenBrook Historic Breakfast Buffet and champagne brunch in the summer season and the Emerald Bay Sightseeing Dinner cruise featuring a three-course dinner, live music and dancing.

More adventurous visitors can rent powerboats, WaveRunners™, pedal boats, kayaks and canoes. Zephyr Cove Marina also offers parasailing aboard a new 12-passenger parasail boat.