Rio De Janerio Becomes First South American City To Host Olympic Games

South America will host the Summer Olympic Games for the first time in 2016, as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil was awarded the honor on Friday. Rio beat out the US choice of Chicago, Illinois along with Tokyo, Japan and Madrid, Spain to earn the right to host the games. Despite a high pressure effort from the American power elite--including President Barak Obama and TV gabfest queen Oprah Winfrey--Chicago was the first city eliminated from contention.

Bookmakers offered odds on the host city choice, with Rio listed as second favorite at +200. Chicago had been the wagering favorite at most books, particularly after President Obama got involved personally in the US bid effort. Chicago was bet as high as a -300 favorite, while Madrid and Tokyo were priced in the +250 range. Some suggest that Tokyo didnt deserve to have such short odds, but was the beneficiary of regional pride from the notoriously enthusiastic betting population of Japan.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, got the better of his US counterpart with a passionate speech that stood in marked contrast to Obamas typically baleful collection of talking points;

"It is a time to address this imbalance. It is time to light the Olympic cauldron in a tropical country."

The Olympic committee was apparently swayed by this presentation and paid no mind to Rios many downsides. It is without a doubt the most dangerous of the finalist cities, where drug cartels and armed bands of thugs roam without impunity. Well do to Rio citizens are used to removing watches and jewelry before they drive anywhere lest they be targeted by carjacking brigands. Rios murder rate is also one of the highest in the world. Brazilian bid officials have stressed that security will be a priority at the games and it better be lest the Olympics turn into a bloodbath. For the time being, however, the mood in Rio was one of celebration with over 50,000 residents dancing and partying in the streets.

Some IOC members suggested that the summary dismissal of Chicagos bid was more of a rebuke of the notoriously corrupt USOC. The last two Olympics held in the US were tainted by crime and corruption. The'96 Atlanta Olympics were disrupted by a terrorist bombing, while the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games were marred by a well known bribery and corruption scandal.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

January 23 2010 | Travel | No Comments »

Amsterdam City Breaks Offer Something For Everyone

The Museum Quarter in Amsterdam is the place to be for those taking Amsterdam city breaks and enjoy the works of the Old Masters as well as the revolutionary new artists alike. Amsterdam's craft markets, high end boutiques and enchanting flower markets offer a shopper's delight.

The city is relatively easy to get around in. Most of the leading attractions of the city can be accessed by walking to them or taking a ride on the tram in order to visit them. The city has a lot of different canals that encircle it. The activities that you can engage in, never cease when you are visiting Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is also a cosmopolitan culinary adventure. You will be able to find Chinese and Japanese foods in conjunction with the lovely traditional Dutch meat, vegetable and cheese dishes as well as the famous Dutch coffees.

Amsterdam is overflowing with different museums to visit and a lot of different things that you can do and see. Amsterdam is also a great city to take your family to where they can enrich their knowledge about different cultures and historic things that have happened in the world.

Amsterdam's climate is not quite tropical but the seasons are unique to Amsterdam. Spring is the time to come and see the tulips in full bloom in the gardens, the flowerboxes and everywhere. This is also the time when locals start pulling out tables and chairs onto the pavements to create that special street cafe culture Amsterdam is known for.

Home to the artistic types and the bohemians and once also home to Rembrandt, The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam's older suburbs where little houses and snaking canals are found amidst coffee shops and bookstores.

To pre-book fun-packed amsterdam city breaks for your next vacation, go to our website today at http://www.travelsoon.com/amsterdam-city-breaks.html

January 21 2010 | Travel | No Comments »

Cheap Flights To Europe

When you are planning a trip to Europe you will want to explore many parts of the country and cheap flights are a main concern. You want to save time in getting from one place to the next and, save money. The low cost fares to Europe are abundant due to the fare wars from many airlines and travelers can take advantage of the best rates by searching online for the best rates.

Before widespread use of the Internet, the one and only way to obtain flight information and purchase plane tickets was through a travel agent. The agent had knowledge the average traveler did not in regards to which airline was offering discount tickets, which was cheapest at what times of the year, etc.

As a response, travel agencies are now starting to move more of their business activity onto the Internet. In order to stay competitive, some travel agencies have their own websites, where they can advertise special deals. This means that it is easier for travelers to be able to access these deals and do a side-by-side comparison with other specials that may be available online. In some cases, to avoid fees, travelers can also book their fares directly from airlines.

If you are looking for a flight to Paris or Milan you will find it on the internet and you can easily browse the sites to compare who has the cheapest flight. You are able to search by nonstop flights, make preferences on seating and even choose your on flight meals when booking online with most companies or airlines. You are given the convenience to pay by credit card and receive confirmations and even have the tickets mailed to you if you do not want to use the airlines kiosk for check in.

Trip planner websites are the most popular with internet travelers. These sites allow you to find your hotel, flight and even rental car while booking your trip. You can create a whole vacation package by adding on any activities you will be interested in and receiving a discounted ticket price by purchasing them before arriving. You can sort trips by price, date and even class. The trip can be easily compared to other sites offering the similar packages online.

A new phenomenon of bidding sites have emerged and now it is possible to book trips to Europe ' by using auction sites, the traveler has more flexibility to set the price. The way it works it that travelers can bid on a trip and the winning bidder just has to add the appropriate taxes and fees. Keep in mind that you may not win everything that you bid on and there may be some date limitations but when it works out, it can be a great deal. Make sure to do your research ahead of time so that you're not caught in a bidding war.

Lastly, you can also purchase a ticket directly through an airline. Some customers like to do this directly through the airline but because there are so many more airlines now, it may take some time to research all of the different airlines, sites to find the lowest fares. Also remember that some airlines do not offer the same packages of discounts that travel planning sites offer.

Graham McKenzie is webmaster for South Africa's leading Flight Comparison portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

January 05 2010 | Travel | No Comments »

Information on UK Flights to South America

South America covers the largest part of the South USA. The main countries of this continent are Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Lima, Uruguay, Ecuador, Cayenne, Peru and many more. Spanish and Portuguese are the two languages which are mainly spoken in South America, though Dutch, French, and English are other languages which also spoken.

South America is rich in culture and there are influences from Spain and Portugal due to the regions connections with Europe. South America is a great place to go to enjoy the hot weather and meet friendly people; South American food is normally tasty and there are plenty of historical sights to see.

There are aplenty flights to the Latin America though they aren't generally cheap from UK. You can get a cheaper deal if you avoid Saturdays and Sundays; and you can fly using an indirect route, your operator look into this on your behalf. Some of the airlines which operate flights to this region are British Airways, Iberia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Continental. The major destinations that you can take a flight for are Havana, Mexico, Quito, Rio, Sao Paolo, San Jose, and Santiago. Entering the country with a UK passport is simple and easy. Some parts of Latin America are having had hassles for tourists so you must check for safety before going to the place.

South America's climate greatly varies; there are a series of dry desert regions in Chile and Peru, but the weather conditions of the Amazon are humid and tropical. The hottest climate of the region can be experienced at Argentina's Gran Chacowere; the climate can soar up to 44 degrees centigrade. While tourists the major parts of Latin America, you can anticipate sunny weather, so remember to carry sunscreen and other protections with you.

You can do a lot of energetic things in South America. You can visit Angel Falls in Venezuela. It is the world highest waterfall, with recorded height of 321 feet; which is 15 times more in height than Niagara Falls. To get a view from the bottom, take a raft up the river or enjoy more alterative views by going on an expedition. The Rio Carnival in Brazil is famed as being among the biggest, and liveliest carnivals in the world.

This happens ever February but book early as flights are sought after at this time. Whilst in Rio, also take the time to visit Corcovado Mountain and the Sugar Loa Mountain Day Tour, this excursion will take you through the rain forest and you can see Christ the Redeemer statue which sits on to of the mountain.

If you come to Chile, try trekking to an exciting wonder of the world, called the Machu Picchu, an Inca Ruin. The discovery of Incas was done in'00s but is now visited by people worldwide. Bring your camera along. South America is really charming, both its landscape and people.

Graham McKenzie is the content coordinator for Bestukflights.co.uk the UK's premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel and Flights to Venice

January 04 2010 | Travel | No Comments »

Cornwall Holidays : Why Should You Stay At Cornish Cottages

The origin of the name "Cornish comes from the name "Cornwall" a county in the south western tip of England. Its excellent climate, so much different from that of England's, beckons tourists all round the year. Anything from Cornwall is called Cornish. A vacation in Cornwall is very much unlike a vacation anywhere else, and will most likely be an experience you will cherish for a long time.

Cornwall can be best enjoyed by staying in one of its many cottages, be they fisherman's cottage or one of those quaint cottages to be found just about everywhere. Out of these, you must select the best cottage to really have a whale of a time. You will have the choice to stay in modern cottage, a lovely traditional cottage or a sprawling farmhouse converted into a cottage.

Self catering cottages are another kind of cottages that, together with the amenities they offer, are almost a home away from home. These cottages can be the perfect base from where you can explore the natural wonders Cornwall.

You will also get a grand selection of beautiful Cornish cottages to rent by the coast of Cornwall. On offer will be cottages on the beach, cottages on the harbor side, cottages in old fashioned Cornish villages, cottages by the sea and cottages blesses with gorgeous sea views. All these cottages are within walking distance of beach, cliff, harbor or sea.

The vast number of Cornish cottages, available throughout the year, makes Cornwall the favorite place of many for a cottage holiday. The popularity of these cottages is increasing every year, because of its excellent weather, fabulous scenery, scenic sights and warm welcome that tourists receive.

Before visiting Cornwall, you should read up anything you find on Cornwall. These readings will tell you that every part of Cornwall has its own history, art, culture and wonderful beaches.

Preparing for a holiday in charming Cornwall ? Read more about Cornish Cottages and more at A Beach Front House .

December 13 2009 | vacation | No Comments »

Enjoying a Vacation To Europe Without Spending Your Life Savings

Europe is an exquisite dream for everyone. For most people, the mere mention of the word invokes images of rolling fine wine on the tongue and relaxing in front of a placid lake or a warm vineyard. And who can hear the word without thinking of a slow gondola ride along the canals of Venice and seeing for yourself the history of the Western world before your eyes?

What usually bursts this dreamy bubble is the fact that Europe vacation is never cheap. Do not fret though. It is not entirely impossible to explore the wonders of Europe at least once in your life. There are a number of ways to make a trip more in tune with your limited budget.

The first thing to do is to plan. Obviously, you are more likely to be able to save if you followed a master plan rather than if you just hopped from one city to another on impulse. Be as detailed as possible. Include in your plan your exact destinations, flights, accommodations, activities and specific budget. When everything is plotted, make a commitment to follow your master plan.

If you want to cut on cost, you can also try doing everything yourself and skipping the travel agencies. The more romantic tourists simply call this backpacking across Europe. With just a backpack and your loved one beside you, you can conquer the best spots of Europe on a shoestring budget.

Of course, backpacking may not be the most sensible thing to do. Always remember that many parts of Europe are every bit like urban jungles, albeit seemingly more romantic. You can easily get conned or lost if you are not naturally enterprising or street smart. This is especially true if you get so easily caught up in the experience of foreign sights and sounds. If you think you probably sound or look like a little lost dog, do not go on a European vacation on your own. Take a guided tour.

If you research hard enough and if youre lucky, it is not impossible to chance upon an affordable guided tour. The best way to go around Europe without spending an entire fortune is to choose a package deal. Travel experts have numerous packages to choose from to fit almost any kind of budget. Some will allow you to pick the places, activities and accommodations that you prefer.

Do not forget to check the exact terms and conditions of the trip before paying the package deal. Some travel companies exclude either airfare or accommodations from the total cost of a package. A few others also fail to mention several items that may eventually add up to the total cost. It would also help to check your exact itinerary and research on destinations and activities so you do not end up feeling cheated over locations that are not really as interesting as they sound.

The best Europe vacation experiences are truly magical moments. This is why you should rather be sure that you can get the best out of your trip at a fair and affordable price.

The best Europe vacation packages are just at your fingertips. Grab the latest offers on Europe vacation packages and book your reservations hassle-free, online! You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here.

November 12 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Beach Hotels – What To Look For

When it comes to beach and facilities, luxury beach resorts are already the best providers for both. They can already give the ultimate vacation treat for their guests. In fact, the beach resorts that are on top of the list of best resorts are usually the luxury ones.

Beaches that also have lavishing hotels would certainly make the experience of the guests truly enjoyable and memorable. Apart from being able to swim and put to good use the numerous facilities that are readily available at the hotel, you may now also swim and do all other kinds of activities that one may do while strolling down the beach. If you wish to make your stay more quiet yet totally relaxed, then you would surely be able to do so as long as you would be staying at a luxurious beach hotel.

It is beyond doubt, you would be able to do a lot of activities at the beach, like for instance stroll by the beach, or simply listen to the sounds of the big waves nearby, or just lay down on the sand and rest in order to take advantage of the tranquility of the area. By doing so, you would surely get a chance to make your body tanned and beautiful.

Even more, this kind of resort offers different amenities to meet the different needs of their guests. Anyone can enjoy whatever they want at their perusal. If a visitor wants to experience the beauty of nature and spend great time alone, there are some activities that will enable him to experience so. Simply walking beside the shore, relaxation in one of the cottages, or sunbathing can make up his time. When he suddenly feels energized, there are activities like beach volleyball, snorkeling, and water skiing that are available, too. All the equipments for these activities are also provided by the beach resort.

Other than the things already mentioned, there are even much more about this kind of resort. As they promise to give the best services, they also made sure that they can provide comfortable and awesome staying facilities, cuisines that represent different parts of the world, great bars and indoor entertainments, and many other things. You should know that everybody gets the best of everything that they are looking for.

In fact, you can go night swimming, or go boating under the beautiful moon. Such experiences will surely stay with you for the rest of your life.

Some of the exceptional amenities that one would love about this kind of vacation is the bar that is readily accessible by anyone, the wide range of cuisine, together with all the other means of entertainment that you would be able to find inside the hotel.

These simply go to show that a luxurious hotel is definitely more than just making the stay of each guest more personalized. This simply means that people who would get to stay at the hotel would have the means to get the most appropriate kind of accommodation.

Many of these resorts even have beach parties and outdoor dining, especially in the evening. There are spa treatments and massage which allows you to become refreshed and even more relaxed. In short, you get everything you could possibly ask for in a tropical vacation from these luxury beach resorts which will make everything worth it.

Looking to find the best deal on airlie beach hotels, then visit www.airliebeachhotels.net to find the best advice on luxury beach hotels for you.

November 08 2009 | hotels | No Comments »

Four Great Tenerife Spain Hotels

Tenerife, is the largest of seven Canary Islands located near the coast of Africa. The Spanish island also known as the "Island of Eternal Spring" is the most populated of the Canary Islands and Spain. This island is the highest in elevation. It also hosts the third largest volcano in the world, El Teide. Tenerife Spain hotels are the busiest resorts in Spain.

About five million tourists travel there each year. There are 886, 033 inhabitants. This picturesque destination is a must see and stay for any traveler. It hosts the world's largest carnival festival.

Tenerfie has a very mild and warm climate. The average highs in the winter are approximately 70 and in the summer are 81. The area hosts little rainfall with the wettest month being December. The island on average receives approximately five days of rain. Water is of very high quality on the island and there is very little pollution. There are very little factories and industrial areas there.

There are over one hundred and ninety three hotels. Some rated top by consumers are the Parque Santiago IV, Vincci La Plantacion del Sur, Royal Garden Villas, Hotel Jardines de Nivaria, Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel, Hotel Costa Los Gigantes, Apartments Casablanca, Spring Hotel Playa La Arena and the Vulcano Hotel. These hotels have wonderful reviews and the top industry on this island is the service industry. Customer service is top priority to these hotels.

The Hotel La Siesta offers swimming in its outdoor pools, including a saltwater pool and children's pool. There is a bar near the pool, and you can take advantage of the loungers and parasols while you are sunbathing around the pool. There is a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam bath, or you can even get a massage. They offer several activities, including billiards, snooker, table tennis, darts and tennis. There is a gym on site as well as a tanning studio. There is a kids' club and playground to keep your children entertained.

Vacationing at Tenerife Spain hotels is a great option for one who likes to relax on vacation. The island of Tenerife boasts of caring for their visitors. It has a wonderful climate, lots of beautiful scenery, beaches and sunshine. The hotels are affordable and provide an excellent vacation spot for someone needed a break.

For the absolute best quality in tenerife spain hotels at superb discounts, visit our website at www.travelsoon.com now

November 07 2009 | Travel | No Comments »

Having a Dinner on a Cruise vs. in a Restaurant

Having dinner outside of the home used to be a rare event for families and couples. It was once a treat for special occasions such as birthdays, Mothers Day, Valentines Day-etc. Today, because of our busy lifestyles, eating dinner out has now become a common event with people eating out 2 or 3 times a week. With so many consumers choosing to dine out instead of staying at home, there has been an increase in different types of eating establishments. One method of eating out that is becoming popular is having dinner on a cruise.

Dining on a dinner cruise boat is much different than dining in a traditional restaurant. When you have dinner on a cruise, you have the opportunity to relax, and enjoy traveling on the water while watching the beautiful scenery along the shoreline. Also, you can gaze at the sun set, the moon and stars, making the dinner not only relaxing, but romantic. With restaurants, you basically have the same environment to look at so you end up spending most of the time focused on your food.

After the meal, instead of paying the bill and leaving, like you would do in a restaurant, you can get up and take a leisurely stroll around the deck. It is particularly special on warm breezy evenings with a full moon glistening on the open water. It makes the dinner much more enjoyable and memorable. People who eat out at restaurants 3 times a week tend not to have special memories. It has become more of way of just getting something to eat.

With many restaurants, you often have to wait in line to get a table. On a dinner cruise, there will be staff members waiting to greet you and help you board the boat. Dinners on a cruise are prepared by the best chefs using the highest quality foods and ingredients. Courteous and attentive staff will cater to all of your needs. You will also have access to the best wines and other beverages. There may also be complete buffet. The costs are included when you book the dinner cruise so you dont have to worry about getting an unexpected expensive bill. Dinner cruises are affordable and you know the upfront costs prior to boarding the boat. All of the meals are freshly prepared aboard the boat.

There are also additional services that will be provided on a dinner cruise that you will not usually find in a restaurant. Not only do you get a spectacular view, but you can also have elegant table linens and china, live music or a DJ, first class service and food, air-conditioned and spacious dining, seated or buffet dining, and cocktail service. You will also be served delicious Hors d'oeuvres and mouth watering desserts.

In restaurants, you often have to put up with noisy customers, clanking of kitchen dishes, crowded tables, slow service, waiting for a table, and dirty bathrooms. Dinner cruises maintain the highest standard of care for all aspects of the dining experience making your dinner cruise beautiful, delicious, relaxing, and clean.

Passenger safety is of the highest priority for staff of a dinner cruise. All boats are inspected annually to meet safety requirements. As well, they are equipped with fire fighting devices, life saving gear, first aid equipment, life jackets, and communication devices. All members of the crew are trained in emergency protocols and CPR.

If you are bored with the regular routine of dining at restaurants, a dinner boat cruise may be the solution. Spend a romantic time with your partner, or give your children an exciting evening out. It is one experience that you wont forget.

Toronto boat cruises offers a wide variety of themes and entertainment. Book cruises in Toronto for your next corporate or private event and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Toronto Harbour.

November 04 2009 | cruise | No Comments »

Who Wants An Egypt Package?

Who wants an Egypt Package? The answer to that is easy enough. Once you have traveled to Egypt and have seen with your own eyes the amazing sights and sounds, like the Sphinx, Red Sea, and other pyramids, you will fall in love with the culture of this exotic and wondrous place.

What are your favorite activities? There are so many here that you will be hard pressed choosing what to do first. Should you go windsailing? How about deep sea diving? Take a riverboat ride down the Nile, or take in some sun on the sea's shore.

Do not drink the water, and wash your hands consistently. Hand sanitizer is effective and can be carried around for frequent and intermittent use. Safeguard yourself in the shower by avoiding getting water in your face. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Cairo is a city of such intoxicating variety that it's hard to tear yourself away from the city once you have experienced it. There are pyramids, and camel trips into the desert. There is the smell of spices mixed with the smell of perfume. There are markets, there are museums with real mummies, and crumbling old alleys where you will feel as if you have walked straight into the Middle Ages.

If you are not into mummies and museums, the Red Sea resorts offer something of a completely different nature. You can spend your days just lazing on the beach. You can swim in the clear, clear water. Or you can take diving lessons and explore the coral reefs and marine life. Whatever you do, you will return to work totally refreshed.

Deserts of Egypt are marvelous with an experience of night views of the sky and glorious sunrise. Also an option to camp with the Bedouins, who have a tradition of an oral culture recorded in poems and stories.

To buy the absolute best in egypt holiday packages, visit our website now at www.travelsoon.com

October 29 2009 | Travel | No Comments »