Orlando is a city that is located in the central region of Florida. It has a population of over 200,000 and is one of the largest cities in southeastern America. Each year, 47 million people visit Orlando for a vacation. Over 3 million people visit Orlando each year. This city is known for its many attractions, music, art and history.

What is there to see and do in Orlando

There are numerous attractions in Orlando, Florida. One of the most popular attractions is the Walt Disney World Resort, which is also referred to as Disney World. This attraction was established back in the 1960s. Today Disney World is the most visited resort in the world. This attraction features four major theme parks, 2 water parks and night life entertainment. One of the best things about Disney World is that has something for all ages.

Orlando is also a great place to relax. The Wekima Springs State Park is a popular attraction that is comprised on 700 acres of land. It is place where people can swim, fish or canoe. The Central Florida Zoo is a place where people can see animals that are native to the state of Florida. This zoo also features endangered species such as the Amur Leopard. The Central Florida Zoo is also a popular place for hosting birthday parties.

People are sure to work up an appetite when they are having fun. Orlando has many great restaurants to choose from. It is very hard to eat healthy while on vacation. Season’s 52 is a restaurant that specializes in serving food that is not only good to eat, but is also good for the body. This restaurant is very popular among tourists and residents and was named one of the best restaurants in Orlando.

The Old Hickory Restaurant is a place where people can get a good steak dinner. This restaurant serves both grass-fed and Angus beef. It also specializes in serving fine wine and crafted cheese. Emeril’s Restaurant specializes in serving all types of food. This restaurant is also one of the most popular ones in Orlando. Because this restaurant is so popular, it is highly recommended that guests book in advance to avoid long waiting times. Crave is a restaurant that specializes in serving the best American cuisine. Some of the items featured on the menu include: sliders, buttermilk chicken, seafood and fruit salad.

There are many nice hotels in Orlando that allow people to feel like they are right at home. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Disney’s Bay Lake Tower and Hilton Orlando have been named some of the best hotels in the city.

A trip to Orlando can be quite expensive, but fortunately there are many ways to finance it. Below are some tips for saving for a trip to Orlando:

• Start saving early (the earlier that you start saving, the better)
• Consider getting a time share (time shares have helped many people save hundreds of dollars.
• Book in advance (you can save up to 50 percent on hotels, flights, etc by booking in advance)
• Look into getting a cheap rental care (there are numerous ways to get cheap rental cars)
• Take advantage of coupons* (there are coupons available for hotel, restaurants and attractions.

It would come as a surprise to many people to discover that the Tate Modern on London’s famous south bank is the most visited building in the UK. Attracting five million visitors a year (that’s a fraction more than the British Museum) and having just finished stage one of an ambitious expansion project, it is, without a doubt, one of Britain’s most loved buildings.

London often has a reputation for being expensive, although you can get good deals on hotels in London through the likes of Millennium, it’s true that accommodation isn’t as cheap as some places. The city makes up for it, though, with the likes of the Tate and the British Museum that are free to enter throughout the year.

So what is the secret to the enduring charm of the Tate Modern? It’s often panned by critics, primarily for the enormous art installations in the central Turbine Hall which are always well received by the public and never by the art world, the public, however, don’t seem to care what the critics think and flock to it in their droves.

First of all, the building is iconic, regardless of what you make of the art, the building is magnificent, and with the opening of the oil drums it can only get more interesting. There are places to sit and watch the world go by, places to eat, and amazing views on the rest of London.

Then, there’s the art, for the average visitor ‘modern art’ is a slightly vague concept, but there’s always something to look at, and even if you don’t necessarily like what you’re looking at, there’s no doubt that it’s a topic of conversation.

It’s also constantly changing, the gallery has 60,000 pieces in its collection and you can always go and take a look round and see something new. This is one of the reasons why it attracts to many Brits, let alone foreigners, because even if you’ve been inside a dozen times, there’s something different to look at.

Another major advantage is its location, right on the south bank and directly opposite St Paul’s (as well as being visible from miles around) it’s right near the main tourist centres, and offering respite from the sometimes unfriendly London weather, people sometimes almost seem to stumble through the doors.

Finally, like so many of the city’s great culture sites, it’s enduring appeal is that it’s free and open to the masses. You don’t have to like what’s inside to go and have a look, but the Tate Modern never fails to arouse curiosity, and that’s the reason for it’s popularity. You always wonder what might be there now, and as it’s not going to cost you anything to find out, there’s no reason not to go inside and take a look around.

P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular

P&O are launching a fantastic offer – free return travel from home to ship and discounts of up to 20% on selected bookings.

A holiday doesn’t have to be taxing. And it shouldn’t start with a stress inducing journey.

With this offer, as soon as the booking is made all our customers have to do is start counting down the days until their cruise holiday begins. The stress and costs of getting to the ship are removed as we take care of all the arrangements

Launched on the 1st September and running through until 30th November 2011, P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular will offer savings of up 20% on brochure fares, plus free cruise connections (car parking, regional flights or coach transfers) on 2012 itineraries – something we’d call a truly spectacular deal.

So, no matter what the distance, enjoy a complimentary journey from any UK destination straight to Southampton. Leave all your troubles at the quayside, and step into a world of relaxation courtesy of P&O Cruises..

For updates on this and more great deals, visit http://www.facebook.com/pandocruises

The free travel promotion includes everything from free valet parking to domestic and international flights or coach transfers!

They’ve created a video to explain the offer

P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular! by pandocruises

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Never before have we offered such a comprehensive booking package for our customers, transporting them from their home town to the ship at no extra expense.

P&O Cruises will handle all booking arrangements and tickets will be issued with pre-cruise documentation.

“With this offer, as soon as the booking is made all our customers have to do is start counting down the days until their holiday begins. The stress and costs of getting to the ship are removed as we take care of all the arrangements.”

For more information or to book call P&O Cruises on 0845 3 554 444, visit www.pocruises.co.uk or see an ABTA travel agent.

If you’re a tourist and you find yourself in London, it can be a very expensive place to visit.  To help you with your trip, here are top 10 fun and exciting things to do in London that won’t cost you a penny – just arm yourself with a London Transport travle pass and enjoy all that London has to offer for free.

1. Watch Free Concerts! London is also known for producing the best concerts and shows.  Have fun and enjoy going to free concerts and recitals that are usually held at the Barbican Arts |centre and the National Theatre. 
2. Visit Museums. Unlike most historical landmarks in London, visiting museums in London won’t cost you anything except for special exhibits and events that the museum holds.  Be prepared to pay  if you choose to go to one of these.  With seven million items from all over the world, the British Museum boasts of a wide range of Greek, Egyptian, and natural history collection.  If you want to know more about London you can also check out the London Transport Museum and Museum of London. 
3. Art Galleries. If going to museums isn’t enough to feed your curiosity, London is also home to many art galleries.  Visiting one won’t cost you anything.  Go to the National Gallery to check out Western European paintings from as far back as the 13^th century.  If you want a more contemporary atmosphere, Tate Modern offers a wide collection of contemporary artworks. 
4. Spend a day in the Park. London boasts of several parks that have lush greeneries and rich in diverse flora and fauna.  Visiting the park can be your day off from the hustle and bustle of the city.  You can do a quick walk, hang around the park benches and eat a snack, or if the weather permits, go swimming or rowing in the lake—all for free!  Enjoy the quiet and tranquil side of London as you spend a day in the park. 
5. Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Your trip to London will not be complete if you haven’t seen this wonderful ceremony which usually comes with a band.  At around 11:30am every summer and every other day during winter, the guards change at Buckingham palace.  Enjoy this event for free, just make sure you come on time!
6. Visit the British Library. This is a special treat for book lovers out there as the British Library is distinguished as one of the greatest libraries in the world.  Known for its expansive collection of books, tours are held for visitors to see some areas of the building as well as some exhibit galleries.  As a tourist, you need to obtain a special permit to go to the reading room. 
7. Listen to free talks and lectures. There are free events held at the Science Museum’s Dana Center where known speakers and lecturers share the gift of knowledge for free.  The British Academy gives out their evening lectures on humanities and social sciences for free.  Similarly, the Royal Academy of Arts is host to free lunchtime lectures by major scholars on art and history. 
8. Watch free Comedy. London shows off its wide range of comedians and talents through free comedy clubs that you can go to.  There are so many to clubs to choose from.  Camden Head over at 2 Camden Walk presents the best of its open mic repertoire while Queens head at Denman St. Offers a friendly atmosphere with a lineup of new comics and new materials each week. 
9. Street Performances. A more multi-cultural and diverse London can be seen in the many performances of singers, dancers, musicians, jugglers and street performers  at the Covent Garden Market.  These artists cannot just perform in this venue; they actually have to pass an audition.  This ensures that you only get the very best performances in London. 
10. Street Markets. Visit Portobello and Camden markets to check out a different kind of market atmosphere.  At Portobello, you will see all odds and ends for sale at really low prices such as antiques, clothes, bread, fruits, vegetables, and many other items.  Market is open every Saturday and shops are open six days a week.

Whether you are on a budget or not, it’s nice to know that there are still free things available in London.

This is a guest blog post by London43, the ultimate resource for moving to London!

Why be content with a quick walk on Table Mountain when you can hike the 97km Hoerikwaggo walking trail?

Mother Nature likes her little jokes. Just take the blombos plant. To most people it’s a non-descript South African shrub. But as I strode out on a gloriously sunny morning, a 45-minute drive but a world away from Cape Town’s iconic Green Point football stadium, the plant started giving off quite a pong.

Its rich buttery odour of honey on toast wafted towards our group of hikers, which made me wish I hadn’t set out on an empty stomach, and pray that a break for elevenses might turn out to be “tenses” instead.

Hoerikwaggo walking trail

Now the hullaballoo from the 2010 World Cup has died down, it’s a good time to put on your hiking boots and look at Cape Town from a fresh angle. The Hoerikwaggo walking trail runs 97km from Cape Point to Table Mountain, which you can do in a five-day hike or in more manageable chunks. On the way you stay in extremely good value and comfortable tented camps run by the South African National Parks board while being provided with knowledgable guides. And, as a bonus, your baggage and food — you buy and cook the latter yourself, which keeps costs down — is taken ahead for you.

Starting out at Redhill, not far from the naval base at Simon’s Town and the sleepy bohemian suburb of Kalk Bay, with its brunch-laden cafés, antique shops and book stores with tabby cats curled up in the window.

This was not your normal kind of hike. When we took a break, Rosswill Bull, one of our guides, led us in a yoga-style meditation, where we sat in silence, eyes closed, legs crossed, to listen to the birds, feel the sun’s warmth on our skin and appreciate our good fortune. It was so much nicer than some walking holidays I’ve been on over the years, which almost have the air of an Army-style yomp to retake Port Stanley.

We set off again at a gentle pace to cover the rest of day one’s 12km as an orange-breasted sunbird flew overhead and our other guide, Thandi Ntsume, pointed out Helichrysum indicum (imphepho in Xhosa), which her family uses as an air freshener inside their home. A bit farther on, she pointed out another plant, buchu, which is used commercially in the cosmetics industry and made into a tea — good for the kidneys — while fishermen rub it on their hands to get rid of fishy smells. I don’t remember my school field trips being this interesting.

We stopped for the night at Slangkop, 100m from the beach and in the shadow of South Africa’s tallest lighthouse, erected after the SS Clan Monroe ran aground in 1905. We heard the Western leopard toad, which provided a deep, snoring chorus as we tucked into lasagne and a decent bottle of local red wine.

The camp itself, like all those on the trail, was of a high standard. There was a covered sitting area with an open fire for chilly evenings; a clean, well-equipped kitchen with pots, pans and a microwave; hot showers and basic but comfy tents. Maybe it was the sea air, or just the lullaby of the waves crashing on the beach, but I turned in early and was asleep within minutes.

We walked along the beach at Kommetjie the next day, sharing the sand with our shadows, a few horse riders, some surfers and even a lone penguin, but few humans. Then it was up, up and another scramble up Chapman’s Peak, with its fantastic views down to the town of Noordhoek and the cable car station on top of Table Mountain. “This walk gives me the chance to see my own back yard in a whole new perspective,” said Paul, who worked for the local coastguard. “It’s lovely to sit and look at the mountain. I think ‘wow, this is my home’.”

From Silvermine we came more into contact with civilisation. We passed a group of endurance racers doing something called the Old Fisherman’s Trail Challenge, which seemed rather unchallenging until we gingerly descended the craggy, rock-strewn, vertiginously steep path that these mad men and women had just sprinted up for the best part of 10km. Later we shared the trail with mountain bikers and dog walkers until we came down from the Vlakkenberg plateau and the fynbos shrubland gave way to fields of vines near the upmarket suburb of Constantia, full of glossy-mag houses, Mercedes and razor-wire security fencing.

There can’t be many better backdrops to end a hike than the 12 Apostle mountains reflecting the late afternoon sun. The good citizens of Cape Town have a lot for which to be thankful to Mother Nature, and honey on toast is just the start.

Need to know

Getting there Flights to South Africa – consider using Flightsite.co.za when searching for a competitive quote on a flight to South Africa.

To book the full five-day Hoerikwaggo trek (and shorter trails) contact the booking office (00 27 21 422 2816) or visit sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/ht

When visiting Cape Town why be content with a quick stroll on Table Mountain when you can hike the Hoerikwaggo walking trail?

WillHide @thetimes

A return to this site’s heritage in this guest article that combines autos and world travel opportunities with F1 sponsorship.

It has been a long road back to Formula One for the bruised Japanese carmakers but Nissan will lead a tentative return when it announces a multi-million pound sponsor deal with the Red Bull team. The company will use Formula One to promote its Infiniti luxury brand, well-known in the United States and Japan but almost unheard of in Europe where only a few hundred models are sold. With websites targeting European customers, including Infiniti Italia, the expectation is that this brand will gain lots of attention on the back of the F1 sponsorship deal.

Formula One might have suffered from a desertion of big-spending sponsors since the recession, but the sport’s global reach is undeniable and the lure was too much for Inifiniti to resist, as was the pulling power of Red Bull, an independent team that still won both the drivers’ world championship with Sebastian Vettel and the constructors’ championship after just six years in the sport. The deal is thought to be worth no more than £20 million over two years, a healthy enough contract to suggest that Formula One can still offer companies the sort of exposure that few other sports can even approach.

“We are a young brand, not very well known around the entire world,” Andy Palmer, a senior vice-president, said from the plush showroom just opened to display the Nissan’s new Inifiniti models. “We want instant recognition and Formula One offers that, particularly with a team like Red Bull.”

Things to Do Near Dublin

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, you’ll likely be starting in the capital city of Dublin. Many tourists might not spend much time in the touristic city itself, but instead visit the famous Irish countryside. While Dublin is picturesque, the Irish countryside is even more so. However, if you’re going to be visiting Ireland, your visit wouldn’t be complete without a city break in Dublin.

Spending a few days in Dublin

Accommodation in Dublin is plentiful and varied. As a city popular with weekending tourists from the UK and Europe, Dublin has many options for cheap accommodation. By staying somewhere affordable, you’ll be able to visit more of the historical sites in and around Dublin. Or, you know, just be able to afford more beer.

Spend a few days in Dublin to experience the nightlife and see some of the sights before you head into the countryside. There is plenty to see and do. Visit the Dublin Castle or just explore the area around Trinity College. The library at Trinity College is one of the most impressive sights in the city and is home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from the 9th century.

Scenic drives from Dublin

After a few days in Dublin, save some money by getting out of the city and renting a car for some scenic drives. Ireland has a reputation for a scenic countryside and most of it can be reached within a one or two day trip from Dublin.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist destination is an area along the coast with almost 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. The interlocking rocks are volcanic in origin, though there have been various myths associated with their formation as well. Visiting Giant’s Causeway isn’t very possible to visit in a single day from Dublin, so staying in a small town in the northern countryside is recommended.

Use http://www.wimdu.co.uk to find places to stay while you’re traveling through the Irish countryside.
Another popular scenic drive outside of Dublin is in southeastern Ireland through Sally Gap in the Wicklow Mountains. The 27km road passes through moorlands and a valley, near the scenic lake Lough Tay and over some forested hills & mountains.

Day trips from Dublin

If you’re planning to stay based in bed & breakfast in the Dublin city centre rather than out in the countryside, consider taking some day trips to get out of the city. Glaway Bay on Ireland’s west coast is a popular and easy day trip from Dublin. Along Galway Bay are the sandstone Cliffs of Moher, at a height of 203 metres (666 feet). Within view from the steep, vertical cliffs are the Aran Islands. If you stay late, watching the sunset from the cliffs is a great photo opportunity.

Another day trip from Dublin is to Cork and the nearby Blarney Castle. The 15th century castle is built on solid limestone rock and is most famous for Blarney Stone, a boulder that you’re supposed to kiss for good luck at flattery. After getting that good luck kiss, there’s nothing better than a fresh pint of Guinness back at a Dublin city pub.

Austria Traditional Winter Resorts

The sport of skiing likes to market itself as a high-tech up-market pastime with the latest in facilities.

Yet much of the attraction for amateur participants – and that means just about everyone taking a winter holiday is the sense of getting back in touch with nature surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Austria can add a clutch of traditional towns and villages to that mixture. Resorts that were there before the sport of skiing existed but which participated in the foundations of the sport:

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is a town with a strong mining history. It would be difficult to tell that these days (unless you assumed that the richly-dressed glitterati in the most upmarket restaurants were Eastern European mine owners) but that tradition and history is displayed in the well-preserved and mostly-pedestrianized town centre.

Tradition also seeps into the skiing. The Kitzbühel ski instructors and schools are renowned for their standards of instruction and technique. And the attraction of the annual World Cup ski races on the renowned Hahnenkamm run, which attract spectators in the tens of thousands and a TV audience of many millions, cuts across all classes of Austrian society.

The ski area has plenty of modern facilities, with new lifts and connections through to Kirchberg and Westendorf making it amongst the largest in the world. But it is still the kind of area where you can also end up enjoying a schaps in a wooden farming hut hidden away in the trees.
In a word: Kitzbühel is still one of the premier ski resorts in the country, adding modern facilities to a traditional charm and history.

Zell am See

The Austrian Imperial rulers thought Zell am See an ideal location – an opinion shared by the Romans who also lived here centuries before. Set between a picturesque lake and the ski slopes behind, Zell am See is one of the most photogenic winter locations in the country.

Before ski tourism started in the early 20^th century, it was interest in spa breaks that oiled the motor of local tourism and some of the more prestigious hotels in the town can date their success back to those days.

But Zell am See isn’t just suitable for the rich and well-connected. It has a well-deserved reputation for a fairly raucous nightlife which tends to cut down social barriers and a neighbouring hamlet which offers a connection to the same ski area at the other end of the price scale from the four-and five-star lakeside establishments.
In a word: Zell am See offers traditional and expensive lakeside accommodation alongside cheap and cheerful bed-and-breakfast pensions – a mix which gives a refreshing and lively atmosphere to the resort.

St Anton am Arlberg

St Anton can boast all kinds of tradition.

A sense of history when one thinks of the monks who in the 14^th century set up the hospice above the town on the Arlberg pass between the Tyrol and the Vorarlberg.

A sense of tradition when one considers the advances in modern ski technique which can be traced back to skiing innovators from the Arlberg region.

And the sense of the place that the town and winter resort has held for decades in the hearts of all serious skiers. Talk about a ‘bucket list’ of resorts to visit to advanced skiers from all over the world and St Anton will feature heavily amongst the most popular ski areas on that list.

The town deserves it. Spruced up with new lifts and transport connections it may be, but it still has the soul of a ski bum.
Verdict: St Anton is Austria’s classic advanced resort – bump runs, seriously steep off-piste routes and a massive expanse of connected areas for the serious skier to play in.

Author Bio
This guest post has been written by Stephen Rout, a web publisher who runs a number of sites from his base in a traditional Tyrolean village.