Dave Lympany asked:




York Region has a population of over 870,000 people and covers an area of over 1,750 square kilometres. Sitting between Peel Region in the West and Durham region in the east, York Region consists of the Cities of Markham and Vaughan, with the townships of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, King, Newmarket, Richmond Hill and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

The two main population centers are the Cities of Markham and Vaughan. Both Cities have average populations with Markham being the largest in the Region with over 220,000. Markham is renowned for being the Hi Tech capital of Canada with several high profile corporate head offices making the city their home. The city is modern with excellent healthcare and schooling. Vaughan has one particular claim to fame in being directly north of Toronto, making them “above” the main city. This too is a rapidly expanding city with great facilities and plenty of new communities springing up.

The York Region is host to over 25,000 businesses which provide 400,000 jobs – a number that is growing by approximately 20,000 per year at current rates. With close proximity to the Pearson International airport and a young, well educated workforce, York Region is one of the fastest growing regions of the GTA and is very popular with Immigrants. The York Region Transit system connects most communities within the Region to each other and the Toronto GO Transit system to give a very effective public transport network.

The Region administers the Healthcare and Education following the Provincial guidelines. The York Region District School Board and the York Region Catholic District School Board are responsible for the day to day operations of the Region’s schools – all of which can be contacted via these sites.

The Town Of Aurora – With a population of over 43,000, the Town of Aurora is another rapidly expanding town. The population is young and has a high average income (compared to most Canadian towns) of around $110,000 per household. The housing is fairly expensive though with an average price of a single family detached home being over $370,000 two years ago!

There is a large variety of employers in the town and it is also commutable to the Toronto downtown core. This gives a low unemployment level of 4% in 2001 with the majority of employment in management/business, finance and sciences/technology. Manufacturing and retail are the other big areas of employment. To research all the businesses currently operating in the town go to the chamber of commerce site via the towns Economic Development Division page on the Town website.

The town itself is a historical place with plenty of old buildings with lots of character. With close proximity to both the big city of Toronto and the rural areas, Aurora provides excellent recreational opportunities to its residents. This ranges from parks, playgrounds and pedestrian trails to championship golf courses, fine dining and theatre. A full recreational program is offered in the Town which will soon be augmented by a new state of the art Recreation Centre.

The Town Of East Gwillimbury is a semi rural area located only half an hours drive from Toronto. Another historic area with settlement dating back to the 1700′s, the population is now over 20,000 and growing.

Again, East Gwillimbury has an excellent array of recreational facilities including arena’s, trails, play parks and over 135 acres of parkland. There are ice rinks, outdoor sports pitches, the usual golf courses and for the less active a 16 screen movie theatre.

There are a wide variety of employers in the town providing ample employment and the new GO Transit station gives good access to the city. The population also enjoys an above average household income.

The Town Of Georgina is the most northerly area of the York Region and is made up of several smaller communities. Situated on the South eastern shores of Lake Simcoe, the communities of Georgina have plenty of beaches and open space – especially with the area being known as “Getaway Country”.

The lake offers up year round recreation including swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing and ice fishing to name a few. On top of this the great outdoors is all around and the communities have good facilities. Some of the more prominent communities are Keswick, Sutton, Udora, Jacksons Point and Port Bolster.

Most employment seems to be in the local services and tourism sector though full research can be carried out through the chamber of commerce website.

The Township Of King is home to around 20,000 people and is a fairly rural area. Famous for the Holland Marsh – a fertile area that produces most of the Provinces fresh vegetables – most industry is based upon the support of agriculture. There are a lot of Horse breeders in the area along with livestock and dairy farms. There is some light industry and the Seneca College campus is located on the former Easton estate.

As with most Canadian towns, King has good sporting and leisure facilities including golf courses, trails, parks and 3 arena’s. Most facilities are pay as you use – more details can be found on the township website. The Township has a rich history dating back to the aboriginal peoples and then the western settlers in the late 1600′s. A museum is now dedicated to the area’s history and will be well worth a visit.

There are excellent transport links to Toronto and it’s only around 40 minutes to drive to Pearson International airport (south). A prosperous town, the average income back in 1996 was over 97,000 with an unemployment rate of 5%. In the 8 years since I can only see that the average income would rise to over $100,000 per household.

The Town Of Newmarket is another large town with a population of over 73,000 that is growing fairly quickly. Over 70% of the population are under 45 years old. With all the amenities you would expect for a big town, Newmarket is home to the York Region Administrative Headquarters, the Provincial Court and the District 1 Police HQ.

The Southlake regional health centre is a fully equipped modern hospital with plans for expansion. These combine to make local government the highest employer in the area. On top of this, the local business community is growing at over 3.5% each year with retail stores and manufacturing companies having a large presence. Use the links on the town site to go to the Chamber of Commerce site for the full listing of businesses.

For recreation purposes there is a full program of sports and activities with the new Ray Twinney Rec. centre having two arena’s and an indoor pool. There are several other arena’s, pools and rinks in the town as well as a youth centre with a fully equipped skatepark. All the usual outdoor activities are available in the area including hiking, cross country skiing and golf. For the less energetic, the Upper Canada Mall is an impressive 1 million square feet of shops which should pacify even the most hardy shopper!

House prices are reasonable for Ontario with the average in 2001 being $242,000 for a single family detached home. Being located close to Toronto brings obvious benefits with great transport links including the GTA GO Transit system. The York Region Transit system also operates in the town. Highway 404 will direct you to the downtown area of Toronto in around 30 minutes and Pearson International airport is only an hour away. Buttonville airport in nearby Markham is useful for lighter regional aircraft.

The Town Of Richmond Hill is one of the fastest growing large municipalities in Canada and has a population of over 158,000. Situated directly North of Toronto, (between Markham and Vaughan), Richmond Hill is ideally located for commuting and access to the city for recreation or onward travel. As with the other municipalities, Richmond Hill has the York Transit, Toronto Transit Commission and the GTA GO Transit networks providing great options for transport.

Richmond Hill is renowned for its world class high tech manufacturing and research companies with the lowest R

Bruce Roberts asked:




For your next vacation or sabbatical, have you thought about the prospect of a house swap? Wondering exactly what a house swap is? For answers to frequently asked questions about house swaps, keep reading.

1. What is a house swap?

A house swap is a straight exchange of houses between two homeowners for an agreed-upon period of time. Typically, used as a vacation alternative to hotels and resorts, house swaps are becoming an increasingly popular to save money while really providing a convenient means of enjoying alternative local culture.

2. Isn’t it risky letting strangers into my home?

Though there is inevitably some risk in allowing strangers to use anything belonging to you, keep in mind that they’re also letting you into their home. By checking references and getting to know your house swap partner, you’re not likely to run into any problems.

Popular house swap matching-service Home Exchange (http://www.homeexchange.com) has been in business for 14 years, handled thousands of house swaps and hasn’t had a single reported theft or act of vandalism. With a straight housing swap, there’s an element of trust you might not have otherwise.

If you’re worried, have valuables tucked away at a friend’s house and ask your neighbor to keep an eye on the property.

3. How much can I save?

Think about it this way – let’s say a family of four takes a vacation. They spend an average of $200 a night on modest, cramped hotel accommodations and about $300 a day on meals out and entertainment.

With a house swap you get space, all the comforts of home, and it doesn’t cost you anything other than a few groceries for making meals in your own kitchen.

4. How do I find people willing to swap with me?

There are a number of online databases like Home Exchange, Stay4Free (http://www.stay4free.com), Global Home Exchange (http://www.4homex.com) and Exchange Zones that all offer extensive matching services. Typically, these sites will charge an annual membership fee.

Alternatively, many homeowners turn to sites like Craigslist Classifieds or Diggsville to access free listing and searching options.

5. How do I know a property is right for me?

If you’re unsure about a particular house, ask the owner to send more information and photographs. Also, make sure you read the listing very carefully – particularly if you have a pet or have pet allergies.

Also, look for a home that’s similar to your lifestyle. Usually, an affluent, older couple isn’t going to be too happy switching places with a young family of three and their one-bedroom condo.

If you have specific questions for the owner that are not covered in the information provided by the home swap service data base, use the contact information and make a call or send an email requesting the clarification you need.

6. How do I get ready for an exchange?

Start by putting away private papers, valuables and any excess of personal items. Then, start cleaning and clearing out clutter. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 12 inches of closet space for your guest along with hangers and a few drawers.

Ben Thompson asked:




Ideal for a luxury getaway, a Jamaica honeymoon, or even an exclusive family vacation getaway, check out Bluefields Bay Villas Negril.

It’s not often you find an all inclusive Jamaica Villa Vacation, that easily can combine as a luxury getaway, a Jamaica Honeymoon, and still be a fantastic place for a family vacation getaway, and yet almost be able to describe itself as an exclusive resort. The place we are describing is Bluefields Bay Villas close to Negril.

Technically Bluefields Bay Villas is a collection of deluxe villas that are privately owned, giving you an exclusive, totally private, luxury accommodation.

What you have here is a beautiful white sand beach, five superbly presented cottages/villas with private pools, fully staffed including childcare, and all inclusive as well.

What you are going to find at Bluefields Bay Villas apart from the fantastic accommodation is the sheer quality and care level of the staff in each villa. They will literally cater to your every whim, and whilst you might feel for the price, which isn’t cheap that they should anyway, they do it with style and a smaile and make you feel like the owner and King of the castle all rolled into one!! All of this of course makes Bluefields Bay Villas the perfect destination for a Jamaica Honeymoon. In fact the honeymoon could be spent there after using it as a romantic wedding destination as a number of people have done. The four bedroom Hermitage, six bedroom San Michele, the two bedroom Milestone Cottage, the six bedroom Mullion Cove, and the two bedroom Cottonwood Cottage on the waters edge with its own infinity pool would be the ideal honeymoon accommodation.

The only thing preventing this would of course be money, because a luxury getaway in an exclusive resort like this doesn’t come cheap, but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming!!

There are a large number of activities available for the energetic including deep sea fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, horseback riding, canopy tours and golf all of which carry extra charges. Tennis is available, and there are good hiking trails nearby which are free, windsurfing and sea kayaking!!

For the less energetic there are massage services, and the Treehouse, which is the beach pavilion for drinks, and waterfront lunches.

It is however probably the food, drink, and service that makes Bluefields Bay Villas an absolutely top luxury getaway, all inclusive Jamaica Vacation.

Fruit from their own trees, just caught fish and lobster, and food as good as a top class European or new York restaurant, and best of all cooked just for you. Each deluxe villa is staffed with its own cook, trained waiters, so you get table service. Before arrival you will be sent a list of menu possibilities for you to organise as you see fit for lunch and dinner, and the breakfasts everything you might wish for.

To summarise, Bluefields Bay Villas is an incredible spot, with great service, great food, wonderful staff, and not near anywhere, so if you want a total all inclusive Jamaica Vacation that is a luxury getaway with your own deluxe cottage/house, and you don’t mind the cost, then go for it. By the way it does make the most perfect romantic wedding destination too!!

Dustin Heath Cannon asked:




One of the hottest new trends for operating a home business is the travel industry and for those not into making reservations for other people, they can try hooking up with Coastal Vacations and help people connect with lower prices on every aspect of their own vacation planning. Persons can buy future vacation deals that offer discounted prices on many services including vacation trips, motels and meals at fine restaurants. Once they have purchased their level of travel plan, they are free to use these discounts multiple times.

Becoming a director for Coastal Vacations is fairly simple, you can sign up for different levels offering the packages for sale and receive commission on the price of the package purchased. Unfortunately, there have been some directors in the past, who were hungry for sales and profits and may have exaggerated some of the program offerings, giving the company and honest directors a bad name.

Discounts available with Coastal Vacations allow families to share in a more leisurely lifestyle at considerable discounts. Consider many ocean front condos that rent for up to $2,000 a week being available to customers for under $500 a week. Airline travel, car rental and motel reservations can be made at up to 50 percent off the going rate with a membership in Coastal Vacations. As a business owner and director, you also receive special discounts and often be rewarded with free vacation packages as a bonus on your sales.

Essentially, companies that are able to offer such reductions are in partnership with many providers of the services and in order for these providers to receive a steady supply of new business, they work out deals with travel companies, allowing them to offer special rates on their products. While the discounted rate may be considerable, it is better in most cases than having a motel room unoccupied or a beach front home unattended for a week or more.

Additionally, many of the travel companies list with condominium owners or those with timeshare and provide open weeks to their members at reduced prices. For example, if a person owns a timeshare in a beach front home and owns four weeks, they may only plan a two week vacation and instead of allowing the condominium to site empty for those two weeks, they put it on the market through a travel company who will book guests in for them. The cost for those two weeks will generally be considerably cheaper than similar properties on the same beach and except for a security deposit or cleaning fee, the housing is very competitive with luxury accommodations.

In most cases members of a vacation company can also make use of other amenities at the resort in which the condominium is located. Extras such as indoor swimming pools, golf courses and exercise equipment are common in condominium, complexes and the guests are normally allowed to participate in their use. However, it is always wise to verify the rules of temporary occupancy before renting a timeshare unit, to make sure no rules are broken that could be grounds for eviction.

Jawahn Thompson asked:




If you’re seriously interested in knowing about Dubai, you need to think beyond the basics. This informative article takes a closer look at things you need to know about Dubai.

The rich culture of the desert city of Dubai draws on its ancient Arabian heritage, vast modern technology and cosmopolitan luxuries. For centuries a land devoted mainly to herding and trade, Dubai was rocketed into modern times by the discovery of oil just off of its coast in 1966. Enormous riches funded by oil production have produced a native population which, in the main, is well educated, healthy, highly paid and liberal minded. Tourism is actively courted in Dubai, particularly in the impressive Palm Islands development.

Touted as the eighth world wonder, Palm Island is a an incredible tribute to engineering, design, and absolute opulence. Palm Island – Deira is the largest of the three Palm Islands. A unique man-made phenomenon, the Palm Islands can be seen from space by the naked eye. A trunk, a 41- frond crown, and a water- breaking crescent island form Palm Island – Deira. Nearly eight thousand villas and apartment homes, private and public beaches, shopping, recreation and sports facilities are included in the plans for this incredible development. Fantastic resorts and attractions are also available for those looking for the ultimate upscale vacation experience.

Sport is a huge part of the culture of Dubai, and is reflected in the many entertainment options open to visitors of the city. Polo fields and golf courses abound. The richest horse racing event in the world, The Dubai World Cup, is run on a Dubai track and attracts visitors from around the world. Water sports from the most adventurous to the most tranquil are available in the warm waters off of Dubai’s white sand beaches. Viewing some of the region’s more traditional sporting events such as camel racing, dhow sailing and falconry should also not be missed.

Sophistication is one of the hallmarks of the Dubai – and larger United Arab Emerates – culture. World- class cosmopolitan restaurants sit next to local establishments serving the best in local cuisine and fresh juices. Indian, Lebanese, and Thai flavours are often featured in the most popular restaurants. Many of Dubai’s best restaurants are inside of, or within easy walking distance of, the city’s hotels, which are allowed to serve alcohol despite the city’s Islamic roots. Prices range from very affordable to astronomically high, depending on one’s tastes, and menus and service are most often available in English as well as the native Arabic.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Dubai. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

Shopping in Dubai is amongst the best in the world, with designer boutiques offering the most exclusive fashions and products to savvy shoppers. Jewelery, vehicles, electronics, décor items and sports equipment are also common purchases, often offered at low prices. There are no local taxes on purchases, and for those skillful at bartering, the souks (markets) offer vast opportunities for bargains on indigenous goods. Must-see sightseeing sites in Dubai include the Gold Souk, the Deira Covered Souk, the Spice Souk, the Palm Island development, Al Boom Tourist Village, Bedouin Village, the Dubai World Trade Centre, and the Jumeirah Mosque. Archaeological enthusiasts will enjoy the Al Ghusals, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah excavation sites featuring graveyards and artifacts more than 1,000 years old.

Dubai’s ultra- contemporary architecture, panoramic ocean vistas, beautiful beaches, and historical sites are all fetching subjects for photography buffs, but it is wise to refrain from taking photos of government facilities, sea- and air ports, and military installations. Permission should also be asked and granted before photographing the local population, particularly Muslim women, who may be offended at having their photo taken.

Highly accessible to international traffic, Dubai is served by 90 airlines. Major European centres such as London are only seven hours away by plane with regular in- and out- going flights.

Arabic is the official language of Dubai, but written and spoken English is heavily used in the business and commercial sectors as well as in the tourism and entertainment industries. Dubai is a progressive Islamic country. Respect for local customs and religious traditions is expected and appreciated, but not to the extremes of some Islamic- ruled areas. In return, the Dubai people offer tolerance for differing lifestyles. Women are not discriminated against and may travel freely unescorted. Western visitors are able to dress as they like, however modesty in clothing is recommended. Limit very short, tight, or revealing items of clothing. The local population has adopted some styles of western dress, but it is most common to see men wearing the traditional white dishdasha or khandura robe and gutra (headdress), and women wearing modest black abaya robes and a head scarf over their regular clothing. These styles of dress suit the religious requirements of the Islamic population and offer protection from the hot desert sun.

Dubai’s weather is picture perfect for most of the year, combining the best features of a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rain is very infrequent, falling an average of only five days each year (mostly during the winter season), but the temperature can vary by nearly 40 degrees Celsius between 10 degrees and 48 degrees Celsius.

Demand for property in Dubai has surged in recent years, driven by a burgeoning population of nearly four million people and the recent ability of foreigners to hold real- estate. Dubai’s safe lifestyle, positive tourism investment potential, favorable tax rates and perceived high property value have all contributed to the current interest in buying property in the city. In addition to the variety of hotels, resorts and other standard tourist accommodation options, private accommodations from apartments to luxury villas located on secluded beaches are available for sale and rent in Dubai.

If you learned anything new about Dubai in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

Steve Kevin asked:




The Wynnstay House

The Wynnstay House in Harrogate is a 4-star bed & breakfast. This is one of those high style but very small guesthouses in the area with only 6 rooms in total. The B&B is located in a perfect area near The Harrogate International Centre on Franklin Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire in the vicinity of The Harrogate Rail train station.

It is a non-smoking B&B with free parking available in case you drive there. Wi-Fi LAN and internet access provided all through the guesthouse.The Rooms are equipped with hairdryer, colour TV, radio and ironing facilities. All major credit cards are accepted.

Historic places like The Mother Shiptons Cave, The Ripley Castle and Newby Hall & Gardens‎ are around the be explored. Furthermore you can find The Royal Pump Room Museum, The Armley Mills Industrial‎ and the Abbey House Museum. To shop around you should try The Victoria Shopping Centre‎ which is just a few bus stops away. In case the Wynnstay if full you can find many hotels and B&Bs around for example The Ashley House, The Arden House Guest Accommodation, The Balmoral Hotel and The Aston Hotel. You wouldn’t need to take a taxi for a good restaurant as The Rajput Restaurant, The Le D2, The Your Shef and The Salsa Posada are within walking distance of it.

The Wynnstay House has been rated 4.79 of 5.0 by its guests which is pretty impressive and very rare and demonstrates the great level of fun and satisfactions they had there and how much many love to get a chance to get back for a few nights staying over.

The Shannon Court Guest House

The Shannon Court Guest House is a 4-star bed & breakfast. It is very small with only 8 rooms in total. It is located on Dragon Avenue, Harrogate, North Yorkshire very near to The Harrogate International Conference Centre. Nearest trains stations to it are The Harrogate railway station, The Hornbeam Park, The Starbeck and The Knaresborough train station.

It is a non-smoking B&B. Car parks, Wi-Fi LAN and broadband internet access are available throughout the hotel. The Rooms are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities.

The Mother Shipton Cave, The Ripley Castle and The Harewood House are among the historic places around. Furthermore The Royal Pump Museum, The Old Farmyard, The Yorko Gallery and The McTague of Harrogate are within the reach. So many hotels are around if you change your mind such as The Devonshire Hotel, The Nightspace Serviced Apartments Harrogate, The Dragon House Hotel and RAOB Grand Lodge Of England. To dinner out try The Imperial Dragon, The Mujib Restaurant, The Kowloon and The Yoko’s. Closest golf clubs to the guesthouse are The Harrogate Golf Club, The Rudding Park Golf Course and The Oakdale for enthusiast guests.

Many guests have recommended this hotel and rated it above 90 percent of high quality. The Shannon Guest House has been appreciated for its friendly and warm customer service and the value return for money. The quality of food provided at the hotel and clean rooms have also been rated very high by previous guests. It seems that nearly all of the people who stayed at the hotel were pleasantly surprised by the quality they received.

Joanna M Lawson asked:




A rental villa in Bali is a great way to spend your well earned few weeks with family members.

However, whether you go for a luxury Bali villa or a standard private Bali villa, how you spend your holiday, and what you do will almost invariably be defined by the number and ages of the children in your family.

This quick guide is intended to provide you with insights into Bali for families, with Bali travel tips and tricks.

Of course, we will start our list in priority, with the most important people, the young ones. If you wish, you may want to scroll down to the right age group for your children.

Infants

A Bali villa holiday is an ideal choice to make (over hotels and the like), if you are traveling to the island with an infant.

At a rental villa you have greater flexibility, support, and often much needed space.

Invariably, Balinese adore children, especially the younger ones. At your Bali rental villa you will more than likely get eager support to look after the little ones whilst you take a much deserved dip in the pool.

Today in Bali, most of your infant’s and your own needs will be met readily. Clean bottled water should be available at your villa, at no extra cost. Most rental villas will offer a microwave, so handy for warming up bottles. Some will even provide child friendly cutlery, so you don’t have to carry your own. Needless to say, as a favourite international tourist destination, Bali offers some very good international standard hospitals and English speaking doctors, if the need arises.

If your little one (or you for that matter), have a particular make of infant formula that you prefer, you may want to get your Bali Villa Manager to check availability for you before you arrive. Whilst there is an increasingly wider choice of baby formulas and ready-made fruit/vegetable purees available in Bali, you may not always be able to find the specific brand that you are familiar with. Of course, the same goes for disposable nappies. These are available at most supermarkets, but possibly not exactly the right brand you may be after.

The great thing about taking your own baby formula, and disposable nappies to Bali is that, having used these up in Bali, for your return trip home, you are left with much more space/weight allowance for all the shopping you will have done in Bali!

For your supplies, you may wish to try Bali Deli, Bintang Supermarket Bali. For a good selection of inflatables drop in at Matahari Bali at Bali Galleria.

Toddlers

Toddlers will love Bali and the Balinese people, since they are absolutely wonderful in interacting with the young ones.

If you want your toddler to make the most of your Bali villa pool, then you can find a variety of inflatable swimming support equipment at department stores, malls and pharmacies. Of course, it is worth noting that when buying these types of devices in Asia, one needs to pay careful attention that it meets international safety regulation. Also, as all inflatable equipment intended for children should clearly state, -these are not life saving devices and should always be used under the supervision of a competent adult swimmer-..

Also, it is worth noting that, many good villas in Bali, will actually provide some basic toys for your toddlers. Again, it is worth checking that these do meet international safety standards, as some cheap knock-offs may have small pieces or sharp edges.

If you are in need of some nap time stories, there are numerous bookshops in Bali which carry a good selection of English language children’s books. You will find that especially those printed in Indonesia are very reasonably priced. You may want to try Peripulus Bali or Gramedia Bali, both of which seem to have suitable book selections for the young ones.

Older Children

In my experience, older children will have a ball in Bali and quite likely very happily tire themselves out between the villa swimming pool and the daily excursions.

If you have chosen one of the more spacious Bali villas, it is worth noting that the Balinese do enjoy playing football/soccer as much as the next nation. The rental villa staff will probably need only a tiny bit of encouragement to start playing ball with your young ones.

Similarly, your female villa staff will be more than happy to play-house with your little girl for many hours. What a better way for the young ones to get to learn a new culture, and may be pick up a word or two of the local language whilst having fun!

Of course, once you manage to drag yourself out of your Bali holiday villa, the options for the young ones are even more numerous.

Here is a quick list for starters:

1. Waterbom Park Bali A genuine must during your Bali villa vacation. Suitable rides for children of all ages.

2. Horse Riding From chaperoned rides on ponies to full galloping experience on the beach.

3. Cruising A selection of boats, and family cruises to choose from.

3. Lovina Dolphin Watching Bit far away from most Bali villas, but still well worth the trip.

5. Elephant Safari Park With some great conservation and animal rescue efforts.

6. Go-Karting For those with the need for speed.

Teenagers

I regularly get asked, if it is safe to mix Bali with teenagers. In all honesty? The answer is an absolute and one hundred percent, yes.

Bali is essentially a very safe place.

Over a million people visit Bali every year, with tens of thousands of teenagers traveling to Bali with their families, or on their own, and in majority of the cases, no one ever feels threatened or in any form of risk.

There are numerous restaurants, bars, and night clubs in Bali, and probably all are essentially safe places for anyone with some common sense.

Three simple guidelines apply in Bali, as with any other holiday destination. – Keep away from illegal substances. – Drink alcohol in moderation (especially in the heat, as one will already be dehydrated) – Think twice before renting a motor-bike (or certainly, riding one under the influence of alcohol)

Once these three basics are addressed, you will find Bali to be one of the safest holiday destinations for your teenagers.

For You

Of course, last but not least, if there is any time left, you yourself will want to enjoy your Bali villa to the fullest.

The great news is, you have your own private swimming pool in your own villa. (Almost all Bali villas come with private pools.) Also, quite likely a wonderful sun-deck from which to soak up the rays.

Most Bali rental villas come equipped with a TV and Satellite/Cable connection. So if you want to catch up on the news, or sports, or just enjoy a DVD, you will not feel out of touch.

Many rental villas in Bali will also provide a library service, providing all sorts of fiction/non-fiction books for your reading pleasure whilst in Bali.

If you want to be a bit more adventurous, and can actually bring yourself to leave your newly found haven, here are a few things you may wan to try:

1. Dance Performances Try to catch one of each of:Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least.

2. Designer Shopping In the recent years, Balinese design scene has been experiencing an amazing renaissance.

3. Diving Different courses and organised dives exist to meet all needs.

4. Fishing Fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur) 5. Golfing A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali, many with great views. 6. Helicopter Tours Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. 7. Kite Boarding Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental are available at Nusa Dua beaches.

8. Surfing If you are experienced, you will know where to go. If you want to learn, head for the Kuta beach where you can catch beginners’ lessons.

9. Paragliding Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces into the Indian Ocean!.

10. White Water Rafting Enjoy a thrilling ride through 8 kilometers of rapids!

Once you have done it, you will agree that, Bali villas offer an amazing setting to enjoy your family holiday. The great thing is, you get to have a great Bali holiday, together, but each enjoying their own space, flexibility and freedom.

Hopefully, armed with these insights, you can now ease into your new Bali rental villa, and have a spectacular holiday in this island paradise.

Many happy returns…

Justin Burch asked:




Though St. Thomas is known as one of the best shopping destinations in the Caribbean, the island is also home to a wealth of historical intrigue. Within a concentrated area of St. Thomas’ capital city, Charlotte Amalie, visitors will find everything from ornate churches and government buildings to colonial forts and mythical pirate outposts. If you want to experience St. Thomas’ fascinating history, there is no better way to see the sights than a walk through Charlotte Amalie amongst the beautiful Caribbean weather.

The best place to start a walking tour of Charlotte Amalie’s historic sites is Fort Christian, a Danish-built structure dating to the late 17th century. Visible throughout Charlotte Amalie, this vivid red-brick fort is in fact the oldest remaining structure in the Virgin Islands. Having served as a government center and a church after the colonial period, Fort Christian is now a National Historic Landmark and history museum. After visiting the museum, be sure to visit the roof of Fort Christian for an excellent panoramic view of the harbor.

Directly across the street from Fort Christian, you will see the historic Legislature Building, a beautifully rebuilt colonial structure. After serving as barracks for Danish police and later for U.S. Marines, the Legislature Building was completed restored in 1956 and has served as home to local lawmakers since 1970.

From the courtyard of the Legislature Building, turn left and follow the sidewalk to the first traffic light. At the traffic light, turn right and look for the Vendor’s Plaza on your left. Above this outdoor market, you will find Emancipation Park, the site of many official ceremonies and the Virgin Islands’ replica of the Liberty Bell.

Directly across the street from Emancipation Park is the Grand Hotel, a 19th century structure that now houses a number of small shops and restaurants. After perusing the unique businesses inside the Grand Hotel, walk towards Fort Christian and turn left up the first narrow road.

At the top of the narrow path, you will come upon one of St. Thomas’ most significant churches, the golden Lutheran Church. Known for its large staircase and bright yellow color, the church is one of the most photographed buildings in St. Thomas. Once the official church of the Danish West Indies, the Lutheran Church is still used for services today.

Turning right after leaving the Lutheran Church, you will walk past Post Office Square and a trio of statues. As you continue up Government Hill, you will come upon a street known as Kongens Gade, site of the 99 Steps. Constructed in the mid-18th century, these steps represent the Danes’ attempt at city planning near the hilly shores of St. Thomas.

If you choose to follow the street rather than climbing the staircase, you will find the historic Government House – a building known for its collection of paintings by Camille Pissaro – on your immediate left. However, if you climb the 99 Steps, you will find yourself on the easiest route to Blackbeard’s Castle, one of St. Thomas’ most popular sights. Blackbeard’s Castle is actually a large watch tower that once belonged to the Danish Fort Trygborg. As Blackbeard’s Castle rests atop Government Hill, the structure provides an excellent view of the harbor. Though it is not known when the watch tower came to be known as Blackbeard’s Castle, local legend has it that the famous pirate used the watch tower to patrol for rival ships.

The land surrounding Blackbeard’s Castle is home to several town house museums, including Villa Notman and The Haagensen House. In each case, these musuems house everything from antiques to valuable Danish furniture. After leaving the area of Blackbeard’s Castle, return to the area of Post Office Square and Main Street. After turning right onto Main Street, look on the right for a small street called Nye Gade.

One block up from Main Street at the corner of Crystal Gade and Nye Gade, you will find the pictuesque St. Thomas Reformed Church. Known as the island’s finest example of classical revival architecture, the St. Thomas Reformed Church resembles a Roman temple, complete with large supporting columns.

Turning left onto Crystal Gade, you will quickly come upon the St. Thomas Synagogue, the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Having served an incredibly significant spiritual role during the colonial period, the St. Thomas Synagogue is still used today under Sephardic tradition. As a result, the St. Thomas Synagogue features the traditional sand-covered floor, a symbol of the Jewish flight from Egypt.

Returning to Main Street along the same route, you will be in the heart of St. Thomas’ shopping district. Turning right at Main Street and following the road to the end of the shopping district, you will come upon Market Square, a former slave market that now serves as an open-air produce and craft market.

One block further up Main Street, you will find St. Thomas’ primary Catholic church, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. Constructed in 1806, the cathedral is known for its ornate murals painted by Belgian artists, Father Leo Servais and Brother Ildephonsus.

While history probably won’t be the first thing on your mind while in St. Thomas, the island features a wealth of important sites within a very walkable area. After enjoying the beach and the relaxing amenities of your resort, this simple walking tour of Charlotte Amalie offers a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.

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The Crescent Commons apartments are pet friendly and the rent is very reasonable, especially when you consider the size of the units and all of the amenities that are included. They are an ideal place to live in this charming, southern city.

No matter what type of Fayetteville, NC apartment you seek, there is one to suit your needs. Whether you are looking to stay long term, or only a short while, Fayetteville has many different apartments available to rent. Fayetteville is a beautiful city and many people who relocate to the area stay in an apartment so they can spend time looking for the perfect home. Whether you plan to live in a house or rent an apartment, you will be glad to call Fayetteville, NC your home.