Pod Hotels Can Save You Money On Holidays Or Vacations

The next time you book air flights and travel through airports when on vacations or holidays, look around. You might just see a pod hotel. Here’s the low-down on these unique airport and city accommodations.

Pod hotels are not a new phenomenon. They have been around for many years, but most travelers have never heard of them. The concept started in Japan as “capsule hotels”, that were, and are still being used mainly by businessmen on stopovers. However, pod hotels are becoming more and more popular with vacation travelers as well, because they are convenient and cost a lot less than regular hotels. They can be found in the United States, Britain, Europe, and Asia, usually in, or near airports.

The pod hotel concept is just in its infancy in the U.S. and Europe, but is growing by leaps and bounds as more and more holiday travelers demand this unique service. Entrepreneurs are responding by creating very small, pod-like hotel rooms that are usually rented by the hour, or number of hours.

Most of the pod hotel rooms are small in size, but comfortable and convenient, and they usually have all the amenities of a regular hotel room at a fraction of the cost. They can be a great choice for budget-conscious business travelers and vacationers.

Some pod hotels are situated in airports such as the ones at Yotel.com, located in London, England’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

EasyHotels.com have pod hotels in London, Zurich, Basal, and Budapest. QBICHotels.com have pod hotels located in Amsterdam and Antwerp. A New York pod hotel is the PickwickArms.com.

There is a new evolution in pod hotels called Metronap Sleep Pods. These space age style pods are starting to spring up not only on airport concourses, but in prominent locations in office buildings. They are excellent for tourists and business travelers, as well as tired people and executives that just want to have a nap. Even though these sleep pods sit out in the open, they partially enclose for privacy, but will not feel claustrophobic. They also are equipped with noise canceling headphones. The rental is by the hour and is reasonably priced.

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What are the New Travel Laws regarding Passports for Canadians Traveling to the US?

Since the tragic events of 911, there have been many changes to the laws when traveling from Canada to the United States. These changes are designed to enhance security between the two countries. When a Canadian travels to the US, they should be aware of the new travel laws regarding Passports.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is one law that Canadians should learn about. It is a US law mandating that all travelers, including US and Canadian residents, provide a passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States. This law applies to all travelers, including children.

Canadians who travel by plane to and from the United States must provide one of the following documents: a passport or a NEXUS card to be presented at all U.S. airports when coming back to Canada. For example, if a Canadian travels to the US by vehicle, but returns to Canada by flights, a NEXUS card will be required before they can board the flight.

When Canadians enter the United States by land or water, they are mandated to provide ONE of the following documents: a passport; a NEXUS card, a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, an enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced identification card, or a Secure Certificate of Indian Status.

For Canadians under the age of 15, they must provide verification of their Canadian citizenship, such as an original or a photocopy of a birth certificate, or an original citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are traveling with an organized group may provide proof of Canadian citizenship only. This makes it easier to make school trips to the US.

There have been some concerns about meeting all of the requirements so the US has provided some flexibility on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) law. However, the Canadian Government warns that the extent of this flexibility is the decision of the U.S. officials.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was created after the implementation of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). This act mandated that every traveler have a passport or other approved document that proves one’s identity when coming into the United States. The purpose was to help the Department of Homeland Security identify a traveler quickly.

As of August 15, 2007, the Canadian Government has implemented measures to make renewing one’s passport easier. The Simplified Passport Renewal Program permits Canadians who meet specific eligibility criteria to renew their passport using a less complicated form and without submitting such documents as proof of citizenship, supplementary identification, and a guarantor declaration. Under the renewal program, one will just need to submit the small form along with two new photos, the application fee, and their last passport. As well, Passport Canada enacted a simpler guarantor policy, which allows most adult Canadian passport holders to act as guarantors for first time applicants.

In order to avoid any travel disruptions, before Canadians travel, they should be aware of the entry requirements for the United States.

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Corfu Island, Greece

The most northerly and, with Greece’s highest rainfall, the greenest of the Ionian Islands. Corfu lies close to the mainland and the Albanian coast. Described by Homer as ‘beautiful and rich’, it is mountainous, lushly fertile and fringed by fine beaches with lovely aquamarine waters.

From the 8th century BC, Corfu was subject to a succession of powers, though it never became part of the Ottoman Empire.

Venice held it for 200 years, then Napoleon seized it, and for some years it was a British Protectorate. Long a favourite with travelers, its quiet, idiosyncratic life is lovingly recorded in the books of Lawrence and Gerald Durrell. Now despite some indiscriminate tourist development, it remains bewitching.

Corfu Town is a lovely place, a blend of splendid Italianate buildings; narrow alleyways and grand, French-influenced arcades. There are museums and fine churches, including the Church of Ayios Spyridhon, where the mummified body of the island’s patron saint lies in a glass-fronted coffin. (It is paraded through the town several times a year.) A popular excursion is to the photogenic islets of Vlaherna and Pondikonissi.

North from Corfu Town, brash or prestigious resorts are interspersed with fishing harbours and backed by magnificent scenery. Southwards lie the site of the ancient capital, Corcyra, and some large resorts.

Then a winding coastal road reaches some quieter beaches. The west coast boasts long stretches of glorious sand, a backdrop of green mountains - and some of the largest hotel conglomerations. Even here, more peaceful coves can be reached by boat, or a scramble on foot.

Inland, traditional villages offer shade and good food. Corfiot cuisine, unusually, has no Turkish influence, and often seems more Italian than Greek. A stroll and a climb in scented mountain air amid ancient olive trees rewards with views over ethereal greenness towards the heavenly blue sea.

The Convenience of a Private Jet

Have you ever considered chartering a private jet for a family vacation, a business trip or even just a weekend get away with your friends? If not think about all of the advantages it has: it is hassle free, you save a lot of time and it really isn’t as expensive as you may think. Also, if you are someone who tends to get stressed out when you travel, this may be the answer for you.

Chartering private jets are great for a family vacation. It is a way to make it much less stressful and convenient for you and your family. If you have kids especially, you won’t have to worry about them running around or having to watch them and entertain them for hours that you have to just sit around and wait for your boarding. This way, you can get there and walk right on your plane and you are off on your way.

Security is another amazing thing. There has been so much fear in the past because of the 9/11 attacks and other threats in the airports. While of course it is great to have such protection at the airports now that can make everyone feel (and be) safe, it can be a pain in the butt to have to get there early and take your shoes off and get your bag search in front of so many other people, again, especially if you also have kids with you.

For companies, a private jet would be an amazing investment. Time is money and it seems that it wastes a lot of both when you have to wait around for your flight both to and from a business meeting that is out of town. Also you can go straight to your meeting and then right back using a private jet instead of having to stay out of town and wait for another commercial flight and pay for room and board and food and so on. It really makes the entire business process much faster and more efficient, saving you money in the long run.

When it all adds up in the end, the cost really isn’t as high as you may think it would be. You really are getting so much for your money. Chartering a private jet can make your next trip (whether it is for business or pleasure) so much less stressful. If you haven’t already checked it out, you should look online or try your local travel agent for more information on the subject. And enjoy your next hassle free trip!

Hawaii Golf Destinations

Contrary to popular belief around the globe, Hawaii does not only attract beach lovers but golf huggers, too. Hawaii offers more than 100 golf destinations especially in cities where you can choose more such as Honolulu, Kailua Kona, Oahu and Ewa Beach. While there are so many to select from, knowing the top sites would surely help you in having the best golf traveling vacation ever.

Named by the Golf Digest as the #1 Golf Course in Oahu, ranked 7th in Golflink.com as part of the 2008′ s “Top 100 United States Golf Courses”, rated in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Places You Can Play” and tagged as “The World’s Most Challenging Gold Course”, Ko’olau Golf Club presents a slope rating of 155 plus, 200-acre course, which was carved out of 1,500 acres of rainforest in 1991. Located just over the Pali Highway from Honolulu, the 20-minute drive can lead you to a spectacular view of the luscious forest, tropical green terrain, and majestic mountains of Hawaii. The 18-hole Ko’olau is a par 72 course at 7,310 yards, which features a course rating of 74.4 and a slope rating of 158 on Bahia grass. Declared by USGA (United States Golf Association) as the toughest course in the United States, Ko’olau Golf Club also offers challenging golf courses for all skill levels.

Another golf piece of Oahu is the Makaha Resort & Golf Club. Better known as “Makaha West,” this golf course has also been listed in 2002 as one of the “Places to Play” by Golf Magazine. It was also named by Honolulu Magazine as Oahu’s number one golf course. A few minutes from Honolulu, situated in the stunning Makaha Valley, surrounding Wai’anae Mountains, this resort also provides a 7,022-yard, 18-hole, 72 par championship golf course rated 73.2 by USGA. More than the course itself, guests and professionals can enjoy the classic, fresh looking valley, and the extraordinary scenery of the Pacific Ocean. Amateurs can avail of group or private golf training from PGA experts. Visitors can go for the cart access to all fairways, the driving range, and pro shop wherein you can purchase gold apparel and accessories, and rent shoes and clubs.

Golf Magazine included Hapuna Golf Course in its “Gold Medal Resorts” list in 1998. It was also ranked as the “Best Public Course” in 1995-1996 and placed 11th in 1997-1998. The USGA labeled Hapuna Golf Course as “The Course of the Future” in 1997 and rated as one of the most environmentally sensitive golf courses, not mentioning its 75th rank in Conde Nast Traveller’s “Top 100 Golf Resorts” in 2006. Over a decade ago since it opened, this 18-hole, par 72, 6,875 yards golf course, nestled 700 feet above sea level in the Big Island, has continued to deliver a “nature-filled” golf experience. It also offers a One Day Golf School program to let you enhance your skills and get acquainted with its golfing landscape.

After a review of some of Hawaii’s top golf courses, it will surely bring a dream golf experience combined with nature’s gifts. For avid golfers out there, taking a trip to Hawaii will definitely make you want for more inspiring holes.