What makes Cyprus so good?

Driving through the streets of the capital city, Nicosia, you soon find the fortifications that separate the Nicosia of Turkish Cypriots from that of the Greek Cypriots to the south. Like the island itself, the capital city is divided.

Looking at this description of Cyprus, you would think that it would be hard to see why this could possibly be a popular location for tourism.

Taking a drive further south, to the beaches that surround the popular resort of Limassol, it soon becomes clear that this is an island that has plenty to offer.

Despite the separation, the reality is that people on this island have lived in relative harmony for many years. It's been seen as a safe destination for visitors, although the northern part of the island is not officially recognised by the United Nations.

Most visitors head for the south, with its booming tourist infrastructure. The coastal regions are dominated by large hotels, with their associated bars and restaurants.

Many are seen as perfect for family holidays, while the resort of Ayia Napa has hit the news as one of the best party resorts in Europe.

It's clear that there is more to the island than just its political history. Indeed, heading inland, it's still possible to see that the traditional Cypriot way of life survives.

Despite the upheavals of the recent past, Cyprus remains a welcoming place for visitors. The local people are warm and friendly, as is the climate.

As we scratch beneath the surface, it's clear to see what makes the island so popular.

www.cyprusairports.co.uk

The holiday islands of the Mediterranean

With its fantastic climate, it's not surprising that the Mediterranean provides a focal point for many European holidays. Those from northerly parts of the continent flock south in the summer to take advantage of the wonderful summer sunshine.

You may well have visited some Mediterranean resorts yourself, in which case you're probably aware that they tend to offer varying experiences. So where are the popular places that many are likely to be heading to next summer?

For dance music fans, Ibiza and Cyprus remain the two top choices. While Ibiza has been leading the way for many years, the rise of Ayia Napa has put Cyprus firmly in the spotlight. This is a place where people enjoy the beaches by day and the nightclubs into the small hours.

Despite their reputations, both islands are also suitable for family holidays. Indeed, away from the vibrant party towns, both have plenty to offer families looking for a nice break.

The island of Malta has had close historical links with the United Kingdom and remains popular. You may be surprised to see that old British buses are still in use on Maltese streets.

It sometimes suffers in comparison with other islands because the quality of its beaches is not as high. Check out the smaller island of Gozo too, with regular boat trips running from Malta.

The Spanish Balearic islands have plenty to offer, with Majorca being fully geared up for tourism. Menorca is smaller and quieter, tending to attract a smaller number of visitors.

When many people think of islands in the Med, they tend to think of the Greek islands. The likes of Crete, Corfu and Rhodes all have plenty to offer - don't forget that you can find plenty of historical attractions on these island.

Although we tend to think of these islands as one massive grouping, it's clear that they offer diverse experiences.

Next time you visit an island in the Mediterranean, check out what makes it so unique.

www.cyprusairports.co.uk

Beach holidays in Cyprus

You'll almost certainly have heard a little about what this island has to offer because it seems to crop up in magazines and newspaper reports each summer.

Many such reports focus on the role of Ayia Napa. Ayia Napa was once a small, sleepy fishing village. Today, it attracts more than 250,000 tourists each year, with few of them looking to go fishing.

The reason for its popularity is that it enjoys a vibrant nightlife scene. This is one of the European capitals of dance music. Ayia Napa is a resort where people spend the days oon the beach and the evenings in the clubs, bars and discos.

Such images of Cyprus ignore the rest of the island though. This is a place where many more visitors shun Ayia Napa in favour of spending a family holiday at the island's other resorts.

Popular locations include Paphos, Limassol and Protaras. What draws so many here is undoubtedly the fantastic climate.

Located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean, Cyprus lies between Europe and the Middle East. This location ensures that it enjoys long, hot summers.

If you want to find great weather, then many would suggest that Cyprus is the place to come. This is a sun lovers paradise.

The locals are friendly too. As is the case in Greece, Cyprus is well geared up to family holidays, meaning that there is fun to be found for people of all ages, young and old.

With great beaches, a wonderful climate and friendly local people, the island looks set to remain a popular holiday destination.

www.cyprusairports.co.uk

How to grade your Jet Charter Company

Air Charter travel is the ultimate in luxury flying. Chartering your own Private Jet ensures you maximum comfort and convenience along with the highest standard of service possible. In addition, you can design a flight itinerary that suits your own personal needs. You choose your flight times, the type of jet you wish to travel in and your departure and arrival airports. You get to choose a catering menu that satisfies your individual tastes and if you want butler service for that added bit of comfort and style, you can choose that too. Avoid crowded airports by taking advantage of an expert crew who can take care of your luggage and security procedures swiftly and conveniently. Private jets as the name suggests offer the ultimate in privacy and relaxation allowing you to enjoy your journey. On arrival, professional, ground staff crew is waiting to whisk you off to your desired destination ensuring you arrive promptly and in style. Charter flights on Private Jets certainly beat commercial flying hands down! Having decided you wish to fly using a private jet charter, you will need to choose the best company to suit your personal needs and requirements. You may wish to deal with the charter company direct or with a broker. Either way, below are some things to consider when assessing whether a company has the level of expertise and service you require from this type of air travel.

Company Experience and Reputation.

• Check out how long the charter company has been in business. This will tell you something about their reputation.
• Establish whether the charter company has demonstrated long-term commitments to safety, customer service and quality assurance. Also do they have the resources to invest in the equipment?

Safety and Security of the Aircraft

• Ensure that the proposed aircraft is sufficiently insured.
• Find out about key elements of a company’s safety and security procedures, including what is the level of pilot training and experience and the quality of aircraft audits.
• Check out their safety record and verify that your aircraft is equipped with safety components and medical facilities pursuant to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135. (Enquire at your local FAA office)

Details of Company Fleet of Aircraft

• Confirm that your carrier provides access to Wyvern/Argus certified aircraft.
• Establish how aircraft are selected and approved for their inclusion in the fleet.
• Strictly fly with carriers that can furnish photographs of the quoted aircraft; get a view of the condition and overall look of the aircraft.

Customer Service

• Verify that your carrier is in the Better Business Bureau Reliability Program, so you know they are serious about resolving customer service issues.
• Ensure that your carrier has a privacy policy in place to protect your contact information.
• Ensure that your broker has a 100% money-back 48 hour cancellation policy for most flights; cancellation policies may vary by operator.
• Ensure that you could renew your card at no charge. Ensure that there are no long-term commitments or administration fees attached to card usage.
• Only work with an Aviation Specialist that will investigate for available backup aircraft if necessary.
• Require that your Aviation Specialist includes flight manifests for the FBOs of the operator to anticipate departure and arrival times and mileage en route in your itinerary.
• Does your Customer Services Dept offer a 24/7 service? Are you assigned an expert who can deal personally with your trip and answer questions, offer suggestions and respond promptly to changes in your itinerary?

Cost

• Arrange private jet travel with an Aviation Specialist can offer efficiency discounts for flights on empty legs.
• Demand that your Aviation Specialist disclose the final cost of flight time, taxes and fees. Ensure there are no hidden costs.
• Fly with a private jet charter carrier that allows you to secure aircraft by putting a hold on your credit card at no charge.

If you are spending money on a luxury expense such as a private jet charter you expect the highest standard of service and the ultimate in luxury and convenience. It pays to research charter companies rigorously to ensure they can meet your personal requirements and desires.

www.imperialjets.com

How to have a great vacation with your teenager

Traveling with a teenager can be a rewarding period of time filled with a lot of laughter and engaging, enlightening conversation. The expectation and accompanying attitude that you pack is most likely what your teenager will deliver in return.

Traveling with teenagers can be a positive adventure. Despite popular opinion, traveling with a teenager can be a rewarding period of time filled with a lot of laughter and engaging, enlightening conversation. Travel with a teenager does not have to mean long periods of silence punctuated by the echo of the headphones slowly making your teenager hearing impaired. However, the expectation and accompanying attitude that you pack is most likely what your teenager will deliver in return.

Teenagers are known to be highly self-absorbed individuals who are pulling away from their families in any way they know because they want nothing but for them to turn into a full fledged grown up enjoying full fledged rights and responsibilities. This is only partly true. Travel with an adolescent is not only time for you to pull out of your everyday expectations, responsibilities, and endeavors, but it is also a chance for them to pull away from theirs as well. Growing up is a difficult thing for teens thus a little break from the usual life they have is proven to be rewarding for both of you.

Do not Push, Stay Calm, Curb Forced Humor

Do not try to be funny. Yes, every teenager relates well to a little sarcastic humor, but do not try to be their friend and crack yourself up with some low down jumblespeak that you believe your adolescent will appreciate. Be yourself. Be a parent. Let them slowly open up during the course of the trip. If you are ramming your good time down their throat then chances are that you will be spending your good time alone or watching them try rather diligently to spoil it. If you relax and just bring up interesting points along the way, whether it is about the trip or life in general, and really listen to their responses during that four second break in between CD tracks, you will create solid ground from which to move forward as the trip does.

Teenagers know that parents tend to believe that they are generally irresponsible individuals. They know that you are praying that they are not having sex, doing drugs, drinking, or downloading horrifying material off the internet while simultaneously suspecting that they are when your back is turned. Expect your teen to push a few buttons and rattle your chains once you have stepped into their zone or broke through their sound barrier even for awhile. The more you take their behavior in stride the less they will push and the greater the chance for a real connection to occur.

Understand Music is Essential

For any teenager traveling with one or two parents in a car for any period of time there is an absolute need for them to zone off into their world and crank their music just a little louder than you want it. Most teenagers process life procedures and daily encounters this way, thus allowing them to do things their way can help pave a smoother way of connecting with them especially when the track is over.

Ask, Tell, and Listen

Ask your teenage real life questions. If you value their opinion, genuinely, you and your kid can have some pretty unique and in depth conversations that lead to a better understanding and more committed method of communication. It is important to respond to your teens with a notion that you do not have to agree with them all the time just to show you love them; rather, make them feel that they have the right to speak openly and you will listen and, most importantly, they have the capacity to think what is right. You and your teenager are going to be trapped together for the duration of your trip. You can either bring along a great attitude and connect with each other or you can forget your great attitude at home and pretend that there is not a boat load of stress and tension marring your trip. When trapped with an adolescent, parental attitude is the key to success.

www.portraitkingdom.com

International Travel and Health Insurance

Embarking on Your Dream Vacation. Are your Plans Complete? Your bags are packed, passport and papers in order and you couldn’t be in a higher state of excitement preparing for travel to that wonderful, exotic location. This is the vacation you have planned it seems forever. As you sit on the plane, you and your partner discuss for the hundredth time the scuba diving you will do, the awesome rock climbing and hikes into the rain forest. Everything is perfect!Life seldom gets better than this.

Despite all the excitement of travel, Americans do have some concerns. According to a survey by the Chubb Group, more than 70% of Americans surveyed said their greatest concern when traveling is suffering a medical emergency... more than double the fear of being mugged (30.7%), three times the fear of being injured in a terrorist attack (23.4%). What happens if a medical emergency arises when traveling overseas? Many people assume that while they are out of the U.S. or Canada they will be covered by their standard medical plan. However, most traditional health insurance plans are not designed for international travel. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, approximately 27 million travelers’ board U.S. airlines for overseas destinations and almost 26 million foreign travelers come to the U.S. each year. However, many are not prepared for a medical emergency abroad. Most traditional health insurance plans would not cover an unexpected illness or injury during international travel.

But travelers with international medical insurance would have protection for scenarios ranging from a local ambulance trip to an emergency evacuation for care at the nearest qualified medical facility. Some even offer repatriation flights out of the country where the traveler is located back to the US. Available plans can cover individuals or groups for specific periods of time abroad and can be in effect should they be stationed abroad for an extended period of time. There are policies for corporations to insure their personnel, plans to cover missionaries who are on an outreach program and for those participating in extreme sports. International travel medical insurance should be considered for anyone traveling or living abroad.

www.tours-guide.com