Scrapbook Die Cuts and Die Cutting Machines Still Preferred Over Electronic Cutters

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If you have been thinking about scrapbooking die cutting machines, you will be pleased to know that those who have taken the dive before you say they will never go back to drawing and cutting out manually. When scrapbooking die-cutting machines came on the market, a whole new dimension was brought to scrapbook pages with die cut templates that come in wonderful themed designs and can be cut with a personal easy to use machine. So if you are not ready to move into the digital revolution quite yet, there are many good scrapbooking die-cut systems available for you to use and affordable too. So although an electronic cutter might sound good and easy, manual die cutters are still preferred and have a large place in today’s scrapbook die cutting market due to the love of the hands on creative process. Sometimes the click of a button just does not cut it.

Scrapbook Die Cuts

Die cuts are shapes used to decorate your scrapbook layouts. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes for your scrapbook needs. The sizes are usually 1 inch to 4 inches in 1/2 inch increments, but this can vary from each supplier. Quickutz tends to provide a wide range of 2×2 inch dies, whereas Spellbinders Paper Arts sells a bit larger die cuts. The great thing about dies is that they can be reused again and again, making them more economical than consumables such as stickers or rub-ons. Die-cuts are an easy way to make your pages standout and look fabulous and are extremely versatile in paper crafting.

Scrapbook Die Cutting Machines

These scrapbooking machines create designs by pressing a shape or die into paper, cutting it into precise shapes or letters. The machines can give you precise cuts on many different sizes and shapes depending on the opening of the die cutter. So before you begin a comparison or ask about comparing machines, you need to ask yourself what is it that your are looking for in a system. Will you be cutting other materials other than paper with your die cut machine such as cork, vellum, felt, chip board, magnet, certain types of metal? Will you be crafting just from home or do you need a portable die cutter? These are just two questions, but I found Die-Cuts.com to be a great resource if you are a beginner and would like to know more about the different scrapbook die-cutting machines and die cuts on the market. Some of the best manual cutting machines available right now, would have to be the Sizzix Big Shot, Provo Craft Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Wizard, and the Quickutz Epic Six. These are all leading brands of machines with similar universal features. All cutting systems listed here will do both cutting and embossing.

Although the electronic cutters sound fantastic, manual die cutters are still very popular and still have preference in today’s’ scrapbooking market. There is no need for the fancy electronic machines, when you can let those creative juices flow with a die cutting machine. These cutting and embossing machines are very simple to use, and much less hassle than tracing and cutting by hand and more creative than the click of a mouse. They are not only for the serious scrapbookers, but for all women who enjoy crafting.

Exotic Home Furniture

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Looking beyond the standard home furniture

Some people go for the exotic items such as the alligator lawn ornaments in order to add a different dimension to their home or garden. These are items that we associate with a fearsome creature that is primarily found on the American continent. The creature has been in existence for a significant period of time but we also have the nomenclature dominated by the American language. As the creative spirit of the manufacturers grows they will come up with ideas that challenge our opinions. For example the alligator lawn ornaments represent something that is frightening in real life yet people put it in their gardens where young children play. The imagery that is involved is not meant to frighten but to fascinate and entertain.

The work that goes into the alligator lawn ornaments is based on an understanding of human nature. Often the things that we fear most are the ones that we want to see. That is why young children are taken to the zoo and to watch horror movies. It might seem a bit strange to think of people deriving entertainment from the fear that they experience when they visit these places. The reality is that they are tapping into their deepest recess. The alligator lawn ornaments are just representatives of that fear and yet they are used in a place of entertainment. The contradictions in that arrangement are not lost on the mind but we have to think of it as a short term solution to the problem of decoration.

This article is not meant to go into a deep analysis of the psychological reasons as to why people decide to buy alligator lawn ornaments. From a practical point of view these things look nice in the garden and therefore it makes sense that the general public would want to buy them. Of course for some people they are the height of tastelessness. They would rather be somewhere else than spend their money on the items. It all depends on how the perceive the representations that are made on these items. It is not a problem if you buy some alligator lawn ornaments. However you cannot really expect that some people will not take offence to them.

The garden is supposed to be an area of relaxation in the modern times. People are living such stressful lives that they need a place to relax and the home can give them that place. If it appears that the alligator lawn ornaments improve that living space then they will go on and make the purchase. It is possible to be too grandiose in the way that the garden is decorated. However a few choice items will do no harm. We also tend to indulge our passions when it comes to home decorations. You might have a particular penchant for alligator lawn ornaments. This means that you are in a position to indulge this penchant without worrying about the millions of social conventions that you are breaking.

Online Travel Agent Secrets That Saves Clients 100s to 1000s of Dollars Off All Travel – Part 1

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Cheap airline tickets, family vacations and last minute deals found on major search engines like Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline, and many other highly advertised websites don’t save you much compared to personal online travel agents, no matter what travel deals they claim to offer. If you aren’t saving at least $50-$100s of dollars per hotel, per vacation package, then you really aren’t getting the best vacation deal.

Did you know that cheaptickets and Expedia is owned by the same company? You are still getting sold by the same company. The travel deals, vacation and family package you thought were money savers really aren’t. They’re all selling commercial rates. Huge online travel agencies capitalizes off the average consumer’s ignorance when it comes to traveling, because they know the industry. Which is why working personally with a good travel agent, closes to gap. Travel agents and travel agency will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your typical Disney and ski vacation, last minute vacation, hotels and major airline tickets if you find a good one.

Travel agents generally get all the specials first hand that the travel industry releases before they reach the general public. Generally we get wholesale rates on major international travel that’s never released to the public, only travel agents. Saving customers $300+ dollars on a vacation packages within 2 weeks notice are really all within a travel agents daily work day. Cheap airline tickets and guaranteed cheap hotels rates are always within grasp by a travel professional.

With the internet being the number one source for travel bookings(82 percent of all travel) it’s best to work with an online travel agent that has their own travel business because of the savings you’ll always receive if their true professionals of travel. Three good reasons to book family vacations and more through travel agents are:

#1. Hotel discounts: For instance, using a personal travel agent’s online travel agency, some may able to guarantee you the best rate 110 percent, all the time. How many other online travel agencies gives you those rates all the time. Plus having access to a good travel agent, you can find immediate access to unpublished hotel discount rates only available to agents. Exclusive travel agents with these insider secrets are always savings their clients hundreds of dollars.

#2. International travel: Airline consolidators only work with travel agents. They publish international and some domestic unpublished airline fares to travel agents only and sometimes at thousands below commercial rates. And before this, you thought you were saving money.

#3. Promotional Rates. Last month a travel agent ran a special from their company where two people could travel free for one entire year across the globe as many times they wanted. It’s over now, but its countless promotions like these that you will receive and immediate access to if you work closely with a travel agent. Getting specials on an all-inclusive honeymoon vacation for 5 days at $409, are just one of many specials certified travel agents gets easily. Talk about travel deals.

Yes, it’s true the old travel agency days are gone, but the use of having your personal travel agent, priceless! If the agent has their own online travel business and sounds professional, use them for all travel needs, they’ll really save you thousands.

3 Big Reasons To Avoid Digestive Health Medicine

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Due to our unhealthy western diet and it’s highly processed foods that many of us eat too regularly, we now have more disease and digestive disorders than ever before in known human history. This downward health spiral has worked out well for the medical industry and pharmaceutical industry. They have a digestive health medicine that can treat every problem you have.

The operative word here being “treat”, not cure. Our health industry is not interested in finding a cure for anything, that’s not what brings in the business.

Let’s take constipation as an example

Constipation is one of the most common digestive disorders we have. If you search for a medicine for it you will be prescribed or guided to several products like:

  • bowel cleaning solutions
  • bulk-forming laxatives
  • fecal softeners
  • stimulant laxatives
  • 5HT4-receptor agonists
  • peripheral opioid-receptor antagonists

All these categories have many products that are all made with drugs. Most of these problems can not only be treated by most people by diet, but most likely cured for good. There are several problems with treating these symptoms with drugs;

1. Drugs can never cure your problem, they can only provide temporary relief for the symptoms until they hit you again.

2. All drugs come with the possibility of negative adverse side effects.

3. Drugs will cause other symptoms unrelated to the symptom they were made to treat, causing you to seek out yet another prescription for another drug that will create another problem.

This is happening everywhere. There are more people on medication now than ever before. Many people are and will be, many unnecessarily, on medication for the rest of their lives. Your doctor is more than happy to prescribe a medication as long as you need it, and once you start, you will always need it.

Natural treatments door digestive health problems

Let’s look at the above list again. Do you really want to take a drug as a bulk-forming laxative? Over-use of laxatives can lead to serious side effects;

  • they can cause kidney stones or failure
  • they can body dehydration and rob it from vitamins and minerals
  • they can damage bowel function
  • pro-longed use can eventually make them stop working altogether

How about dietary fibers we can get from eating all-natural grains such as unrefined oats, barley and the best one of all; bran. Not only will these build up bulk in the intestinal tract, but will also leave your body with digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Consume plenty dietary fiber and you won’t need stimulant laxatives or fecal softeners, or bowel cleaning solutions.

The Glass Look In Home Furniture

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Glass top dining table with chairs can be bought at just about any furniture shop. Home furniture which has this type of dining set turns out to be extremely versatile in function and gives a great look to the overall decor. When glass dining sets or any other home furniture is used in a home they have the unique quality to blend with just about any kind of décor theme that may be there in a particular room.

A black glass dining table and chairs is one such choice that will allow you to have great amount of flexibility. Such home furniture can be a great gift to a person whose house you may not have even seen once. The way they merge in to the existing décor is quite admirable. When you wonder about all the different furniture available in the stores, the upsurge of glass furniture has been comparatively new. Home furniture made from glass reflects the customers’ personality.

A person generally considers several factors before purchasing glass furniture such as its affordability, the capacity it can take, its dimensions (length, width, weight and so on) the level of workmanship of the furniture, its durability and finally its reliability. A person needs to consider buying that particular piece of home furniture only if he or she is convinced of its quality and has accurate understanding about the room in the house that needs that piece of furniture. Glass furniture as a home furniture is usually selected as decorative piece in the house rather that a utility piece. For instance, glass furniture cannot be bought for a study table in study room.

Glass tables are a great add on to the living room or even the dining room, but it can become difficult to maintain in the same neat and clean condition. Few people choose 4 seated dining tables while others choose larger 6 or 8 seated dining tables for the dining section in the house. Maintenance holds great importance with home furniture made in glass.

Tempered glass is a kind of safety glass that is regularly used in home furniture. This is because Tempered glass is better in terms of durability where standard glass can pose a potential danger of breaking in pieces. Tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than the usual glass and does not burst open in to sharp pieces when it breaks or falls. Tempered glass is produced using a process that involves extreme heating and extreme cooling, making it more solidified compared to the normal glass.

The nature of tempered glass is such that it shatters into tiny oval-shaped pebble like shapes when broken. This rules out the possibility of pricking someone. Glass home furniture is a great choice for homes that are bigger. They look more graceful and some colors can also be incorporated in to home furniture made from glass. Glass furniture is also found in a variety of shapes such as oval, round, rectangular and square. Several curved glass furniture is also becoming popular day by day as it enhances the look of the house very naturally.

Choosing Gold Rings for Men

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Gold is a popular choice for men’s rings, but there are many different grades and styles available so choosing one can be difficult. There are two main factors to consider when picking gold rings for men, the color and the carat. Most rings for men have a gold carat of 18kt, 14kt or 9kt. The higher the quality of gold is used in the ring, the more expensive and valuable it will be. An 18kt carat will be far more costly compared to a 9 carat ring of the same size and style.

Hardness and durability are also important to consider because a man’s ring should be strong and able to withstand harsh conditions. The carat level of the gold actually affects the hardness level of the ring. Metal hardness is measured on the Vickers scale, so hard metals receive high Vickers scores and softer metals have a lower score. 9kt has a Vickers score of 120 while an 18kt is 125. The 9 carat ring is harder to bend and springier than 18 carat styles, so a good 9kt ring will be less likely to get bent out of shape compared to an 18kt ring. Gold is a soft metal so a higher level of gold means a softer ring. However if it has been mixed with sturdy constructive metals, then it is far less likely to bend out of shape.

Gold rings are available in several different colors. The most popular choice is yellow gold, although rose gold and white gold are also popular. Other gold varieties can include lime, red, peach and bronze gold. Each gold color has the same amount of pure gold in it, so it will have the same Vickers score. When comparing gold rings, white gold is usually more costly than rose gold or yellow gold. This is because metals like platinum and palladium are mixed into the metal. Palladium and platinum are very expensive elements and cost more than the gold itself, causing the ring to be more expensive.

For practical terms, an 18kt ring will hold up better to every day wear compared to a 9kt or 14kt ring. It will also continue to look good as it ages. This is a reason why 18kt is the preferred choice in gold rings for men. However, it is also the most expensive choice so a 14 carat ring may be a good choice because the price and quality is between the 18 carat and 9 carat.

Cheap Loans – How You Can Get One

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Cheap loans can be hard to come by. Many people do not even realize just how much their loan is costing them. The interest rates and any other fees add up over time.

What may seem like a necessary expense is actually costing the borrower big time. Getting cheap loans is not always easy. Lenders don’t want to give out cheap loans because that is taking away from their profit.

Essentially a cheap loan is a loan with low interest rates and minimal fees. Just about the only way to get low interest rates is to have exceptional credit. It is almost impossible for a person with less than excellent credit to get a cheap loan.

This is because lenders tend to use interest rates as a safeguard for risk. In lending, a person with a high credit score is low risk, where a person with a low credit score is a high risk. That means the person with the less risk gets the lower interest rates.

There are some ways to make a loan cheaper without having to haggle over interest. One way is to pay back fast. If a person pays a loan back early then they will have less interest that they have paid. Keeping loans to shorter payback periods can accomplish this.

Another way is to avoid loans that come with fees. Avoiding all fees may be impossible, but it is best to try to get a loan with the fewest and lowest fees possible.

Many times fees are tacked on for things that the borrower is not eve aware of, such as quick delivery of the money or early payoff penalties. That is why reading all paperwork carefully is important.

It is also important to be wary of some cheap loans. Many lenders advertise cheap loans but when a borrower applies they learn those cheap rates are really for those with excellent credit ratings.

There are also many scams out there that contain hidden fees or clauses that can make for problems down the road. By being smart and really paying attention, though a borrower should be able to decipher a scam when they see one.

Cheap loans are still loans. No matter how much they cost all loans have to repaid. A borrower should not get too excited at how cheap the loan is and forget that they will still have to pay the money back. Be smart and only borrower what you can afford.

Look at the monthly repayments and see if you could afford to keep up with them if you were out of work for 3 months. Also see how much the total interest rate would be if bank rates went up by one or two percent.

It may take time and work, but cheap loans are possible for everyone. This is also true if you are self employed. Generally lenders will perceive you as a higher risk and increase the interest rate accordingly.

Travel Insurance For Europe – Safeguarding Against Emergency Expenses

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Adventures in far flung destinations including Europe can be full of excitement, beauty, history and culture, transporting travelers blissfully away from their daily routines. However, there are times on such journeys when the unexpected happens, and the impact of injury or accident can be much more substantial than if the same incident had occurred stateside. Travel insurance for Europe is available to travelers who will be visiting the EU zone and might need special care from European doctors or healthcare providers during their visit. Specifically, this type of coverage can help alleviate the danger of incurring massive financial harm due to unpredictable events while traveling in countries like France or Germany where health-care systems are often very similar due to EU-organized regulations. This is something everyone venturing to Europe should investigate prior to their voyage. European travel insurance plans are specifically designed to cover countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Greece. Since health care plans and systems are unique to regions and continents, a European travel insurance package will cover very different things than one for, say, South America.

Some travelers may be surprised to learn that the personal insurance coverage they enjoy at home may be inadequate protection while they are away in Europe. For example, travelers who engage in certain types of hazardous recreation such as scuba diving and mountain climbing may learn the hard way that their coverage has been negated by such activity when done in foreign lands. It is also important to note that even when traveling within a country with a nationalized system of healthcare — especially in the Euro Zone — a traveler may be wholly ineligible for free or low cost medical treatment in the case of accidental injury, which is often provided only to citizens. The European Union has done a very good job of organizing special travel insurance systems so that travelers can feel safe within their borders. This is much like the opposite arrangement where a traveler from Europe might come to the United States of America. Regardless of what state that individual mind find himself or herself, then he or she can still get great coverage. Likewise for you, it’s important that regardless of what European “state” you find yourself in that you can rely on quality coverage.

In some of the European areas outside the EU zone, for example, foreign medical practitioners and facilities may be utterly unwilling to negotiate with a traveler’s domestic insurance carrier for payment of expenses incurred due to accidents abroad. In such cases, upfront payment may be demanded prior to service. In the event appropriate treatment is unavailable in a particular location and medical evacuation is required, a tourist’s conventional domestic insurance policy may not cover the cost, which can be significant. Because of these reasons and more, travel insurance Europe is a worthwhile subject of inquiry for all seeking to venture abroad. This is important to keep in mind if your European travel plans might lead you outside the EU zone into countries like Switzerland or Norway where EU coverage may or may not apply.

Aimed at offering financial compensation for unanticipated expenses attendant to overseas travel, European travel insurance is obtainable in a wide array of types and levels, depending on the type of journey intended by the insured. Trip duration, itinerary items, and destination region all are factors in determining the type of coverage that will be made available for purchase. Often, policies covering shorter trips may be selected concurrently with the travel reservations. However, a more expansive policy of longer term may be advisable, and such coverage can also be found. Large insurance companies, cruise lines, travel directors are all viable conduits for purchasing this type of product. European travel plans are much more common as a package these days, especially since many Americans and Canadians travel to the EU region during periods like Spring Break and summer holidays.

Travel insurance for Europe is also often typically categorized by the sort of tourist to be covered. Like the EuRail pass system, European travel insurance can sometimes organized by euro-regions and country packages. For example, you might be planning only to visit Mediterranean countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal, but not northern Euro countries like Holland and England. These customized European packages are a great way to save money! Adventurists, students, business travelers and vacationers all have different insurance needs, and policies are available that reflect that fact. Travel insurance often addresses expenses relating to emergency medical circumstances, dental services, accidental death or injury benefits, and where necessary, funeral costs when death occurs abroad. Exclusions common to this type of policy might include preexisting health issues and any injury or death occurring as a result of drug or alcohol usage.

Please keep in mind that European travel packages are very different from generalized worldwide travel insurance combo packages where multitudes of countries and regions are included at a discounted or “bulk rate.” In many cases, you are far more likely to get higher quality coverage from the European bundle packages because they provide specific coverage measures for the Euro-zone.

Shearling Coats and Jackets – A Fashion Staple for 3 Fashion Styles

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Shearling coats and jackets are made from sheepskin pelts. They are luxuriously light, warm and stylish. The lamb pelts make the supple garments with amazing breathability and insulation. When cared for properly, sheepskin coats and jackets can last for decades, ridding the need to buy a new coat every few seasons. Some people prefer to buy faux (fake) because it’s cheaper. Faux shearling may look similar to real the real thing but the breathability, insulation, durability and comfort cannot compare to real shearling. Also, real shearling is environmentally friendly since it isn’t made from polyester and acrylic, which are petroleum-based fibers.

These coats and jackets come in a huge assortment of styles and colors. From bomber style jackets to full length hooded coats, the options are endless making it easy to find a sheepskin coat or jacket to harmonize with almost any personal style. Three personal styles that beckon the addition of a shearling coat to complete their look are rocker-biker, bohemian and country-western.

Rocker-Biker

Whether you are a rock star, motorcycle rider or just like to look like one, a shearling jacket will complete your look. Known for an edgy and cool appearance, the rocker/biker style is synonymous with rugged leather boots like military combat boots or full-length motorcycle boots. T-shirts, jeans and leather pants are commonly worn under the “must have” leather jacket. The best leather jacket to have to complete this look is a bomber style shearling jacket. The bomber style jacket was designed during World War I to keep fighter pilots warm while flying in open cockpit airplanes. It soon became the symbol of “cool” and is still considered to be so by today’s’ standards.

Bohemian

The bohemian style is also known as “boho-chic” or “hippie chic” and is popular among the avant-garde, artists and free spirits. It’s a nomadic gypsy style that secedes conventionality with free-flowing earthiness. The natural ease of a shearling coat is the perfect outerwear choice to finish off this organic style. A sheepskin coat with a natural, unfinished and raw appearance has a tribal quality that is the epitome of unconventionality.

Country-Western

Farmers, ranchers and cowboys were the first to take full advantage of wearing shearling coats to shield them from the elements. When leading an active life outdoors, two criteria are key for effective outerwear. First, the outerwear must be supple in order to allow full range of movement without ripping or tearing. Second, the outerwear must have superior insulating properties to keep the harsh wind and cold at bay all day. Shearling coats and jackets meet these two criteria and have become the indistinguishable country-western coat. Today, men and women that don’t necessarily work on a ranch or farm but sport a country-western style accomplish the appearance best with a shearling coat or jacket.

These three fashion styles may seem completely different, but all are perfectly completed with a sheepskin coat or jacket. This demonstrates the versatility of shearling garments. If you want to fine tune, create or develop your personal style, look at the expansive selection of shearling coats and jackets to see if they fit in with the look you want to achieve.

Europe Travel Review

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The reason to travel to Europe may be different for each traveler, but a few of the common reasons are: Cultural Opportunities: For those interested in museums, arts, history, music or theater Europe travel offers nearly endless opportunity for cultural activity. From London to Paris to Rome to Amsterdam travelers can enjoy some of the most exciting cultural opportunities the world has to offer.

Landmarks:

People like to visit and associate themselves with something (or someone) famous. Europe travel destinations are rich in famous landmarks. Some of the most well known landmarks of the world, from Big Ben, to the Eiffel Tower, to the Coliseum are located in Europe.

Roots:

People like to visit the countries of their ancestors. Ancient European were wanderers who put up stakes in destinations around the world. Their descendants are now traveling to Europe to return to their roots and see the places their forefathers once called home.

Variety:

Where else can you enjoy such a diversity of culture, climate and geography over such a small distance A traveler to the US will notice relatively small changes when traveling from L A to New York City, a flight of approximately six hours. Language is the same, food is similar, and culture is not remarkably different. However, a two hour flight from Zurich, Switzerland to Athens, Greece , will reward the traveler with an enormous difference that is immediately obvious. Everything from language, food to lifestyle is completely and utterly different. Distances in Europe are relatively small and cultural variety is large. This gives the traveler to Europe the opportunity of easily enjoying a diverse range of cultures and lifestyles by making a relatively low investment of time and money.

Transportation:

There is no place more convenient for a traveler, than Europe Transportation is arguably the best in the world. Europe is well known for its remarkable train system and train passes which offer travelers the opportunity for international travel at very affordable rates. With more and more discount airlines available, Europe travel is becoming less and less expensive. Once you arrive in a major city, there is usually a local metro or streetcar system to take you anywhere you want to go. The ease, comfort and economy makes Europe travel very attractive and convenient.

Health:

When traveling in some regions of the world, travelers must consider if there are any local illnesses that they may be exposed to, if vaccines maybe required and if they fall ill, will they receive proper medical treatment. Most European destinations have excellent water supplies, low rates of infectious diseases and some of the best healthcare systems in the world.

Safety:

Travelers are always easy prey for criminals. However in most European countries your hotel room is not only safe from burglary due to security but is also equipped with a safe European police departments are usually efficient and violent crime is generally lower than in many other areas. But one should always remember when exploring new destination never loose sight of your money and documents.

When is the best time to travel Europe:

May, June, September, and October: These are the perfect months to enjoy southern Europe. Greece, Turkey, Spain and Italy are the best destinations in these periods. The climate at this time is usually ideal and the crowds are relatively thin. International flights are usually less expensive than the peak fares of summer. In the peak travel months of July and August, these destinations may be too hot, too crowded and too expensive for many travelers. July, August: This is the best time to visit Northern, Central and Eastern Europe and go to such countries as Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Czech Republic. However, this period offers the best climate conditions and many of the locals will be on holiday in southern Europe during this period November to March: Europe is cold during these months. While you may find travel bargains at this time, you may spend a lot of your travel time indoors. The only exception to this is the Canary Islands. Although part of Spain, the Canary Islands are located off the coast of Africa, and enjoy moderate climate year-round. With all of the attention paid to destinations like London and Paris, few people really put much thought into Eastern Europe travel when they are making their vacation plans.

Besides the well-known sites in the Czech Republic and Greece, Poland and Lithuania also offer exciting possibilities. One of the great thing about Eastern Europe travel is that you don’t have to choose one destination exclusively. In general, the public transportation is good enough and cheap enough in that part of the world that you can get from one country to another with relative ease. Basically, Eastern Europe travel offers you the luxury of exploring a whole region rather than settling on one single country. If, however, you are going on a first Eastern Europe travel trip, you should be prepared for culture shock Customs are still familiar enough to not be totally alienating, however, things are still noticeably different there. The fact that it is so affordable, however, more than makes up for this. If you can find cheap airfare to Eastern Europe, You can take your trip for almost nothing. Travel Is Interesting and Entertaining. It’s not a zoo where you look into the cages. Meld with the European to enjoy your travels.

You don’t have to visit museums if you would rather go on a balloon flight or go to a bull fight or sit at a cafe and meet someone new. As an example, one of the most highly recommended items in all of the popular travel guidebooks, TV travel shows, and guided tours is the Amsterdam Canals Boat Excursion. I took this ride and I have a different opinion. You’re stuffed into this long boat with a curved plexiglass roof, you and 80 other tourists. In four languages, over a miserable speaker system, you listen to a tape recording of stupendous facts and statistics about the places you are floating by. Good luck ever finding these places again as you walk around. I was not the only one bored on board. On top of that, it seemed that the boat was going to be swamped by a huge freighter when it got out in the middle of the harbor. What in Amsterdam name were we doing out in the harbor ? On the other hand, one of the most fascinating exhibits in Europe is usually left out of the popular guidebooks. Sins of omission are far from the major problems with these books. Virtually every one I open has errors so stupid that the only possible explanation is that the author did not go to the place mentioned.