Cambridge Vacations - What To See And Do When You Visit Cambridge

When it comes to booking yourself Cambridge vacations, you can visit this very historic town at just about any time of year you want. Certainly, there is plenty for one to do and see why visiting this University town. Actually, getting to Cambridge could not be any easier, you have the choice of either getting there by car or bus, by train or by plane, (Stansted Airport is just 20 minutes away).

However, do not expect to see everything of interest in just one day you will really need several to explore it. If you've seen everything you want to in Cambridge city, then you can always start to explore the myriad of places that are within easy reach.

Whilst visiting Cambridge, which inspired the great minds of Charles Darwin and also Stephen Hawking's, you should make time to visit one of the oldest universities in England. During 2009 the university will celebrate 800 years of existence and events will be taking place throughout the year.

Along with wandering around the grounds of the various seats of learning in the city, there are plenty of other things that one can do. It has a great shopping center and some superb bar, restaurants and cafes as well. There is accommodation available to suit all budgets. Cambridge is home to everything from luxury 5 star hotels right the way through to welcoming guest houses and bed and breakfasts. Plus if your budget is really limited, there are hostels and campsites also.

As well as many historic buildings to view, there are plenty of festivals and events taking place in the city, throughout the year. From Shakespeare Season that is held in the gardens of the College during the summer to recitals and concerts which take place in the churches in the city and also in the College chapels.

If you're looking for "culture" during your vacation, you've come to the right place. However, you can have a more active time at one of the city's many sports and leisure centres. Plus close to Cambridge, there are a couple of good quality golf courses you may want to try. For golfers, you can choose from the Cambridge Lakes Golf Course and the long established Gog Magog Golf Club.

However, if you are bringing children with you to the City then there are plenty of places for them to enjoy as well. One such place is the Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey, which is located a short drive from Cambridge. You can have a great day out no matter how young or old you are. You'll discover how our farming has developed over the years and how farming has changed with it.

Above we have looked at few attractions and things that one can do when you stay in Cambridge. If you only stay for a weekend, you'll likely find that you won't have time to visit all the different historic places that Cambridge has to offer.

Check out a wide range of Cambridge hotels here.

Think You Can't Afford a Vacation in Paris, France?

You can’t afford a luxury trip to Paris? A 5 star holiday can be had for a three star price but you need to be a little clever.

The single most important thing for a cost-effective vacation is pick you time. Times to avoid in Paris: Christmas, September/October when there are large trade shows. If looking for a luxury hotel: check if rates are cheaper at weekends or in August, when traditionally when anyone who is anyone leaves Paris.

Try to time your departure so that you leave late at night having had a full day in Paris: your hotel will hold your luggage even if you have to check out in the morning. Another day in Paris without an etra day's hotel bill! Sleep on the plane its the best thing to do on them.

Don’t go alone: preferably take a couple of friends and share a room: you will normally pay the same for two adults as one and the third person is much less than half the tarrif for two.

Don’t hire a car . You do not need a car in Paris; the central city is compact and walkable and the Metro will get you around faster than a taxi in rush hour. If you need a car for the rest of your trip, arrange your car hire to start when you time in Paris finishes.

Use the internet to find the best deals on hotels. Don’t just book with the first site you find though. Try five or six especially if you are looking for smaller, boutique hotels. Not all hotel websites list every hotel in Paris.

Remember that many attractions including museums close one day a week: usually early in the week. If you are in town for those two days then double check which days your “must see” sites are open to avoid disappointment.

Don’t use taxis to hop around town: use the Metro for longer trips or walk: Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world and most of the major sights and shopping areas are within easy walking distance.

A new development in inner city transport is the Vélib program (”vélo Liberté” or Freedom Bikes) by which it is possible to rent a bike for a very modest price. The first 30 minutes is free (plus a Euro1 daily fee payable by credit card) and prices rise raipidly for longer rental: designed to encourage you to drop off the bike and pick up a new one as you require: what a great reason to stop at cafe or two…

Paris is a wonderful city and who doesn’t want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musse d’Orsay, Notre Dame Church. Make sure you make the effort to make it to top stared restaraunt at least once on your visit.

Choose a Paris Luxury Hotel for your next European vacation and really see a different side of that wonderful city. A central Paris hotel will help you spend most of your time in the city of romance not commuting from a remote suburb. Picking the perfect Paris lodgings can make or break a vacation.

Tipping in Medan Indonesia

Medan Indonesia

How much to tip in Medan

Before we get into tipping, you may want to know the value of your money in Medan Indonesia, no not just the exchange rates.


Minimum Wage in Medan

This is just an indication to the value of money and tips in Medan. The standard min wage in Medan is around Rp980.000 a month which is around Rp38.000 (USD 4.00 ) a day. Some smaller shops and service industry even pays lower than minimum salary like Rp500.000 / month.So you can measure how much your tips are worth.

There are many times, tourists are the victims of extortion in Indonesia, hence, takes extra precaution. The amount of Rp 50.000 is a big sum as tips in Indonesia, hence do not fall into the trap.

Tipping at Restaurants & Hotels
Many restaurants and Hotels inn Medan have the standard 10% service charge plus tax directly charged to your bill. So technically, you are not required to give any extra.
Nevertheless, if you are feeling well served and generous, you may want to give extra tips to the waiters or waitresses.
There are no hard and fast rules on how much to tip in Medan compared to USA where 25% of your bill is expected.

For restaurants, the standard tipping is around Rp 5.000 to Rp 10.000. You may give more if you bring more guests. Rp20.000 should be a big tip.
Hotel porters and bellboys, probably the same aroung Rp5.000 to Rp10.000 depending on the amount of luggages you have for them to help you with.

Tour & Tour Guide
If you took a vacation package to Medan, you may be faced with Tour Guides: I would suggests Rp 50.000 each, for the driver and the guide ( for private tours ). This is based on the standard 3D2N tours. If you feel that you would like to show your appreciation, then really it’s up to each individual. If you are traveling on a group tour, then this should be optional.

Taxi Driver:
This is not expected. But sometimes due to the limited amount of change Indonesia such as the Rp100, Rp500 coins. You may just let them keep the change.

Airport:
Although it is clearly stated that the porter charges Rp 2.000 for each bag, many expect more of about Rp5.000 for each bag now (yes they will ask for more).
So be prepared. There was once, I was feeling generous and gave Rp20.000 for 3 bags and they still ask for more!
You will need the help of the porter if you have many luggages.

Remember, tipping in Medan Indonesia Hotels should be based on your own appreciation of service you received and your own financial ability. The amount stated here is just a general guide.

For the latest news and buzz on Medan in Indonesia, please visit www.MedanTalk.com where you can find out more about Medan from the locals

You can also download special city guide and budget travel guide at MedanKu.com - The Pride of Medan Indonesia

What To Do When You Visit Cardiff

As you'd expect from the capital city of Wales, Cardiff is an excellent place to stay. You can visit the streets where television series such as Dr Who were filmed, watch a world class rugby match or much more.

Historic Cardiff castle is an absolute "must see" if you're a history fan. A trip round Cardiff castle should definitely be high up on your list. The location can trace its roots back to medieval days although in more recent times you may well be visiting to be part of the audience for a rock concert or possibly the Welsh version of Mardi Gras.

The Welsh National Eisteddfod is regularly held in Cardiff. Every other year, opera fans from all over the world flock to the city for the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World event. Not to mention the 250,000 or so people who go to the Big Weekend Festival, which has rides and other attractions in abundance. Cardiff's free outdoor festival is ideal for those people travelling to Cardiff on a budget.

Shopaholics visiting Cardiff can choose from three main shopping malls: Capitol Centre, St David's Centre and Queen's Arcade. Between these three centres, you'll find literally hundreds of stores ranging from national chains down to local treasures. If you don't want to experience the modern malls, you may prefer to wander around the numerous shopping centres that can be traced back to the Victorian times. These also feature some intricate Victorian architecture if you can take your eyes off the bargains in the shops.

If you’re on an overnight stay in Cardiff, you may want to check out the musical scene in the city. There are a wide range of music venues ranging from small clubs and pubs right the way through to big venues. If you're not sure, start your exploration at the Brewery Quarter.

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Cardiff, so you’re certain to find somewhere to stay when you visit Cardiff.

Paris, France What you need to Know!

Paris in Spring - is a cliche, but most times of the year, even in winter, she is never entirely deserted by tourists and for good reason: Paris is a tourist’s dream city

Whether your ideal lodgings in Paris are a central Paris hotel choose something memorable for your stay.

Choose the neighbourhood that works best for your trip. Arty Montmatre, the laid-back left bank or something further out on the Metro line they all have their advantages. A comfortable Paris hotel all offer something - decide what is important to you before making a booking.

Here are some suggested starting places for a first time visitor to Paris. The extensive, reliable and cheap metro makes it easy to get around Paris regardless of where your hotel is located
Remember to hold onto your wallet tight, especially when the hoards descend on you trying to sell the usual tourist junk at popular locations such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre|Notre Dame Cathedral.

River Seine
The River Seine is an excellent place to start your Paris break. From the Seine you can take in the heart of the ancient city of Paris and provides easy access to many of Paris’s most famous attractions.

Champs-Elysees
Although an attraction in itself, the long and wide Champs-Elysees boulevard is often a pleasant departure from the more built up areas of the city. Tourists are unlikely to find a cheap Paris hostel along here, however. However the many luxury 5 star hotels are nearby.

At one end of the Champs-Elysees is the Arc de Triomphe: one of the city’s must-sees, honoring the soldiers that fought in France’s wars. It can also be an amusing place to watch cars carefully navigating the bizarre Charles de Gaulle roundabout (nicknamed L’Etoile, or star), one of the world’s worst roundabouts. As a predestrian avoid death and take the underpass.