Prague, Czech Republic-Weekly Travel Pick

Prague is in the centre of Europe. It borders on Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Poland. The currency is the Czech Crown and it is in the Central European time zone.
The modern city airport, Ruzynì, is situated about 20 km northwest of the city centre. There are direct flights from most major European cities.
Since The Velvet Revolution of 1989 Prague has become more visited. There are plenty of hotels, pensions, hostels and private accommodation available. Number of stars does not usually correspond with international regulations because the owners class their businesses by themselves. Accommodation in a four stars hotel can be, therefore, cheaper than living in a three stars hotel.
Prague is not overrun by tourism, but its effects are evident for all to see. Much of the post-communism reconstruction and regeneration of Prague has been driven by tourism, as ancient buildings have been transformed into fine restaurants and stylish hotels.
Thanks favourable value is sometimes better to find accommodation further away from the centre because in comparison to other world metropolises Prague is quite small and its public transport is effective so you do not have to worry that you will spend most of your time on trams and buses. If you plan going to Prague in the high season (April to October), around Christmas and New Year as well as for a weekend or at the time of public holiday, you should book your accommodation ahead, preferably by at least a few weeks.

Prague Castle is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide, area 7.28 hectares). Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Boøivoj, the castle transformed itself from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps its classical facelift it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa. The castle has three courtyards and it has always been the seat of Czech rulers as well as the official residence. Allow at least half a day (it does not include time for museum visits) if you want to examine it in depth.

Prague is known for it’s architecture. It’s beautiful OLD buildings and castles are surely a site to see. There are many international restaurants for tourists so not to worry. There are steak houses and casual restaurants with bar food and there are upscale restaurants with French cuisine. There are shops and markets and theatre and opera. It is a beautiful historic place to visit.

Provence, France - Weekly Travel Pick

Provence in southern France is a traveler's and photographer's paradise with many spectacular types of flora adorning the countryside and days of sunshine that never seem to end. It is a great place to explore medieval villages, castles from early centuries, historic museums and churches as well as many world heritage sites.
Provence, France is the ideal holiday vacation spot to bask in the sun on beautiful beaches along the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea and hike through amazing canyons created by natural wonders filled with rivers, lakes, lush green mountain slopes and various species of wildlife.
The Provence brings a new meaning to the word food where elegant restaurants serve up some of the most delicious meals made from exquisite Provencal recipes. After a delicious meal, partake in the outdoor activities available in the Provence, such as cycling, mountain climbing, golfing, fishing, rafting, kayaking, skiing, windsurfing and kite boarding.
The list is endless of the things to do and see in the Provence in southern France and you will find yourself on a dream vacation in one of the most scenic places in the world.

Visit http://www.villegiatour.com/

Read Peter Mayle's book "A Year In Provence" (link at the side to amazon.com). It will make you want to visit. It's great true story of a man and his wife who moved there and is quite comical as well. There are three books in the series.

Cruising

For those of you who have never been on a cruise first of all let me tell you, you are in for a real treat ! This is the best bang for your buck so to speak. Even in an all inclusive where you get your alcohol included, you won't find the wonderful gourmet food like you will on a cruise. I have stayed at 5 and 6 star resorts in the Caribbean and still you cannot compare the food. So unless you are a big drinker and are afraid of what your bar bill might be at the end of the week, a cruise just might be for you. Don't get it in your head before you go that you are going to be sea sick. It is truly mind over matter. I worked on a cruise ship and people would come on board and race to the drug store on board to buy sea bands because they thought they were going to be sick before we even left port. I will say, swells on the ocean are different that waves on a regular boat but don't dwell on it. I never slept so good as when I worked on the ship. The waves (or swells) would put me to sleep. Mind over matter completely !
For those of you though who like to be relaxing in the same spot every day perhaps a cruise isn't for you. What I found though, if you don't want to get off the boat and go into a port, stay on board, enjoy the ship, find a quiet spot where nobody else is and read and enjoy the breeze. In ports I have already been too sometimes I don't bother getting off the ship.
There is much to do on board, entertainment, casinos, shuffle board, surfing, swimming, games room, library, internet access, mini golf, roller blading (believe it or not), ice skating, movie night and the list goes on and on. Email me directly for advice on cruising !