Twenty Ways to Use the Shamwow
August 29, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Asia
The Shamwow is a miraculous towel that can hold up to 21 times its weight in liquid. It is also washable, bleachable, and completely reusable. The Shamwow will last for years and there are many ways to use this product to make your daily life easier. The following list contains 20 great ways to use the Shamwow.
1. Cleaning your House When you are cleaning the house, the Shamwow is great for any spills you find. It even works well for soaking up extra cleaner. You can also use its soft surface to dust, because it should not scratch anything.
2. Drying Clothing
3. At the Campsite Camping towels can be expensive, and the Shamwow works just as well. Imagine using it for camp showers, or even when drying your hair after swimming by the campsite. After wringing out the Shamwow, it should be ready to use again.
4. On the Boat Nothing is more annoying than having many wet towels scattered around your boat. Use it to dry off swimmers, the seats and floor of the boat, and keep your boat sparkling clean!
5. Washing the Car Instead of using towels that may require a significant amount of time to dry, use the Shamwow for washing your car. You can soak up the suds, wring them onto the car, and wipe them clean, all with one Shamwow!
6. Washing the Pets When pets get wet, they carry a lot of water with them. The Shamwow is great if your pet was outside in the rain or you just finished washing your pet. With the Shamwow, you can dry your pets quickly and easily, as well as efficiently!
7. Guest Towels Your guests may want to use guest towels that allow them to dry off quickly without leaving any lint behind. The Shamwow can be a great addition to a guest room.
8. Cleaning Up Spills There is nothing like using a Shamwow to clean up spills. You can have one handy in every room, and anytime something spills on any surface, you can clean it quickly and completely, simply by soaking it up. It is good for carpet, hardwood floors, tile, and all different types of surfaces.
9. Water Fun for the Kids On those hot summer days, your kids are probably interested in going swimming or having a water fights. With the Shamwow, they can dry themselves quickly before they come in the house.
10. Traveling Whether you are backpacking through Europe or simply traveling to the next state over, having a Shamwow with you can be priceless. They are lightweight and easy to transport, so you can use them, wring them dry, fold them, and pack them away in less than ten minutes.
11. Under Your Plants If you have plants that leak when you water them, you know how irritating it can be. The Shamwow can sit under those potted plants and soak up the water quickly and effortlessly.
12. In the Basement It seems like basements are always wet. If you have a Shamwow down there, you do not need to worry. It can soak up water coming in through the floors or walls, or stop those annoying leaks from pipes.
13. At Your Pet’s Feeding Time If your pet is a messy eater or drinker, you know that there is going to be water splashed around near their food bowl. Putting a Shamwow underneath their food or water dish can be very beneficial.
14. Outside Use You can use a Shamwow outside after a BBQ to clean up any spilled liquids or to get that extra water off your driveway after the sprinkler has been running.
15. Emergencies If you have a pipe that is leaking, a sink that has overflowed, or a broken hot water heater, you know how important it is to get water up off the floor right away. Shamwow can help you do that!
16. Washing Windows One of the most detested chores can be washing the windows. With the Shamwow you can easily get this chore done fast, without too much hassle!
17. Doing the Floors Floors can be another problem altogether. The Shamwow can be used in the place of a mop and bucket – just think of all the time that will save you!
18. Diaper Bag Many people put a Shamwow in their diaper bags. It makes spills easy to clean up and much less embarrassing!
19. Snack Time If your kids want their snack in front of the TV or in the playroom, you can use the Shamwow like a placemat. This can allow it to catch any spills that may occur.
20. In the RV Lastly, putting a Shamwow in the RV can provide you with endless convenience. You can use it in all of the ways listed above, without having to use bulkier towels that take up space you cannot afford to lose in your RV.
Youth Hostels Guide
August 29, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Europe
Youth Hostels History
The first youth hostel was founded by Richard Schirrmann around 1909. Schirrmann was a German teacher who organized trips and visits with his students. During one of these excursions, a sudden rainstorm forced his group to seek shelter in an empty school.
It was then that Schirrmann had the idea of using schools that were empty during holidays as guest houses for young people that were travelling in groups in the countryside. The idea caught on very quickly, and by the 1930s there were more than two thousand hostels in Germany.
The idea spread out in the rest of Europe, and after an important international conference in 1932, the idea was exported to the United States and many other countries, and the International Youth Hostel Federation was born, with the idea of providing cheap accommodation for young travellers.
With time, the concept of hostel has broadened, and now hostels accept guests of all ages, providing cheap but comfortable accommodation and a unique atmosphere that cannot be found in hotels.
Hostels Equipment
If you are travelling for a long time, buy yourself a good backpack, which fits you comfortably, and do not exceed in loading it - a heavy backpack can be very painful to carry when it’s summer and it’s hot. Choose comfortable shoes, and keep cool shoes for evenings out.
Hostels most often provide you with sheets (often at an extra cost), but you should bring your own, just in case. Some hostels might not allow sleeping bags, for reasons of hygiene (you might have been sleeping anywhere with a sleeping bag, and hostelling is not the same thing as camping).
Some hostels will provide you with a so-called sleep-sheet, which is two sheets sewn together, so they form a sort of sack. This way the bed stays clean. It is not as common as it used to be years ago.
You should also bring your own soap and towels, since only some hostels provide these, usually with an extra charge.
Hostels Social Life
Hostels are definitely the place for socializing. Since the guests in a hostel are mostly younger people, there are plenty of occasions to get to know other travellers. Some hostels organize parties, meetings or competitions, or have a bar within or just outside their premises where people can meet and chat to fellow guests.
Hostellers are generally more interested in meeting other people than your average tourist, so it’s much easier to get in touch with them, share common interests and exchange advice, tips, etc. Many people travel on their own all over a country or continent more than a year long, and rely on chance meetings to make friends.
Remember: you can always meet people who have opinions (on politics, sex, religion, your country) that are very different from your own, so you must be prepared to be tolerant and understanding other people’s positions and views on life. Without a doubt, this will certainly enrich you and broaden your perspective. So if you go to a hostel, expect to meet new friends, (especially if you speak some languages) and put on your best smiling face. Who knows, you might make the best friendships of your life!
Youth Hostels vs Hotels
There are several types of hostels nowadays, and all of them tend to have their special characteristics; some are more like standard hotels, some are a completely different experience. The main difference is that most hostels offer accommodation in dormitories, or shared rooms. Dorms can be bigger or smaller, can be for males/females only or mixed, but anyway this means that you can share your room with strangers.
Although many hostels now provide private rooms with en-suite facilities, the atmosphere is still very different from that of your average hotel. Whereas hotels only tend to just provide their customers a comfortable place where to spend the night, hostels tend to have more of a social atmosphere which often is derived from sharing dining tables, washing machines, dryers, and much more with with other guests.
Many hostels organize parties and excursions for their guests, and many have a bar where people can meet and get to know each other. In a hostel it is much more likely to start a conversation with a fellow traveller or to be asked for advice, tips and information by someone you have never met before.
Basically, hostels are generally a good place to make friends, to meet people from far away countries with ways different than your own, to exchange tips on clubs, museums, shows, shopping and the like.
Different kinds of hostels
Hostels come in all shapes and sizes nowadays.
City hostels tend to lean more towards the social/fun aspect of city life, offering information about pubs, tours of the city, thrift shops and night clubs. They can be much noisier than country hostels, since they often have no curfew and are open 24 hours a day. The bigger the hostel, and the more night-life oriented the city it’s in, the more social life you will find.
Country hostels are a very different thing. They’re mostly frequented by people who are travelling through the country, possibly walking or hiking. This means people wake up earlier, and go to sleep earlier, and usually like it quiet!
How long can I stay in a hostel?
Some hostels won’t allow you to stay longer than a couple of weeks, since the idea of hostelling is that people are travelling across a country, and not staying in the same place all the time. But many others will not mind if you stay longer: after all, you are indeed a customer! Some hostels will require you to prove that you are an international traveller, since it wouldn’t make sense for a hostel to be full of locals, but this is not too common.
Group bookings
Not every hostel is ideal for group bookings, since some can be small. The best idea is to book well in advance, so you can be sure to find room for everyone in your group.
What kind of facilities are available in hostels?
Most (but not all) hostels will offer a laundry room, telephone, Internet connection, lockers for your precious stuff, and a breakfast service. Some will offer more. Every hostel/hotel in our list has an indication of the facilities it has, so you can be sure to get what you need. If you’re travelling with a dog, remember to check whether the accommodation you choose allows them in!
Do I need to book hostels in advance?
Definitely yes, and that’s why we’re here. Especially during peak seasons, and even more in the most famous cities and resorts, hostels can be fully booked and have no room for you, especially if you’re travelling with many people. Booking in advance is a good idea, since you get rid of worries and do not need to walk across a city with a heavy backpack looking for accommodation. It might detract a bit from the sense of adventure, but you’ll definitely have much more time to have fun!
Is breakfast included in hostels? Can I cook in hostels?
Usually, breakfast is not included in the price, but it’s reasonably cheap and abundant in quantity. Some hostels offer cooking facilities, such as a kitchen complete with pots and everything you need. Other hostels will be more than happy to give you advice about the cheapest bars and food outlets in the neighbourhood.
Age limits
Some hostels do have age limits, and might give precedence to younger travellers (especially Youth Hostels in Europe), or exclude them (if they have a bar in the premises), but most hostels will welcome guests of all ages, and will even accommodate small children and provide smaller beds and cribs if asked in advance.
Curfew
Some hostels will have a curfew, some won’t. It largely depends on the type of hostel, on the owners’ policy and on the location of the hostel (there’s not much use in being able to come to the hostel at three in the night if the hostel is in the mountains!). Many hostels in our directory have information on their curfew policy right in their description.
Lockout
Some hostels might have a lockout period. This is usually around lunchtime or in the early afternoon, and is meant to let the hostel’s staff clean the premises, or if the place is owned by a person, to allow her/him to go out and make supplies, etc. It is not so common any more, so check with the hostel’s staff if you want to be sure.
Dormitory vs Private Rooms in hostels
A dormitory is a room with several beds (often of the bunk type), all of which can be booked individually by different guests of a hostel.
It is also called a shared room, since you share the room with other guests. Dorms can vary from 4 to 20 or more beds, and some hostels have separate dorms for males and females, while others do not make a difference and offer mixed dorms.
Dormitories are always cheaper than private rooms in the same structure, and generally require people to be a bit more adaptable, since your room-mates may go to sleep or wake up earlier or later than you do, have different habits than you, or snore…
But dorms are often great fun, since it’s much easier to get to know fellow travellers if you share the room with them! After all, the loss in privacy is counterbalanced by many social advantages.
While dorms were the default option of most hostels years ago, most hostels now also offer private rooms, which usually have 2 to 4 beds, sometimes even with en-suite WC and shower. In this case, staying in a hostel is very similar to staying in a normal hotel, apart from all of the social chances you will have during communal moments (breakfast, evening, etc.).
Europelowcost, worldwide youth hostels price comparison
http://en.europelowcost.com/hostels.aspx
Seeking Grant Money Today
August 28, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Europe
Seeking Grant Money Today
College students usually travel in pairs or in groups. There are the adventurous types who travel alone; however, it is wise to have at least one other person along for the trip. Backpacking through Europe is one of the most popular ways in which college students decide to travel. Apply today http://businessgrant-money.blogspot.com
By planning to fly into one major city and then mapping out the countries and cities you want to visit, you then can buy a pass that allows for train travel between cities and countries. There often are student discounts available for train and/or bus travel and youth hostels that offer inexpensive lodging.
Mapping Out Your Trip
For those college students planning a European trip, it is wise to plan well in advance. Firstly, you have to decide which countries and cities you wish to visit. Then you must figure out your finances to see if you are able to swing the trip. You will have to figure in country-to-country travel by train or bus and how much money you have for lodging, food and some extras.
Budgeting Your Trip
Traveling within Europe most definitely can be done on a budget if you plan carefully and in advance. Taking the trip is well worth it and a smart idea when you are in your college years. You may never again get the same type of chance. As college students, you basically are free from the responsibilities of taking care of a family, mortgage and other bills. You don’t have a high-pressured job you have to rely on for your salary. When you eventually do have your dream job, the chances of taking off two months to travel through Europe are pretty much zero! Therefore, if you are going to travel through Europe for a couple months, do it now. It will be a trip you will remember forever. You also will learn a lot about other cultures and people, while also getting a taste of different types of cuisine.
Seeking Grant Money Apply today http://businessgrant-money.blogspot.com
Hiking and Camping: the Perfect Combination
August 27, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking on a Budget
Are you interested in taking a trip? Whether you want to your trip to be alone, with your friends, with your family, or even just with your romantic partner, you will need to find a place to visit, as well as activities to participate in. If you have yet to decide what you would like to do for your next trip, have you ever though about going camping and hiking? When alone, camping and hiking are both fun filled activities, but when combined, they are, literally, the perfect combination.
Although it is nice to know that hiking and camping are the perfect combination, you may be wondering exactly why that is. If you are, you will find that there are an unlimited number of reasons as to why hiking and camping are the perfect fit for each other and the perfect way to spend your next vacation. For reasons as to why you should give camping and hiking a try, you will want to continue reading on.
As previously stated, camping and hiking are things that just seem to fit together. This is apparent in a number of different ways. For instance, hiking trails are commonly found in areas or establishments that are referred to as hiking parks. Hiking parks, especially large popular ones, often have their own onsite campgrounds. You will also find that most public campground parks have at least one or two hiking trials on them. The fact that hiking and camping experts automatically pair hiking and camping together is a sign that camping and hiking really are the perfect combination.
Another reason why camping and hiking may be perfect for your next trip or vacation is because they are both designed for individuals of all ages. This is important, especially if you are looking for something to do with your family. Children of all ages, as well as adults, enjoy both camping and hiking. In fact, in the United States, you will find that hiking trials come in a number of different difficulty levels. For instance, it is more than possible to find hiking trails that are designed for beginners. These types of hiking trials would be ideal, in most cases, for young children or elderly individuals.
The cost of hiking and camping are another one of the many reasons why they make the perfect combination, as well as why they may be perfect for your next trip, vacation, or adventure. Hiking and camping are both affordable activities for you to participate in. In fact, if you decide to make a reservation at a public campground park, you will likely find that you are able to go hiking, on an onsite trail, free of charge. The same may even be said for if you visited a hiking park and decided to stay overnight. While many activities may end up being free for you, you will see that it all depends on the establishment in question.
If you are interested in combining hiking and camping to make the perfect adventure for you, your family, your friends, or you and your romantic partner, you may want to think about making your arrangements in advance. Hiking and camping are both popular activities in the United States. While you may not necessarily need to make reservations to go hiking, you may need to make them if you plan on camping overnight at a hiking park or in a public campground. In fact, the earlier that you make your reservations, the more choices you may have, as many establishments allow you to handpick your own camping spots.
As you can see, there are a number of different reasons as to why hiking and camping make the perfect combination, as well as why they would be great for your next vacation, trip, or adventure. Hiking and camping is something that you may at least want to think about discussing with your traveling party. Once it is mentioned, you may be surprised with just how many people would like to give this perfect combination a try.
Countrywide Blue Tour
August 26, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Asia
The Countrywide Blue Tour is a part of the Hungarian section of the European Long
Distance Walking Route E4. The route starts atop the Irottk? Mountain (884 m) on the
Austrian-Hungarian border then cuts across Hungary eventually ending 1′128 km
later at the village of Hollóháza by the Hungarian-Slovakian boundary. The name of
the kektura (Blue Tour) is a reference to the marking of the path itself: it is a
horizontal blue stripe between two white stripes.
During its course the Blue Tour visits arguably the most beautiful natural and man-
made sights of Hungary, e.g. more than a dozen forts and castles, lookout towers,
three World Heritage Sites of Hungary (the panorama of Budapest from the hills, the
old village of Hollók? and the Stalactite Cave of Aggtelek), Lake Balaton, the Danube
Bend, and the spent volcanoes of the Basin of Tapolca, etc.
According to the latest survey conducted in 2007 utilizing the Global Positioning
System its total length was measured to be 1128.2 km and the total elevation
change (climb) was found to be 30′213 metres in a Western-Eastern direction over
the whole route.
The Countrywide Blue Tour (simply Blue Tour, or Tour) was the first long distance
walking route not only in Hungary but in the whole Europe. Its path was signed first
time in year 1938, its length was 910 km in that time. A lot of Hungarian hikers began he completion of the Tour after the World War II., so the Nature Rambler Section of the Lokomotív Sport Club of Budapest announced the countrywide walk on the “blue” hiking path in 1952.
The Nature Rambler Section’s Committee of Railway Employee’s Union developed
this issue on national level in 1953, and published the first brochure, which showed
the whole route in map sketches.
Later the organising and controlling of the Countrywide Blue Tour movement was
taken over by the Hungarian Rambler’s Association “Friends of Nature” (MTSZ) in
1961.
But the Blue Tour was known only among the hikers until the beginning of the ’80s,
when the Hungarian TV broadcast a series about the route of the Tour. The
organiser and editor of this series was Pál Rockenbauer, that time he worked in the
editorial office named “Natura” of the Hungarian TV. Pál Rockenbauer organised a small team and they completed the Countrywide Blue our during 76 days in eastern-western direction. They carried everything (cameras, ilms, other equipment, etc.) in their backpacks and had done the whole work without ny external help.
Their work was very successful, the series drew the people’s attention to the
Countrywide Blue Tour. Everybody got to know the Tour in Hungary and many people egan the completion of it. A lot of hikers have the series on video or DVD at home.
Pál Rockenbauer died in year 1987 during a tour on the paths of the Blue Tour close
to village Katalinpuszta at the foot of the Naszály Mountain. A wooden headboard
column cherishes his memory on that place beside the path of the Countrywide Blue
Tour.
For Complete Article Please follow the link - COUNTRYWIDE BLUE TOUR
World Class Hong Kong Hotels
August 25, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Asia
The ‘City of contrasts’, the ‘Best city’ in Asia are some of the names given to Hong Kong and a favorite destination in South East Asia among the tourists. For once, which was a small group of fishing villages in the past has grown into a modern and vibrant country. Hong Kong is made up of 260 islands, located in the southeastern coast of China. Hong Kong stands to amaze all with its ancient history, rich past and a vibrant lifestyle. It is a world-class city, which is a perfect example of the fusion of the western customs with the Chinese traditions. The mix of the new and the old, east meeting the west render the country a distinctive character.
The excellent city Hong Kong has a century long history and traditions, which have grown into a modern and progressive city. Get ready to experience the magical city when you take on the tour of the city. During the travel, explore the unique, rich, colorful history along with taking a glance at the country’s inviting future. One of the worlds most advanced cities, vast forested hills, offering vivid works of art are just some of the secrets waiting to be explored. A brilliant place, there is numerous places and sights waiting to be discovered, on a vacation to Hong Kong. Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula, the New Territories and the outlying Islands are the four major regions that Hong Kong is divided into.
Hong Kong travel holds many secrets and delights for most of the travelers and it draws a different picture for everybody. To some the city is an ancient civilization and to some a modern and exciting metropolis. It is true in all cases as the city has brilliantly kept intact its traditions and adapted the changing technology advancements and the progressive ideas. Even the hotels in Hong Kong follow the idea of blending the traditions and the modern outlook. The city has become known for its luxury hotels, with many Hong Kong Hotels earning itself a five star rating for quality and service. With all most all the hotels having a repute of excellent lodging accommodation, it would give you a hard time picking one. However, the place is not only for the luxury hotels, there is room for all.
Hong Kong is a captivating destination that offers accommodation in various styles and budgets. The hotels in Hong Kong come in choices of luxury rooms to rooms in one of the budget hotels. Hong Kong hotels provide remarkable facilities and services to the travelers to this region. The city has no shortage of hotels and lodging options when it comes to visiting the beautiful region. Looking for staying in a luxury Hong Kong hotel than the Hong Kong Island is home to number of luxury hotels, offering fine accommodation. For affordable room options the region of Kowloon and New Territories, make great choices. Hostels are the perfect resort for cheap stay for the backpackers.
Traveling Light: Literally
August 25, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Europe
(c) 2008 Jennifer Selby Long
Kirk and I are traveling through Spain for 19 days with nothing but carry-on luggage. For months, people have been asking us how. This week, with the summer travel season upon us, I take my first-ever break from business topics to share the secrets of literally traveling light. Most of them apply whether your travel is business or pleasure.
First of all, let’s make sure we’re clear on why we should be considering traveling light at all, because it does take some effort in advance, and our time is valuable.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that this summer is projected to be the worst ever for congestion and delays. No checked luggage = one less line at the departure airport.
Many airlines are now charging $50 and up to check more than one bag. It’s just a matter of time before they start charging for all checked baggage, the same way they charge for drinks. No checked luggage = more money to spend at the destination.
It’s no great secret that lost luggage claims are up, too. No checked luggage = no lost luggage.
Here’s my favorite: when we arrived in Spain at midnight after 18 hours of traveling, we got off the plane and walked directly to customs and on to ground transportation. No checked luggage = no waiting 30+ minutes at your destination when you’re sick to death of traveling and just want to get out of there. When we return, it will be the same sweet story.
We move effortlessly from place to place because we’re only carrying 20 pounds each plus Kirk’s backpack and my travel bag. Our backs feel great. No checked luggage = feeling good.
Now, let’s move on the success secrets for traveling light.
The number one secret is to bring only clothing that can be washed in a bathroom sink and hung to dry overnight. For business, it means a well-coordinated wardrobe of dark suits that can be dry-cleaned through the hotel service if needed. Everything else gets washed out in the sink. It takes 10 minutes in the evening. No big deal. It’s not like we’re trying to recreate the full wash, rinse, and spin cycles here!
Because we didn’t own many items that would dry overnight, and they are not readily available in stores, we spent two months ordering clothes from specialty travel catalogues and then sending back or exchanging all the items that didn’t fit.
We learned through this experience that the target market for travel clothes is considerably more, uh, mature than we are, so it took a little creativity to dress our age and not like the shuffleboard-on-the-lido-deck crowd. I wound up buying most of my clothing at the Benetton store near my office when they got in a large shipment of linen.
When you travel light, everything has to coordinate with everything else. We couldn’t just throw all our favorites into multiple suitcases. The best way to figure this out is to take a practice trip. We visited Kirk’s mom in San Diego in mid-April (that’s us on the beach in Encinitas), so we packed as if we were going on our 19-day trip.
It was eye-opening. Even though we thought we had demonstrated extraordinary self-discipline, we saw that not everything really looked good with everything else, and we could cut even more stuff, leaving room for souvenirs. Our souvenirs of Encinitas were two containers of granola from our favorite coffee shop and six books that I just couldn’t resist at a cool local bookstore. Nice and bulky and heavy. This was also when I realized I would have to limit the number of books I schlepped around Europe!
This leads me to the second biggest secret to traveling light: We seriously limited the number of heavy things. We did finally decide to pack our iPod and speakers, though, because we love having our collection of Spanish music with us. I ditched a dress and two tops to make room for it. I haven’t missed them a bit.
The third biggest secret: Pack enough toiletries to get started, not for the whole trip. When you think about it, this is really mandatory because you can’t fit shampoo for three weeks into a 2.5 ounce bottle! Almost anywhere in the world, you can buy a bottle of shampoo, and just leave behind what you don’t use by the end of the trip.
The fourth: Plan to buy some souvenirs that you can use while there. I brought only one scarf, even though I knew I’d get sick of it, because I want to buy a second one here. Every time I wear it back home, I’ll have a fond memory of my trip.
If you’re considering traveling light, to Europe in particular, I recommend that you start with the extremely helpful site ricksteves.com. Although they make some recommendations that I just couldn’t imagine doing (like wearing those little white socks with walking shoes and a skirt, yuk), 95% of what you read on the site is excellent, based on years of traveling experience, and they know their stuff. He also sells a few handy gadgets, like a little travelers’ picnic kit with sturdy plastic utensils and a TSA-approved corkscrew, which we’re about to use now. Cheers!
Look Up the Bridgewater Hall, a Fabulous Theatre in Manchester
August 23, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Asia
Manchester is found in the north west of the uk was given city status in 1853. A big city, it boasts a population of 452,000, which makes it the 14th most highly populated city in Europe.
The city boasts 2 major railway station, manchester piccadilly & manchester victoria. it is also served by national and local bus and coach services, many of which leave from the city’s chorlton street coach station.
Manchester rose to prominence in the 19th century, when it was at the centre of the industrial revolution. The city was perfect for the textile trade as it was humid, in addition to a effective supply of soft water. The city’s rivers also generated water power that ran the machinery in the cotton mills. the ready availability of coal & the transport system of roads and railways also helped it to become an industrial centre. because of this, countless cotton mills started to spring up throughout the city.
Manchester’s cotton mills still exist today, although many of them have been converted into offices & flats. thanks to a 1996 ira bomb that destroyed a chunk of the city centre, Manchester also has multitude modern architecture, too.
Manchester has plenty of stuff to do, containing some fantastic art galleries & museums, which are extremely lively to explore.
These include the mosi, which tells the history of Manchester’s rich industrial history. The museum hosts touring exhibitions too, & recently hosted the famous body worlds exhibit. The city’s perfect art art galleries include the nexus gallery, which boasts some stunning artwork.
Manchester also boasts some pretty park spaces, so you will be able to enjoy a wholesome day out there.
Manchester is a fabulous place for shopping fans with a vast range of outlets that suit any taste. you’ll find designer stores like office & joseph on the city’s vip King Street, in addition to larger department stores for instance harvey nicks.
Budget shoppers will be pleased to know that there are plenty of high street outlets on Market street. some of the busiest outlets are makeover, zavvi & Game.
Manchester is well-known for its history & it lures many revellers to its numerous nightclubs, inns & cocktail bars.
You can have a stylish night in one of Manchester’s vip cocktail bars or even a cosy pint of real ale in one of the city’s gentle inns. Later, you will find a wide variety of nightclubs to visit, so you can stay out all night.
The city is also a fabulous location for live music fans, as its got plenty venues. These include the Night & Day & the ruby lounge, which often by local and touring bands.
Manchester boasts branches of most massive hotel chains, so you’ll be able to find some great places to stay. you will be able to choose from the likes of the Hilton, the ramada and the Radisson, so you’re guaranteed to have a superb stay in the city.
On the other hand, the city also has numerous bed & breakfasts and backpacker hostels, which are well suited to budget travellers.
Thanks for browsing our tourist guide to manchester!
Travel Tips To European Countries: Iceland
August 23, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under Backpacking in Europe
About the county
Officially known as the Republic of Iceland, is located in northwestern Europe. It comprises of the island of Iceland and its outlying small islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. Iceland’s glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, spectacular geysers, active volcanoes, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, indeed makes it the original ‘land of fire and ice’.
Iceland is a very large island with a unique landscape which is rugged and colorful with black lava, red sulfur, hot blue geysers, rivers, waterfalls, bays, fjords and green valley. The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík which is also the largest city of Iceland. Nearly half of Iceland’s population lives around Reykjavík. The popular tourist attractions are centered also centered on this city. The most famous attraction is Gullfoss double-tiered waterfall which is set off with an outstanding rainbow and hot springs of Geysir.
People might wonder what one can do in Iceland. If you hear the list you will be amazed that there are so many things to do and see here. From watching whales to chic fine dining, hiking, seeing Europe’s largest glacier Vatnajokull, fishing in rivers, horse riding, rafting, exploring the landscape on a snow scooter, shopping designing wear, Summer Solstice Festival, visit island of Grimsey to cross the Arctic Circle, visit medieval farm at Stong and what not, the list is endless.
Population & Languages
The population of Iceland is only 299,388 and the official language being spoken is Icelandish. English, Nordic languages, German are also widely spoken.
Electricity
The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are Round pin attachment plug and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.
Geographic Location
It is located in northwestern Europe. It comprises of the island of Iceland and its outlying small islands in the northern Atlantic Ocean between Greenland, Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. It is strategically located between Greenland and Europe
Climate
The climate of Iceland can be termed as temperate with damp and cool summers and mild and windy winters. The highest temperature recorded was 30.5°C (86.9°F) on 22 June 1939 at Teigarhorn. The lowest temperature ever recorded was -38°C (-36.4°F) on 22 January 1918 at Grímsstaðir and Möðrudalur.
Local Customs
Like any other country Iceland has its own customs too and normal courtesies should be followed. Handshaking is customary. Visitors are invited to homes when on a business trip and normal courtesies should be observed. The people pay careful attention to their appearance and, as for most Western countries, casual wear is widely acceptable. Service charges are included in the bills most of the time and tips are not expected.
Attractions
Reykjavik Attractions – Hallgrimskirkja Church, National Museum of Iceland, Botanical Gardens and the Einar Jónsson Museum
Travel
By Air – The national airline of Iceland is Icelandair which operates to many internationsl destinations such as Amsterdam, Baltimore, Boston, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Halifax, London, Minneapolis, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Stockholm and Washington, plus other destinations in the summertime only. Other international airlines operating from Iceland include Air Greenland (website: www.airgreenland.gl) and Iceland Express (website: www.icelandexpress.com).
Other, predominantly Scandinavian, carriers also operate services. Some airlines like Condor and Corsai, operate flights during the summertime. Flights also operate to the Faroe Islands and Greenland during the summer months. Major airport is Keflavik International Airport (KEF) located at 31 miles south of Reykjavik.
Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 250g of other tobacco products
2. 1 liter spirits and 1 liter wine, or 1 liter spirits and 6 liter beer; or 1 liter wine and 6 liter beer; or 2.25 liter wine
3. Food items up to 3kg not exceeding kr13,000
4. Permits from Post & Telecom Authorities are required for cordless phones, remote controls or radio transmitters. It is not required for a GSM mobile phone
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, pornography, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.
Rolling Laptop Backpack for Your Laptop Carrying Needs
August 23, 2009 by Traveling Backpack
Filed under General
Laptop Backpacks are a great way to carry a laptop, because they spread the weight out between two shoulders, and because they offer additional security against being snatched off of your shoulder and whisked away by would be thieves.
Even laptop backpacks can be difficult to carry for long periods of time. Though they may spread the weight between two shoulders instead of one, it can still be uncomfortable to have a laptop backpack on your shoulders for several hours during long commutes or while traveling across a large campus.
While standard backpacks may be fine for more casual use, people who carry their computer with them almost everywhere they go may find it very uncomfortable to keep the weight on their shoulders for very long.
This is where rolling backpacks make a great choice. Although they are a bit more expensive than standard backpacks, they offer additional convenience for people who carry their laptop a lot.
Since these backpacks are designed to be used for many purposes, they are often more rugged and durable than standard laptop backpacks. Many people use these rolling backpacks for camping and hiking or as their carry on bags when they fly.
These bags need to be particularly durable to survive being jostled around with other luggage in an overhead compartment or dragged through underbrush while hiking, so they are designed to stand up to this type of use.
Some of the larger rolling backpacks have an especially useful feature. They have detachable day packs that can be used to carry things like a wallet, water bottle, keys, cosmetics, and other items. This could be carried separately when needed, and attached to the main pack only when traveling.
There is one main drawback to using a rolling backpack over a standard laptop backpack notebook. They do actually weight a bit more than standard backpacks because of the added weight of the handle, wheels, and frame. This can be cumbersome if you are traveling in a lot of areas where you cannot roll the backpack, but in urban areas this would not likely be a big problem.
When shopping for a rolling notebook backpack, you will want to look for one that is durable, but also padded. In addition to making it easier to carry, the main function of a laptop bag of any kind is to protect your computer. If your bag is not padded well, its not going to be much protection to your laptop.
You also need to be sure you get a notebook backpack with the best combination of strength and weight. You will probably want something relatively lightweight, especially if you plan to travel in areas where you cannot roll your bag most of the time.
But you do not want to sacrifice a lot of durability to cut down on the weight. Ideally you will find something with a very sturdy handle. Plastic is lighter, but may break easier than metal. You will have to decide whether the strength of metal is worth the added weight.
Other styles of laptop backpack notebook cases can also be found in rolling models, but backpacks are more likely to be allowed as carry on luggage and are also easier to take with you when the terrain is not conducive to rolling.















