Enjoying luxury without the high price tag, whilst waiting for your flight at Edinburgh Airport. by Bethanie Ashley

'I don't think I've read that right' I can hear you thinking. Enjoy waiting for a flight at Edinburgh Airport? Impossible!
Especially in these days of increased security checks we are inevitably going to be spending more time in the airport waiting for our flight departures. I expect you have all experienced being jammed into a crowded waiting area, tripping over luggage and trying to avoid the feet of the person next to you who has stretched out for a nap. The minutes drag, another cup of coffee is not a good idea, the kids start grizzling or worse still someone else's kids start grizzling, and you can't concentrate on your novel, crossword or laptop. It's a familiar story and one none of us look forward to when we are travelling either for pleasure or on business.
Edinburgh Turnhouse is officially Scotland's fastest growing airport offering many domestic and international destinations for travellers in the Edinburgh region. Edinburgh Airport handles over 8 million passengers, and with those numbers set to rise even further, it's no wonder we sometimes feel like sheep herded into a pen.
There is an alternative, you will be glad to hear, and one that will cost surprisingly little in comparison to the cost of the flight itself.
Who might be interested in this alternative?
* Travelling business passengers * Families * People with disabilities * Elderly people * and, in fact, anyone else! Although it is not widely known, there are facilities for everyone, and I'm sure you are now eager to know what is available, what to look out for and how to access your little bit of luxury before your trip...
Edinburgh Airport is home to one Executive Lounges offering a peaceful retreat to escape the airport hustle and bustle, and available to everyone for a very small fee.
If you are a business passenger you may wish to take advantage of a host of benefits with the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport, to help ease the hassle of business travel:
* Telephone and fax facilities * Internet and Wi-Fi access * Business Desks * Toilet and shower facilities * The latest magazines and newspapers * Television * Complimentary snacks and drinks * Bar
The Servisair Executive Lounge in the Edinburgh Terminal provides these facilities offering you a quiet environment in which to finalise last minute details before reaching your destination, or catch up with outstanding work.
Edinburgh Airport also has two local hotels offering conference facilities and meeting rooms available for hire - The Hilton Edinburgh Hotel and The Quality Hotel Edinburgh Airport.
The lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport are also available to the rest of the travelling public including families. It always surprises me that this information is not more widely known as booking the Edinburgh Airport executive facilities is easy. However, the information provided below will ensure that you can now start your trip in style.
When you are ready to book lounges at Edinburgh Airport, do make sure the facilities you require are offered as they do differ slightly between Airports, i.e.:
* If travelling as a family, that the lounge you wish to book allows children under 12 * That smoking is allowed should you wish to smoke * That the business facilities you require are available.
Passengers using the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport must ensure they leave enough time to reach their flight as flight display screens are not always available, and not all of the executive lounges carry out flight announcements in the suite. The lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport also all operate a smart / casual dress code.
Now for the important information - how to book lounges at Edinburgh Airport and access the Edinburgh Airport executive facilities. You don't have to be a VIP to enjoy a luxurious start to a holiday or business trip and people with disabilities and the elderly can relax in comfort making the journey much less stressful. There are various information websites that provide a more detailed breakdown of the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport.
You will be surprised to learn that all of the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport and executive lounge benefits are available for prices starting from as little as £12. Entry to the lounges at Edinburgh Airport is limited so if you would like to start your holiday in style and enjoy the experience of VIP travel, it is advisable to pre-book access to the lounge facilities at Edinburgh Airport.
This article is free for republishing
About the Author
Further useful information such as how to get to the airport, public transport, Edinburgh parking, Terminal facilities, Airport security, Airlines, destinations, and for booking and paying for airport lounges, car rental, airport parking, travel insurance and foreign currency, can be found on the

Travel in Italy: Great Free Travel Guide of Venice by Flashbooking cheap booking on-line by Michele De Capitani

Flashbooking is a growing youth hostels and hotels directory in Venice (Italy) specializing in budget accommodation for independent travellers, students, backpackers, families and all the ones that travel on a pocket.
Flashbooking is becoming a recognized source of information and services for who loves creating a trip by him/herself and book bed nights securely online.
In fact, thanks to a secure server certified SSL provided by Thawte (the global certificate authority) Flashbooking is able to guarantee instantly confirmed and secure online bookings for cheap hostel Venice. Thawte is a system which encrypts all the processed data and guarantees that this will not be read, used or modified by other parties.
Venice is situated in the Veneta Lagoon, on an archipelago of 120 islands, separated by 160 canals,which in their turn are spanned by 400 bridges.The city, connected to the mainland by both a rail and road bridge, is divided into six districts (sestieri): San Marco,Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, Castello, Santa Croce and San Polo. These zones are divided up by a dense network of canals (rii) and an intricate system of narrow and windy streets (calli and Salizade) which open out onto the canals and campielli (small Venetian squares). The historic centre borders the Grand Canal, which is crossed by the Academy bridge, the Ponte di Rialto and the Ponte degli Scalzi.
A Skype account has been recently added in order to give more assistance to our travellers and backpackers needs. Flashbooking accommodation database is easily available online and comes completed with all relevant information about hostel location, description, contacts, prices, instant real availability, customer ratings, facilities and pictures. In particularFlashbooking provides a large selection of cheap or low cost accommodation offers in Florence where there are plenty of low cost solutions for backpackers in budget youth hostels, Bed and Breakfast, family run guesthouses, cheap hotel deals.
Recently, Flashbooking staff and management have decided to put at travellers' and partner hostels' free disposal some useful tools as some pocket travel guides, written for giving the essential information about the most visited cities in the world. Especially created for a quick visit, a week end, a city break, these free pocket guides are printable and downloadable online. The staff efforts concentrate on making them simple to read and with a nice format and full of essential hints on where to go, things to see, shopping and markets, quality places reasonably priced where to eat or hang out in the nights, budget hostels, cheap hotel deals and bed and breakfast Venice to book, emergency numbers and more.
Venice is relatively small and the majority of the city is easily reached on foot. Using a street guide makes it impossible to get lost in the maze of streets. All the buildings are numbered, based upon the district to which they belong and not to the street. Each house is indicated initially with the name of the district followed by the number.There is a wide choice for those who wish to take a boat trip. tickets are available from all the boat stops and in some bars, shops, and tobacconists who show the ACTV sign.
See Flashbooking database of selected accommodations worldwide and help us enlarging the hostel offer by reporting the contacts of some accommodations, lodgings, BandB, youth hostels and budget small hotels where you personally stayed. In fact, Flashbooking policy tends to privilege small and family-run hotels in order to promote an alternative tourism respectful of cultures and different societies.
If you also have a personal website or a travel blog, or even manage a youth hostel or a hotel accommodation, and are interested in the travel city guides, you can collect all of them and put at your visitors' disposal. Other city pocket guides of top European cities are: the London guide, the Rome guide, the Amsterdam guide, the Paris guide, the Prague guide, the Barcelona guide and more coming on soon!
So mates, we are looking forward to finding you THE budget accommodation that meets your needs and pocket for your next trip!
About the Author
This article was written by Michele De Capitani with support from Youth hostels & cheap hotels and Mrs Vera Bonaventura. For any information on how travel insurance, please visit our accommodation website to download your free travel guides for Venice City in Italy.

Looking For A Holiday In Barcelona Spain by Johnathan Bakers

With so much to do and so little time to do it in we would like to give you a brief overview of some of the highpoints when visiting Barcelona. There is so much to cover from Guell Park to the water parks it is impossible to see it all in one vacation. So get ready to have fun and enjoy everything from the plane ride to the rest you will receive at the fine lodging. Oh and be ready to plan a return trip.
One place you may want to start would be the museums starting with the Picasso Museum. With so much emotion and ability shown in one building you could spend and entire day just seeing the art that is on display here. Or you may simply be looking to relax and enjoy the beaches and ports of Costa Brava. You could spend days here as long as the weather is cooperating. There is so much to see and do and so much beautiful coastline to enjoy. You could also go to visit the beautiful Guell Park with all of its beautiful architecture that is overshadowed by the Sagrada Familia a large church with very intriguing architecture. DO not forget to stop and see the Christopher Columbus Monument or take a walk through Olympic Park which was the site of the 1992 Olympic games.
If you are a true sports fan then you will want to plan your trip around a soccer match in order to see the home team of Barca play. The best time would be during the regular season which traditionally runs from September through March. You would get to see world class soccer with some of the best fans in the world. There are also water sports to enjoy on the coastline as well as many other recreational activities to partake in on your visit.
There is so much to do and keep in mind that there are very well kept and cleaned beaches to enjoy. Do not forget your wide choices for lodging as well. You could stay in a Chalet or bed and breakfast. You could even rent a fully furnished apartment or simply stay in an elegant hotel. Make sure you get the type of lodging that you are looking for in order to make the most out of your stay. With so much to do in Barcelona, Spain you may want to pick the most relaxing place after your long day of touring.
About the Author
Concentrating on informating about History of Spain, Johnathan Bakers writes essentially for http://www.barcelona-information.com . His contributions on Barcelona are found on http://www.barcelona-information.com .

Enjoy The Beach At Costa Brava by Johnathan Bakers

There is so much that is out there in Barcelona. In particular is the area of the Iberian Peninsula and Costa Brava. With so much historical significance and so much wonderful architecture to take in while on your trip you will have many things to do and enjoy while you are here. With all of the history that has been left behind by the Arab Visitors to the wonderful views of the French Coast off of the Mediterranean Sea you will feel welcome and entranced all at the same time.
With so much coastline and so many beaches to take advantage of it is a wonder that anyone would even notice how much more there is to offer while going through Barcelona. There is the wonderful architecture starting with the Familia Sargadia the wonderful church that was designed by Antonio Gaudi. Much of his work is also on display in Guell Park. Some of his works are displayed on the park benches or on various items throughout the park. Do not forget to take in the monument to Christopher Columbus while you are visiting in order to another marvel. Also be aware of the vast number of museums that are located in the city. Many of which have unique exhibits as well as the Picasso museum which displays many of his different works. There is also the many different lodging possibilities that are available while you are there which include but are not limited to; hotels, furnished apartments, bed and breakfasts as well as chalets to meet all of your lodging and comfort needs.
Also one needs to be prepared when going to Barcelona, Spain with so many different sources of information available when you are looking to have a well planned vacation. Look into sources such as the internet for all of their free resources as well as calling travel agents. Make sure to obtain locations of special events as well as times and prices for many of the things that you are looking to do while you are there. Much of this information is available by simply looking online or at local your travel agent. If you do not have the time to look up information before you do go on your trip make sure to look into the possibility of exploring the information booths while at the airport so as to at least give you a general idea of what you may want to do when you arrive.
About the Author
Concentrating on the area of Barcelona, Johnathan Bakers published almost entirely for http://www.barcelona-information.com . His work on Sagrada Familia are published on his website .

Lottery Winners Turn Down A Burnham-On-Sea Caravan by Alison White

The New Year brought them a big proportions financial surprise: £ 2.4 million was their prize for trying their luck at the lottery. Suddenly, what it may seem to be just a fantasy for others it became real for them.
A Gloucestershire couple is the lucky couple who won not only the top prize at the lottery but also another £ 1,331 for matching five numbers in the same draw. With such an amount of money you might think that Brian Crook, retired council groundsman and his lifetime partner, Janice Giles will be looking forward to set for a fabulous Mediterranean trip. However, the couple of 65 and 69 years old have turned down the idea of this kind of trip: "The Mediterranean doesn't interest us. We've been going to Burnham for years and it's a lovely place".
Originated from Stroud, Gloucestershire the winners of the £ 2.4 million are considering in fact of investing their gained money in a new bungalow. Besides, they also considered about buying a caravan in their favourite place where they want to spend their holidays: somewhere in Burnham.
They have justified their choices by saying that they have never been " the one to show off, but having this windfall will let us take time out to enjoy some fresh sea air and let the news sink in. Everyone is over the moon.
About the Author
The New Year brought them a big proportions financial surprise: £ 2.4 million was their prize for trying their luck at the lottery. Suddenly, what it may seem to be just a fantasy for others it became real for them.

Learn more on Amalfi - travel guide Amalfi by Giuseppe Longo

The seaside resort of Amalfi lies on the south coast of the Sorrento peninsula at the northern edge of the Gulf of Salerno , in the region of Campania 24 miles southeast of Naples. It lies at the mouth of a deep ravine, at the foot of Monte Cerreto (1,315 meters, 4,314 feet), surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. The largest and most popular resort on this mountainous stretch of coastline, Amalfi is a popular holiday base for tourists wanting to explore the area. The Republic of Amalfi was once a major seafaring power, and the town's traditions and historical buildings bear witness to Amalfi's glorious past.
Arrival Plane Naples Capodichino Airport offers connections to all Italian cities and major European destinations with traditional or low-cost airline companies. From the Arrival area of the Airport there is a daily bus service to Sorrento provided by Curreri, or there are two possibilities to get to the main train station in Naples: ANM bus 3S (30mins, every 15mins) to Piazza Garibaldi, or the Alibus airport bus (20mins, at least hourly) to Piazza Municipio. The nearest Intercontinental Airport is Rome's Fiumicino, with the possibility of getting to Naples by air besides the train.
Train The nearest train station to Amalfi is at Salerno, which is connected by many trains to all of Italy. From Salerno you may take a taxi, a SITA bus, or a ferry to Amalfi. Naples is next nearest station. From Naples you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento then take a SITA bus to Amalfi via Positano. For train times please consult the Trenitalia site.
Bus Bus from Rome: A bus company called Marozzi run a fast efficient coach service from Rome to Amalfi (summer season only) or to Sorrento (all year round). Rome-Amalfi bus service operated from 1st June to 30th September, every day except Sundays. The daily bus leaves Rome at 6am, and stops in Sorrento, Praiano and Amalfi, arriving in Amalfi at 10:30am.
A company called SITA runs blue buses along the coast, from Salerno to Amalfi, from Amalfi to Sorrento, and from Amalfi to Ravello. Other small buses provide transport within the towns.
Sea Ferries connect the principal towns of the Amalfi Coast area, and can be much quicker than buses. Travelmar run connections between Salerno, Minori, Amalfi, Positano and Sorrento. In Salerno there is a tourist information office to your right as you leave the station; they can give you a timetable for the boats.
From Naples Beverello Wharf, the pier in front of Castel Nuovo, many hydrofoil and ferries depart for Sorrento; the hydrofoils (aliscafi) are twice as fast as the ferries and the service is usually more frequent in summer. From Beverello Wharf, during May to October, there are two daily runs to Amalfi with Metrò del Mare.
From Salerno there are regular connections operated by Coop to Amalfi and other coastal centers. Sant'Andrea, Metrò del Mare and Alicost. Salerno to Amalfi takes 35 minutes, and costs €4, with eight departures daily in each direction.
Car From Rome and from the north take the highway A1 and A30 up to Salerno, exit at Salerno Centro and continue on state highway 163 Costiera Amalfitana until destination. From Naples take instead highway A3 up to the exit at Vietri sul Mare and then continue on state highway 163 up to destination. Coming from the south, travel on A3, and exit at Salerno Centro and continue on state highway 163.
Transport Tickets for the local buses are available at tobacconists, newsagents and bars. Several rental companies hire out scooters and cars. Taxis are also available.
History and Culture According to legend Amalfi was founded by Constantine the Great, but Amalfi is first mentioned in the 6th century CE, and soon acquired importance as a maritime power, trading its grain, salt and slaves from the interior, and even timber, for the gold dinars minted in Egypt and Syria, in order to buy the silks of the Byzantine empire that it resold in the West. Merchants of Amalfi were using gold coins to purchase land in the 9th century, while most of Italy worked in a barter economy. Later, the whole coastline, along with Amalfi, became property of the Duchy of Naples, until 839, when the city declared its independence and became an autonomous republic.
During the Middle Ages it was an independent state with a population of some 70,000, ruled by self-appointed dukes who later became hereditary. In 1077 the town was incorporated by Robert Guiscard in the Norman kingdom; through its active trade with the Orient it rose to influence and wealth. As a sea power Amalfi came into conflict with Pisa and Genoa. Amalfi's code of maritime law (Tavole Amalfitane) prevailed throughout the whole of the Italian Mediterranean until 1570.
Soon, Amalfi's wealth not only attracted the attention of pirates, who were promptly driven back by the city's army, it also became the target of neighbouring states. In 1131, after a long succession of attacks, Amalfi was annexed to the Kingdom of Sicily, although still retaining a certain degree of autonomy in the management of maritime commercial affairs. Gradually, commercial relations with the East began to dwindle, checked by the policies of the Normans and Pisans, who landed on the coast in 1135, to plunder and destroy whatever they found there.
Over the following centuries, Amalfi's population dropped considerably, mainly due to the continuing attacks on the zone by pirates. In 1343 a large part of the lower town was destroyed by a tsunami, and its harbor is now of little importance. But the greatest disaster hit the region in 1643, when the plague took the lives of a third of the coastal population. One of the results of this tragedy was the progressive impoverishment of the area, aggravated by the interruption in maritime trade. The economy began to converge on the cultivation of olives, vines, and citrus fruits and on the crafts industry. Around the second half of the 19th century the Amalfi coast began its revival thanks to tourism, and artists such as Ibsen and Wagner drew inspiration from the region for some of their famous works, further fanning the curiosity of travellers to the coast.
Churches and Museums Duomo Sant'Andrea The Duomo Sant'Andrea at the center of the town, originally built in the ninth century to honour the St. Andrew the Apostle, was remodelled in Sicilian Lombard-Normanesque style in 1203; the campanile dates from 1180 to 1276. The magnificent portico, with pointed arches, was completely rebuilt in 1865. The front which was restored in 1890 is decorated with modern mosaic; the fine bronze door were the first in Italy, made from bronze brought back from Constantinople by a local nobleman, Pantaleone di Mauro Comite. Inside there are ancient columns of Paestum, supporting the choir. The crypt contains the remains of the Apostle St Andrew, brought here in the 13th century. To the left, in the portico, is the entrance to the cloister (Chiostro del Paradiso, 1266-68), which contains ancient sarcophagi, marble and mosaics.
Museo Civico From the harbor it is a short distance by way of Piazza Flavio Gioia to the Town Hall; the facade is decorated with modern mosaic. The municipal museum (Museo Civico) is housed in the Town Hall; its major attraction is the "Tavole amalfitane", a medieval document with the maritime law of ancient times.
Paper Museum Housed inside an old paper mill, the museum exhibits ancient machinery for production of "Bambagina" paper, which is still in working order.
Ancient Armories of the Amalfi Republic Houses artifacts that witness the republic's glory as a maritime power.
Historical buildings and monuments Capuchin Monastery About 500m west of the cathedral, high above Amalfi (also reached by lift from the coast road), is the former Capuchin monastery (now a hotel) with a beautiful cloister and affording fine views.
Places of Interest Grotta dello Smeraldo There is an attractive trip by motorboat (15 minutes) to a stalactitic cave, the Grotta di Amalfi, also known as the Grotta dello Smeraldo or Grotta Verde, west of the Capo Conca. Emerald Cave became a marine cave as a result of changing ground levels due to the influence of vocanoes in the region. The water is so clear that it is possible to see through to the bottom (10m below), and is colored a beautiful emerald.
Events Wagner Music Festival - from June to September.Ravello This extraordinary musical festival dedicated to Richard Wagner first debuted in 1953, presenting a series of symphony and chamber concerts every year, along with opera, ballet, cinema and theater.
Festa di Sant'Andrea - November, January and June Amalfi's patron saint is celebrated on two separate occasions: On November 30 (birthday celebration) a statue of the saint is taken from the Cathedral and carried in a procession through the streets and squares of the city. June 27 is the commemoration of the miracle that saved the city from the pirate Barbarossa (1544). The statue is carried to the sea, where a festival of music and fireworks awaits the procession.
Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics - May/June Every year in springtime, Amalfi celebrates her glorious past as a Maritime Republic with an Historical Regatta, including perfectly recreated period costumes and sea vessels, representing the four ancient Maritime Republics: Amalfi, Pisa, Genoa and Venice.
Bizantine New Year's Eve - 31 August New Year's Eve is celebrated the old bizantine way
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What's so great About Koh Samui in Thailand? by Rhiannon Williamson

You've probably heard of Koh Samui, it's the third largest of Thailand's islands and many people seem to rave about it - but what's so great about Koh Samui and is it really worth a visit?
Well, not only is Koh Samui worth a visit - it is one of those places on earth that's once seen and never forgotten. In fact, many of those who visit Koh Samui once are hooked for life and some never leave. There are also an increasing number of Western expatriate retirees moving to live in Thailand and Koh Samui is a favourite destination because not only is it highly affordable but it offers up an excellent standard of living.
Basically what's so great about Koh Samui is that it has the perfect blend of stunning climate, inimitable views, pristine sandy beaches, lush dense and incredible foliage, rare flora and fauna, excellent cuisine, plenty to see and do and experience and the people are among the friendliest on the planet - oh and healthcare is world class yet affordable and there are even international schools available on the island for those who wish to move there before their retirement years.
If you want to experience the best of Thailand in a safe environment and only moments away from all the amenities and facilities you could possibly want then Koh Samui is the place to go.
You can learn to dive in the crystal clean waters, you can learn to sunbathe (!) on the pure white sandy beaches which are fringed with beautiful palm trees, you can visit coconut plantations, witness incredible waterfalls, take boat trips to outer lying islands such as Koh Tao, Koh Wua Talap or Koh Mae Koh, you can snorkel in the National Marine Park or if all that sounds too energetic why not spend a day or even a week at one of Koh Samui's spas?
Spa resorts are in abundance on the island and they offer peace, tranquillity and a whole host of luxurious treatments that will leave you feeling purified and whole again after the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And as soon as you're feeling refreshed and energised it'll be time to hit the abundance of excellent shops and boutiques or to go for a night out on the town where you can watch cabaret, go bar hopping, dine exquisitely or just while away an evening on the beach star gazing.
If all this sounds like your idea of heaven on earth you're not alone - Koh Samui is great, it is well worth a visit but don't blame me if you're hooked and want to stay for life! There are new residential developments springing up in areas zoned and protected specifically for low rise residential construction and these developments all offer a taste of Thailand combined with contemporary architecture. One of the latest is Infinity Samui which consists of condos, penthouses and villas with infinity pools and infinity sea views. On site there is a spa and all residents will be treated to five star hotel like service - so you can actually live a life of affordable luxury in one of the most desirable places on earth - which is why we truly believe Koh Samui is just so great!
About the Author
Rhiannon Williamson writes about buying property abroad and showcases new property developments in Thailand and around the world on her site www.PropertyDevelopmentWorld.com