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Destination: Customs Clothes Low Price - Good Quality in Shanghai
Story: The old myth about the 24 hour suit from tailors in Hong Long is just about gone. While you can still find great tailors in HK, most will costs you an arm and a leg and these same clothes can be bought back home cheaper (given the dollars weakness). Not so in Shanghai. I recently bought 18 custom dress shirts (100% cotton) 2 custom suits 100% wool, all for US$595 and it only took three days from start to finish. The tailor can even be convinced to come to your hotel. The company is Da Shanghai MJ Dress Company, Telephone 021-637 75856 or mobile 135 243 25665. Their email is mj_shirt@163.com. They do both mens and womens clothes, provide for a fitting prior to completion and are generally great to work with. I will be back to see them whenever I am in Shanghai. The myth continues...

Destination: Gilbralter, UK
Story: This is the hidden gem of the Mediterranean. While Prudential Insurance locked up the rights to use the image of the Rock in the early 1900’s, the long, intricate history of the Rock goes back to the Phoenicians in 950BC. Today, this 2.3 square mile slice of Britain is a great place to visit for history buffs and those just looking for a nice place to spend a week. The Rock itself has miles and miles of tunnels that have been dug over the centuries and used as a military stronghold, hospital and today a concert hall. Tours are available of many of these areas. When your there, you will not be able to miss the 230 Barbary Macaques, commonly known as apes, the only wild monkeys found in Europe. Legend says that as long as the apes are present, Gibraltar will remain part of the United Kingdom. As you can image, they are well taken care of and three are serious fines for feeding or harassing these icons of the Rock. Our guide Susan took us on a fantastic walking tour of the Rock and its tunnels. It just happened to be on its national Day, September 9. The entire town was decked out in Red and White. This was the highlight of our recent trip to Europe.

Destination: Honfleur, Normandy France
Story: Just off the beaten track between the Normandy Beaches and Paris is the quaint seaside village of Honfleur. While many times overlooked given the notoriety of the nearby tourist alternatives, Honfleur is what people visualize when they think of a French Seaside village…a small harbor filled with colorful fishing boats, quaint restaurants with lots of outdoor tables for people watching, 15th, 16th and 17th century buildings, unchanged from their historic past, artist sketching passers by and just a pleasing place to spend an afternoon or long weekend. The town has a variety of small hotels and shops, with artist both visiting the area and permanent galleries to tour. Honfleur is only a 45 minute drive from Rouen or a 15 minute drive from La Harve, located at the mouth of the Seine. The founder of Quebec, Samuel de Champlaign, started his voyage in 1613 from the Port of Honfleur. A white marble plaque commemorates his voyage at the mount of the harbor.

Destination: Palma, Majorca
Story: Many people know that Majorca offers great beaches and a sunny climate. The island, just off the coast of Spain, is a great vacation spot and easy to get to. For those of us in California, it holds another special interest in that it is the birthplace of Father Junipero Serra, the acknowledged founder the California Missions. Father Serra grew up in a small village about 40 minutes east of the main city of Palma, called Petra. Of the 19 Friars that made the journey to the U.S. and establish the chain of California missions, 16 came from Petra. Within Petra is Father Serra’s original home, preserved with its cobble streets and a beautiful museum depicting his founding of the California Mission trail. Petra is not on the tourist circuit so you may need to ask directions but the drive is easy and the town is charming and really a treasure of the way life has been for hundreds of years in Majorca. It is a real must see. We were so happy our guide Alex brought it to our attention and guided us there. It is right on the way to the Drach Caves, the most visited rouist exhibit in Majorca. A map of Majorca can be found at http://www.planetware.com/map/majorca-map-e-major.htm

Destination: Tourists
Story: ONEonONE ARGENTINA Personalised Language Services Language Institute since 1994 – Recognised by SEA (Arg.) y Bridge Linguatec (USA) CLASSES & TRANSLATIONS SPANISH COURSES in ARGENTINA TRIPS - TANGO - ACCOMMODATION Argentinean Certified Teachers at your disposal Certified Translators / Interpreters XS Groups and & One-toOne Classes Tailor-Made programs - Flexible Schedules - Business Spanish International Exams (DELE, CELU, etc.) TE: (011) 3528-4452 / 15-6860-4452 / 4451 Email: info@oneononeargentina.com.ar www.oneononeargentina.com.ar

Destination: zanzibar
Story: We really enjoyed the sun n sand and our beach holiday in whole. The local operators are so nice so good,very assisting,the best is that are reasonable. We met mohamed on the trip advisor and mailed him on mohdmakame@hotmail.com and arranged us dar hotel transfers,transfers to the ferry,boat us tickets and paid on arrival,transfered us from zanzibar seaport to our beach hotel he booked us,best tours and services..we highly recommend him to any traveller to this destination.

Destination: Zanzibar,Tanzania
Story: I really enjoyed my beach holiday in Zanzibar after my long tiring Safari.This was well made by abrojaley africa ajabu company in arusha[www.abrojaleafica.com]with there represetnative in Zanzibar...Zanzibar Private Tours[zanzibartours@hotmail.com] They were so nice with itineraries and kind enough to assist all we wanted and interests...very flexible and I think it was to make us enjoy what we paid for.

Destination: Xian, China
Story: While you may visit China for Beijing, and Shanghai, the real sleeper and not to miss place is Xian. Xian City, approximately 400 miles southwest of Beijing, accessible by air and train, is the best place to stay to see the Terra Cotta soldiers. Unearthed in the early 20th century, the museum built around (actually build over the exposed bits where the soldiers were found) is unlike anything you will ever see. The excavations are still ongoing and given the enormity of the amount of unearthed treasures yet to be excavated, are planned into the year 2050. Using a local guide who can expound on the history and culture of the excavation will greatly enhance the visit. We were fortunate enough to locate Yongping "Stephen" Zhang. A former University professor, Stephen brings an interesting understanding of the culture and history of the area to your visit. His father was a member of the communist party which furthers his knowledge and perspective about today’s changing role of the government in local life.

Destination: Getting to Cruise Terminal Rome
Story: In the past we have hired a car and driver to get from Rome to the Cruise terminal. The Port is about 45 miles northwest of Rome. This trip we decided to get a little adventurous and try the train. This usually costs about 90 Euros ($130 US depending upon exchange rate). Take the train from Termini to Civitechhia – 22 Euros, plus tax. In Civitechhia catch taxis waiting at the train station to your particular ship. They take passengers by ship so you go straight to the boat, no stopping...5 Euros per person. Time from train station to boat is probably is 40 minutes total and you save 50-60% over the costs of a car/driver.

Destination: Chios Greece Private Guide
Story: We recently visited Chios, a Greek Island off the coast of Turkey. Pre arranged tours either took you to three ancient monuments/hill towns in the north part of the island or two separate towns in the south of the island. A friend of mine used a private guide and was able to see all of these sites in one day, eliminating the need to stay an extra day, moving about more efficiently and really enjoying the island overall. With the two couples, the cost per person was 40% less than charged by the cruise line for half the sites.

Destination: The Pyraminds, Cairo
Story: The Pyramids…everyone knows about them, most want to visit them but I recently visited them in Oct 2008 and was sorely disappointed. The pyramids are still the ancient wonder they have always been but it’s the many hawkers, venders, scam artist and undercover harassers that really tarnish the experience. Forget about dodging the piles of camel dung from the happy camel drivers who will let you ride for free but charge you a fortune to get off; there is a whole host of more sophisticated scammers who you need to be wary of. Many semi official men prowl the areas around the base of the pyramids blowing whistles, directing tourist not to climb the pyramids. This appears to be a good control and way to preserve these ancient monuments. Next they will say “It's ok to photograph here, or “our can get fine photo from his angle. They will help you take your photo and even snatch your camera away to take group photos from you. Next the comes the hook…some then want money tor return your camera or will follow you asking for a little money….Be aware when at the Pyramids, its not the curse of the mummies you need to fear.

Destination: Trains in Europe, the way to go!
Story: Trains in Europe offer a great value, even at short notice. We once, on 24 hours notice, booked the train from Rome to Zurich. An enchanting ride with great scenery. One of the best ways to see Switzerland is on the train. Geneva to Interlaken, Jungfrauhoch , Schilthorn, etc. From Rome to Zurich, You will have the chance to see the beautiful Lake Como, the Alps and more quaint little Swiss villages than you can count, with the 6 hour train ride thrown in (feeling like almost for free). In England/the UK, you can catch a train to almost anywhere you want to go from downtown London. Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stonehenge, Cambridge, Newcastle, Liverpool, Bath, Portsmouth, all excellent trips. If you are feeling a bit flush, book first class to guarantee a good seat and usually some refreshments en-route. From London to Edinburg is a four ride trip. Not much more than a plane ride when you factor in getting to and from the airport and the security hassles and wait time required today.

Destination: Rome Hotel Idea
Story: A great little hotel convenient to Coliseum and Via de Nazionale is Hotel Atorius. The hotel is on a quiet pedestrian oriented street about 1 block for the Via De Nazzionale. The family owned establishment has beautiful rooms, some with spacious balconies, well appointed bathrooms and a fine continental breakfast served from 7 to 10 each morning. The location is central and quiet. A great restaurant can be found only 10 meters down the street, at Via del Boschetto 19, called Antica Cucina Napolentana. Its small, homey with great food and nice atmosphere.

Destination: Rome, Coliseum, Forum & Palatine
Story: As we approached the coliseum, a private guide offered us a tour for 11 Euros for two hours. Entrance fee into same venues is 12 Euros. Using private guide saves 1 Euros and includes private guide.

Destination: Sorrento Capri, Italy
Story: Sorrento Tour of Capri Cruise ships can charge up to $180 USD each for the boat trip from Sorrento to Capri and then to Ana Capri. You can take the ferry from the dock in Sorrento for 14.50 each way per person (29) plus add a private guide with tour bus $20 Euros per person. One such guide is Giuseppe Ingentio. He will arrange transportation from the dock in Capri to Ana Capri with time to shop and explore the area around Ana Capri. You can then take the chair lift to the top for an outstanding view of the entire surrounding mediteriaan. The trip and views to the top are worth the 8 euro round trip fare. Tickets can be purchased at the time of the ride.