Don’t the cool guys seem to always pick some of the fastest and sleekest designed cars? Well, then it should be no surprise that James Bond will be sporting a serious and speedy vehicle, namely the 2009 Aston Martin DBS in the upcoming film “Quantum of Solace”.  The V12 exotic sports car has a 6.0 liter engine with an exquisite interior hand finished that is attractive to common and rich folk alike. The aerodynamic design makes it even better suited for espionage.

The Aston Martin DBS zooms from zero to sixty in just 4.2 seconds. Underneath the hood, it puts out up to 510 hp.  At only 3737 pounds of weight this exotic feline will hit the roads a blazing and top out at 191 mph according to reliable testing sources.

The 2009 DBS provides an optional six-speed automatic transaxle, 2+2 seats, 20-inch wheels and an audio by Bang & Olufsen. The design and layout is the same as the DB9 with a bit more sleekness. The body is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. One of the new colors for this model is aptly named Quantum Silver

For 2009, the Aston Martin DBS comes equipped with new vented carbon ceramic brake discs which are a first for an off-track Aston Martin. These are custom designed to align with the double wishbone alloy suspension that features damper control which utilizes two separate valves to set the damper for five different positions. This feature is an important trait if you want to possess instant adjustment of the car’s handling characteristics and out maneuver the thumbs up road warriors trying to beat you to the club or international airport.

Gentlemen, if you are considering getting one, not as a spy, what could possibly stop you when you can rent one first to get a feel of the superior handling and awesome design before using a fraction of available funds to acquire it for a cool $265,000.

Frank Collins
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/the-2009-aston-martin-dbs-for-undercover-ops-709524.html

The once sleepy town of Gurgaon in Haryana has witnessed a real estate boom since the late 90’s following liberalization of the Indian economy. Gurgaon, like Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, attracts IT professionals in droves. Their salaries are comparable to the best in the world. The high disposable income in the hands of employees of the booming service sector in Gurgaon has led to tremendous spurt in demand for Gurgaon properties—- both for commercial and residential use.
Strategic location
With a space crunch in national capital Delhi, MNCs plump for nearby Gurgaon and many have made it their corporate headquarters in the country, as it is just 10 km from the Indira Gandhi International airport.
Gurgaon property values have skyrocketed over the past decade due to this burgeoning demand. As a result, Gurgaon properties have drawn huge investments both from inland and overseas. The influx of funds has transformed this one-time village into a hi-tech city with multistoried malls and skyscrapers dotting the landscape.
The proposed expressway to Jaipur, metro rail connection to Delhi and the special economic zone to be developed by Reliance Industries has made Gurgaon apartments treasured possessions for builders and owners alike with the rush for bookings still on. All these have contributed to increased construction activity in the town.
Property in Gurgaon also attracts high rental values. Many residents of posh South Delhi areas buy apartments in Gurgaon while some have already shifted lock, stock and barrel there to escape Delhi’s congestion and pollution. Those who sell apartments in Gurgaon these days get much higher returns than in the case of flats in other areas of the national capital region.
So, Gurgaon property owners are set to witness happy times. However, to keep the cash registers ringing, the city authorities will have to do their bit to check the rising crime graph and improve the power scenario.

Bikash1003@yahoo.co.in
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/gurgaon-rides-the-real-estate-boom-76249.html

Barbados Naked

Welcome to my Barbados naked series. Here I will provide you with details of things to see and do on the island and recommend restaurants, bars and excursions that I have either experienced myself or had guests tell me just how good they really are. I hope that you find the information useful for your trip or research of the island and would be very pleased if you feel you could add anything to my information. If you do please do drop me a line at Admin@VIPvillas.com and we’ll look to add it to our ‘Barbados Naked’ feature for future readers. Please enjoy reading the articles which I will be posting weekly. The series starts this week with an introduction to Barbados, the main tourist knowledge points, some history and facts and figures.

Next week we’ll find out about restaurants and food on the island. I’ll be supplying details of the best restaurants in each town and district and giving you a flavour (if you’ll pardon the pun!) of what they offer. I’ll also detail some of the local dishes that you should try and while there.

Then comes activites. Barbados really does make the most of it’s weather. There are lots of activities to get engaged in from relaxing on the beach to the more energetic pursuits such as diving, watersports and or course golf.

Excursions follows that with a guide on what to do and when. This guide gives you all you need to know to actually ‘do it yourself’, so standby for a full breakdown of the island with contact details for excursion providers and tour operators.

You really can’t go all the way to Barbados and not sample the nightlife now can you!! Well click through during week 5 of my Naked Barbados series to find out which are hot and which are not. From beach bars to the high life of the West Coast this instalment has it all. Barbados naked it most certainly is!!

I have previously completed the top ten beaches in Barbados. Tune in to week six for an indepth look at the best beaches. I’ll be reviewing nearly all of them on the island so you can feast your eyes on those that the tourists don’t know about.

Week seven provides a calendar of events for 2009. Make sure you don’t miss a thning with an indepth study of all that there is going on in 2009.

And we finish in week eight. A whistlestop tour of all that is Naked Barbados!! I’ll round off my series for those specialist trips, getting married? Then tune in, fancy a nature trail? Then click through… it’s all here in this last ‘round up’ week.

So with no time to waste here is my opening piece. Please enjoy!!

FLIGHTS/GETTING THERE

Barbados is well connected to Britain and North America, and currently has a limited service from Continental Europe. With so many incoming flights it acts as a hub to other islands within the South Eastern Caribbean. This makes the island an excellent island hopping base if you intend on visiting other islands. VIPvillas.com can organise separate stays in luxury villas on more than one Caribbean island for you.

The following airlines serve Barbados:

UK:

British Airways from Gatwick

Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick and Manchester

Caribbean Airlines (former BWIA) from Gatwick using British Airways codeshare

BMI from Manchester.

Europe:

Martinair from Amsterdam

Condor from Frankfurt

USA:

US Airways from Philadelphia

American Airlines from New York & Miami

Air Jamaica from New York (JFK)

Delta Air Lines from Atlanta.

Canada:

Air Canada from Toronto

Regional:

Caribbean Airlines (former BWIA), Air Jamaica, LIAT, and American Eagle, which have flights across the Caribbean. Flights to the Grenadines are served by SVG air, TIA 2000 and Mustique Airways - the three airlines also operate together as Grenadines Airways.

ISLAND HOPPING

One very useful fact to know is that there are a number of flights from Barbados to the Grenadines, both as day tours and as transfers, that are known as ‘shared charters’. Practically speaking they run every day, but because they are run by charter airlines, rather than scheduled companies, they are not listed on the international computer systems. See below for the airlines that offer shared charter to the Grenadines.

REGIONAL AIRLINES

LIAT

Caribbean Airlines (former BWIA)

Air Jamaica

SVG Air

Mustique Airways

Trans Island Air/TIA 2000

Day trips to other islands:

Grenadines Discoveries

Fly to Union Island and join a Catamaran for a day sail, with snorkelling and swimming stops in Mayreau, Tobago Keys and Palm Island. $640 including lunch and drinks.

One day air tours to the Grenadines, St Lucia, St Vincent and Young Island, and Grenada.

If you would like to charter a plane, then they are available through:

St Barth Commuter

A local airline based in St Barths, which offers scheduled flights from there to St Martin/St Maarten and Caribbean private aircraft charters to islands all over the Eastern Caribbean. They have a fleet of five twin-engine planes and five specially trained (STOL) pilots with permission to land in St Barths.

SVG Air

A local Caribbean airline that offers charters to the Grenadines from around the region, often from Barbados, but also from St Lucia and Grenada, even from as far as Puerto Rico. SVG Air has around a dozen 5-19-seater planes and also offers island hopping and air ambulance services.

AIRPORT

Grantley Adams International Airport (airport code BGI, after Bridgetown, the island’s capital) is located approximately 10 miles/16km south east of Bridgetown city centre. VIPvillas.com have luxury portfolio of West Coast Villas in Barbados for you to choose from; they really are sheer luxury!

The airport has recently undergone a multi-million dollar expansion with the major phase completed in 2007. This included the construction of a new, much larger arrivals terminal which now houses 22 immigration work stations, five large luggage carousels and two duty free shops. The old arrivals hall has become part of an extended departure lounge and houses a new airside food court and retail concourse. Other facilities include a bank and postal services. Approximately four air bridges are part of the next set of improvements and there has been talk of enclosing the check-in area and installing air-conditioning.

PASSPORTS & VISAS

As a visitor to Barbados you will require a passport which is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, along with a valid return airline ticket. This now applies to all American and Canadian citizens, whilst British citizens are required to hold a full 10-year passport. American, Canadian, British and EU citizens do not require a visa for short stays. Other nationalities please check with the Barbados High Commission or with your travel organiser for entry requirements

LOCAL TRANSPORT

The bus system in Barbados is a good one and the fleet of blue and yellow buses (BM licence plate) reaches every corner throughout the island on a regular basis. You will need exact change for the buses and they stop only at official bus stops, which are marked either ‘To City’ or ‘Out of City’ in a red and white circle. The destination is displayed over the front windscreen.

The Government service is supplemented by privately operated mini-buses (B licence plate) that are painted yellow with a blue stripe down the side, and route taxis (ZR licence) which are white with a burgundy stripe. These buses do give change, and they also play local music (somewhat loud at times) and can be hailed down anywhere on route. Destinations are usually on a sign placed in the bottom left-hand corner of the windscreen, and routes normally painted on the sides of the buses. It should be noted that ZR vans are an adventure as well as a mode of transport. They tend to stop at the drop of a hat and travel at speeds which are not for the faint hearted. But then they’ll go out of their way to drop a granny with her shopping outside her house. Avoid travelling at peak times when buses are packed to the limit. The fare to any destination is Bds$1.50 one-way. Depending on the routes, during the week buses can operate from as early as 5.30am to as late as 12.30pm.

For more information on the Government Transport Service, telephone Barbados 436 6820

CAR HIRE

Hiring a car is an excellent addition to a visit to the Caribbean, but particularly so in Barbados because there is plenty to do and because the island is surprisingly good to explore. There are some delightful beaches cut into the cliffs of the south east, which make for an excellent day out and picnic, and the Atlantic coast is wonderfully dramatic. Getting lost in the canefields is almost par for the course, so don’t worry when you do. Just stop and ask and someone is bound to help. Finally, there are all the restaurants to visit in the evening. From an island perspective, cars are a vital aspect of local life. The Bajans would prefer to drive a few hundred yards to work than to walk and so there is actually a rush hour each morning and evening. There are a staggering 1719 kms of paved road network on the island.

A local driving permit is required to drive in Barbados. This costs Bds$10 and can be obtained from the car hire company when you hire the car, or at any police station. If you are visiting during the winter season and know that you will want a car then it is advisable to book it well in advance otherwise, due to demand, it will be impossible to get hold of one. VIP villas can secure excellent car hire rates for you; better than the main car hire companies. You must have held a licence for at least two years to hire a car in Barbados, and be at least 21 years of age and under 75 years of age.

Indicative prices can be found below.

2007-08 Stoutes Car Rentals Rate Guide in US$ per day/week:

Mini Moke Auto (4str) - 61/265

Jimny Jeep (Soft top) Auto (4str) - 69/320

Terios Jeep 1500cc (Hard top) A/C Auto (5str) – 85/420

Vitara Jeep 2000cc (Hard top) A/C Auto (5str) – 95/490

Rates are in US$, subject to 15% VAT and are valid 16 Dec 2007 to 15 December 2008.

Comprehensive insurance is included in the rental rate except for a deductible of US$1,500 in case of loss, accident or damage to the vehicles - regardless of fault.

A collision damage waiver (CDW) is offered to cover this deductible at a cost of US$49/week or US$10/day. Clients are charged for the petrol in the vehicles at the time of hire, and should return the vehicles empty. Child seats and booster seats are available for hire on request. Car hire rates, CDW, petrol, and extras such as child and booster seats are subject to 15% VAT. Payment is made for the hire at the time of delivery.

DRIVING & PARKING

Driving is on the left on Barbados, don’t forget your driving licence!

Generally speaking drivers are fairly courteous and, being quite conservative, they tend to abide by the Highway Code. However do be cautious going around roundabouts, as not all drivers know which lane they ought to be in. You will also need to keep an eye out for Z vans and minibuses which stop in the middle of the road at the drop of a hat. Try to avoid going anywhere during the rush hour, when all of the major roads heading into Bridgetown, Holetown and the South Coast tend to be back-to-back with traffic (the local radio stations have traffic reports during both the morning and evening rush hours). Almost every household on the island seems to own a car, and for those that do not there are plenty of families who have more than one. Some children still walk to school, so as there are very few pavements (sidewalks) you should drive with caution during the start/finish of the school day. Take special care when going around blind corners in rural areas.

Drink driving laws are being introduced so check for new regulations.

Seat belts are compulsory and failure to wear one attracts a fine of Bds$500. The speed limit in Barbados is 37 mph/60 kph except on the highways (55 mph/80 kph) and in Bridgetown (20 mph/32 kph).

PARKING

The parking fee for official car parks in Bridgetown, and at the airport, is currently Bds$1 per hour or part thereof, and $6 for the whole day. Tickets are issued on entering and payment is made on exit.

TAXIS

Taxis are widely available around Barbados (if you can’t find one just walk into the nearest hotel and they’ll find one for you), with taxi stands located at the airport, Bridgetown Harbour, and Bridgetown at Independence Square Lower, Broad Street and Heroes Square, South Coast at Accra Beach - Hastings Rocks, West Coast at Sunset Crest Shopping Centres 1 and 2.

Taxis are not metered. Instead the fares are fixed. However it is always a good idea to confirm the cost of your journey before setting off.

Rates by distance should not exceed Bds$2.50 per mile or Bds$1.50 per kilometre. The flat rate per hour is Bds$32, with waiting time Bds$7 per hour between 6am to 10pm, and Bds$8 per hour between 10pm and 6am.

MEDICAL

Generally the climate in Barbados is pretty benign and there are only a couple of issues that you can encounter here that are not in Europe or the States. Check that your coverage for polio and tetanus is up to date. There is no malaria in Barbados, but there are very occasional outbreaks of dengue fever – another mosquito-borne disease which happens after considerable rain. You should take normal precautions against mosquito bites. If you are susceptible then make sure to use insect repellent during daylight hours and after sunset.

Visitors’ prescriptions can be fulfilled by local pharmacies, following consultation with a local physician.

HOSPITALS

The medical facilities in Barbados are among the best in the Caribbean. There are eight polyclinics throughout the island and two hospitals.

The general hospital is Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Bridgetown which has 600 beds and operates a 24 hour A&E department.

There is also a modern private facility at the Bay View Hospital in St Michael which does not have an A&E Dept., however there is the FMH Emergency Medical Clinic in St Michael.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccinations are not required for entry into Barbados, though you may with to check with your GP prior to travelling. There is one exception, for travellers who have come from areas infected with of Yellow Fever, where a vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one (1) year of age.

ELECTRICITY

Domestic current will operate appliances designated for 115/230 volts AC, 50 Cycles, with 2-pin US style plugs and sockets.

TELEPHONE

Barbados has a pretty good telecommunications system and it has recently been deregulated so that mobile phones from abroad will work (though calls can still be pretty expensive). The networks are Cable & Wireless, Digicel and AT&T Wireless.

The international dialling code for Barbados is +1 246 followed by seven digits. When on-island simply dial the seven digits. If you are staying in a villa do check to see if the phone allows international calls, as some have debars, which will need to be lifted, and for which there is a deposit.

Internet services are available at most hotels, and some villas, plus a number of internet cafes have now opened. Cellular phones can be rented or a roaming feature can be added to your own mobile

Overseas phone calls can be made from any phone booth around the island, payment for which is by credit card or a local pre-paid calling card.

TIME ZONE

Barbados is 4 hours behind GMT and so during the winter it is four hours behind Britain and five behind the rest of Europe, and an hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the States. Barbados has no daylight saving time in the summer so the island is then five hours behind British Summer Time (six behind the rest of Europe) and on the same time as the eastern seaboard of the United States.

TOURIST INFORMATION

There are Barbados Tourism Authority information offices at the airport, between the arrivals hall before Immigration and the Departure Lounge, t 428 0937; at the Deep Water Harbour (where the cruise ships come in), t 426 1718; and at the BTA’s main office on Harbour Road, Bridgetown, t 427 2623.

Outside Barbados you will find BTA offices in the following places:

Britain: 263 Tottenham Court Road, London W1 P 7LA, t 020 7636 9448, btauk@barbados.org

Canada: 105 Adelaide St West, Suite 1010, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1P9, t (416) 214 9880, toll free 1800 268 9122, btapublic@globalserve.net

USA: 800 Second Ave, New York NY 10017, t (212) 986 6516, btany@worldnet.att.net; 3440 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1215, Los Angeles, CA 90010, t (213) 380 2198, btala@worldnet.att.net; 150 Alhambra Circle Suite 1000, Coral Gables, Florida 33134, t (305) 442 7471, btamiami@barbados.org

DEPARTURE TAX & TAXES

Departure tax is no longer payable at the airline check-in desk as it should be included in the cost of your airline ticket - please check your ticket to confirm this. This tax (passenger service charge) is payable by all passengers leaving the island (exempt for stays under 24 hours) and over the age of 12 years. The amount increased to Bds$55/US$27.50 on 1st February 2007.

Hotel and villa accommodation incurs a 7.5% government room tax and a service charge in Barbados, which is normally added to your bill (unless you are staying in an all-inclusive hotel). It can make quite a difference to the eventual price of your holiday, so if you are booking direct make sure you calculate it in when pricing up your trip.

A 15% VAT applies to most services including car hire, tourist attractions, restaurants, retail (apart from Duty Free items), excursions etc, but this is usually included in the published price, except for car hire rates, which are usually quoted excluding VAT so you’ll need to add it.

WEATHER

Barbados boasts that it has 3000 hours of sunshine each year. Certainly even within the Caribbean it has an excellent climate. Temperatures vary by just a few degrees across the year and because it is surrounded by sea the island rarely gets too hot, except occasionally in summer, particularly if it is still. Generally though, there is a breeze to take the edge off the heat. The best time to visit is in the winter, when the northern hemisphere is at its coldest in February, though this is of course the high season and the most expensive time.

The rainiest time of year is over the late summer months between August and late October. Often the sun comes back out after a shower, but occasionally a blanket of cloud will spin off a weather system in the northern hemisphere and may cover the island with cloud for a few days.

Barbados lies just on the edge of the hurricane belt, but has not been seriously affected in recent years.

WATER

Most of the water in Barbados is artesian water, rainwater that has soaked into the limestone structure of the land. Generally it is drinkable from the tap and tastes good, but in restaurants you will be offered a choice of bottled or local water. However, with so much pressure on existing groundwater supplies in recent years, a desalination (the largest in the Caribbean) facility is now in operation, which provides water for 20% of the island’s population, currently within the Spring Garden Highway area where the plant is located. Sandy Lane Hotel also has a desalination system.

Piped water was introduced to Bridgetown in 1861, and to commemorate the event an ornamental fountain, made in Britain, was erected in 1865 in what is now Heroes Square.

CHILDREN

In general children are well received in Barbados, but some of the smarter hotels have an age restriction policy at certain times of year, especially during February and March. Others offer special children’s programmes. Most villas are well geared up for children too. It is easy to find babysitters and they cost approximately Bds$20 per hour, plus transport home.

There is not an abundance of playgrounds in Barbados at the moment, however six of the Chefette fast food outlets now have Kids Zones (air-conditioned at Rockley) and each playground has slides, cars and rides and other activities and also cater for parties. Pizzaz pizza restaurant in Sunset Crest in Holetown on the West Coast also has its own playground.

Apart from frolicking in the sea and building sand castles, there are a number of child friendly activities available on island: the Barbados Museum has a dedicated children’s gallery with an exhibition called ‘yesterdays children’ in the Kidd Gallery, Folkstone Marine Park near Holetown is a recreational underwater park with a snorkelling trail, an interpretive centre and museum with marine displays and a saltwater aquarium, there is also a picnic area, tennis and basketball courts and a playground. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is popular with children for the animals on view, as is Atlantis Submarine and Harrison’s Cave. The Barbados Golf Academy has an 18 hole mini course with special rates for 14yrs and under. There is a Drive-in Cinema near the Sheraton Centre, which also has an indoor cinema. Farley Hill National Park has a picnic and play area. See later instalments of Naked Barbados for further Child friendly activities in Barbados.

Adventure Beach at The Boatyard has kayaks, pedal boats, glass bottom boats, ocean trampolines, a floating rock climbing ice-berg, beach volley ball and snorkelling. Accra Beach in the Rockley area is another popular beach spot and is good for boogie boarding with boards for hire. Batts Rock on the West Coast (close to Calabaza Restaurant) has good swimming and snorkeling, plus a small children’s playground with slides, swings and see-saws. There is a parking area, picnic benches, shower and changing facilities, and drinks machine.

CORPORATE/INCENTIVES

Barbados has excellent facilities for corporate clients in all types of group, incentive and corporate travel and events. The island has good international and regional air links, making it easy to get to. Where accommodation is concerned, some of the VIPvillas larger villas can make ideal settings for smaller groups. Especially those that come staffed with chefs.

For meeting facilities outside of the featured properties note:

Sherbourne Conference Centre, St Michael, t 467 8200

www.bcslbarbados.com

Multi-level conference and event facility with 164,000sq ft of meeting and exhibition space, for trade shows, conferences and special events of up to 1200 persons, seated theatre style in the largest room. Eleven meeting rooms, five break-out rooms, two foyers and two dining rooms, mass media facilities and state of the art telecommunications equipment, infrared Simultaneous Interpretation System

Frank Collymore Hall, Central Bank Building, Bridgetown

The Grande Salle, at 61’x 29’, can be used for exhibitions, art showings and meetings, with five large & eleven small screens. The Meeting Room seats 70 and is equipped with presentation and projection equipment.

WHAT TO PACK

Consider the following items when packing for a trip to Barbados:

Adequate sun protection, high factor sun cream, sunglasses, hat/cap and a lightweight beach-shirt/blouse/t-shirt; suitable beach and walking shoes; mosquito repellent containing DEET suitable for use all day; cream for insect bites. Also consider and adapter plug, film and batteries for camera; toiletries; beach mat/towel; preferred brand of coffee/tea; small torch.

Clothes - lightweight cotton clothing, with elegant/casual attire for evenings. Note that most good restaurants and top hotels require that men wear long trousers and shirts in the evenings, not shorts, flip-flops or t-shirts. During the festive season people tend to dress up and a few of the more exclusive establishments may request jacket and tie. Women may wish to pack a lightweight wrap or jacket during the winter months, as the evenings (Jan/Feb) sometimes feel cool after the heat of the day.

You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing in Barbados. It is also an offence to bring in meat products from the UK.

BANKS

International and local commercial banks operating in Barbados include the Bank of Nova Scotia/Scotia Bank, Barbados National Bank, First Caribbean Bank, Caribbean Commercial Bank, Royal Bank of Canada and The Mutual Bank. The Central Bank of Barbados has been in operation since 1973. The island also offers offshore banking and insurance services.

Bank opening hours are Mon-Thurs 8am to 3pm and Fri 8am to 5pm. Most banks are closed on the weekend, but the Mutual Bank has two branches that open until 7pm on Fridays and until 2pm on Saturdays, and the Caribbean Commercial Bank opens from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. ATMs are located across the island, including the airport, harbour, some petrol stations and shopping malls. Note that ATMs will only give out Barbados Dollars (not US Dollars) and some charge for overseas cash transactions.

Banks require customers to show their passports when cashing traveller’s cheques. You will need to show a transaction slip as well if you wish to convert Barbadian dollars back to your home currency.

CURRENCY/CREDIT CARDS

The currency of Barbados is the Barbados dollar (Bds), which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of US$1.00 = Bds$1.98 (some street/beach vendors may do a straight 2 for 1). All prices on island are quoted in Barbados dollars, with the exception of hotel rates which are in US only, and duty free items where the local Bds$ price is shown alongside US dollar price. US dollars (notes only) are accepted throughout the island, however you will often find that the rate of exchange will not be as favourable in hotels, supermarkets and large stores as that in the bank.

CREDIT CARDS

Most of the major credit cards (including debit cards) are accepted anywhere that deals with tourists on a regular basis. Do not expect local bars or small local restaurants to accept them (if in doubt double check in advance), but you will find that the larger supermarkets often do. It is worth noting that certain credit cards may attract an additional charge.

Next week I’m covering restaurants and food on the island so make sure you click through to read it. I will detail specific restaurants and include contact details for them so put that together with the taxi numbers and you’re on your way!!

 

 

 

Mark Craven
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/barbados-naked-573058.html

Congratulations! You have already your dream car. But before you go out on the road and have an exiting drive, you have needed to insure you car first. But do you know what auto insurance all about is?

Auto insurance is a type of insurance that consumers can purchase for truck, cars and other vehicles. It provides protection against losses incurred. Depending on the type of coverage purchased, buying auto insurance can protect you against the cost of repairing the vehicle following an accident. The cost of purchasing a new vehicle if it is stolen or damaged beyond economic repair and to the legal liability claims against the driver or owner of the vehicle following the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party.

The risk associated in buying a new car is not fully covered by a comprehensive insurance. There is generally a period in which the remaining car payments exceed the compensation the insurer will pay for a destroyed vehicle, due to the sharp decline in value immediately following purchase. To protect the consumer on the market, GAP insurance was established in the early 1980’s. GAP protection was developed because of the escalating price of cars, extended term auto loans, and the increasing popularity of leasing.

Liability insurance covers claims against the policyholder and generally, any other operator of the insured vehicle, provided they do not live at the same address as the policyholder and are not specifically excluded on the policy. Those living at the same address must specifically be covered on the policy. Generally, liability insurance does not protect the policyholder if they operate any vehicles other than their own. You are just covered by another party’s policy if you drive a vehicle owned by that party.

Liability coverage also extended when you rent a car. But in most cases, comprehensive policies or full coverage may not be applied. It is because the insurance company does not want to assume responsibility for a claim greater than the value of the insured’s vehicle, assuming that a rental car may be worth more than the insured’s vehicle. But some states, it extends to rental cars. Most rental car companies offer insurance to cover damages to the rental vehicle. In some regions, the “Loss of Use” or the costs associated with not having access to the vehicle is also covered.

Now that you learn what is auto insurance is, it’s time to get one!

Roxel Pudol
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/basics-of-auto-insurance-87891.html

No Oregon vacation is complete without staying and visiting the beautiful community of Sunriver, Oregon. Sunriver is located in Central Oregon and is bordered along one side by the Deschutes River and by National Forest Land on another. Sunriver, Oregon is extremely unique, in that it is a planned community- the Sunriver Owners Association handles development of Sunriver vacation rentals, single or multi-family residential properties, resort properties and both industrial and commercially zoned properties. You’ll find Sunriver vacation rentals scattered throughout the several villages that make up the Sunriver community- there are currently over 2,900 completed homes and over 900 condominiums, with many of the dwellings available for Oregon vacation rentals.

Sunriver is a popular tourist destination and location for Oregon vacation rentals due to the recreational activities available all year round. For the outdoorsy types, you can enjoy the Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory, Horseback riding at one of the many horse stables, and the opportunity to rent kayaks and canoes from the marina.

If you enjoy playing sports on your vacation, book a vacation rental near one of the 31 outdoor tennis courts or 45 award winning golf courses in Sunriver. Wherever your Sunriver vacation rentals are located, you can enjoy comfortable bike rides while riding your bike along more than 30 miles of paved biking paths. If the rainy weather is putting a damper on your sports activities, head indoors to the indoor racquet club! Also, Oregon vacation rentals in the Sunriver community are all within short distance of more than 50 restaurants and unique shops, so there is no reason to let less than perfect weather conditions prevent you from enjoying a wonderful vacation.

Northwest Oregon is well known for the famous Cascade Lakes Highway, voted one of the most beautiful highways for sight-seeing within the country. There are lakes with crystal clear waters, rivers and streams visible from the highway. Sunriver vacation rentals are also within close proximity to both the Lava Butte and the Newberry National Monument natural volcanic wonders that were first noticed over 6,000 years ago. If you journey just outside Sunriver, you can even enjoy the result of the activity from the volcanoes that occurred thousands of years ago when you visit the “Lava Caves”. Of course, is complete without enjoying cross-country skiing or downhill skiing at Mt. Bachelor. This mountain is on the top of the list for skiers in the Northwest thanks to its location of just 18 miles of Sunriver, and for it’s variety of slopes that are perfect for every skier skill level.

Other popular tourist attractions for those staying in Oregon vacation rentals around the state include casinos, whale watching expeditions along the coastline, and numerous Wineries that kindly offer wine tasting tours and a day of relaxation in Willamette Valley’s, “Oregon Wine Country”.

If winter weather is your idea of a great vacation, Oregon vacation rentals are the perfect destination for you and your family! There are even opportunities for sledding and skiing in the summer months because of the high peaked mountains. From snowmobile riding to downhill skiing and sledding, to sleds pulled by dogs- there is no shortage of activities for the snow bound vacationers in Oregon. You can even try the ever popular snowboarding on in any of the ski resorts.

Staying in Sunriver vacation rentals is a great place to call “home base” during your Oregon vacation. You’re in close proximity to many of the tourist’s attractions of the state of Oregon, and can enjoy the community of Sunriver as part of your Oregon vacation.

Matthew Kekelis
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/sunriver-or-a-magical-vacation-85793.html

The most popular and convenient way to get around in Alicante, Spain is to rent a car. Whether you’re traveling up the Costa Blanca to Benidorm, or staying in Alicante to sightsee, it’s great to have a car at your disposal. Renting is simple to do, and depending on your itinerary, it will generally be more cost-effective than any other mode of transportation. There are several key things to take note of before you go.

Alicante Car Rental

When you land at the airport in Alicante, you’ll find several different car rental companies to choose from, including worldwide names such as Avis and Hertz, and regional companies like Auriga and Centuaro. They’re easily accessible from the arrival area.

It’s best to book your car rental before your vacation to ensure you get the best price. Also, depending on when you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to pre-arrange a car in advance to be sure that you’ll have one when you arrive. Particularly in the summer, which is peak season in Alicante, you’ll find that rental inventory goes quickly.

You can use several different ways to reserve your car. You can book online, through a travel agent, or directly with the company you select. Many times you can find a great deal on a car rental as part of a vacation package. Be sure to shop several companies for the best rates. When shopping, include any additional charges, such as insurance, as well as any restrictions that will apply, to get a clear picture when comparing prices.

The car doesn’t always have to be picked up at the airport, though for some, that’s most convenient. Sometimes you’ll find that renting in town is more affordable than renting at the airport. Think about where you’ll be picking up and dropping off to ensure that you’ll have transportation to and from the rental location. If you’re renting from a location other than the airport, most companies offer complimentary transportation to the rental company.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Consider any extra features or charges when renting. Find out what’s included in the price. Some rental companies may include insurance in their cost, some may not.

One important issue to address is whether or not you’ll need to bring a child safety seat. You may have already brought it for the flight, and it’s a simple procedure to get it into the rental car. Or you may have planned to rent one once you arrived. Either way, if you have an infant or child in the car, Spanish law states that he or she must be secured in a safety seat. If a rental company provides it, there’s an additional charge.

Be sure to get a car with air conditioning. It might be an obvious feature, but one you may not realize you need until you’re in the sweltering heat of Alicante without it.

Careful planning and review of all of your options will ensure you have the best possible car rental experience.

Peter Wilson
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/traveling-around-alicante-and-benidorm-84994.html

http://www.rentacar-slovakia.com/
New Car Rental Company in Slovakia, Bratislava. Outstanding 24/7 service. Lowest prices in Slovakia GUARANTEED.
Rent a car with ERERCAR!
Bratislava, Slovakia. Car rental, Car hire, Rent a Car Bratislava

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http://www.VoyagerClassics.com
Its name is one of its most valuable assets. The name alone has that incredible power that compels doors to open, draw in talented people, and becomes a reassurance of trust in its technical capability.

Today, the brand, not only means engineering excellence, but also that of a standard quality in every make. The name now becomes a guide to the company’s actions and behavior. The way they present themselves to the world as a leading edge, international power-systems business. Meet the Rolls-Royce automobile, a great car that you can always trust to deliver excellence. And now meet the place that will make this classic car be yours for a time, Las Vegas.

The Meadows, the most populous city in the state of Nevada, the seat of Clark County and Entertainment Capital of the World, this is the city that is known for its gambling, risque entertainment, and its throng of rental car options. Yes, you guessed it right, this is the city that makes Roll-Royce accessible for the common man. Unbelievable, eh? Well, to quote Ripley, “Believe it.” Besides, the moniker “Rolls-Royce car rentals,” has got a nice ring to it.

While youre in The Meadows, why don’t you drop by the house, which that name built. This structure is that hip, modern, dramatic centerpiece of the neon-lit Strip. Drop by the newest hotel in town, if you can. Meet Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas. Here, shopping, dining, and gambling converge in a perfect marriage making the place a destination of choice for the city that celebrates celebrity.
http://www.voyagerclassics.com/fleet.php

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For the Better Business Bureau, or the Webmaster? Disclaimer: we have no financial interest in any entity mentioned in this observational post.

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http://DiscountHawaiiCarRental.com Discount Hawaii Car Rental. 1-800-292-1930 The absolute best rates for rental cars in Hawaii. We do not take your credit card info. No pre-payment. You pay at pick-up. Personalized customer support 7 days a week. There is NO fee for our service.
Video created by Hawaii Business Videos http://hawaiibusinessvideos.com

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