Halfway through your visit therefore you might feel it is time to change pace, escape the busy streets and the traffic and relax a little. There is no better place to do this than to take a trip to Greenwich, a World Heritage Site.

The most relaxing way to get there is take a short cruise on a River Boat and sail down the Thames. History proves that this is the best way to get there, being favoured by kings and no less a queen than Elizabeth I. So although you may not be walking in their footsteps you are at least sailing in their wake, in a manner of speaking.

You need only take yourself to Westminster Pier to board a River Boat. As you sail down the Thames a guide will point out places of interest on the way. These include Shakespeare's renovated Globe Theatre and Execution Dock where pirates were executed, the most infamous being Captain Kidd in 1701. You will pass Traitors Gate at the Tower of London and be not only informed by the commentary but quite entertained as well and all this without moving from your seat.

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Greenwich is on the South bank of the Thames and known for its maritime history, Royal Observatory and Greenwich Meridian. It boasts the National Maritime Museum, Royal Naval College, the 17th century Queen's House and a Royal Park.

Both Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I were born in Greenwich.

When you disembark at Greenwich Pier a short walk will take you to the Cutty Sark, the world's last Tea Clipper and Gypsy Moth, the yacht in which Sir Francis Chicester sailed around the world single-handedly in 1967, the first man to do so. Signs will guide you to the nearby National Maritime Museum. Among the nautical exhibits there you can see the uniform worn by Nelson when he was shot at the Battle of Trafalgar. Blood stains included. Close by is the old Royal Naval College with its Painted Hall where Nelson lay in state. The Hall has one of the most magnificent painted ceilings in the world. Admission is free.

One of the assets Greenwich presents to the tired tourist is that all the places of interest are located very close together and if you want a break between them or to bring the day to a pleasant conclusion then Greenwich Park is just across the road.

The Royal Observatory and Planetarium are situated in the Park, although you will have to stretch your legs a little as the park rises steeply. But it is well worth the effort. Here east meets west at the Prime Meridian Line and you can stand with a foot in both hemispheres.

Flickr View of National Maritime Museum, Docklands and Dome from Greenwich Park

The view from there is outstanding. St. Paul's Cathedral, Docklands and the controversial Greenwich Dome are spread out before you. London seems so near and yet so far away. Around you are 183 acres of parkland which was commissioned to be planted in the French Style in early 1660 by Charles II. Some of the Sweet Chestnut Trees are reputed to be 400 years old. Deer once roamed freely but now they are confined to The Wilderness, an enclosed area near to the Flowergardens where they can be observed through one-way glass in The Secret Garden Wildlife Centre.

Greenwich Park is walled and although cars can drive into the Park through the main gates in Blackheath, there are no roads through or around it, so visitors can enjoy a quiet walk undisturbed by traffic noise or pollution. Squirrels,woodpeckers, owls and thrushes can be seen and heard in the park as well as many varieties of butterflies. It is a haven for wildlife.

After refreshments in the Tea Pavilion, you will be ready for the return journey. The Docklands Light Railway leaves from Greenwich and if you want to return by a different route it is an interesting ride in a fast driverless train which takes you through Docklands and into the City where you can connect with the Underground.

Travel gear shops can be complicated by sales people trying to get you to buy equipment that isn't essential to your needs. These five sites provide you with the information you need to get what you want, but won't empty your wallet with a bunch of things you won't need.

REI 

Perhaps the best store for travel gear. They have equipment for every skill level traveler in any situation. From an expert mountaineer on the way up Everest to the Cub Scout enjoying his backyard on a rainy day, REI provides awesome gear at a great price. Plus, they have an “Expert Advice” section so you can get information on what you need without being hassled by an in store salesperson. REI members can earn up to 10% back in their “membership refund” which is then applicable to new stuff in the store. Spend a couple hundred bucks on that new winter jacket and get next year's garden gloves free!

Moosejaw 

Crafted as though it were your local outdoor gear shop, Moosejaw is a great online supplier of quality goods. Arcteryx, North Face, Marmot, and Mountain Hardwear can all be found here at very reasonable prices. With accurate descriptions and user ratings and explanations available for every item you'll know exactly what you're getting from real people who own the product. Moosejaw also has a killer rewards program for those who shop even just a little!

Backcountry

This website offers a huge volume of brands at very competitive prices by cutting out the middle man in retail. While the selection may be somewhat limited, that is because Backcountry provides deals on overproduced or late season goods (though no manufacturers defects), but presents these deals up to 50% off what other sites charge. That's a deal that you cannot afford to overlook!

Sierra Trading Post

Calling themselves “your in-home outlet mall,” STP gives shoppers great prices on many goods. Like Backcountry, STP availability can be somewhat limited as its selling point is providing heavily discounted goods and the latest jackets and such may not be immediately available for a great deal. This site is perfect for those who shop out of season (i.e. those who buy winter clothes in summer and vice-versa). If you're able to plan for your needs several months in advance, check out these prices!

Altrec

One of the most well-known and trusted names in outdoor gear, Altrec has a huge selection and decent prices to boot. They always provide the latest in gear to keep you in style and up on the latest, greatest, and safest gear for your trip. The immensity of their selection affords Altrec the opportunity to help with any of your travel or outdoor needs, whether it be crampons for your summit attempt in K2 or an extra bug free tent for that barbecue next weekend.

Nestled at the foot of the Alps between Eastern and Western Europe, Vienna reflects a turbulent past while boasting of a luminous future. The capital city of the once great Holy Roman Empire as well as the second capital of the notorious Nazi regime, Vienna is a city busting at the seams with history. Find below why Vienna is the place to go to enjoy history at its best.

Schönbrunn Palace 

If Queen Victoria of England was called the grandmother of Europe, then Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresia of Austria is the great-grandmother. Orchestrating marriage after marriage (including the marriage of her daughter, Marie Antoinette, to French King Louis XVI), Maria Theresia not only built the Habsburg dynasty to its greatest size, but also built it's greatest palace, Schloß Schönbrunn. It was initially inspired by Versailles, but ultimately surpassed it in size (and some say even beauty!).

Kunsthistorisches Museum 

Many great European cities have art museums and, in that regard, Vienna is no different. But the KHM, short for Kunsthistorisches Museum (English: Museum of Art History), part of the 21 museum complex “Museums Quartier,” houses some of the greatest works of art in the world. Staples of the collection include Breughel, Rembrandt, and Raphael, to name a few. Recent rotating collections have included the famous Arcimboldo, whose paintings often famously parodied Habsburg lifestyles.

Imperial Vaults 

Near the center of Vienna is the final resting place of nearly every Habsburg. These morbidly beautiful vaults contain the sarcophagi of fallen Holy Roman Emperors, their consorts, and issue. Famous Habsburgs not buried in the vaults include Marie Antoinette (beheaded in France and buried in mass grave) and the infamous Franz Ferdinand, barred from the vaults for marrying below his social class.

Arsenal 

This World War I/II museum is adjacent to Vienna's Südbahnhof, making it a little out of the way for most, but what it holds inside is well worth the trip. Along with authentic Nazi propaganda preserved from the World War II, Franz Ferdinand's car (complete with bullet holes) along with his clothing from the day he was shot are in the heart of this very Viennese museum. The trip to southern Vienna is worth it just to see these two pieces of history.

Stephansdom/St. Stephen's Cathedral 

At the very center of Vienna is this beautiful masterpiece. This church is the most famous in Vienna and contains important historical references concerning Catholicism throughout the Holy Roman Empire as well as secret meeting places for the Austrian resistance during World War II. A guided tour is an absolute must, but the right guide must be chosen or the best material will be missed.

Schatzkammer 

Located in a hidden part of the Hofburg Palace, the Schatzkammer holds the Holy Roman Empire's most sacred jewels. Among the collection are Charlemagne's original crown (he was the first Holy Roman Emperor), the Holy Lance, and the bed Napoleon's son was born in. Though not as visited as one might think due to its location, this is the absolute best historical destination in all of Vienna. It's also centrally located (within the Hofburg complex).

So whether you're in Vienna for business or pleasure, there's no excuse not learn about one of Europe's most important family dynasties as Vienna is Europe's Best Historical Destination.

1. Seeing new places makes you feel renewed. The first time I went out of town to go trekking and cave-hunting in Sagada, I was shocked by the sense of relief it brought me. I was like, “I'm not at home sleeping and letting the world fade off before me, I'm not in the office working like a dog! I'm in Sagada and having the time of my life!” You think I'm overreacting? Try it.
2. It makes you feel important. Traveling has always been mostly associated with people of the middle class. Since going out-of-town or in another country set ten thousand miles from home requires money spelled in capital letters, traveling is unquestionably a luxury. Because of this, whenever I travel, I feel elated, like I'm some important yuppie who earns more than enough to be able to afford a stay in a nice comfortable hotel in a town some people only get to see in the movies. Believe me, you need a dose of this pride every once in a while to keep you going.
3. It cures boredom and depression. Need I explain this? A new place always brings excitement and thrill, thereby killing that emerging sense of boredom you've been trying to push down your throat ever since you realized nothing special has happened to your social life in the past two years.
4. It bonds you with your special someone. If you've been going steady with someone for the past five years and one day you woke up thinking, “We need something to spice up our relationship!”, then traveling is the answer. Seeing and doing new things together bonds you with your special someone and rekindles the romance of a new relationship.

Whatever reason you may have for deciding to pack your bags and taking the next flight out, you're doing the right thing! Spur-of-the-moment travels have its own sparks compared to a well-planned trip, most especially if you're an adventure freak like me.

Go pamper yourself once in a while and stop being a spendthrift! And don't forget to take pictures that are Friendster-worthy!

Each room boasts such popular amenities as Aveeda bath and beauty products, and high tech necessities such as a 32” flat screen TV and a game ordering system. Guests also have a great selection of movies from which to choose through the movie ordering system, and in-room dining is optional. This means guests can enjoy dinner and a movie in the privacy of their own room. Other amenities provided are laundry and maid service, wake-up calls and voice mail, air-conditioning, and heating. Additionally, each room has a patio and balcony.

About a 90 minute drive from Chicago, and situated in the Southern Lake Geneva area, Lake Lawn was once a hotel. Built in 1878, the hotel was initially a rest haven for the Mabie Circus. The circus was later bought by Barnum and Bailey, who also became managers of the hotel. Under its new management, the hotel became a retreat for the employees of various companies such as Com Ed and Peoples Gas. In 1936, the hotel became available to other guests. During the 50's and 60's, the hotel was renovated to include a health club, an indoor pool and a restaurant. Later, guests rooms, a golf course, and an outdoor pool were added. After further renovations and ownership changes between 1990 and 2005, the hotel's name was changed from Lake Lawn Lodge to Lake Lawn Resort.

Currently, the resort features a wide variety of recreational activities for the sports lover in you. Among the diverse activities included are: golf (with a driving range and putting green); tennis (both outdoor and table); two pools (indoor and outdoor); horseback riding; water sports (sailing, boating, fishing and swimming); and volleyball and basketball. Summer recreation is further enhanced by a picnic area. During early spring, guests can enjoy a fabulous view of swimming geese. Geese can even be seen running around the grounds. Winter sports include: skiing, sledding and snowmobiling. During the winter months, guests can also enjoy Lake Lawn's fitness center featuring state-of-the-art equipment (treadmills, stationary bikes and a Jacuzzi), and a juice bar.

The resort's game room which features a video arcade, billiards, table tennis and a jukebox, provides guests with additional winter-themed recreation options. Children not only get to enjoy the game room and putting green, but also their own playground. Additional children's activities include a petting zoo and hiking and biking trails.

A major sporting venue at the resort is the golf (the course was designed by master architect Dick Nugent, who also designed Kemper Lakes. Kemper Lakes has attracted such luminaries as Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer). Tournament, group and individual lessons are available from course director Dan Drier.

The Timber Spa allows guests to soothe their cares away. Timber Spa provides beauty treatments (lip, brow and chin waxing, facials, and manicures and pedicures); herbal baths (herbal wraps and back treatments); as well as a variety of massages (aromatherapy, deep tissue and couples).

Another major Lake Lawn attraction is its fine dining. Award-winning chef David Ross, makes dining at the Frontier Restaurant, special. Guests can select from the sophisticated, upscale menu of the Frontier Restaurant with its beautiful view of the grounds, or from the more casual fare of the Terrace Grill. Additionally, guests can enjoy cocktails at The Fireside Lounge which affords them a fantastic view of the lake. The resort also has a Lookout Bar and an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor entitled Manny's. In addition to delicious ice-cream, Manny's fare also includes, pizza, deli-sandwiches, baked goods and candy.

Finally, the resort provides meeting rooms to accommodate employees on business trips. Meeting rooms are appropriately set up to provide maximum training opportunities to employees of various businesses. Complimentary treats and other refreshments are always available during these training sessions.

With all these amenities going for it, it's easy to see why Lake Lawn is so popular. Year round sports and recreation, entertainment, spectacular views, excellent dining options, and shopping all make it the resort of choice for either pleasure or business. You don't need an excuse, so why not take your next family vacation at Lake Lawn? I promise you'll be glad you did.

Centrella Inn

Located near Lover's Point in Monterey, California, the Centrella Inn is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This award winning bed and breakfast began in 1889 as the Centrella Cottage. Recently remodeled as an elegant Victorian Bed and Breakfast, the Centrella Inn will greet you with a chilled bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers in your room. In the morning you will be served a full hot buffet breakfast. For more information please go to Centrella Inn.

Grand Colonial

If you like long walks on white sandy beaches or a gentle ocean breeze while watching the sunset, then come to The Grande Colonial in beautiful La Jolla, California. With a European design, these elegant guest rooms overlooking the village of La Jolla offer convenient access to local boutiques and art galleries. Your visit will include an Ocean-View Suite, a chilled bottle of champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries or hand-crafted truffles in your room when you arrive. You also receive a three-course dinner and breakfast for two each morning. For rates and reservations please go to Grand Colonial.

Windsor

For the ultimate romantic getaway, nothing beats the California Wine Country of Sonoma. Located in the heart of Sonoma is the gorgeous Holiday Inn Express Windsor. Here you can experience hot air balloon rides, wine country day spas, full body Swedish massages and rejuvenating aromatherapy facials. And don't forget those famous Sonoma Wine Tasting Rooms. For more information please visit Holiday Inn Express: Windsor.

We also went to Crest Voland a village round the corner from where we were staying, there on Mont Lachat there were even better runs with longer relaxing green runs to the blue runs that carried you down the mountain. There were no Black runs here but there was a bar and restaurant you could ski to if you wanted a snack or drink.

We also went to Les Saises which was a more touristy place but it was obvious why as the snow was much deeper there. The runs were a lot easier than I had expected with the red runs being more like blue runs and the blues like greens. But was still a great day skiing.

The Best runs in this area though were:

• Mont Rond - Red Run - Notre Dame de Bellecombe
• Bleue de Lac - Blue Run - Notre Dame de Bellecombe
• La Criee - Blue Run - Crest Voland
• Les Deserts - Green Run - Crest Voland
• Grande Combe - Blue Run - Les Saises
• Chevreuills - Red Run - Les Saises