Cyprus Beaches, a swath of haven

Tourists have been flocking to Cyprus for generations to soak up the great atmosphere, enjoy the amazing food and revel in the vibrant nightlife of this sundrenched Mediterranean island. They don't tend to go for the beaches and that's where a lot of visitors miss a trick.
Cyprus has some stunning beaches just waiting for you to explore.

Once you get there, you'll find that the Cypriots are experts at welcoming tourists and everything you need is easily accessible.

Legend has it that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, was born on one of Cyprus's beaches. For the romantic visitor, walking hand in hand around the ancient sites and over warm golden sands is guaranteed to delight.

No matter what you're looking for in a beach holiday, whether it's adrenaline-filled water sports, relaxing and soaking up the sunshine or getting close to nature, Cyprus has a beach for you. Fig Tree Bay in Protaras will delight the water sports aficionado with its parasailing, water skiing, jet skiing and many varieties of inflatable rides. During the day, the beach is served by a lifeguard so you can swim in confidence. Those sun worshippers will simply adore Coral Bay with warm crystal clear waters, clean golden sands and plenty of facilities for everything you need. For nature lovers, Lara Bay is an unforgettable experience. Loggerhead turtles come here to lay their eggs between June and September. The beach is protected so you can't stay too long or put up umbrellas, but you could see something very special as the adult turtles arrive and the babies make their way into the sea.

Families travelling with young children need not miss out on the beach action. Nissi Beach is the perfect place to take the kids to the seaside, with clear, warm water, soft sands and family friendly restaurants for when tummies start to rumble. Cypriots love youngsters so you're guaranteed a warm welcome and any help you might require.

With its consistent Mediterranean climate and vibrant culture, a Cyprus beach holiday will please everybody, no matter what your reason for visiting.

 

Beatles fans- Here is the Yellow Submarine Hotel

Friday, 13. July 2012, 16:04

Here is a new must-see attraction, paying homage to one of the group's quirkiest and best-known songs, a yellow submarine.

Fans looking for the full Beatles experience can book accommodation in the unusual hotel, which is painted to look like the vessel on the cover of their record Yellow Submarine, and floats on a mooring in Albert Dock.

Once a narrowboat, the 'submarine' now features a psychedelic lounge - complete with an original scooter from the film Quadrophenia - and three bedrooms.

And no expense has been spared in the refit. The rooms all boast 3D televisions,

 computers and wifi.

Businessman Alfie Bubbles came up with the idea after launching his first floating hotel last year, based around a Batman theme. Using the Joker as inspiration, the so-called 'moat-tel' in Liverpool has been a huge success, with bookings from around the world.

Developing the idea, Mr Bubbles spent nine months sourcing Sixties-inspires fixtures and fittings to refurbish the boat, which he had bought from Paramount Pictures.

Prior to becoming a 'submarine', it had been used in the Sean Connery thriller
The Hunt for the Red October.

Now, with the Yellow Submarine open for business, the 53-year-old will turn his attentions to developing Titanic and Black Pearl - the ship in Pirates of the Caribbean - into two more
floating hotels.

While the hotel may not have some of the facilities offered by rivals, the prices are still not cheap.

Rooms will cost £149 per night, from Monday to Thursday, and £299 and £350
Friday to Sunday.

Three Russians will controll Montenegro’s Coast

A group of Russian businessmen bought more than half a million square meters of land on the Montenegrin coast. Igor Peljuhno, Naum Emiljfarb and Igor Calpidin are currently the most important “players in Montenegro's real estate market,” according to the
 Podgorica-based newspaper Vijesti.

Over the last two years, they founded six companies and bought land in some of the best locations in this small, tourism-oriented country, including in Budva, St. Stephen,
Milocer, Kotor, and in the mountain resort Kolasin.

Following the country's independence in 2006, the Montenegrin coast experienced a construction boom, which was primarily led by Russian-owned companies. With the first signs of the financial crisis, many construction projects were stalled and several apartments remained empty or un-finished.

Pehuljno, Emiljfarb and Caplidin were among the few investors who had enough money to continue building hotels and apartments. With 16.5 million euro, the three businessmen undertook an ambitious project, which involves the construction of apartments at Zavala hill, with views of Budva's old town.

The construction of apartments at Zavala hill began in 2007, with the investment of Russian billionaire Sergei Polonski. When Polonski suffered a financial breakdown in 2009, the construction was stalled even though some apartments were already sold. Construction at Zavala was fiercely criticized by the civil society. The opposition accused investors of illegal construction with help from the government and Budva's officials.

Eleven people were prosecuted for their involvement in the illegal construction at Zvala hill and received a total of 30 years in prison. Despite the legal setbacks, the project at Zavala hill is scheduled for completion by June 1, 2013, under the name "Dokley gardens.”

 

Finland a Must Destination for Chinese

Finland has over the past years seen an increase in tourists visiting the country.

Even though the Nordic country has less visitors coming from Europe, the increasing number of Chinese and Japanese visitors has made for a positive development. According to yle.fi, tourism officials expect some eight million visitors to come to Finland this year.

“The number of tourists coming to Finland has grown well, by up to ten percent over the past few years,” Jari Ahjoharju of the Finnish Travel Board told Yle. Russians are still the most important segment for Finnish tourism, as the neighbor country supplies 45 percent of the tourist coming to Finland. However, the Chinese are stepping up.

“Everything works, the basics are in order. Finland isn’t the cheapest country, but it isn’t the most expensive either. You can dine out for a reasonable price, although our alcohol policy has increased the prices for certain drinks. But these issues can be fixed,” said Ahjoharju when explaining the increase in tourists.

 

$89 -- D.C.-Area Sheraton Hotel incl. Parking, 60% Off^*

Stay 25 minutes from downtown D.C. and avoid paying rates twice as high compared with this $89-per-night deal at the Sheraton Silver Spring Hotel.

Check in Thursdays-Sundays through December. For $139 per night, stay Mondays-Wednesdays through October.

This deal cuts 60% off current rates and includes complimentary Internet ($11 value) and parking ($14 value). The hotel is a 15-minute drive from College Park and Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium, where the University of Maryland's football team plays. On-site amenities at this newly renovated hotel include a lounge, restaurant and complimentary shuttle service to nearby locations. The nearest Metro station is less than a half mile away.

Also available: Midweek dates into December have been discounted as well as upgrades to Club Level rooms, which feature complimentary breakfast and hors d’oeuvres. Not available on:  Oct. 5 (requires a two-night stay)

 

France at 20% off Base at £400 per week for a 4-bed Deluxe Lodge

Thinking about a quick getaway to France that’s budget-friendly with smart lodging options? Escape to France on a Deluxe Lodge camping getaway from Canvas Holidays, a part of Wyndham Vacation Rentals family of brands with almost 50 years of experience in Europe. Camping la Croix du Vieux Pont is a family-friendly campsite located in Berny Rivière, approximately 70 miles outside of Paris and 50 miles from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

This isn’t wet tents and a hard ground camping. A camping vacation with Canvas Holidays is all about spacious and comfortable lodge accommodations complete with key amenities. These extremely spacious 2-floor Deluxe Lodges have 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and are ideally located for visits to Paris and Disneyland® Paris.

Rates start at approximately £400 per week for stays from September 7, 2012 to October 13, 2012. Book by October 5, 2012 and get ready to enjoy your Deluxe Lodge vacation in France.