International Travel Tips: Learning a Foreign Language



With international travel and work abroad on the rise, it's easy to understand the growing interest in learning a foreign language. Whether you are traveling for business, pleasure, as part of a study abroad program, or are relocating overseas, there are numerous forums and opportunities for learning a foreign language, as well as tips and tricks from the experts on how to survive in a country where you don't speak the language.

Foreign Language Learning Benefits

It goes without saying that there are multiple benefits to learning a new language. According the National Center for Languages, foreign language learning allows you to:

  • Communicate more effectively with people
  • Increase cross-cultural understanding
  • Interact with the locals and enjoy a more rewarding overseas experience
  • List language proficiency amongst your skills
  • Pursue a career as an interpreter or translator
  • Increase your employability in a competitive market
  • Live and work abroad, as employers rank language skills high on their list of desirable traits in applicants

Best Advice for Travellers Learning a New Language

Mastering a new lexicon is no easy feat, but a good place to start is immersing yourself in the target language by enrolling in a local class, signing up for a course online, or studying the language online by yourself. A pocket travel dictionary is always a handy resource, especially when it comes to learning common words and phrases such as learning to ask for directions, what time it is, where the bathroom is, perfect greetings such as hello, goodbye, and how are you, and pick up words like yes, no, thank you, excuse me, and more.


While international travel is already fun and exciting, you can enhance your overseas adventure by dedicating some time each day to practising your new vocabulary and to listening to or reading the target language. Flashcards are another popular option, allowing you to quiz yourself on new vocabulary and keep track of your progress. And since many of the romance languages have a lot in common, you will have an easier time picking up Spanish or Portuguese, for example, if you have already mastered French and Italian.

By far the best tip for international travellers who want to pick up the nuances of a foreign language is to mingle and interact with the natives. By shopping, dining, and conversing with the locals, you are exposed to colloquial phrases and day-to-day speak you won't find in your average textbook or dictionary. Another way to improve your language skills is to listen to music or watch TV in the language you are studying. Nowadays you can also download podcasts for free and listen to them on the go, improving your skills in no time at all.

Preparing for Your Global Travels

Given the popularity of American travel to Europe, international movers from the US to France are in high demand, as are shipping companies who specialize in relocation to the UK, Germany, Belgium, and more. Before jetting off overseas, compare shipping rates and services from three reputable shipping companies before you choose a firm. Thanks to the competitiveness of the market, today's shipping and moving companies cater to your every need, offering at-home packing and labeling services, door-to-door or port-to-port delivery, long-term storage options, online shipment tracking, and more.
It's also a good idea to learn about customs regulations in your destination country (i.e. rules regarding the transportation of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and vehicles), pet travel requirements, drivers license requirements, voltage used for electrical appliances, how to set up a bank account, and more.
Also on your to-do list is researching the best and most economical shipping methods for your household goods and personal effects. For expert travel advice and answers to all of your questions, contact any international movers in NewYork City, who have years of experience in international travel and who can give you some great tips on how to immerse yourself in the country and sound like a native.
Author Byline
Einat Mazafi is the owner of NY Shipping, an International Shipping and moving company based in New York. She is also a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients worldwide.

Helicopter Rides in the UK



Many people believe that the best way to explore a new destination is on foot, and it is certainly true that you do tend to notice many things this way that you might otherwise miss. However, when visiting a new city or region (or looking for a new perspective on one that’s already familiar), many people overlook the power of a helicopter ride.


While many tourists will climb to the top of a hill or tower to enjoy the view, relatively few people consider the magic of an aerial tour. Helicopter rides are a fabulous experience for visitors and locals alike and offer an unforgettable way of seeing any destination. Plus there’s something about soaring over a spectacular landscape or bustling city that makes you feel like a proper adventurer, or as if you’re taking part in a travel documentary – in this way helicopters can lend spice to even the most conventional of holidays.

If you’d like to treat yourself or someone you know to a helicopter tour in the UK, consider one of the destinations below – they’ll look amazing from the air and you’ll gain an entirely new perspective on this fascinating country…

Brighton and the South Coast

 

Hire a helicopter out of nearby Shoreham Airport for a memorable overview of Brighton, its piers and pavilions, plus stunning views of the rolling Sussex Downs and the white cliffs along the south coast. On a sunny day the colours are breathtaking, and you’ll fully understand why so many travellers reaching Britain for the first time over the centuries were impressed by this countryside.

Pembrokeshire, Wales

The scenic coastline along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail is among the most spectacular in Europe, with rugged headlands washed by brilliant blue waves and historic castles nestled amongst hills. Whether you’re a fan of nature or history or simply want some unforgettable holiday photos, a helicopter ride over this striking section of Wales has something for everyone.

Silverstone Racecourse

The motor racing circuit at Silverstone is legendary. Formerly a World War II airfield, the track has been home to the British Grand Prix for over 60 years and is known for its challenging course and the number of motor sport celebrities who have raced here. If you’re travelling to Silverstone to watch the racing, you can also purchase a driving experience or a helicopter tour of the site. Seeing the famous course from the air is one of the best ways to appreciate its difficulty and fascinating history.

London

 
Perhaps the best way to appreciate the colossal size of the British capital is to view it from the air. It is utterly captivating to witness this great metropolis and all its famous landmarks laid out as if in miniature as you fly serenely past, high above the bustling crowds. It’s the perfect way to introduce yourself to this great city – or to see it in a whole new light.

Scottish Highlands


Scotland’s epic landscapes were made to be viewed by the air. Hire a helicopter out of centres such as Nairn or Inverness and you’ll be in close proximity to imposing mountains, ancient castles, deep lochs and imposing battlefields. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the sheer vastness and drama of the Scottish Highlands.

Top 10 Global Destinations for a Romantic City Break


City breaks are more popular than ever before. People are turning their backs on beach holidays in notorious ‘party destinations’ in ever increasing numbers, with more preferring the understated beauty that can be found in some of the world’s most beautiful cities.
We explored the top 10 options for a romantic city break with a loved one, and some reasons why you might want to head there.
1.London
The UK capital has its critics, but last years’ Olympic Games did nothing but boost its profile. Whether it is shopping, landmarks, or vast areas of parkland to stroll around, London offers a little bit of everything, making it a great city for all to enjoy.
2.Amsterdam
Although Amsterdam has a bit of a reputation for being a seedy city, it is also a rich, vibrant center of culture with its canals and museums among some of the very best anywhere in the world.
3.New York City
This place speaks for itself, however we recommend heading there for the Fourth of July celebrations, when Macy’s fireworks display over the Hudson River will be one of the biggest and best you will ever see.
4.Venice
Italy is a country steeped in romance, and although Venice has lost some of its appeal due to the love of modern attractions, it is still a great place to relax with a loved one, with the narrow streets filled with boutiques and quirky shops waiting to be explored.
5.Prague
Another city that earned a reputation for being great for stag parties, yet Prague has some wonderful architecture, museums, and art galleries, that provide a cultural experience like few places on Earth.
6.Bangkok
Bangkok is a majestic city, set the perfect distance in land for it not to be considered ‘beach front,’ but close enough that you can be lying on golden sands within minutes should you wish to. Often a stop-off point for backpackers in the region, Bangkok is memorable for its food and exciting, hustling markets.
7.Sydney
Australia’s biggest city is filled with opportunities for romance, whether that is in a boat ride around Sydney’s inner water network or in the many theatres and restaurants, there really is something for everyone.
8.Rome
Back to Italy, where Rome is predominantly known for religious pilgrims travelling to the Vatican City. However, there are many other sights here that will take your breath away, with the coliseum one of the most haunting yet awe-inspiring buildings you could ever wish to visit.
9.Paris
Although the 21st century has seen Paris lose a little of its lustre when it comes to being the world’s ‘romance capital,’ there is no question that it still remains a special place, with hotels offering stunning views of the city, and of course brilliant museums and galleries such as the Louvre.
10.Barcelona
The Catalan capital is earning itself a reputation as being a great city destination, with shopping at every turn for women to enjoy, and affordable tickets available to the football for him. What more could you want?
If you are looking to take a romantic city break with your partner this year, check out some of these possible destinations. There is something available for people of all tastes, and none of these cities will leave you disappointed.
Author Bio:
This article is written by Fireworks Crazy, an online and showroom fireworks seller that is guaranteed to make you special occasion that much memorable.

A Traveller's Tale: St Petersburg

I went to St Petersburg for the first time on a field trip organized by my faculty at the university of Moscow. I went with a group of friends and other students; all of us studying History of Art. This trip is an essential part of such a course as the city is rich with art galleries and many of the buildings are significant because of their architecture. In Russia we actually call this city, The Big Museum, because everywhere you look you are just surrounded by art in all its forms.



When we arrived the most striking thing apart from the beauty of the city was the difference in the way that the people of St Petersburg are so different from those we were used to in Moscow. We were used to rude, unfriendly people, just like us! But here the feeling was a much more relaxed one, where it was even possible for you to get a smile from a stranger.




We stayed on one of the city's side streets that ran off from Nevsky Prospect, which is the most famous street in the city. Nevsky Prospect is a street all Russia knows about as many of our most famous writers mention it often in their work.

The Palace Square and The Hermitage museum were just a five minute walk from the hostel. It was The Hermitage that we had really come to see. Here you find the biggest collection of European art in an amazing palace layout. Each room is different but all are filled with gold, marble and incredible decoration, and then you have the art itself. The problem here is that in the peak season it is just too busy and while it is incredibly beautiful, the air conditioning is non-existent and it quickly becomes quite a chore to move through room after room.




We had to go back to The Hermitage every day as part of our schedule and with over 3 million paintings we could still be going back there now and not have managed to see it all. It was pretty tiring to follow this routine each day and it made it difficult for us to properly enjoy the city. It wasn't difficult us for to realize just how much more varied this city was to our own though.

We had coffee in little cafes and bought little gifts for our friends from the little boutique shops that just don't exist in Moscow. Our favorite cafe was Kipyatock which was on Dostoevsky Station, this was a cosy place to relax; pretty cool and fashionable, and it serves great breakfasts from 9am to 12.




One of my friends had a birthday while we were there so we ran away from our professors one night and got a little taste of St Petersburg night life. Again the sheer variety of places amazed us. The bank of the river Fontanka was the perfect place to hang out, full of restaurants and bars. Blizzard bar here was like nothing we had ever seen before. The doorman wear funny masks and inside they celebrate New Year every day at midnight in true Russian style with free champagne for everybody. They play the national anthem and everybody dances. We were exhausted from our studies but this was a good way to forget about all of that for a little while.




The days passed too quickly and soon we were on the way back to Moscow. The artistic vibe and atmosphere of this city really had me wanting to go back to live but I forced myself to remember that it is really only for the two or three summer months of the year that this kind of energy and life exist there. All the cafes, bars, and clubs stay open all year but the weather is much less kind and I couldn't imagine suffering the cold and grey for a full nine and ten months. Instead I decided to return in a year, and I did. It was a great trip; fun, tiring, and productive- and I got an A grade for the university project that we did based on our experiences there!



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Author Bio:
Alisha Webb on behalf of Baltic Travel – Baltic Tours, Holidays, Cruises and travel to Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and Russia.

Travel Tips for Viewing Architectural Structures in France


One of the many things you’ll notice while navigating the Seine River while on your barge cruise is that there is so much architecture to behold. Much of this magnificent structural design is demonstrated through the 37 bridges that can be seen on the Seine River in Paris alone (there are almost 200 in France). The Seine River flows 482 miles long, starting in the hills of Dijon, and travels west all the way into the English Channel. 

 
Bridges that span the Seine River come in all shapes and architectural designs, attracting individuals from all over the world who love to appreciate their design and beauty. Some are as simple as railways while others are more artistically composed of stone or others of steel. 
 
 
Bridges of Paris
  
 
The Pont Amont is responsible for carrying the Boulevard Périphérique, and is situated at the river's entry to the city. So if you want to see where the Seine River begins its journey across Europe, this is the site to see. And if you happen to navigate from one side of the city to the other, you’ll have occasion to view the Pont Aval carrying the Boulevard Périphérique which marks the river's exit from the city. 


 
Pont des Arts is a pedestrian bridge spanning between two points: Institut de France and the center court of the Louvre Museum. It is amongst the most photographed bridges of Paris. Additionally, the Pont des Arts is fascinatingly popular with lovers. There is a legend that if you carve your name into a lock and fasten it to the bridge while tossing the key into the Seine River, it is a symbol of everlasting love. 


 
While navigating the great city of Paris, you have likely crossed many a bridge. But one in particular is the very one that leads to the masterfully crafted Eiffel Tower. Pont Alexandre III connects Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower together. But that isn’t the only bridge to the Eiffel Tower. The Pont d’Iena was constructed in the early 1800’s and connects the Eiffel Tower with La Trocadero. And, as a bit of fan trivia to share with your friends, the steps of this particular bridge were featured in the 1985 James Bond movie, A View to a Kill.



And if you’ve been to the oldest part of Paris, the Pont Neuf likely navigated you towards the older parts of Paris where you can find the Notre Dame Cathedral. This particular bridge, despite the translated name meaning “New Bridge,” is actually one of the oldest in Paris dating back to the 1600s. You can find it in the western end of the Ile de la Cite. This stone-based bridge is a fascination for architects and has resisted the tests of time. 



 
There are many more bridges that span the entirety of the Seine River, many of which are in the great city of Paris and throughout France. But if you find yourself traveling along the entirety of this magnificent river on your European barge cruise, you’ll have the chance to see the architecture that spans across the continent. 

 
Author Bio:
Crystal Groome is owner of Barge Connection – specializing in European Barge Vacations since 1988. Crystal has specialized in barging vacations specifically for over eleven years and visits Europe yearly to personally inspect individual barges and operators. Check our latest time sensitive specials on Facebook and Twitter (@bargeconnection).

10 beautiful places you can visit: make a dream come true


Seeing everything you need to see before you die is something that everyone strives for. Here is a list of the ten most sought after destinations in the world. These places should be at the top of your list when it comes to things you should do before you die. 


1.The Great Barrier Reef, Australia - 


The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most amazing destinations in Australia. The abundance of marine life that is at his destination makes it one of the most marvelling and awe inspiring places to visit on earth. It is imperative that you can swim and dive for you to experience the marine life in its fullest.

2.Santorini, Greece - 


Santorini is the first thing that people think of when they hear the word Greece. The crescent shape of this island was cause d by the eruption of a volcano. It contains some of the clearest blue waters and amazing picturesque views you will ever get to see in your lifetime. A true paradise.

3.Pyramids of Giza, Egypt -


The pyramids are one of life’s great mysteries. The amazing architecture and grand size of the ~Pyramids themselves brings us to question everything we know about past technologies. The pyramids of Giza contain three pyramids that are the only surviving structures in the seven wonders of the world list. They are truly a marvel to behold but you are advised to arrive early however, as this is a popular destination and can get a little over-crowded.

4. The Grand Canyon, Arizona -


The beauty and brilliance of this natural wonder is something that everyone should experience first hand. Backpackers flock to this part of the world to take in the brilliant views and get involved in the many attractions that are on offer. Take a hike around the trails, raft across the Colorado river or even get on a mule and take a trip to the Phantom ranch. A trip here will not disappoint even the hardest to please.

5.Great Salt Lake, Utah - 


Witness the best and most exotic sunsets in the world over the Great Salt Lake. Named as America's Dead Sea Great Salt Lake is a relic of the prehistoric Lake Bonneville. Getting to Kayak across the lake is something that many people do to get a good view of areas that cant be reached by foot.

6.Pamukkale, Turkey -

Many people flock to this part of the world to experience the amazing healing powers that come with a visit to the Pamukkale. The name means; cotton castle and accurately depicts the views that can be seen when visiting the area. The site is rife with calcium rich waters and rocks that are set to heal any who bath in its riches. It is also widely known the queen Cleopatra visited the area to bath herself.

7.Petra, Jordan - 


Petra is an ancient city that is carved entirely out of rock. People visiting the area have the freedom to explore at their own pace. Built by an ancient tribe called the Nabateans, the carved city is an amazing venture into the old world. There is anther reason people flock to this destination however as part of the Indiana Jones film was shot here.

8.Angkor Wat, Cambodia -


Ranking as one of the highest points for adventure seekers, nothing really compares to the intricate and twisting chambers of the Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century many come to marvel at the amazing architecture and the difficult mix of rooms that can be challenging to navigate. This destination is a must for all adventure seeking travelers.

9.Vatican Museums, Rome -


Dripping in history and culture the Vatican is one of the top destinations for anyone looking for a religious and mesmerizing adventure. The collection of art gathered in the Vatican dates back to around 500 years ago. Containing the most defining and influential art pieces in the history of the world, The Vatican is one of the most amazing places you will ever visit in your life.

10.The Great Wall Of China, China -


This incredible man made wonder was built to defend China during the civil wars that were happening all over the country. The great Wall is one of the only made made structures that can be seen from space and stretches over 8,851 kilometers. While most of the wall is falling apart, the tourist area's are well maintained and a must visit if you are traveling through China.

Author Bio:Kate Pirs , Marketing manager in a team, who developed mSpy  - cell phone spy, which helps tracking children smart phone activity and finding stolen or lost phones.

http://www.mspy.com/text_message_spy.html

Lighthouse of Alexandria -The first lighthouse of the world



The lighthouse was localized, between 1994 and 1996, in the port of Alexandria by the French archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur. This Lighthouse is located in Egypt on the island of Pharaos in front of the city of Alexandria. 


Alexander the Great had seventeen cities named after him. Most of them are no longer in existence except for Alexandria, Egypt. The lighthouse counted three floors: the first one was squared, the second was octagonal and the third cylindrical. 


In the 10th century A.D., the lighthouse stood about 300 cubits high i.e between 450 to 600 feet high. For centuries,it marked the harbor, using fire at night and reflecting sun rays during the day.


 
The city needed a mechanism to guide the trade ships into its harbor. Ptolemy started building the lighthouse in 290 B.C. It was completed 20 years later and was the first lighthouse of the world. The lighthouse was created to be a guide for sea faring travelers and safely guide them back home. 


The Mediterranean Sea was known for hostile weather and water hazards. With no navigation tools other than stars or eyesight, the sea offered a host of challenges for sea faring people. The structure stood as a literal and spiritual beacon of hope for the people.



Sadly,this marvel fell in time. In the fourteenth century, a series of earthquakes rocked Alexandria. It is believed that the first struck in 956 AD but only caused superficial damage to the structure. 


Two additional earthquakes struck in 1303 and 1323 AD which caused immense damage to the structure. These structural wounds would linger despite the restoration work done by the people of Alexandria. The structure simply could not continue to function in the face of such destruction.

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