Prague Cafes Beer And Castles - SocialiteTravel.com

Photo: Prague Nightlife

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic is an extraordinarily beautiful city. Standing on the banks of the river Vltava (the locals generally use the German name for it the Moldau), few wars or natural disaster ever reach here and the architectural heritage has been beautifully preserved. It is also know as the "hundred Spired City" due to the many churches that adorn the city streets.

Much of the street plan, in as much as there is one is medieval and will come as a surprise (Hopefully a pleasant one) to anyone used to living in a grid pattern North American city.

The city still boasts many beautiful buildings dating from the baroque period; a sight lost to much of Europe that suffered so much in the devastation of two world wars. The canter of the city is a pleasure to walk around with much of it dating from the 14th century when Charles IV started the university and built the "New Town" area of the city.

Prague only established itself as the capital in 1918 with the creation of Czechoslovakia and remained under Soviet control until 1989 when the "Velvet Revolution" gently broke the grip of the failing Soviet Union.

Nowadays the city is a thriving Cafes, clubs and shops where the newly wealthy and the inspirational window shopper can keep themselves amused for hours on end with, with the boulevards containing everything from traditional Czech souvenirs to the latest hi tech modern electrical gadgetry.

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Unmissable Prague:

Charles Bridge: built in the 14th century, it was believed at the time that odd numbers were lucky the builders started work at 5:31 on the day 9/7/1352, very odd but maybe effective as the bridge is still standing today!

St.Nicholas Church: When building work finished in 1756 Prague had one of the finest Baroque churches in Europe and it still retains that position today. There is a huge painting of St. Nicholas in the nave and a wonderful bell tower. Mozart gave a recital here and there are still frequent classical concerts throughout the week

Prague Castle: Now the home of the president, it was previously the seat of the Czech royal family, it is surrounded by palaces and features an army museum. The changing of the guard takes place every hour and, as with some other European Capitals it is quite a spectacle, bring a camera.

The Old Town Square: built before the 12th century this is the oldest and most historic square in Prague it is made up of many interesting buildings including many from the baroque period. Many of the buildings are brightly colored and there are many pavement cafes where you can relax and watch the world go by.

The National Technical Museum: Although unimaginatively (though accurately) titled this is a fascinating collection of all things technical with everything from a railway carriage belonging to the Archduke Ferdinand, (whose assassination sparked the outbreak of the first world war) to a working reconstruction, you feel the need, of a working coal mine.

Vhsyrad Castle: At over a thousand years old and a former home of the Czech nobility this castle has an impressive pedigree. Take a stroll on top of the ramparts for a great view of the city and river. There is a wonderful gothic church a museum and a cemetery where the composer Dvorac the Author of the "New World Symphony" is buried.

Petrin Park: One of ther hidden gems of Prague There is a rose garden, maze and a gate to a well cultivated garden but the real sight is from the tip of the hill. Take the short cable car ride to the top and there is the Petrin tower, basically a smaller copy of the Eiffel Tower it is an outstanding viewpoint and well worth the effort.

Food and drink in Prague are both hearty (as you would expect in Eastern Europe) and affordable, you must try the goulash, and the beer is some of the finest on the continent, it is also the original home of Budweiser and they still make their own, some would say superior version. The hotels are more expensive than they used to be but are still affordable, look around for the best bargains, and the transport, mainly buses and trams is very good. Although English is not as common as in many parts of Europe a lot of the locals speak a few words and it is always worth asking directions, as they are polite and friendly. A visit to Prague will not disappoint but don't go in winter unless you have a good coat.

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College Students and Travel - SocialiteTravel.com

College students like to travel & they also do not mind leaving far away from home. While they have opportunity to take some courses abroad or else travel anywhere, and they will usually jump at a chance. How to get prepared for the travel? School itself will give you lots of info. You might also do study on web, & talk with some other students who already have taken same trip. While leaving country, you require current passport. You also need visa and it is significant to test if you need any shots prior to entering foreign country. Carry along any medications in original bottles and containers, which you might need to take with you. If you are having allergy, then bring medication in original bottle. Ensure that you use your phone where you are going. At times all it takes is call to your cell phone supplier to use phone abroad at lower rate. Ensure you have as a minimum one credit card, & call company prior to you leave so that they some to know you are going overseas. Make some copies of your passport & student ID as well as keep them in separate place. You will need to verify what type of weather to suppose and pack consequently. You need to verify with airlines before you start to pack your luggage. Discover if there are any weight restrictions & size restrictions on luggage.



If you use some brands of toothpaste and deodorant then you will need to verify if these are obtainable where you will go. Keep in mind that you can carry on about three ounce size containers in one quart-sized bag. Also you'll need electrical currency converter suppose you plan to use your personal hairdryer, electric toothbrush, hair straightener, etc., abroad. If you have international piece of equipment with double voltage, you may need adapter plug. The grounded plugs are particularly important for the laptops. Also small travel umbrellas & rain jackets are useful when the weather calls for that. Lightweight travel timepiece is as well a necessity. Lots of items might receive as the corporate gifts and they have company name and logo imprinted on it & is very helpful. Another good thought is to bring money belt, which also carries your passport. And these are worn under your clothing & protect your pickings from getting stolen. There are diverse models, which are worn around neck, over waist, shoulder, and over leg.

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Language translators and guidebooks are also useful if you don't speak language of that country you are learning in. Some of newer translators can pronounce word for you as well as can spell a word phonetically. Besides your travel accessories, ensure you have got journal to note down many new locations that you will see & visit. You may look back in the journal after some years and memorize where you have gone. You may also help other students with thoughts and places that you particularly enjoyed when in that country.

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Five Best Hotels in Amsterdam - SocialiteTravel.com

Located in the west of the country, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. Accommodating around 750000 citizens makes it the largest city in the country. Having a wealth of historic sites and lots of museums and art galleries, Amsterdam attracts 4.5 million tourists each year roughly 6 times its population.

If you are planning on a trip to Amsterdam keep in mind that it is a very expensive city, in fact it is the fourteenth expensive city in the world right after Vienna and Stockholm, but this does not mean that one should either refrain himself or spend a lot. Listed here is a list of 5 carefully selected luxury hotels which not only bring comfort but are within a reasonable price range.

NH Grand Hotel
KrasnapolskyWithin walking distance of Dam and Palace square, this hotel is a good place to stay and visit the central part of Amsterdam. It has 468 rooms and has been rated 4.1 out of 5 by its guests. It is near to most of attractions of the city such as National Monuments, Amsterdams Historisch Museum, Madame Tussauds and Red Light District. The hotel also has its own dock for boats.

Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam

Surrounded by two canals Sofitel The Grand provides the best place to enjoy and appreciate the famous waterways of Amsterdam. This 5-star hotel has been rated 4.3 out of 5 by its guests and although a bit expensive but is worth the expense by far. Although relatively a new hotel, it was actually built in 1926 to be a first degree marriage chamber. Some of its features are the Turkish bath and its famous Cafe Roux restaurant. The hotel has 182 rooms, a heated swimming pool and sauna.

NH Barbizon Palace

Another 5-star hotel located on Prins Hendrikkaden right across from Amsterdam's central railway station prides itself on award-winning Vermeer restaurant and its prime location. NH Barbizon Palace is part of the NH chain which provides accommodation across 20 countries with excellent service and customer satisfaction. The Royal Palace is just a few minutes from the hotel among with many popular shops. Being near the financial centre of Amsterdam, it is the perfect place for business travellers with a high taste of comfort.

The Dylan Amsterdam

Housed in a 17 century building, the hotel opened to the public in 1999. It has 41 rooms and has been granted a 5-star rating. It has been nominated Europe's Leading Boutique Hotel for year 2008 by the World Travel Awards. Located in the very heart of Amsterdam it gives an extraordinary view of Keizersgracht, Amsterdam's most famous canal.

Radisson SAS Hotel Amsterdam Airport

The last but not the least, Radisson SAS Hotel Amsterdam has been impressively rated 5 out of 5 by its guests. It's a 5-star hotel with 279 rooms located in the Business Park Schiphol-Rijk. The hotel has a top of the line fitness center equipped with sauna, Turkish/steam bath and physiotherapy treatments. If you decide to spend some time in this hotel remember not to miss the excellent Talavera restaurant and Rodolpho's bar.

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The International Island Of St Barts - SocialiteTravel.com

The oddly named St Barts or St Barths is actually short for St Barthelemy and is a stunning French West Indian island located in the Caribbean. St Barts can be slightly difficult to reach; most visitors arrive via a 20 seater aircraft from neighboring St Maarten.

This has proved to be a drawback and a huge benefit to the island; its a drawback because of the inconvenience of not having direct international flights. However, many visitors feel that this is easily outweighed by the benefits of the island not being overrun by too many visitors. In addition, the lack of concrete over-development that has damaged other once beautiful, Caribbean islands.

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What is so special about vacationing on St Barts, can be best summed up by fine cuisine, both French and local, stunning beaches and coves, and a very exotic and defiantly French feel to the whole island. Of course, because of the French influence, everything on the island has that certain, indefinable chic feel that only the French can bring.

The French influence can be felt in all aspects of life and culture on the island, with French street names and French colonial style buildings adding an air of elegance to the West Indian laid back culture. The food is very continental, offering the highest quality ingredients and the finest French chefs. There is no need to visit Paris to explore the very best in authentic French cuisine, St Barts is not a pretend French food heaven, and it offers an absolutely equivalent level of the best French fayre.

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St Barts is unquestionably very French, but at the same time it also manages to encompass a very international feel, with high class visitors including A-list stars from not only America, but also every corner of the world.

St. Barts has an additional odd, international claim to fame, as it is the only place in the whole of the Caribbean that has a Swedish heritage. The islands capital Gustavia was named after a Swedish King, many streets have not only French but also Swedish names. King Gustav declared that the town would be a duty-free port, which it still is to this day, which is wonderful for vacationers looking for a first class bargain gift.

The harbour of Gustavia is truly beautiful and is usually home to some equally beautiful sailboats and yachts. Many cruise ships use its deeper outer waters to disembark visitors to this picture perfect little town. The local government has very wisely, chosen to permanently limit the number of ships that are allowed to visit the island, so as to avoid the town becoming over by day trip tourists.

Both the island's heritage and makeup of its vacationers is a heady mix of international cultures brought together in one idyllic island location. St Barts is a tiny piece of continental Europe dropped into the middle of the exotic Caribbean.

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