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Traveling to Sveti Vlas, Bulgaria

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St. Vlas – one of the youngest resort in Bulgaria, which in recent years, successfully competing with the noisy and crowded Sunny Beach. It is believed that the resort town of Sveti Vlas was formed at the site of an ancient Thracian tribes founded settlements in II. BC, and called, by some historical records, Larissa. Its present name – St. Vlas – the village was in the XIV century in honor of Veles, protector of herdsmen and traders. Legends of the Holy tell about many of persecution and torture, which he was subjected, for the sake of renouncing their faith. During the Ottoman expansion of the village called on the Turkish style, “Kucuk monastery” because of which was located in the vicinity of the village monasteries. Unfortunately, all of which were destroyed or left derelict at the turn of the XVIII century. Kept only the monastic church Blachernae and St. Andrew, which together with the set of skits make the neighborhood of the village into a significant artistic center. Today Vlas famous restored temple of St. Athanasius the Great, built in 1864-65, respectively. He was made for twenty-odd years before returning to its historical name of the village, which occurred after the unification of Bulgaria. Located at the foot of the eastern part of Stara Planina mountain range, some times to come creeping into the Black Sea coast, the resort is happy vacationers a unique cocktail of sea and mountain air is so useful for treating respiratory diseases. This is the only place in the region, where the air flow between the sea and the mountains effectively saturated with iodine ions. It is airborne natural marine aerosols has a positive effect on patients with asthma and other lung diseases, which creates an excellent reputation Sveti Vlas balneary. The coastline resort faces south and is a natural Riviera with numerous small bays, comfortable for swimming. The whole coast is divided into three separate beaches covered with fine golden sand. The biggest of them – center, about one kilometer in length and width of about 16 meters. Southern Exposure coast of St. Vlas offers spectacular views of the ancient town of Nessebar, where you can go for a walk on the sea. Use the services of local residents, walk down to the small fishing pier on the east coast of the village, or rent a yacht in the largest, at 1700 seats, the marina in Bulgaria, whose construction was completed in 2007. Those who prefer land travel will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent transport network. While in 45 minutes. drive from Bourgas International Airport (41.5 km.), 20 min. drive from the ancient town of Nessebar (10.4 km.) and only 9 minutes. drive from Sunny Beach resort (5 km). you can easily combine a stay in St. Vlas with sightseeing of ancient cities and entertainment resort villages. Buses, minibuses and taxis cheap at your service. Under the influence of the nearby Sunshine Coast, closer to the approaching St. Vlas, and the latter turns into a modern resort with numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. But unlike the noisy neighbor is quite calm and cozy atmosphere of a quiet resort, perfect for family holidays. Service features numerous private apart-hotels and villas built in recent years, allow you to enjoy relaxing on the golden beaches without the inevitable noise and crowding of large resorts. It should be added a myriad of cafes, restaurants and bars, offering guests a menu that will surprise even the most demanding gourmet. National dishes are richly represented in the restaurants “Monastery”, “Vodenitsa”, “Kambanite”, “Starata Melnitsa. Restaurant “Diamond” will amaze you with incredible views of the bay, and “Style-Bistro Veranda his inimitable interior in rustic style. Traditional Bulgarian hospitality of local people and great service fascinates and is the key to an enjoyable pastime. Crystal clear air, scenic mountain ranges, beautiful beaches, warm azure sea, modern hotels and a rich infrastructure – Saint Vlas is a small piece of paradise, charming even the most demanding guests. Visit it and take with me the unforgettable memories of a pleasant holiday in Bulgaria.

BGVoyage.com – Your number one video guide to Bulgaria ia

Precautions To Take When Traveling Solo

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Traveling alone has its advantages and disadvantages, and can be dangerous if proper precaution is not taken. It can force the traveler to meet other people and to make friends, which can be good, depending on the person. You can go at your own pace and change your plans as and when you like. However, it can be lonely traveling alone and you often end up paying more in the form of single room supplements. And it can also be more challenging especially if you are a woman traveling solo.

There are some basic steps you can take to ensure your solo trip is safe and enjoyable. Do some general research on your destination you should have some idea of where your hotel is located; as well as the basic layout of the city or resort, and which areas of town that it might be best to avoid. Make a point not to look too much like a tourist. For instance, dont walk around with your camera, name tag or guidebook too visible; and try not to read your map in a public place.

ATMs can be found just about anywhere and offer a convenient way to access your cash. If you use an ATM while traveling alone, try to find one that is in a crowded or a public place; and if you are using one at night, try to choose one that is well lit. Take a few moments to check out your surroundings if you are using an ATM in an isolated spot; and once you have completed your transaction, dont linger in front of the ATM, leave the area as quickly as possible.

When you leave your hotel, carry just enough cash on you for that day that way if you are robbed, you wont be completely broke. Make copies of your passport, plane ticket and any other important documents and keep the copies separate from the originals. Use a money belt and wear it inside your clothing, if you have to carry your passport or other valuables with you. Keep a tight grip on your wallet or purse in crowded places, and watch for the distraction tactics that many thieves employ.

Write down the name and address of your hotel in English and the local language, if applicable and carry it with you at all times. Rather than mispronounce the name of your hotel to a cab driver and perhaps be taken to the wrong destination, simply hand over the card. Always use licensed taxis be particularly careful of unlicensed taxis at airports, train stations and major tourist attractions that will almost certainly overcharge you and are also illegal.

In many cities, public transportation is so good that you might not need to take a taxi. Be particularly careful with your purse, wallet or handbag when riding the bus, metro or subway. Try to wait in a well-lit area and board a car that is occupied by several people. Most city transit systems have easy to use route diagrams displayed; if you arent sure where you are going, you should be able to read the map without making it too obvious that you are a tourist and not a local.

If applicable, try to take a hotel room that is on the first floor; that way there is less chance of your room being broken into. Always use the deadbolt lock to secure your door; you can also put a rubber doorstop under the door to further deter any would-be intruder. Avoid using the doorknob hang tab to order room service it can leave the impression that you are alone in the room just pick up the phone instead. Use the Do not disturb sign to prevent the hotel cleaning staff from entering your room unless you actually want them to.

Unfortunately, women still face many more challenges and dangers than men do when traveling alone. Some countries and parts of the world are particularly challenging for a single woman traveler, such as the Middle East; and in many places, the normal rules of behavior that apply at home just wont work. Try to do some research before you leave home and if in doubt, observe how the local women behave and react in particular situations.

Women in particular should be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you just dont feel comfortable, or are being pestered by somebody, be prepared to take refuge in a public building, hotel or large store a tactic that almost always deters people. Be firm but polite if accosted on the street by homeless people, panhandlers, or people trying to sell something. Even if you arent married, a wedding ring can be an essential device for fending off unwanted attention.

Traveling solo can be a rewarding experience just take some basic precautions, avoid looking too much like a tourist, and your trip should be everything you hoped it would be!

Traveling Out Of Body

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I can see the cops coming! They’re a good thousand feet away. I can clearly make out their uniforms and swinging nightsticks. How can I be seeing this?

I didn’t dare mention it to my fellow underage drinking mates lounging with me on the grassy knoll in the park. Am I making this up? Projecting it somehow into my vision? Forcefully, I shook my head back and forth in an effort to free my mind of its strange perception.

But the view of the two police officers remained in my sight, as they sauntered closer and closer to our drinking den. In fact, to my further astonishment, I saw a much wider perspective as I swiveled my gaze within the picture before me. I can see myself!

Frantically blinking my eyes open and shut trying to erase this impossibility, I still found myself staring at my own physical body on the ground next to my beer buddies. The place from which I was viewing was about forty feet in the air! As I shifted my attention to look at the looker, I saw an airborne body in the form of a luminous shimmer, much like a ghost is portrayed in a movie. Then, with the ease of a mere thought, I discovered I could shift my point of view from my physical body on the ground back to my ethereal light body in the air. Using my eyes in my subtle body, I surveyed the scene again from my perch in the air.

Am I making all this up? Do I want to impress my pals so much, I’m concocting an extrasensory perception to allow me to warn them of an oncoming bust? My frenetic self-questioning came to an abrupt halt as I heard one of the officers whisper to his colleague, “Do you hear that noise? There are some kids in the park.”

Whether I was conjuring my supernormal sight and hearing to court favor with my friends or not, I needed to act-and quickly. “Hey, guys, don’t ask me how I know, but there are some cops right up the street and they’re on to us. Let’s split.” My three inebriated friends and I quietly sneaked down the hill and out of the park under the helpful cloak of darkness. By a nanosecond, we successfully evaded detection as we heard the policemen slashing at the bushes with their billyclubs right behind us. A close call!

“Hey, how’d ya know the fuzz was there?” my buddy pressed me as we arrived safely back at our car.

“Uh, I just knew somehow. A guess, I guess,” I muttered, covering for myself as best I could under the circumstances.

“Well, a pretty good one, man. We’d be up the creek if they caught us. Thanks. You’re all right. We should have you around every time we go drinking.”

Ah, music to my ears. And so my young career as a drinking guard began!

My friends, at sixteen, were older than I but still under the legal drinking age of eighteen in New York State. I was fifteen and considered myself really lucky to be included in this older gang at a time of life when acceptance and belonging was paramount. And to have access to liquor through their connections was heaven for me.

I would do almost anything to please these guys and stay tight with them. I mused to myself, My newfound super-vision is coming in real handy. If we got busted for underage drinking, we’d all get grounded by our parents, not to mention getting in trouble with the law. I’ve got to keep this good thing going!

On that fateful night, my need for approval prompted me to keep expanding this burgeoning, new skill that I stumbled across in the line of necessity and opportunity.

As I played with my prowess as a night watchman for the gang, I realized I was doing more than clairvoyance, “clear seeing.” Each time I playfully sent myself out to scan the scene for police, I was having a bona fide out-of-body experience. I didn’t have a name for it then, but I sure knew I was doing it! I was right on the mark every time I called a cop alert. My skill was valued by the friends I valued. Literally, I was flying high!

Since my teenage discovery, I’ve continued to explore out-of-body adventures. And I always laugh in admiration when I look back on how God tricked me into developing my first natural spiritual ability.

(c)2004, Keith Varnum. All rights in all media reserved.

Drawing from the wisdom of native and ancient spiritual traditions, Keith Varnum shares his 30 years of practical success as an author, personal coach, acupuncturist, filmmaker, radio host, restaurateur, vision quest guide and international seminar leader with “The Dream Workshops.” Keith helps people get the love, money and health they want with his free Prosperity Ezine, free Empowerment Tape and free Coaching at www.TheDream.com.

Make New Friends while Traveling

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Cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages are great motivators to encourage people to take vacations. However for people traveling alone or couples unfamiliar with their destinations, making new friends while on vacation can make a meaningful difference in the quality of that vacation. Now there are companies trying to help people interact with like minded strangers: Globetrooper connects complete strangers deemed to be compatible on trips. Over 1,400 people, mostly from Australia, have -liked- this year old service on Facebook.

Vacation Relation caters to people taking vacations and helps them to find out if any of their distant friends will be at their destinations at the same time as well as connect them to strangers with similar interests who will be there.

Travel with Spirit is a faith based Christian travel social network. Users are able to post ads in forums on this site which also suggests destination ideas.

Rent a Friend is a service whereby people in cities around the world offer their time on an hourly basis to accompany visitors to attractions or wherever they might want to go. Users can hire a Friend to share a new skill or hobby, or just provide companionship. The typical hourly rate is $20.

Boston Terrier Air Travel Tips

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Traveling with a pet, particularly with a Boston Terrier is not unusual. Many people, especially celebrities and other television personalities are seen traveling with their pampered pooch. Of course, you never have to be a celebrity in order to take your pet along with you. As long as you know what to do, you and your pet will never get in trouble even if you are miles away from the comfort of your home.

First of all, understand that taking your boston terrier on an airplane is a very important decision. Regardless of the purpose of your travel – be it a vacation or a business trip, you should consider not only your own decision but your vet’s advice as well. Keep in mind that not all animals are fit to travel because of their temperament, health issues and other concerns. Some airlines have restrictions when traveling with boston terriers and other short-snouted breeds due to the fact that most brachycephalic dogs cannot tolerate excessive heat and extremely cold weather. This is something you must consider prior to planning your trip.

But if you are willing to take the risk, nothing can stop you to go. Just bear in mind a few tips you may find helpful when traveling with your boston terrier.

Plan your trip weeks before your departure. Notify your airline that you will be traveling with a boston terrier and check the rules as well as requirements when traveling with a pet. Have your pet examined and update all necessary vaccinations 10 days within your trip. And remember to ask for medical certificate and other health papers since it is required by law. Your destination is also another factor to consider. Some hotels do not allow pet so you better check out for pet-friendly hotels before your departure date.

Attach dog tags containing your dog’s name, your name and contact information more particularly your contact information while you are on your trip. This is important if unfortunately your dog gets lost during the trip.

On the day of the flight, the dog should not be given food six hours prior to the flight. You may also want to take things like dog toys, his favorite blanket and other familiar stuff to make your dog feel secure and comfortable during the trip.

Have fun!