Feb 21

New York has always been considered the gateway to America, where millions of immigrants began their exciting new life after arriving from the Old World. The current superb exchange rate against the dollar, the bountiful night-life, numerous museums, and great restaurants aside; here are five of the best reasons to visit the city that never sleeps.

See where it all started: Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty
Millions of original immigrants to the New World arrived by ship, their application for residence status processed at Ellis Island before they continued on to their new life in America, or for the small unlucky percentage refused entry, a forced return to their homeland. Beside it is Liberty Island; home to one of New York’s enduring landmarks: the iconic Statue of Liberty. A ferry from Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan will take you to both islands, but if you want to glimpse the New York skyline from Liberty’s crown you will need to catch the first boat of the day due to a limitation on the number of visitors allowed to the top each day.

Climb to the top: New York from above
Two of the worlds’ most iconic buildings tower over New York; the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings. One is the tallest, and the other the most recognizable skyscraper in New York and both have featured in many films and TV series over the years. The Empire State, topped by its huge mast originally built as a mooring for Zeppelins and the Chrysler with its shiny aluminum and glass exterior make both instantly recognisable. From the top of the Empire State there are fantastic vistas of Manhattan and beyond.

Pay tribute to a Beatle: John Lennon
Visit Strawberry Fields in Central Park, the garden that honours iconic Beatle John Lennon and features a simple circular mosaic containing the word "Imagine"; the title of Lennon’s worldwide hit song. A short walk away at 1 West 72nd Street you’ll find the Dakota apartment building, his former home outside which he was murdered on the 8th December 1980. It is a poignant experience, even if you are not a Beatle fan.

Seasonal ice skating: in front of the Rockefeller Centre
Every Christmas since 1936 the ice rink has been a feature of the lower plaza of the Rockefeller Centre and a leading New York attraction. Pull on your skates and glide gracefully under the giant Christmas tree, or merely watch skaters of all abilities enjoying themselves on the ice.

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Feb 8

Smack in the middle of Europe and bordering nine countries, Germany is the ideal hub for entrance into other nations. Its landscape is varied, from castles sitting in the crevices of capped mountains to medieval villages bursting with life.

Famous places in Germany revolve around many major cities, like Munich where the annual Oktoberfest celebration is held. Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg also make up some famous places in Germany, each with its own distinction as unique and telling a story.

One "can’t miss" city in Germany is the capital of Berlin, which is well known for its past wall separating the socialists from the democrats. In 1990, the wall was torn down and a re-emergence occurred with the capital rebuilding itself as modern with more than 100 streets reconnecting to join a less modern city from the East and a towering, 21st century city to the West.

Besides this, Berlin is a cultural hub for international tourists and residents alike with many museums, theatres, and galleries like the Berlin Philharmonie concert hall to the Picture Gallery with an impressive collection of 18th century art. Its nightlife is also incredible along with parties taking place all year, including jazz concerts in November and dance parties in July.

Another famous place in Germany is the second largest city of Hamburg. This one is considered as the German version of Venice, Italy with its major ports and canal networks along with bridges and two lakes that make up close to 10 percent of the entire city.

Given its water, Hamburg is a city lush with parks and gardens along with 21st century buildings nestled in between classic Renaissance architecture. The harbor and seaside areas make up the cities largest tourist attractions.

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Feb 4

When in need of the perfect limousine transportation to impress your family, friends, or party guests, there are five main points to consider before booking a limousine service. Chances are there are many different limousine companies to choose from in your area, so most of the time it is hard to know who is right when they all claim to be the best.

  1. 1. Always Check the Company’s Insurance Information - This is extremely important, not only for safety reasons but to insure the company is legitimate and not just aiming to rip you off. Private hire insurance is required by law for all limousine companies. Likewise, in Dallas all companies must have valid City of Dallas permits in order to operate by the City Transportation Administration and DFW Ground Transportation Administration. Chances are your city has something similar, so be sure to ask for documentation of all necessary permits and the required insurance policy.
  2. 2. Ask about Current Promotions - Chances are most companies you speak with will have some sort of promotion running, so always ask for the best deal. Some companies will even have packages that include drinks, flowers, or a red carpet, so it is important to know exactly what you will be getting for your money.
  3. 3. Know Your Plan - Knowing exactly how long you will need a limousine for will help you get rates from several different companies and compare. Also knowing how many people will be in your traveling party will help you choose what size limousine is appropriate. Most companies have vehicles in their fleets that can accommodate party sizes from 2 people to more than 30 with party buses.
  4. 4. Search the Competition - To ensure you are getting the best deal in town, compare the prices of at least five different companies. It never hurts to shop around because the odds are that the first company you speak with won’t always have the best deal in town.
  5. 5. Know All of the Fees - Always ask if gratuity is included in the overall price. You never want to assume this and then later get a bill for more than you anticipated. Many times limo companies will give you all of this information up front, but be sure you ask before you book.
  6. 6. Trust Your Instinct - Companies today have to differentiate themselves by their customer service. When shopping around for the best prices, you are bound to speak with many company representatives over the phone. Take note of how they speak to you because this is a reflection of their company’s customer service overall. If the person on the other end of the phone is happy to meet your needs, it’s likely that their chauffeurs will also.

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