What You Can Expect From the Different Luxury Hotels of the World

There are a lot of things that go into a great luxury hotel. All the different Luxury hotels of the world have something unique to offer their guests and are in fact known for a number of their great aspects. No matter how large or small the luxury hotels may be, one of the things that they all have in common is to pamper their guests and leave them with an ultimate sense of satisfaction. In fact, each of these hotels is such that they have recurring guests, who will find it hard to not come back for another visit. After all, it is quite a different feeling to be completely pampered and taken care of in ultimate style.

There are many hotel organizations that one will come across if you look around. In fact, depending on which country you might be travelling to, there might be a chain of luxury hotels in that very country. It is just that you might have to do some research of your own in order to find out the exact kind of hotel that will be of interest to you and possibly be in your budget. It is also possible to shortlist a number of hotels which might be close to what you like, in case your destination might not have a true luxury hotel.

But, this is highly unlikely considering the fact that almost every other country has at least one luxury hotel organization. In fact, many of these hotels even have chains which operate internationally. The one thing that they maintain in their hotels in common is their high level of architecture and possibly a standard design that their establishment can easily be identified with. This makes it easier for guests to seamlessly adjust to whichever place that they might be going to. In fact, this is one of the reasons why people opt for high end hotels - it is the level of service that is maintained everywhere.

The facilities offered by these high end hotels are truly mindboggling and in fact something that you should definitely think about. When you look at all of the hotels of the world, a common trait that you might come across is the fact that they all offer very high levels of service and amenities that they tend to keep adding to every now and then. This is the one factor about these hotels that you can look up to and be extremely happy about. They care a lot about the comfort of the guests and want to make sure that they have no facility to complain about.

If you haven't tried out one of these high end hotels yet, you might want to do so the next time you are presented with this option. In fact, most people are completely mesmerized by the concept itself and want to try it out for themselves before moving on to anything else. It is for this reason that the number of such high end hotels are on the rise.

There are many Luxury hotels of the world that one would like to visit at least once during their lifetime. If you want more details about these Luxury hotels and the luxury hotels organizations, then, you can visit luxuryhotelscorporation.com.

Learning Thai Made Simple

Most people would think that there's no need to learn the Thai language when you are going for a Phuket vacation or when you are going to for a shopping spree in Thailand. But there are even more beautiful and less known places in Thailand that will enchant any traveler the most. You can go to Pattaya and Hat Yai where you can have a taste of authentic Thai culture and the world-renowned Thai hospitality and warmth.

Even when the Thai people won't expect foreign speakers to learn the Thai language unless they are married or engaged to any Thai or have Thai descent, they would love to converse with people using their native language. Some of those who have traveled in the place for shopping for which it is now known said that it helps a lot to end up with good bargains when you do the haggling using their native tongue.

But Thailand is not only known for plastic surgery, great night life, and great shopping. The country is also rich in heritage and culture. You can take a peek at its revered Buddhist temples and be reminded that Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the whole world. Theravada Buddhism is the major religion in the country and is spoken by about 94.7% of all Thai people living in the country. Only 0.7% of the population belongs to the other religions.

If you are serious about learning not only the rich culture but the colorful Thai literature, you can learn to speak and read in the Thai language. Then you will understand more about the Thai language as seen in the eyes of the nationally renowned Thai writers and literary geniuses such as former Prime Minister Kukrit Pramoj whose works are considered as the best in modern Thai literature and Sunthon Phu and his 19th century works. You would be able to understand why he is considered a poetic genius in all Thai communities.

Since the Thai language is a tonal language many would think that it is difficult to learn it. The truth is that it is less complicated than the sing-song Mandarin and other Chinese dialects; there are also about 25% of French and English words that are borrowed, same as some Japanese words. When you are planning to learn the language of Laos you are three-fourths of knowing it entirely as it is almost mutually intelligible to the Thai language. Besides that the Thai people are highly tolerant of foreign speakers of their language as they are good in understanding the language through context.

There's a great means for you to learn the language even more easily through Pimsleur's language learning audio which you can listen to on your iPod anytime and anywhere you want, even while you are jogging, stuck in traffic, or cleaning the house. You can get a copy of it in The Talking Bookstore.

For those who thirst for the real thing, here is a concise Thai language learning audio course: Learn the Thai Language

When you happen to have a particular language course in mind, try searching for it here: foreign language learning

Water and Land Adventures in Maine

Many people are drawn to water adventures because of the excitement and thrills accompanied with such activities. The idea of getting a tan, feeling the sand in between their toes, paddling, viewing the endless horizon of the sea, tasting the salty waters and swimming are just some of the enticements.

Perhaps one of the more popular activities is fishing. Some do it alone and enjoy the quiet solitude while waiting for the fish to catch bait. It is an opportunity to take in the views of nature, smell the waters and bathe in the sun. Others will fish in groups for a great bonding moment. There will be a chorus of delights as one of them finally catches a fish. It is also a good time to update on each other's lives while waiting for a catch.

Outdoor lovers will also find hunting a very challenging activity. It is a very adventurous yet rough hobby to pursue but will be very self-fulfilling in the end. Hunters have different specialties and interests. Some like to catch deer and proudly bring home a deer's head. Others prefer a rabbit or a squirrel.

All these people who love water adventure, fishing and hunting will find Maine a perfect haven. Maine is in New England, United States. It is on the northernmost part of the country. The visitors do not just love the place for its many opportunities for fun-filled activities but also because of the breathtaking views. Each traveler will find his niche here. There is something that each tourist will like to see and savor.

Maine is a combination of rocky coastlines and rolling mountains. They also have beautiful forest interior. It is indeed a wonderful vacation spot. The locals serve great cuisines also. They specialize in seafood dishes.

The city is blessed with bountiful bodies of water. The seas and oceans are perfect places for a dip, swimming, kayaking, and other water sports.

The Moosehead Lake and South Twin Lake are found here. It is an excellent location for fishing abundant with potential catches. The Appalachian Trail on the other hand, is an opportunity for hiking while exploring nature up close. It extends to the Springer Mountain in Georgia.

The geography of Maine goes further as you explore the Machias Seal Island or the North Rock. The famous Mississippi River also touches Maine. There are dense and thick forests that make up 90% of the land area. Most of these are left uninhabited and preserved of its natural beauty. Some are left untouched and prohibited to hunters.

The city government is strict in upholding and preserving their resources. Tourists are advised to adhere to the rules and regulations imposed. Those who want to go fishing must bring along with them the necessary equipment. Artificial baits that would likewise harm the fishes or alter the clean state of the waters are very much prohibited.

First secure a permit before going to the fishing site. You will be briefed of all their policies before being issued a permit. You might also be required to tag along with you one of their guides. It is not for anything else but just to make sure that the visitors are kept safe throughout their fishing adventure. Not to worry because the trouble you will go into will be very worth it once you go to the actual fishing site. Most species here are the smallmouth bass, beaver, flowage and brooks.

The same holds true to hunting. Secure a permit first, and you will sometimes be required to take with you one of their guides. He could lead you to the right spots where most of the animals are.

For more information on Hunting & Fishing in Maine and Hunting in Maine please visit our website.

Discover Pattaya - Investing in Pattaya Has Never Been So Rewarding

Pattaya is a city in Thailand that lies on the east coast of the Thailand Gulf. It is deemed to be one of the largest cities of tourism in the world. Known for its beautiful and wonderful attractions, Pattaya draws more than six million visitors every year.

Pattaya is known for its attractive surroundings. The sparkling white sandy beaches, the breath-taking panoramic view of the city from a place up hill, the pulsating night attractions is not just a perfect place for vacations but a perfect place to invest as well.

Pattaya can give you all the fun you can think of. From simple sightseeing to an exhilarating bungee jumping experience, from the traditional horse-back riding to the latest motor sports racing, name it, Pattaya got it all.

A visit to Pattaya is ideal for couple who wants a romantic and luxurious honeymoon, sports enthusiasts who are looking for extreme sports adventure, businessmen who find investing in Pattaya promising, and to anyone of all ages who are seeking for a peaceful break or an exciting getaway.

If you are looking forward for an ultimate beach experience, Pattaya is the best place to be. With its long and beautiful beaches, fun-filled water sports, non-stop entertainment and an unrivaled oriental beauty, Pattaya has everything a traveler could ask for. The bright beaches in Pattaya provide you not only relaxation but also intense water activities such as wind surfing, snorkeling, sailing, deep sea fishing, water skiing, parasailing, gliding, etc.

Shopping is also one of the activities the visitors don't want to miss. You can buy Thailand's best buys such as jewelry, clothing, handicrafts, and many more from the shopping centers and malls of Pattaya.

If you want to stay fit while on a vacation, the well-equipped fitness centers offer you perspiring activities such as thai boxing and weight lifting. Sports such as tennis, wall climbing, bowling, shooting, snooker, and a lot more is also famous in Pattaya. Among these sports, golf is the most popular. With more than eighteen golf courses around, most of these courses have international standard with 18 to 27 holes, Pattaya's golf courses is the best place to play golf around the world.

If you are looking for something more thrilling, you can also enjoy some adrenaline-pumping activities that Pattaya has to offer you such as bungee jumping and leisure flying. With many recreational parks, amusement parks, zoos, marine aquariums, botanical gardens, and cultural show theatres abound, Pattaya will never cease to astound you.

After visiting and enjoying the spectacular place of Pattaya, reward yourself by dining at Pattaya's wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bistros. Whether you prefer Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, French or their very own Thai cuisine, the mouth-watering food they offer will surely fill your stomach without hurting your pockets

Activities in Pattaya are endless. Wherever you go, everywhere you look, there's always an activity that's waiting for you. Such activities can be tiring and exhausting. The best way to end the day is to pamper yourself at Pattaya's spas and best massage parlors that offer Thai massage, foot massage, or reflexology massage. The fun doesn't end when the day ends. At sun down night attractions come to life. You can visit night clubs, discotheques and open-air bars that provide food, drinks, music, and world class entertainment.

Pattaya offers you a variety of accommodation options to suit every pocket. Wherever you decide to retire, whether in an economy class or a luxurious five-star hotel, you will find yourself home away from home with the best amenities and excellent services they offer.

With the growing number of visitors, the number of developing businesses, investing in Pattaya can never be a mistake - as long as you know where to start and you know what to do.

The opening of International airport not far away from Pattaya played a significant role in drawing more tourists and attracting more businesses. The number of tourists has increased significantly. More and more infrastructures are developing rapidly, which is therefore contributing to the notable progress of the city. Five-star hotels, world class golf courses, exciting night attractions are pulling in big spenders in the city from all over the world.

Better schools, more health and medical facilities, new infrastructures have drawn more residents and foreign expatriates worldwide. More and more employees are drastically coming in the city as the Board of Investment of Thailand is regularly approving new businesses and new projects just within the city. Pattaya is now considered a true city teemed with local and foreign residents, local and international business owners, and workers from home and abroad.

With the rapid development of resorts and businesses, the extensive development of properties such as real estates and condominiums, the rising standards in hotel accommodation, the newly built airports and other transportation stations that make the place an easy access, Pattaya is redefining itself to draw more and more visitors which is significantly very beneficial to the community.

The rising prices of land and properties such as real estate, condominiums, business establishments and the like gave a major contribution to the rapid and stable growth of Pattaya's economy. Therefore, it has driven a lot of people to go investing in Pattaya.

If you're one of those who consider investing in Pattaya, here are a few tips in purchasing a property might help you ensure a smooth sailing transaction:

1. If you're not sure and needs help in purchasing a property, look for reputable and credible sales agent or any Pattaya property company that can give you advice and assist you when purchasing a property.

2. It is essential to have a good lawyer when buying a property. If you want to purchase a property in Pattaya, you might want to get a lawyer who knows your language. They will help you understand all the terms, conditions and legalities in purchasing a property.

3. Investing on a condo unit is the most popular to first time investors. Before deciding to invest a condominium unit, you must first decide whether the unit will be your own residence or for third party rental purposes. This will help you decide where your condominium must be located. If you are going to have the condominium rented by third parties, you should look for a condo that is located near establishments or job companies and should be easily accessible to public transportations.

4. Real estate business in Pattaya is swarming with scammers who try to fool people, especially first time investors who do not have any experience in real estate. Always be aware of scams, have someone experienced who can be trusted to guide you in your investments. Double check and verify all the necessary information before purchasing an investment.

Investing can be tough and really expensive. You don't want your time, effort and hard-earned money go to drain because of failed investments. But by investing in real estate especially in Pattaya, you can be certain that you are making the right decision. Investing in Pattaya is a great way to raise your net worth.

Robert Tracey Loves Real Estate and loves Thailand and Loves talking about it he takes investors to Thailand to look for property for investment and life style he will show you everything you need to know about investing in Thailand find out more by going to http://buyrealestateat.com/

Testimonials Videos http://buyrealestateat.com/testimonials/

Very Important Information You Need to Know Before Investing in Koh Samui Property

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui, Thailand has long been the locale of choice for paradise seeking foreigners from all parts of the globe. Its shimmering turquoise waters and sun bleached, white sandy bays are lined with bungalows, villas and resorts. Its happening night life with a plethora of restaurants feeds the epicureans and provides a magnificent back drop to beautiful sunsets and starry nights. It's no wonder that so many foreigners want to own property in Koh Samui, but like any other property market in the world, it's important to know understand the legal implications, visa requirements, and tax guidelines involved before deciding which property you are going to invest in.

Getting To The Island

Before investing in Koh Samui property, you must first feel confident that traveling to and from the island has been made easy and convenient for tourists. After all, they play a major part in helping Samui's economy grow and helping tourists get to the island should be top priority. The most convenient way to get to Samui is by flying with Bangkok Airways from Bangkok, Singapore, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai. There are 15 daily 80 minute flights between Samui and Bangkok and 4 weekly 90 minute flights between Koh Samui and Singapore. Alternatively, several ferries and catamarans run from Surat Thani or Don Sak on the Thai mainland. There are almost 10 daily departures between Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan.

The Samui airport is a unique and highly successful experiment in building an airport that is kind to both the cultural and natural environments of a tropical island resort. Flying in, you get brief glimpses of outlying islands, streaks of surf, the wakes of small fishing craft sketched across the calm aquamarine sea. Smudges of coral reef dapple the water as you come in closer still. Then the coast of Samui appears. Two hundred and fifty kilometers of tropical hideaway scalloped by dozens of bays rimmed in white sand, carpeted in lush textures of forested hill and coconut grove, Samui is the centerpiece in a group of 80 other islands set in the Gulf of Thailand.

Located 2km north of the main village Chaweng, Koh Samui Airport serves both domestic and international flights including Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways International, Berjaya Air, and Firefly.

Koh Samui Property Tax Guidelines

If you've already done your research and you are looking to invest in Koh Samui property, you really should understand how the tax liability can affect your overall return.

All Koh Samui property owners in Thailand are liable for tax on rental income, which is based on either standard personal income tax (PIT) rates for "resident" tax payers and a at 15% PIT rate on assessable income for non-resident tax payers. A person becomes a "resident" tax payer if he or she spends more than 180 days in any tax year in Thailand. Thailand does not charge a separate capital gains tax for foreign buyers. All earned income from capital gains is taxed the same as regular income. The highest rate of income tax is currently 37% per year.

When purchasing property in Koh Samui, it is quite standard for the purchaser to be solely responsible for the payment of all transfer fees as well as taxes duly charged by the competent land office in connection with the registration of transfer of ownership of the property. This includes the government transfer fee, withholding tax and specific business tax as well as stamp duty and other costs and expenses arising out of the registration of the transfer of ownership to the purchaser.

Transfer fees are typically 2% of the registered value, stamp duty is.5% of registered value, withholding tax is 1% of the appraised value, and business tax is 3.3% of appraised value. Income tax is usually between 1-3% on Koh Samui property. There are no established rules regarding who pays the income tax while this is simply another part of the bargaining process during the property purchase as are all other costs relating to the transfer of ownership. Tax on Rental Income is 10-30% of rental income depending on the type of property. Lease Registration Fee is 1.1%

Transferring Money To Purchase Samui Property

Unlike most developed economies where transferring money to and from bank accounts is relatively straight forward and easy, this is NOT the case in emerging markets like Thailand. Before purchasing property in Koh Samui, it is very important to understand exactly how to transact and what needs to be done prior to purchase. Reason for the complexity of this issue is because of the Thai laws concerning Foreign ownership of Condominium Property. According to Thai Law, foreigners may own 49 percent of the aggregate sale-able unit space of a condominium building while the remaining 51 percent must be owned by either Thai nationals or majority owned Thai Companies. Below is a step by step guide on how to transfer money when dealing with Koh Samui properties.

1. A Thai bank account must be set up in your name in order to transfer money to yourself before exchanging your currency to Thai Baht. Any foreign currency can be used to purchase a condominium unit. The foreign currency must be transferred into Thailand as foreign currency and then exchanged into Thai Baht by a local bank in Thailand. In many cases, the developer may offer to help you establish a bank account in Thailand due to the complexity of establishing an account yourself. This may come at an extra cost, however developers are always willing to negotiate or waive this cost if it helps get the deal done.


2. Foreigners are required to remit at least USD 20,000.00 into Thailand per transfer to receive a FOREX Transfer Form. (Transfers of funds must be made in FOREIGN CURRENCY only and NOT in Thai Baht, i.e. if you are working in US Dollars then remit in US Dollars. Do not remit in Thai Baht. This form will be needed to transfer the unit under foreign ownership and also remit money back out of Thailand if so needed in the future.


3. Documents needed when buying a condominium: For foreigners to be eligible to purchase a condominium unit in Thailand they must present proof to the Department of Lands that the funds have been remitted from overseas in foreign currency. Without such proof, the Department of Lands will not register the transfer of ownership to the foreign buyer.


4. Remittances must be sent in exactly ("to the letter") the same name as appearing on the purchase contract, (i.e. if Tom Smith is the buyer then the name Tom Smith must appear on the remittance advice. T. Smith or Smith Enterprises are unacceptable.) If the buyers are two individuals, then two names should appear on the contract and two separate remittances should be made by such two persons, in equal amounts.


5. The purchaser has to include the transfer instruction indicating that the purpose of this money is to buy a condominium unit. The bank that receives money in foreign currency will issue the document (Foreign Exchange Transaction Form) which contains the following information:

• The transferred amount in foreign currency


• The transferred amount in Thai Baht


• The name of money sender


• The name of money receiver


• The purpose of transferring

Normally throughout the transfer process, the purchaser has to instruct the gateway bank to identify the name of the sender to be the same as the receiver's. The Land Department will accept the name of purchaser to be either sender or receiver of the transferred money.

**Remark**

If the money receiver is an individual but wants to put the unit in the names of two people, the sender has to instruct the gateway bank to specify the names of two people together with the purpose of buying condominium.

For example:

Mr. Smith transferred money to Mr. John and would like to put down the names of two people, Mr. Smith must also instruct his bank to specify the purpose as being to buy the condominium by both Mr. Smith and Mr. John. In this case, the land department can accept this and permit the transfer.

The Land Department also can accept the transfer even if the sender's name of the receiver's name is not the purchaser's name but the sender should instruct the gateway bank to put the purpose as being to buy the condominium by (Purchaser's name). The amount of money must be equal to or higher than the selling price declared to the Land Department.

Alternatives To Transferring Money To Purchase Koh Samui Property

For the avoidance of any doubt, we recommend wherever possible that Samui property buyers arrange for their local bank to issue the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form for all remittances. In this case you would transfer the funds directly to the Developer's bank account in the prescribed format, and the Developer will arrange for the Foreign Exchange Transaction Form to be issued by the Developer's Bank.

For the buyers convenience, we strongly recommend that you transfer the funds directly to the Developer's bank account, but ONLY do so if you know and trust the developers and know exactly where your money is going. In most cases, the developers will use a third party escrow arrangement typically put together by a local attorney. This is always the most secure way to exchange contracts as the developers are not allowed to access your funds until the title deed on the property has been transferred to you.

Why does the developer need to use Foreign Exchange Transaction Form?

1. Because the Bank of Thailand controls the flow of foreign currency, every single baht must have a source and a reason. The Land Department must perform in accordance with this regulation. By this restriction, every foreign buyer must transfer money from abroad.


2. Non-residents who sell the condominium and transfer the money out of country do not have to pay the remittance tax (normally the tax is around 30%)


3. In case of transferring money out of the country, the tax-free amount is determined by the initial amount transferred.

Transfer of title deed Documents needed: For Individual Purchaser

• Passport (copy if applicable, marriage/divorce certificate including a letter of consent


• From your spouse if married [Thai Language]).


• Foreign Exchange Transaction Form or credit note.


• Power of attorney, if anyone but yourself is representing you, in Thai script with a


• Notarization by Notary Public or if overseas by the Thai Consulate.

Corporate Documents needed: For Company Purchaser

• Certified copy of the certificate of incorporation


• Certified copy of the memorandum of association


• Notaries certificate


• List of shareholders (in English, but must be accompanied by a Thai translation)


• Minutes of directors' meetings, which have a resolution to sell/purchase the property


• (specifying name and number and agenda dealing with the finance of the purchase if the


• company's registered capital is less than the purchase price)


• Letter of advice regarding specific¬ signature


• Power of attorney, if the authorized directors do not make the transaction by themselves


• (Land Department form)


• Free debt letter


• Foreign co-owner letter


• The certified copy of the I.D. Card of the authorized directors


• The certified copy of the house registration of the authorized directors


• Title deed of the condominium unit

Thai Visa Requirements

Please note that whilst we believe the below information is accurate, it is recommended to verify requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy before travel.

Many Non-Thai residents require a visa to stay in the country for more than 30 days. However, most African countries require a visa to enter Thailand - Cyprus, Czech Republic, India, Maldives, Oman, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine are allowed 15 days under the visa exemption. A Non-Immigrant Visa is valid for up to 90 days, but can be extended for up to a year at a time, depending on eligibility criteria. Retirement visas for individuals over 50 years old are readily available, subject to certain other criteria, tourist visas for stays of more than 30 days and less than 60 days and work permits for those with specific skills can be applied for via the Thai Embassy or consulate in your home country.

Use An Investment Firm Or Relevant Developer To Assist You With The Purchase of Your Koh Samui Property

Well you can't say we didn't warn you that purchasing property in Samui would be extremely complicated which is why we strongly suggest that you use a real estate agent or investment firm to assist you with the purchase of your Samui property. Often times the developer or agent that you are purchasing the property from will do everything they can to make this process as affordable and convenient as possible. After all, it's in their interest to get this property deal done, and they should be more than glad to help you through it. Another reason it is beneficial to use the developer or registered agent, is because they already have the experience and connections to get you through this transaction. Because they've transacted several times before on Koh Samui properties, they know exactly who to go to and for what circumstance. It is very likely that they already have escrow arrangements established and banks in place to handle all of the paper work for you. In many instances, they may even use their company as the "buyer" and then issue shares in the company which then gives you legal ownership. This method of purchase avoids the issue of only being able to purchase 49% of a unit due to Thai law.

One investment firm that has helped clients transact on numerous Koh Samui properties is Elite Global Property, [http://www.elite-ig.com/service/Investment_Property.php?temp=Property] an investment property firm based in Shanghai, China. Because of their relationships with both the developers and local banks in the region, they will be able to walk you through step by step on how to complete on purchasing property in Koh Samui. Elite Global Property does NOT own property in Koh Samui which allows them to provide an unbiased opinion on which developers are safe to work with and will show you how to avoid complications that may occur throughout the process. It always helps when you have a familiar foreign face to get you through the process rather than dealing with legal contracts and bank forms in a native language.

Although quite a complex process, once finished, owning property in Samui will prove to be one of the most exciting and beautiful investments you may have ever purchased. Always remember, if you want to speed things up, just have the developer or a reliable investment property firm help you throughout your next property transaction.

Matthew Clark

Chief Operating Officer

Elite Investment Group

http://www.elite-ig.com

Shanghai, China

Los Angeles Hotels - Vacation For Some, Emergency Housing For Many

Most people in the Los Angeles area looking for a hotel are simply looking for a place to sleep while they are away from home. The object is clear whether it is for business, a family vacation or a romantic getaway: find a relaxing, safe and enjoyable place to sleep and relax until you can return to the comfort of your own bed. But for thousands of families, there isn't a home to return to-and the realities of staying in a hotel are due to the tragedy of homelessness that affects more and more Americans each year. Families that have been evicted from their homes due to financial hardship are increasing in numbers, and programs like Beyond Shelter are working hard to do what they can to help.

Beyond Shelter is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1988 when the need for a more comprehensive approach to helping the increasing numbers of homeless families in L.A. demanded a more sustainable solution through creating knowledge for social change with responsive housing delivers and a people centered approach to community development. Offering assistance to homeless families through providing six months to one full year of individualized case management support to enable these families rebuild their lives including childcare, jobs, assistance in improving social and economic well being. Beyond shelter works on the premise that housing is a basic human right and believes that homeless families are more responsive to interventions and social services support after they are in their own homes instead of living with the uncertainty that comes from living in a shelter or transitional housing.

Beyond Shelter's "Housing First" Program has received an abundance of national and international recognition including the "25 Best US practices" and "100 Best International Practices" award granted by The United Nations in response to the staggering numbers that indicate that homelessness is one of our nation's most serious problems. While many would opt to point fingers and assess blame, the statistical truth is that the primary cause of homelessness among families is the growing disparity between housing costs and income. Emergency Shelters are able to accommodate only a fraction of the homeless families in need, forcing families to live in cars, garages or intermittent stays with friends or family. Even a short period of homelessness can lead to child neglect, depression and mental illness due to the debilitating conditions and feelings of helplessness that overwhelm and crush the human spirit.

The instability of homelessness is not a problem that is easily solved, but with generous donations and increased awareness, the ability to provide necessary transitional housing has become a reality making hotels in the L.A. area more than just vacation pads. While some of us don't like to think about the how's and why's of homelessness, the reality is that millions of Americans are literally one paycheck away from being evicted from their homes. Helping to provide transitional housing in this epidemic crisis becomes a personal matter when we understand that the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has indicated that the Los Angeles area is experiencing an all time high of worst-case scenario housing needs attributing the increase in the number of homeless families to a combination of the following factors:

* Welfare reform

* High rates of domestic violence

* Declining purchasing power of low-wage jobs

* Decrease in availability of affordable family housing

These families are not lazy or unwilling to make efforts, they are not careless or negligent; they are victims of a declining economy and terrible misfortune. Programs like Beyond Shelter work tirelessly to bring back hope and stabilize housing requirements for the future while keeping affected families safe in the transitional housing of participating sponsor hotels in the L.A. area.

Los Angeles hotels are some of the greatest hotels in the world. Not only do they offer a variety of luxury, quality, and affordability, but the surrounding activities and views are simply outstanding. Book your luxury, family or cheap hotels today!

Utah Vacations

Work can become stressful and so going on a vacation is a nice way to unwind. But are you having a hard time choosing a vacation destination? Do you have many target vacation spots on your list? Well, if you are a person who loves the outdoors, then perhaps a Utah vacation is the right choice for you.

Utah vacations are in demand as more and more people find it so relaxing to stay in this paradise. In Utah, there are several breathtaking spots that you can visit and enjoy spending a wonderful time either with friends or family. Whether you enjoy whitewater rafting or skiing, this place will give you so much satisfaction. If you love golf, there are lots of golf courses that you can play on. If snowboarding is your thing, you can go to what is referred to as "the greatest snow on earth - Utah."

Utah vacations can take you to a lot of places and let you experience a thrilling vacation. These places can include the Old West, Cataract Canyon, National Parks, Park City, Temple Square and several golf courses. And if you want a place with a good spa, you can simply choose a package for a spa vacation. You just have to choose the right Utah vacation package that can take you to these spots and experience thrilling outdoor adventures.

However, Utah vacations will never be successful and memorable if you lack planning and organizing. Planning a trip to Utah is not an easy task, since you have to consider a lot of things such as hotel accommodations, food, fare and all other expenses incurred during the trip. That is why you must do this ahead of time and check on online sites that offer Utah vacations. Just make sure that the vacation package you choose can give you a vacation of a lifetime at a budget that is within your reach.

Utah Vacations provides detailed information on Utah Vacations, Utah Vacation Rentals, Utah Ski Vacations, Utah Family Vacations and more. Utah Vacations is affiliated with Park City Utah Real Estate [http://www.i-UtahRealEstate.com].

Money Number One in Thailand

If ever "money number one" was set in time as a national catch cry, it would have to be in Thailand where the phrase "money number one" is used countless times daily by many of the Thai people in dealing with the thousands of foreign tourists they regularly encounter.

Neil Hutchinson, an Aussie expat living in Pattaya has been instrumental in writing a series of books around the money number one catch cry, which have become extremely popular best sellers in recent years...

The first of the books actually entitled "Money Number One", was first penned some years ago and has been updated several times to suit the ever changing influx of emotionally and sexually starved hordes of single men who have made places like Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Sumui, Chiang Mai and of course Bangkok among others, a regular "watering hole" over the past 50 years or so.

While the Money Number One Books including his other titles such as "A Fool in Paradise", "The Fool is Back" and "A Fools Diary" are written somewhat tongue in cheek, they epitomize the humor in the sometimes ridiculous and other times tragic relationships which spring up between the local inhabitants and the dyed in the wool westerners who attempt to introduce western cultural ways and ethics into a society based on thousands of years of immense cultural difference where money number one has been a way of life long before the modern western man set foot in the beautiful country known as Thailand.

Mainly set in the seaside resort city of Pattaya situated on the eastern seaboard of The Gulf Of Siam in Southern Thailand, the stories contained within the Money Number One book series and their corresponding sequels and additions, vary in length and subject but are all for the most part based from true instances and events gathered over the years by Neil's own personal experiences and those of others either relayed to Neil or told in person in one of the many bars and haunts he frequents in order to carry out his somewhat clandestine research.

Dubbed by many as "The Single Man's Survival Guide to Pattaya" and "The Pattaya Bible" the Money Number One series are a recommended read by thousands of experienced Thailand visitors both male and female when advising potential new visitors about the who, what, where and whys of Thailand long before the bags are packed to go, and indeed long after they have been unpacked on their return home.

Although the Money Number One books are available in paper back from the shelves of many of Thailand's reputable book stores, they can sometimes be a little late to procure in order to learn the valuable lessons contained within them after arriving in Thailand and are now available for instant download in PDF format.

My name is Sean K Kelly.
Avoid the broken hearts and lightened bank account by reading at least one of these extremely humorous and informative books BEFORE the bags are packed by visiting http://moneynumberone.net

Lots of free regularly added stories by Neil Hutchinson and others for your amusement also on the site. Click on the link and laugh. Save your heart if not your money. Money Still Number One

Top Summer Vacation Tips

Whether you are traveling by plane, train or automobile, summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to get away to a favourite spot or experience new sights and adventures. Most important, it is a time to be together and enjoy each other's company. If however, your trip is not planned correctly, you will spend your vacation stressed out! So regardless if you are packing up the kids in the back of the van or traveling solo to exotic destinations, here are some travel tips to make this summer vacation your best one yet:

Pack Right

Easier said than done right? Packing is a fine balance of bringing what you really need without taking too much. How do you do it? Planning ahead and having a really good list. Bring anything you absolutely must have, bring co-ordinated clothing you can mix and match and make sure to have a list prepared well in advance so you don't forget anything. Don't bring too much of anything, you will not wear six pairs of shoes I promise you, and don't bring anything that can be bought along the way if you really need it.

Have Plenty of Sun Screen, Hats and Sunglasses

The sun is stronger in the summer time and UV rays keep increasing. There is nothing worse then getting sunburned on the first few days of your summer vacation and spending the rest of it uncomfortable. Sun protection is more important now then ever before.

Be Flexible

Leave a little wiggle room in your plans. Give yourself plenty of time for delayed flights and traffic jams. Even if you do not get an opportunity to do something as planned, enjoyable rest stops or detours can be used to explore and can end up being even more memorable than the planned stops.

Bring A Camera

This one sounds obvious I know, but you would be surprised how many people either forget to bring the camera or the extra batteries or the memory card (in the old days it used to be the film) etc. Prepare your camera gear in advance so you have it ready to go, you do not want to miss that great sunset or your child's first encounter with the dolphin.

Keep The Kids Amused

If you are traveling with kids, unless you love to hear "Are we there yet?" over and over, make sure they have enough to stay amused. Have them pack their own travel bags with things they love in order to keep themselves occupied during the trip on the plane or in the car. You can also find inexpensive travel games in stores, or you can play your own such as "I Spy" or the license plate game.

Be Prepared For Rain or Cooler Weather

There is nothing worse then packing t-shirts and shorts only to be hit with a cool spell and spending your summer vacation trying to stay dry and warm. Even if you are traveling to a hot desert, be prepared with basic rain gear and a warm jacket and vice versa.

Be Ready For An Emergency

If traveling by car keep an emergency kit handy that includes jumper cables, basic hand tools, flares or reflective warning triangles, a first aid kit, a flashlight with fresh batteries, and a cell phone if possible.

What Not To Do On Your Summer Vacation

There are a few things you should also not do in order to have a great summer vacation. First, try to avoid traveling during peak times, this means long weekends in the summer, unless you are a sucker for punishment. It also means rush hours in the city if you are driving, try to plan your time around these hours.

Don't break the bank. A recent Expedia survey found that 57 percent of travelers blow their vacation budgets on food and drinks. Ways to get around this include staying at all inclusive resorts and booking rooms with a kitchenette. Before you visit a particular city, check out what activities are free to do there. Especially for kids, there may be lots of parks, museums or just interesting things to look at that will not cost anything.

And the most important tip for having a great summer vacation? Don't overdue it. You are on vacation, don't plan too much into a short amount of time, and leave room to just r-e-l-a-x. Enjoy the glorious summer days and nights, as we all know, they go by way to fast.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who loves to travel and write about her experiences, be sure to visit Best Family Beach Vacations & Best Romantic Vacations for more great travel info.