City Information on Cairo...

Nicknamed the “City of a Thousand Minarets,” Cairo is the capital of the Arab world and centre of the region’s religious and political life. It is also the largest city in Egypt, having a land area of 82.6sq miles (214km2) and a population of 6.7million. The temperature here is a mixture of Mediterranean and desert climate, depending on the season. During winter the temperature can drop as low as 5°C, but during the summer, can rise to above 40°C.

Cairo is also known for its architectural marvels, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the towers or minarets of the many mosques around the city. Since it has a long history, dating back to antiquity, the city is also the educational hub of the country, with over 10 universities. Archaeology and the sciences are the major fields that Egyptians pursue in these institutions. Before turning to Islam, Egypt enjoyed long periods of power and influence during the reign of the pharaohs. Archaeologists and adventurers have discovered and preserved tombs and relics of ancient Egyptian civilisation, which can be seen in museums around the city.

Cairo enjoys a good road network, rail system, subways and maritime services. For air transport, the city has Cairo International Airport, which caters to major European, American and Asian airlines. International visitors and tourists can fly to Cairo using Air Berlin, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, Delta Air, Singapore Airlines and Korean Air.

Choosing the Right Cruise...

Cruise holidays are very popular with those who want to relax and unwind. Cruise ships are pretty much stress free environments which will allow you to do this in great comfort while at the same time enjoying the cruising experience to the full.

The destination of a cruise is the main factor that should be considered before making a booking. You need to decide of course where you want to go – should it be somewhere cold or somewhere warm? Should you be there for the scenic views or the historic landmarks? Do you want to go somewhere exotic or somewhere that’s more conventional? Once you have made those decisions you can start looking around for a suitable cruise deal.

Another major factor to be taken into consideration when deciding which cruise to take will be the amenities available on the ship. One should be very particular when checking out the amenities to be found onboard. After all, time spent on the ship must be comfortable and should provide some pampering for travellers who are looking to relax. For those who are more physically able and active that are seeking adventure, there should be something to satisfy their high energy levels. The facilities looked for in a ship vary greatly from person to person –spas and rock-climbing walls, fitness studios to waterslides and provision for romantic dining under the stars are all available.

Last but not least, you should ask yourself if you’d be getting good value for your money. Prices will vary greatly and will depend on several different factors.  But remember, as with most things in life you do get what you pay for.  That having been said there are some great deals out there, especially if you are able to book a last minute cruise deal.  So if you are booking a cruise and stay holiday or an onboard cruise look around carefully and you will be sure to find a deal that suits you.

Types of US Visas and innigration requirements...

USA visas fall under one of two broad categories, immigrant and non-immigrant.

An immigrant visa is required for foreigners who are planning to live permanently in the USA, regardless of whether or not they intend to seek employment. They have to be sponsored by a US based employer or a relative who is a US citizen in order to qualify for an immigrant visa.

The immigration authority usually requires an Affidavit of Support from aliens sponsored by US based relatives or US employers, as proof of financial capacity of either the petitioner or the sponsoring parties. By filing this form, the petitioner or his sponsor is guaranteeing that the immigrant will not be a fiscal burden on the US government. Where the affidavit should be submitted depends on whether the party being sponsored is inside or outside the USA.

A non-immigrant USA visa is required from foreigners who are planning to travel to the country and to stay there for a short period of time. Petitioners may cite reasons such as tourism, medical care, business travel, college education, student exchange programmes, temporary employment, concerts, news coverage and diplomatic or state visits, among others.

The three main types of temporary work visa are H1B, (Specialty Occupation Visa), L1 (Intra-Company Transfer Visa) and E (Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor Visa). The H-1B Visa provides a three-year residency for contractual workers, though the duration may be extended. L1s are aimed at managerial employees who must be relocated to the US branch of their employer, while E visas are intended for investors, be they individuals or corporations.

Tel Aviv City Guide...

Flights to Tel Aviv arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Among the airlines that offer flights from Tel Aviv to the UK are SN Brussels, Eurofly, Tarom, Jordanian, Transaero, Continental and Air Canada.

Tel Aviv was once the theatre capital of Israel, being home of the first Hebrew production companies, Theatre of Eretz Israel, Hakumkum and Ha’ Ohel. The city also houses three of the largest museums in the country.

Tzavta, the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Centre and Suzann Dellal host premier drama, dance, music and other cultural events. Major dance companies are also based in Tel Aviv and they include Bat Sheva, Bat Dor and Inbal. Other favourite cultural venues in the city are the Puppet Theatre at Yarkon Park, the Hasimta Theatre in Jaffa, the Yiddish Theatre and the Orna Porat National Theatre for Children, which stages 14 productions annually.

Despite being a new player in the cultural industry, the Enav Cultural Centre, under the management of the Tel Aviv City Council, has attracted first-class performances. The centre hosts lectures, musical performances and theatrical productions.

The Eretz Israel Museum (The Land of Israel Museum) is actually a large network of museums located in Ramat Aviv. Its wide collections are divided into various branches, glass, ceramics, folklore, copper, Kadman coins and ethnography.

The Tel Aviv Museum of Art is at the cutting edge of Israeli plastic art, with collections ranging from paintings to sculptures.

The Jewish Diaspora Museum (Beith Hatefusoth), which is located at the University of Tel Aviv, is well known for being dedicated to Jewish history. The museum not only chronicles the Jewish Diaspora, but also the contribution of the Jewish people to wider human culture.

Aberdeen – Equilibrium of Cosmopolitanism an...

It is seldom that a city can provide a dynamic, modern lifestyle with a serene environment and adventure travel activities for tourists.

Aberdeen’s perfect combination of cosmopolitan living and the opportunity to commune with nature is a prize find in Scotland. Touted as being the country’s larder, the city is filled with vast choices of attractions and spots that you should not miss after arriving on your flight to Aberdeen.

Royal Deeside, which has, for many years, been a favourite holiday destination for royalty, has been popular for over 150 years, making it a real treasure. Its museums also attest to the city’s rich history and its significance to culture. Two museums that should not be missed are the Maritime Museum and Provost Skene’s House.

Aberdeen creates equilibrium between the modern lifestyle and the unique experience of reuniting with nature. The county of Aberdeenshire has scenic villages and other famous towns that provide tourists with a memorable getaway from city life.

Aberdeenshire also provides trails to enable visitors to explore the different districts. So, before taking your flight from Aberdeen, experience the Castle Trail, Coastal Trail or the Victorian Heritage Trail. The city also holds the annual Fyvie Homecoming Festival, which is a fun celebration of music, history and heritage. The Aberdeen International Jazz Festival is another of the annual attractions that many people look forward to.

With the range of attractions and venues for both recreation and relaxation, Aberdeen has lived up to the needs of cosmopolitan living balanced with the influence of nature.

Finding Affordable Cruise Deals...

Going on holiday is one thing everybody enjoys doing. Many people choose to make the most of their holiday by going on a cruise. However, there are several factors to consider when going on a cruise so planning one can often be both exciting and taxing.

Actually there are countless cruise deals and packages that you can choose from, depending on your preference and budget. You can actually utilise different tools and communication mediums when finding the best cruise deal to suit your budget. It is important to consider other factors too, such as the time of year or season of travelling.

Most cruise lines offer discounted prices during off-peak seasons, though the months these ‘seasons’ cover differ from one country to another. Budget conscious tourists can arrange a great yet inexpensive holiday if they can wait until the late summer, but there are also deals available during the peak season for those who book last minute cruises.

Finding the best cruise lines that meet your standards and budget limits may involve some commitment on your part if you really want to find an affordable cruise deal. There are many websites now available that are completely devoted to cruises that can help you in your search for the best deals currently being offered.

Visiting your local travel agencies can also be helpful, especially if you prefer personal face-to-face communication.  They will have special deals arranged with the cruise lines that they use.

Work in the UK and Working Visas...

If a foreign national wishes to work in the UK, the first place to look is the local Job Centre Plus, which is a government employment centre that has companies and offices listed that advertise jobs throughout the UK. In addition, employment in the UK can be found in local and national newspapers, local supermarkets and on the Internet.

The ability of immigrants to work in the UK depends on what type of visa the individual has and what restrictions, if any, have been placed on it. If the foreign national is highly skilled and is seeking employment in the UK, without any restriction, he or she should apply for a Tier 1-General Skilled Visa. Foreign nationals who are sponsored by a UK-based company will need to obtain a Tier 2 Work Permit. Anyone already living and working in the country for a limited period and that wishes to live here permanently should consider Indefinite Leave to Remain or ILR. The Post Study Work visa, allows the holder to remain in the UK to work for a limited time after studying in the country.

When first starting to work in the UK, the employer of an immigrant will provide a written contract detailing salary, sick pay, holidays and pension benefits. The pay should not be less than the national minimum wage and it is usual that at least four weeks annual holiday pay be provided.

In the UK, it is the job of the Home Office and its subdivision, the UK Border Agency, to handle immigration processes and grant UK visas.

Visit Manchester – a city of culture and history...

Manchester is a city in the UK that has a dramatic combination of old and new. It has a cathedral with towers and grinning gargoyles that depict its proud past, sitting beside the futuristic design and innovative shapes of its modern structures. In terms of architecture, St. Peter’s Square, Beetham Tower and the Palace Hotels are among the main points of interest in the city.

For music lovers, Manchester is one of the most innovative and exciting places for making and listening to music. Its musical connections include The Bee Gees, The Hollies, New Order and Oasis. There are also world-class venues in the city that stage operatic performances and classical recitals, such as the Bridgewater Hall, Opera House and the Royal Northern College of Music.

Apart from music and architecture, Manchester enables visitors to transport themselves back in history with its fascinating legacies of the past, such as the Manchester Ship Canal and the Town Hall. There are also museums in the city that display exciting, inspiring and informative exhibits; they include the Museum of Transport, which houses some 90 vintage vehicles; the only museum in the UK dedicated to hats and headwear, at Hat Works and the Museum of Science and Industry, which records how the city’s achievements made it a world leader during the industrial revolution.

For travellers intending to visit the city, there are about 100 airlines that offer flights to Manchester Airport from more than 200 destinations around the world. Airlines offering flights to Manchester include VLM, Hapag-Lloyd Express, British Airways, Jet2, Airberlin, Monarch Airlines, Aer Lingus and Ryanair.

City Information on Dublin...

Literally meaning “black pool” in Irish, Dublin is the largest city and the capital of Ireland, with a total metropolitan land area of 6,980km2 (2,695sq miles) and has a population of more than 1.6 million. It is the historic, contemporary, education, cultural and economic hub of the country. It also enjoys a pleasant maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature during winter is 8°C and the average maximum summer temperature is 19°C.

Dublin has been involved in the arts, especially literary and musical and was home to William Butler Yeats, Dracula creator, Bram Stoker and contemporary musicians U2 and Boyzone. It also has a very vibrant nightlife, since almost half the total population of the city is aged 25 and below. There are two cinemas in the city, the Savoy Cinema and Cineworld, both offering state-of-the-art facilities, including IMAX.

Dublin is also known for its shopping streets, such as Grafton Street, Henry Street, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre and the newly refurbished Ilac Shopping Centre.

Dublin, as previously mentioned, is also the educational centre of Ireland, especially catering to anyone pursuing a career in the arts, languages and medicine. The best known of these institutions are the University of Dublin, the oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College, the National University of Ireland, University College Dublin, the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (DLIADT).

Flying into Dublin from other countries is not a problem, since the city airport is served by most of the major European airlines. Tourists can fly to Dublin by US Airways, British Airways, BMI, Continental Airlines, Delta Airways, Lufthansa and many more.

Applying for a Canadian Visa...

More and more people are moving to Canada to work, as a result of the new career opportunities that the country offers to its own citizens and foreign residents.

If you are a skilled worker, the country is easy to enter and readily grants Canadian visas. These visas can be classified into two, permanent and temporary. The Skilled Worker Class Canadian visa is classes as permanent, which means that you can get to work in the country for as long as you wish. Applying for this type of visa requires you to take an aptitude test in which you must achieve a score of at least 67 points. You should be aware that the Skilled Worker Class Canadian visa may eventually lead to permanent residency.

Canada also recognises the ability of students to play their part in the workforce and therefore allows foreign students to work and study in the country through the Canadian Working Holiday visa. The Canadian government will let you stay and work for a limited time in the country and will even help you find good lodgings.

However, if you are only interested in visiting the country to take a vacation, the Canadian visa is easy to obtain, as long as you are healthy, which just requires medical certificates and examination papers and are willing to submit to Canadian laws. Other documents include valid passport, proof of identity, in the form of valid IDs and driving licences. Under certain circumstances you might need a letter of invitation from the Canadian Embassy in your country of origin.