Leisurely Lijiang with Banyan Tree Resort|travel package

Leisurely Lijiang with Banyan Tree Resort
travel package - 5 days / 4 nights

Leave the stress of city-living far behind! In the midst of the surpassing beauty of Yunnan Province, Lijiang's Banyan Tree Resort has heated outdoor pools, spa facilities, mountain vistas and gardens which will refresh you, body and soul! Located in southwest China, Yunnan Province has the most varied climate in the country.
Delight in some of China's most pristine and breathtaking natural scenery. Marvel at the splendor of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, gorgeous reflections in crystal clear water and thrilling deep river gorges. Lijiang's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treat to explore with its glorious maze of narrow streets, charming bridges and lively traditional ways.

Day 1 Beijing / Shanghai - Lijiang Lijiang Old Town

Arrive in Lijiang. Transfer to your hotel with the assistance of our friendly tour guide. Visit the 800 year old city centre. Its construction began at the end of the Song Dynasty and lasted throughout the inaugural years of the Yuan Dynasty. Unlike other cities of antiquity in China, Lijiang was built without grand walls and spacious avenues. In its stead are bridges, streams, and a maze of narrow streets which makes for a natural and harmonious layout.
Today the city is recognized as a 'World Heritage Site' by UNESCO, with its cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and unique shops enjoyed by travelers from the world over. Enjoy a performance of the unique Naxi Orchestra in the evening (optional).
Overnight at Banyan Tree Resort Lijiang

Day 2 Lijiang:; Shuhe Old Town (B,L) Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also commonly known as Yulong Snow Mountain, is situated to the north of Lijiang town, at a distance of some 15 kilometers. It is the most southerly of the glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere and the highest peak in the south of Yangtze River area. Extending 35 kilometers all the way from north to south and 25 kilometers from east to west. The mountain range has 13 peaks in total, the highest being Shanzidou peak, at 5596 meters above sea level.
The landscapes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are unique and beautiful. At different altitudes, rare trees, herbal plants, and flowers and are to be found. Many famous flowers like azalea, primrose, orchid and herbal medicine plants are grown in this area. From the bottom to the top, there are more than 20 forest clusters and varieties of birds and animals. There are four distinct eco-systems: the snow, the spring, the forest and the meadow landscape. Among the multitude of scenic spots are: Dried River Bed, the Leech Flatland, the Remains of the Ancient Glacier, Yunshan Ping (The Spruce Tree Plain), the Yak Plain and the magnificent Baishui River.
The snow capped mountain is considered a holy mountain at the heart of Naxi culture, who view it as their patron god 'Sanduo' and have worshipped it since ancient times. Now the Jade Snow Mountain is the focal point of the Jade Snow Mountain scenic area.
Overnight at Banyan Tree Resort Lijiang

Day 3 Lijiang (B, L) Tiger Leaping Gorge Today's travel takes us to the famous "Tiger Leaping Gorge" on the Yangtze River. Also known by locals as the Gold Sand River, its waters have created an impressive gorge through the seemingly immovable mountains. Drive back to Lijiang in the afternoon.
Overnight at Banyan Tree Resort Lijiang Day 4 Lijiang (B) All day leisure for discovering Lijiang.
Overnight at Banyan Tree Resort Lijiang Day 5 Lijiang - Beijing / Shanghai (B) Transfer to airport. For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)

Luxury holiday with 3 nights in Banyan Tree Resort Ringha|travel package

Luxury holiday with 3 nights in Banyan Tree Resort Ringha
travel package - 6 days / 5 nights Leave the stress and exhaust of city-life far behind with a Luxury 5-star Banyan Tree holiday. These superb hotels in Lijiang and Zhongdian are members of the prestigious "Leading Hotels of the World". Be pampered by their world-class facilities and hospitality. Located in the southwest China, Yunnan is the most climate varied province in the country. Travel through some of China's most pristine and breathtaking natural scenery as your trip takes you through UNESCO recognized Lijiang, and China's "Shangri-La" - Zhongdian. The experience of tropical rainforests, crystal clear waters, and deep valley gorges, along with the colors and splendor of 30 different minority groups will undoubtedly be an unforgettable journey. Day 1 Beijing / Shanghai - Kunming - Lijiang Flight to Lijiang via Kunming, followed by transfer to the city of Lijiang. We will visit the 800 year old city centre where construction began toward the end of the Song Dynasty and lasting through the inaugural years of the Yuan Dynasty. Unlike other cities of antiquity in China, Lijiang was built without grand walls and spacious avenues. In its stead are bridges, streams, and a maze of narrow streets which makes for a natural and harmonious structure. Today the city is recognized as a World Heritage Site, with its cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and unique shops enjoyed by travelers from the world over. Enjoy a performance of the unique Naxi Orchestra in the evening (optional) Day 2 Lijiang (B, L) Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Shuhe Old Town

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also commonly known as Yulong Snow Mountain, is situated to the north of Lijiang town, at a distance of some 15 kilometers. It is the most southerly of the glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere and the highest peak in the south of Yangtze River area. Extending 35 kilometers all the way from north to south and 25 kilometers from east to west. The mountain range has 13 peaks in total, the highest being Shanzidou peak, at 5596 meters above sea level.
The landscapes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are unique and beautiful. At different altitudes, rare trees, herbal plants, and flowers and are to be found. Many famous flowers like azalea, primrose, orchid and herbal medicine plants are grown in this area. From the bottom to the top, there are more than 20 forest clusters and varieties of birds and animals. There are four distinct eco-systems: the snow, the spring, the forest and the meadow landscape. Among the multitude of scenic spots are: Dried River Bed, the Leech Flatland, the Remains of the Ancient Glacier, Yunshan Ping (The Spruce Tree Plain), the Yak Plain and the magnificent Baishui River.
The snow capped mountain is considered a holy mountain at the heart of Naxi culture, who view it as their patron god 'Sanduo' and have worshipped it since ancient times. Now the Jade Snow Mountain is the focal point of the Jade Snow Mountain scenic area.
On the way back, we will be guests at Shuhe Old Town where we can experience first-hand the ways of life of these very gentle and hospitable people.

Day 3 Lijiang - Zhongdian - Banyan Tree Resort Ringha (B, L) Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today's travel takes us to the famous "Tiger Leaping Gorge" on the Yangtze River. Known as the Gold Sand River in this area, the river has slashed an impressive gorge through the seemingly immovable mountains. Seen from higher ground, the striking panoramic view offers an unobstructed vista of the famous "first bend of the Yangtze River".

Day 4 Zhongdian: Banyan Tree Resort Ringha (B) Time at leisure in Luxury Banyan Tree Resort Ringha. Day 5 Zhongdian: Banyan Tree Resort Ringha (B) Time at leisure in Luxury Banyan Tree Resort Ringha. Day 6 Zhongdian - Kunming - Beijing/Shanghai (B) We bid farewell to mystical Yunnan. Transportation to the airport is arranged for your return flight to Kunming. For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)

Travel Insurance Enquiries Heat Up as Summer Approaches, according to Confused.com

Cardiff, UK June 10, 2009

Confused.com has seen record levels of travel insurance enquiries, as holidaymakers rush to protect themselves, and their belongings, over the summer.

The number of travel insurance enquiries on the website has increased by over 63%, compared with this time last year and is anticipated to continue to rise throughout the summer months.

The travel insurance industry, as a whole, has seen a slight trend towards single trip policies, compared to annual cover (55% single trip / 45% annual)1 and this bias is represented in Confused.com figures as customers who are on a budget opt for the cheaper option (70% single trip / 30% annual cover).

Steve Williams, head of travel insurance comparison at Confused.com, says: "It&39;s likely that the increased level of interest in travel insurance is in-part due to the high profile swine flu situation - it&39;s clear is that consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits and peace of mind travel insurance can bring.

"While holiday insurance is a must-have, it makes little sense to pay more than necessary by buying from the travel agent*, especially as finding a great deal is so simple. Not only is shopping around quick and easy, but it also enables consumers to directly compare levels of cover and cost from a wide range of providers."

For further information please contact:
Press Office, Confused.com: 02920 434 398
Joanna Harte / Gug Kyriacou, Polhill Communications: 020 7655 0550

Notes to editors
1 Defaqto travel insurance report 2008

About Confused.com:
Confused.com is one of the UK&39;s biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, single trip and annual travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com&39;s service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes|travel package

Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes
travel package - 3 days / 2 nights

You've seen the famous fighting monks of Shaolin Monastery in movies. Now it's time to see them in person at their ancient stronghold, the birthplace of Shaolin-style wushu. These spectacular monks share Songshan, one of the five sacred Daoist mountains, with the Daoist Zhongyue Temple. Our tour also introduces you to Luoyang, the capital of several ancient dynasties, including the brief reign of China's only ruling empress. China's first Buddhist temple is located here, as are the spectacular Longmen Grottoes, with their extensive collection of Buddhist sculptures. By late spring, peonies bloom all over the city, making this "City of Peonies" especially beautiful.

Day 1 Beijing - Luoyang Take the train from Beijing West Railway Station to Luoyang in the evening.
Overnight on the train Day 2 Luoyang (B, L) Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple Breakfast after arriving at Luoyang.
In the morning visit the Longmen Grottoes, located 12 kilometers south of Luoyang's city center. From north to south, the grottoes cover a distance of about 1 kilometer. The grottoes boast 1,352 caves, more than 100,000 statues, 40 pagodas and about 3,600 tablets with Buddhist inscriptions. The peaceful Luo River meanders its way here through steep cliffs on both sides. Above the river, thousands of Buddhist statues stand, peering out from the steep cliffs.
In the afternoon, visit the White Horse Temple (Baima Temple), located 12 kilometers away from Luoyang City. Established by the Han Dynasty in 68 AD when Buddhism started to spread, this temple is believed to be the first Buddhist temple officially built in China.
Afterwards, enjoy a short drive through the Luoyang landscape and visit an old local lady in her traditional cave-home.
Overnight in Luoyang Day 3 Luoyang - Zhengzhou - Beijing (B, L) Shaolin Temple, Zhongyue Temple Drive to Dengfeng in the morning and visit the world famous Shaolin Temple, where martial arts and kung fu are believed to have orginated. It is also the most important Buddhist temple in China. The pagoda forest in the Shaolin Temple is a concentration of tomb pagodas of eminent monks, abbots and ranking monks. With more than 250 tomb pagodas of various sizes, it is the biggest pagoda forest in China.
After lunch, watch the Shaolin martial arts show performed by the students of the local martial arts school.
In the afternoon, visit the well preserved Zhongyue Temple with its numerous Taoist buildings, listed by the State Council as a key national temple of Taoism.
Transfer to the airport in the evening for return flight to Beijing. For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)

Motorcyclists Raise Cash For Charity While Riding The Fastest Route To The Continent With Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

Folkestone, UK 16 June 2011

The event organisers hope to raise more than &163;10,000 for the charity Aspire, which supports people with spinal cord injuries, and is a cause close to bikershearts.

Motorcyclists will make the 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle before riding down the French coast to spend the weekend in the seaside town of Le Touquet. Tickets cost &163;70 per bike, which includes the return crossing through the Channel Tunnel and a donation to Aspire.

Aspire’s Hannah Wyatt said motorcyclists will travel out by Eurotunnel Le Shuttle on a number of the very frequent services on Friday and return on Sunday afternoon. “A fantastic route has been mapped out taking in fabulous scenery along the French coast. This is not only going to be a great weekend of riding and meeting up with other motorcyclists, but vital money will be raised for a charity which helps people with spinal cord injuries to live life more independently.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is the natural choice for a motorcyclist last year more than 45,000 motorcyclists used the fastest direct route between the open roads of the UK and the Continent, an increase of nearly 10% on 2009. Customers pay half the price of a car.

“Motorcyclists who travel with us say they really value the speed and convenience of our service,says Eurotunnel Le Shuttle’s Marketing&Sales Director, Harvey Alexander.

“They don’t have to worry about the security of their belongings, or strapping their motorcycles during transit. They stay with their motorcycles in the safety and comfort of the carriages during the 35-minute crossing.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle is the fastest cross-Channel operator by car and motorcycle, with up to four departures an hour. And with no luggage restrictions, quick and easy check-in and boarding, no fuel or baggage supplements, and no credit card booking fees, it’s not surprising that more and more people are choosing to travel with the service.

The number of passenger vehicles carried by the operator in the first quarter of 2011 has increased by 7% compared with the first quarter of 2010, up from 373,595 to 399,869.

To find out more about Eurotunnel Le Shuttle’s great fares for motorcyclists, plus tips on how to get the best fares, visit http://www.eurotunnel.com or call 0844 335 8390.

To find out more about Aspire, how to book your place on the D-Day Ride Out or how to make a donation, visit http://bikers.aspire.org.uk/d-day-rideout/

Leading Travel Insurance Marketplace to Offer Access America

June 27, 2005

QuoteWright.com, the nation&39;s top online travel insurance marketplace, announced today they will offer travel insurance plans that are administered by Access America.

"By offering these products, our clients will have access to a very broad range of comprehensive travel protection plans," said QuoteWright President John Cook. "Access America is a leader in the travel insurance market and offers cost-effective travel insurance plans that are highly competitive. Our clients have more options when visiting our site to compare plans, side by side, giving them the ability to make clear and informed decisions about coverage that they need for their trips."

QuoteWright.com is the leading, one-stop, consolidated marketplace specifically designed to provide consumers with the ability to compare and select travel insurance that is best for their trips.

About QuoteWright:

QuoteWright is a division of the BC Group, LLC. of East Hartford, CT. BC Group, LLC. is a licensed insurance agency that specializes in travel insurance coverages. It was established in 2001 and is headquartered in East Hartford, CT. Ever since its creation, it has been assisting consumers in finding appropriate travel coverages. BC Group is highly integrated with their partners and offers coverages from the major travel insurance companies. The principals of BC are nationally known and respected experts in the field of travel insurance and have over 80 years of combined experience. Interested parties can find BC Group at http://www.quotewright.com or by calling them at 800-821-4940.

QuoteWright is a trademark of the BC Group, LLC

About Access America:

Access America provides travel insurance and assistance to millions of travelers each year. As the travel division of World Access Service Corp., a global leader in insurance products and emergency assistance services, Access America uses cutting-edge technology to deliver customized solutions that increase revenue and enhance value for travel agents, travel suppliers, credit card companies and more. World Access Service Corp. is a member of the Mondial Assistance Group, an international leader in travel insurance and assistance with operations centers in 28 countries. Visit http://www.accessamerica.com.

0-APR-creditcards.com Announces Plan to Save Big Money by Using Gas Rebate Cards

San Diego, CA November 1, 2006

0-apr-creditcards.com announces a plan on how gas rebate cards can save consumers big money. "As gas prices continue to rise we must find ways to combat the price hike. Gas Rebate Cards are wonderful for that" says Gerard Heitz president of 0-apr-creditcards.com. Purchasing gas is unavoidable for anyone that drives a vehicle. Even hybrid vehicles, although they use less of it, need gas to operate. With gas prices on a rise, many people are seeking ways to save on gas. While carpooling and cut backs on driving are viable options, these are not always the most convenient methods of saving on gas. Many people have found that gas rebate cards are extremely beneficial for saving money on gas. These rebate cards offer monetary incentives based on the amount of gas purchased. The most popular form of gas rebate cards are credit cards offered by companies that provide gas. These cards give back a percentage of each month&39;s gas purchase. Cardholders see this amount credited to their monthly balance. Ultimately, card holders of gas rebate cards pay less for gas than they would otherwise. The amount of the rebate depends on the percentage offered by the creditor. The amount varies from company to company. A cardholder could see anywhere from 1% to 5% rebate from a gas rebate card. The average among all the cards is 3%. Some gas companies offer a high rebate amount for an introductory period. This introductory period can last anywhere from three months to a year. During this period of time, cardholders receive the highest rebate available from that particular company. However, after this introductory period, the rebate percentage will drop.

Types of Available Cards

In most cases, gas rebate cards offered by the larger gas companies can only be used to purchase a specific brand of gas. These cards come with advantages and disadvantages. If a specific kind a gas is purchased the majority of the time, a brand-specific card would be of benefit. Since consumers already purchase this specific brand, they will not have to change their gas purchasing habits. There are some people that choose to shop around for the lowest gas prices rather than sticking to a specific brand. These people would not benefit as much from a brand-specific card. When traveling, it is possible that the brand of gas for which one has a rebate card is not available. There are some gas rebate cards that are not specific to a particular brand of gas. These cards are found to be more convenient because cardholders have the freedom to use their card at any gas station. Usually, these kinds of cards reward cardholders with percentage points for general purchases in addition to gas purchases. The reward percentage for these general purchases is often a few percentage points lower than what is received for gas. For example, cardholders might receive 3% rebate for gas purchases, while receiving 1% for other kinds of purchases made with the card. Gas rebate cards that provide rewards for gas as well as other kinds of purchases have various methods for rebating rewards to cardholders. Sometimes these rewards are in the form of a credit to the balance on the credit card. This credit is usually seen on the statement at the end of each month. In other cases, the reward is received as a gift card for a brand of gas or a vendor. When rewards are made in the form of a gift card, they are seen on a less frequent basis, like annually, or semi-annually.

Restrictions and Disadvantages

While there are some obvious advantages to using a gas rebate card, there are some restrictions involved that can cast the cards in an unfavorable light. Since these restrictions vary among cards, it is best to find out associated restrictions before applying for a card. Some cards only reward rebates for payments made at the pump. Any gas purchased inside the gas station at the counter will not receive the rebate. This restriction is not imposed very often since most people find it more convenient to pay at the pump. However, there might be a rare situation in which the cardholder needs to make the payment inside the store. If this restriction applies, one should be aware that a rebate will not be received for this purchase. The best way to get around this stipulation is to use the rebate card at the pump whenever possible. Other card companies impose limits on the amount of rebates that a cardholder can receive in a period of time. For example, once the cardholder has received $500 in rebates during a year, they will not receive additional rebates until the next year. Depending on the reward percentage rate, this limit might not ever be reached unless one purchases gas frequently or several people in a household use the card. Most people are aware that gas rebate cards have the highest interest rate of all cards available. Cardholders that carry a balance from one month to the next will find that the total amount paid is much higher than if they had paid the balance in full the first month. Letting the balance carry over into a new month ultimately nullifies the benefit of the rebate reward.

Choosing a Card

Since there are so many different kinds of cards and rebates available, it is best for prospective applicants to research cards and their rebates to make an informed decision. The best kind of gas rebate card to choose is one that does not place limits on the amount of rebate that can be received during a period of time.

For more information visit: http://www.0-apr-creditcards.com/gas-rebate-cards.htm