Travel For the Arts and Dance Lovers

All eyes are on New York this week as the Sex and the City film premieres here in London.

Travel experts believe that the film will attract many British tourists to New York as they see the beautiful setting of the film. Fans of Sex and the City can now also do tours where they visit the locations of famous scenes from the series and the movie.

The New York tourist board, NYC and company, are keen to use this opportunity to remind tourists that New York does not have to be a winter destination.

Many consider New York a winter destination, picturing snowy scenes and shopping experiences in one of the most famous cities in the world.

But New York can offer a fabulous summer holiday to those who venture there in the warm summer months. With an average summer temperature of 29 degrees celsius and an abundance parks and outdoor pools, New York is a real summer treat.

Commenting on some of the city’s best attractions, NYC & Company chief George Fertitta said: “Easily reachable by subway, Coney Island offers sun-worshipping on the beach, a dolphin show, and carnival rides, while the Brooklyn Museum of Art is home to one of the world’s best Egyptian collections.”

With over a million British tourists visiting New York each year the city is already a highly popular destination, although not enough people consider it a summer break.

In addition to its many attractions, New York is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Whatever precautions you take, travelling to New York, you are at risk of being the victim of a crime.

The most common type of crime, especially for tourists, is mugging and theft. To protect against occurrences such as this ruining your holiday, make sure you have travel insurance before you fly.

Second home sales have been increasing over the last few years with more people becoming second home owners. In 2005 alone, 40 percent of the homes sold were second homes. Demographics, all time low mortgage rates, and healthy rise in home prices have contributed to this development in the second home market. Besides these, a major factor that has helped augment the buying and selling of second homes is the real estate professional.

The National Association of Realtors conducted research on the profile of second-home owners in 2006. According to the NAR report entitled ‘2006 Profile of Second-Home Owners’, a majority of second home sales transactions are conducted using the services of real estate agents.

The statistics are remarkable; 64 % of vacation home buyers purchased their home using the services of a real estate agent by the end of 2005 – a marked increase from less than 50 % of vacation-home buyers in 2003. Also, 65 % of investment-home buyers purchased their home with the help of a real estate agent – an increase from 53 % of pre-2003. In comparison, only 14 % of vacation-home buyers and 7 % of investment-home buyers purchased directly from builders from 2003 to 2005.

The growing role of the real estate professional is evident from the following figures:

1. Of vacation home sales made, 71 % of them were second homes and 74 % of the sales were made using the services of a real estate agent.

2. Of the investment properties sold, 85 % of them were previously owned and 62 % of the sales were made using the services of a real estate agent.

The use of real estate agents in second home sales transactions varied according to the home’ location.

1. Buyers used a real estate agent more frequently while purchasing a vacation home located in a suburb/subdivision (56 %) or a rural area (57 %) than for homes in other locations.

2. About 66 % of buyers who purchased an investment property in an urban/central city area or in a suburb/subdivision, used the services of a real estate agent more frequently than those who purchased a home in other locations.

Real estate professionals continue to be the first source of information to second-home buyers (38 % of vacation-home buyers and 34 % of investment-home buyers). The real estate professional also plays a major role when second-home owners plan to buy additional properties. If you are thinking of buying a second home or vacation home, seek out the services of a real estate agent to guide you through your next home purchase.

1. The percentage of second home owners who are more likely to use a real estate agent in their next home purchase is quite high. Among vacation-home owners it is 79 % and investment-home owners 73 %.

2. Among second home owners, 65 % of vacation-home owners and 64% of investment-property owners are more likely to use a real estate agent in their next home sales.

Given these statistics, it is no wonder that the real estate agent plays a pivotal role in helping people buy and sell second homes. So whether you are a second-home buyer or seller, enlist the services of an agent for a smooth, hassle free real estate transaction.

Visitors to Italy are rewarded with unique and wonderful experiences to relish. Italian cities, Italian lifestyle, art and culture, stunning Alps, famous Italian fashion, the breathtaking islands all give many reasons for the visitors lining up in Italy. It is a dream destination for many and why not, when one will find amazing architecture all over the country, scintillating cuisines, world famous wines, the list can go on. Rendering a special touch to the country are the hotels in Italy, which are defining landmarks for it self. Catering to all kinds of visitors, Italy hotels strive to make the stay of their guests a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Italy has a certain romantic aura and the magical ambience associated with it who so ever comes here are spellbound. A major part of the country is mountainous and today’s modern Italy is the result of a turmoil history. Italy has today a thriving tourist industry, which is the result of its stunning natural landscapes, the majestic Alps; hills of Tuscany and Umbria, the Bay of Naples are among some of the treasures that the country holds. Italy has come to the forefront, amongst the most popular and visited travel destinations in the world. Italy has many faces to discover which you unravel as you stay here. With the mere mention of Italy, many different meanings come to everybody. For some it is the birthplace of Pizza, land of historic ruins, good wine, to hot beaches. Importantly, the country is very hospitable, obliges its visitors, and does not disappoint.

Italy is also the destination for those who want to go beyond the beaten track and take on some the adventurous and interesting activities, during their holiday. If your kind of holiday is beyond the sightseeing tours or just relaxing, then Italy has a lot many activities on offer that for will sure stir your senses, body and soul. Go on a skiing holiday or a walking tour on the beautiful countryside and the lofty mountain ranges. With so much in the offering, the country does not fall back on the accommodation front and there are number of accommodation options with Italy hotels in all categories available easily.

What better way then to add a little spice to your holiday, and a touch of color, engage in some entertainment when in Italy. You will run in to surprises as besides the monuments, hotels, museums there are number of options to be engaged and entertained. Italians also practice this, thus the place offers is full of entertainment options. From home to the world’s famous opera house, the colorful festivals, to world’s famous finest football leagues, there is something to sample. The people of Italy are fond of festivals and there are celebrations for all kinds of reasons, ranging from local fests to grand celebration. Become a part of them, get a taste of the rich culture, indulge in sampling wines, and watch the races of the wild horses. Ballet has a long history in Italy though Opera now has overtaken it in popularity.