There are two sites that can be visited for a longer look at the underwater world of the Red Sea including Pharaoh’s Island with a 12th century citadel on top that was built by Crusaders and the Fjord an inlet with spectacular scenery. There are grouper, parrotfish, puffers, lion fish, moray eels, puffers, octopus, barracuda and turtles to be seen.

It offers sunshine all year, so it is great as a winter holiday to escape cold winter weather or for a quick romantic weekend by the beach. Taba Heights is an excellent base for day trips to some of the most famous sights in the Middle East. Just a few hours away are the Great Pyramids at Giza, the fascinating canyon Treasury of Petra and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Canyon motor safari is another activity that is great fun. The safari includes riding on quad bikes for two hours with all the equipment provided as well as a guide and instructions on how to drive the bikes. Other desert treks include a tour of St. Catherine’s Monastery or an overnight trek to the summit of Mt. Sinai.

Golf is one of the main activities in Taba Heights with a professional golf course amid unmatched scenery of sea and mountains. Open every day of the year, the course meets European and American architectural standards. Spanning the central section of the area, it connects several hotels and the beachfront.

To have a world class golf course in the middle of the desert is a great challenge, and great care was taken to make sure the golf course in Taba Heights meets strict environmental standards. The grass chosen is specific to the desert and needs less water and pesticides and the irrigation pipes that run throughout the whole course were made from recycled plastic from the local resorts. The same environmental care has been taken for all of the development projects in Taba Heights.

There is a wide variety of delicious food available at Taba Heights. Award winning Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, Tandoori, sushi, Italian and Middle Eastern are a few. No matter where visitors are staying, all the hotels welcome them to their restaurants. Reservations can be made at the front desk for any hotel restaurant and there are free shuttle busses to transport visitors around the resort area.

Taba Heights offers a great beach holiday with pristine beaches, plenty of water sports, a professional golf course and the possibility of seeing some of the wonders of the world nearby.

One of the most popular and simple customized products are personalized luggage tags, which allow customers to create any message they desire onto a small leather strip.  This could be your name, address, or an inspirational quote or witty one-liner — such as the popular Anne Taintor “I love not camping” tag — for the world to read.  Sometimes the personalization may just be a “Mr.” or “Mrs.” set for his and her baggage.  You can even blend together the personal and the professional with a photo or ID badge if you ever need to move through claims or security quickly.

Custom luggage tags often take an entrepreneurial approach with their design.  The popular “Green M & M” tag, for example, features the jet-setting candy (complete with fashionable shades) so that the world knows your personal preference for chocolate.  Other tags include popular corporate icons like Coke, Toyota, Apple, and similar companies.  These are usually the least expensive of all tags (sometimes given away for free by companies at trade fairs, expos, and so forth) and can be found for five to ten dollars.

Sometimes, airline luggage tags need to be professional in addition to personal.  Business card luggage tags allow air travelers to locate their bags quickly and efficiently, but also to give new contacts a quick summary of professional information and status.  These laminated tags tend to be some of the most expensive available, as many corporate travelers desire to project a formal, classy image.  As such, the leather in business card products will be high quality and sturdy, capable of withstanding the rigors of travel and handlers.  These products range from ten to thirty dollars depending on production quality.

For the highest quality products, however, designer luggage tags are marketed to the elite of all voyagers.  The Louis Vitton Pilot casing, for example, uses Taiga leather in a cabin sized package and costs fifty dollars.  Custom fits and embroidered luggage tags may be slightly less expensive than the brand name options, but still have a large amount of production costs.  Embroidered tags, for example, may only have a handful of letters (making up a name or location) but require a second material and stitching.  These embroideries cost ten to twenty dollars.  Great ideas for custom tags include nicknames, pet names, unorthodox vacation locations (like Siberia or the Sahara), or a family motto or inside joke that provides some humor after a long trip.

Image Copyright Big Buck Brewery

Where to Find Beer Labels

Bars and pubs are obviously a good place to start for the beginner collector of beer bottle labels, as are liquor stores, as these offer a wide selection of foreign and domestic beers. However, the best place to find unique and interesting beer labels is often smaller, locally owned establishments.

Many local owners carry an inventory that is more select and unique, as they use this as a means to draw customers. Additionally, it is not uncommon to find special or unique brands in local bars that are not found elsewhere. This is especially true if visiting an area known for its selection of local beers. The Grim Reaper, for example, is seen on the label of Reaper Ale in New Orleans, while a majestic buck graces the label of Big Buck Beer in Michigan.

Foreign Beer Labels

Foreign beers often include more stylized emblems and images than domestic beers, with Oktoberfest making German beer labels some of the most easily recognized. While serving girls are a common theme on German beer labels, from the famous St. Pauli Girl to the image found on the label of Bock Beer, some extremely well rendered artwork can be found on many other brands. Radford Ale comes with a gorgeous depiction of three black horses, while a coat of arms is common a number of brands, including Konig Ludwig and Amstel. Germany is not alone in unique beers or labels, however, as many other countries offer an array of fascinating images. Belgium, for example, produces over 400 types of beer, some of which are difficult to find anywhere outside the country.

Konig Ludwig Beer Label

In addition to the artwork, the beer name is another aspect that makes collecting the beer labels of the world a popular activity. Creative names like “Blackened Voodoo” in New Orleans, “Skull Splitter” from Scotland, and “Wychcraft” found in England add to the appeal of beer labels. Specialty beers for events such as Oktoberfest often have collectible labels, which are available for only a limited time.

Custom Beer Labels

Custom beer labels, on the other hand, have also become a popular trend in recent years, both as a final touch to home brewing and as party favors and personalized gifts. There are a number of businesses that offer the creation of custom labels, with many found online. Creation can be done either with templates, or with personal artwork, monograms or photos. Blank labels can also be purchased for creating labels at home, with many companies allowing purchases in quantities as small as 10. As for the beer in the bottle, if home brewing is not an option, many label makers also supply their own special beers in addition to the labels.

Beer Labels Worth Collecting

Beer labels are both interesting and collectible, as the labels of many foreign and domestic beers often include wonderful artwork. Foreign labels are especially fascinating, as stylized images can range from

Image Copyright Blue Beer Labels

coats of arms, beautiful animal depictions, and elaborate embellishments. Beer names add to the appeal of the labels, with oddities such as Blackened Voodoo and Wychcraft often being as interesting as the art itself. Local bars may be one of the best places to find unique beer labels, as many offer unique selections in an effort to draw customers. Custom beer labels have also become popular, both with home brewing and as personalized gifts, and they are even being given at weddings. The Internet is perhaps the easiest way to find custom beer label makers, and some vendors even provide their own special beer with the purchase.

Beer labels are constantly changing, and many become unavailable as new designs are added. This can make beer label collecting a lifelong hobby.

For the avid traveler, these wallets (some fit boarding passes perfectly) keep everything organized without adding extra bulk to your travel gear. For men, the styles are so thin and skinny you won’t even know it’s in your pocket. Here’s the skinny on some of the flat wallet designs.

Kristine Flat Wallet

Kristine Wallet

Colorful, stylish, leather and skinny says it all for this wallet. It can hold a lot, yet is chic and glamorous. It has a snap closure to keep everything safely in place, a zippered coin holder, spacious pockets, holds up to 10 credit cards and holds boarding passes.  This brand was the original skinny wallet line but since the popularity of this style, many other companies have followed suit. The inexpensive price of this wallet allows for one to have a variety of colors and patterns to match all your outfits.

Flat Fold Wallet

For the “GQ” man, who is tired of the old wallet bulge, there is the men’s Royce leather flat fold wallet. Made from top grain Nappa leather, it has plenty of card pockets, an interior ID pocket and two other roomy compartments.  This wallet keeps everything in place so there is no more fumbling for the card you need at the right time.

Flat Credit Card Wallet

Glitz Wallet

There are glitzy wallets made by, you guessed it, Glitz, that are perfect for the traveling gal that wants some glam and at the same time to keep all her credit cards in order. It has a metal frame, snap closure and measures only 4.25” x 2.72” x .25”.

If you don’t want to have the glitz there are durable canvas styled wallets as well. No need to worry about getting any nicks on this tough fabric.

Money Clip

Smart Money Clip

This innovative, compact design by Smart Money Clip is perfect for the man who wants to travel light and does not want any unsightly bulges. It has two sides; the front side holds cash or receipts securely with a clip and the back side holds credit cards, ID or a drivers license. The metal construction is very durable and it comes in polished stainless steel, gun metal, gold or matte black.  Money clips also come in fine Italian leather and you can choose from black, red or brown. All the money clips may be engraved, so they make a perfect gift for the young graduate, groomsmen and fathers.

Whether you are going on a trip or just want to ditch your existing wallet for a new sleek, contemporary design, a flat wallet will do the trick and you’ll be on your way to a new look and greater functionality.

For centuries until its secularization in 1802, the beautiful city of Bamberg played an important role in the life of the Holy Roman Empire. Providence has been exceptionally kind to the city that twice was it spared from destruction like what happened to its neighbors; by the Swedes during the Thirty Years War and by the Germans during the WWII. It is for these reasons that all its classic structures are well preserved.

Seeing these landmarks could easily propel the viewer into the distant past. Take for example the four-spired Dom, the splendidly baroque Residenz, or the old Rathhaus perched on an island in the river. These ancient buildings are highlighted by quaint streets, narrow and cobbled streets reminding the modern tourist of lives gone by. UNESCO has taken positive steps to protect these precious mementos of its ancient glory. The city was declared in its entirety as a World Heritage historic site in 1993.

Bamberg, Germany

For those looking for Bamberg accommodation, there are numerous hotels in Bamberg as well as pensions and hostels. For those wanting inexpensive or more lavish, there is something for everyone in this city. Booking in advance helps to avoid disappointment when arriving. Here’s some accommodation ideas to consider.

Riverside
For a romantic riverside experience in the old city, travelers might want to try the Hotel St. Nepomuk. This hotel offers beautifully furnished rooms and suites with views of the old city. It boasts a restaurant with a terrace to enjoy cocktails while enjoying the scenery. Guests can meander on the Muhlbrücke bridge and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Luxurious
If it is luxurious accommodation you are looking for, then the Hotel Residenzschloss is a great example of luxury hotels Bamberg has to offer. Located in the heart of the city of Bamberg, it features a steam room, saunas, a fitness facility and spa. When entering the lobby, guests are greeted by elegance and luxury, which continue with the design of the rooms.  It boasts two restaurants each serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Guest House
For those wanting a charming, family-run guest house try the Gästehaus Steidle. It is conveniently located near all the popular local sites.  It has a bright, cozy décor with single suites as well as family apartments for those traveling with kids. This friendly guest house comes with a traditional gourmet German breakfast.  All suites come with flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.  Apartments come with fully equipped kitchenettes and a living area.

Budget
If your finances only allow for stays at hostels, then you are in for a treat at the Backpackers Bamberg. Even though it is small, it is clean with a homey atmosphere. It has a rooftop deck to enjoy the scenery and modest breakfasts. Its location makes it easy to get around in the city.

Now, that you have your accommodation looked after, you might want a Bamberg travel guide for sites to see.

Breweries
With all the sight-seeing and walking a traveler does, it’s nice to know that Bamberg is renowned for its breweries, so you won’t need to wander far off when in need of a beer to quench your thirst. There are about 8 breweries, located on each side of the river, and each of them boasts different beer styles ranging from pale ales to darker lagers. The unique and distinctive Rauchbier (smoked beer) is the pride of the local brewers. You can purchase a pamphlet that locates all the breweries in a walking tour guide.

The Altenburg
This once-upon-a-time castle is located at the highest point of the seven hills. It now serves as a fine dining restaurant with gorgeous views.

Bamberg Town Hall

Obere Brücke
There are different bridges connecting this city, but this one is most interesting. Halfway across the bridge is an island that the City Hall is situated on. This Old Palace was built in 1591 for one of the Counts of Babenberg.

With the quaint medieval charm, quiet walks along the river and delicious beers to quench your thirst, this town will be a memorable destination on your German and European visit. You will have a wide choice of hotels in Bamberg Germany, but if you are traveling in peak summer times, make sure to book ahead as occupancy will be high.

Like Rome, Bamberg is built on seven hills on the west bank of the Regnitz. It is not a big place where you could easily lose your way in the maze but the special atmosphere which is found nowhere else in the world makes the city of Bamberg so bewitchingly addictive. The University which is attended by students of various nationalities, reinforced by a good number of American servicemen and their families, make sure that the city is never parochial in its dealings with the world.

Come visit the beautiful city of Bamberg where you straddle the crossroads of antiquity, of medieval pageantry with a good dose of glitzy modernity.

Water shoes are something you may wear whenever there’s a risk of getting your feet wet, such as white water rafting or even a day at the beach. In any such activity having a pair of women’s water shoes to protect your feet from being cut or hurt would be a smart choice. Remember though, that water shoes are not actually intended to keep your feet dry.

ElieShoes

Just like the dry land women’s shoes, water shoes also have different classifications. There are the slip-on booties that are known as aqua socks water shoes. They are typically made from neoprene and are used for water sports like surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Beach and water shoes made by ElieShoes would surely capture every woman’s fancy, especially that they are available in trendy neon colors. These shoes are designed to allow water to drain with their two-toned neoprene uppers and side mesh inserts, and to keep the wearer from slipping with their deep multi-dimensional treaded rubber outsoles.

The sandal, which is an evolution of the basic rubber flip flop, is also a form of water shoe. The sandal has evolved and is now designed to make it tougher to endure harsher conditions. Keen Whisper is a good example of a functional water sandal that is perfect for adventures, from exploring caves to rafting over rushing waters. It is treated with the AEGIS Microbe Shield that provides antimicrobial/anti-odor protection if ever you find yourself sloshing through muddy waters.

Keen Whisper Water Sandal

There is also the water sneaker. This is typically used for hiking trips, including crossing rivers, because this shoe provides stability while walking. The Salomon Techamphibian is an example of a water sneaker. It is quick drying with a breathable mesh upper and a protective rubber toe cap.

Next there are the clogs. These are great to use when going to the beach or when you want to harvest vegetables in your muddy garden. The Glenna water clogs are examples of fine water clogs. They are made from soft rubber and are very comfortable on the feet.

Vibram Five Fingers

The last type of water shoes are the hybrids. These are combine various styles of water shoes. An example of a unique looking hybrid is the five finger water shoes made by Vibram. They have individual toe slots to enhance dexterity and for natural walking motion. They are made from quick drying polyamide stretch fabric and its Cita-XY® AgION™ footbed absorbs moisture and help control odors.

There are many brands of water shoes. You can surf the Net discover the best water shoes for women. You can also find cheap water shoes by checking out various online retail stores that sell this footwear. To help you make a choice, read customer reviews and testimonials posted on some of these sites.

Now you can be more trendy and fashionable when going on your water adventure, with your new water shoes dutifully protecting your feet.

L.L Bean Toiletry Travel Bag

JUST because you like to travel does not mean your beauty regime should have to suffer. Toiletry bags have become very popular for the seasoned traveler, camper and gym enthusiast alike. Keeping all your personal toiletries organized is a necessity, especially if you are using public bathrooms.  Just grab your bag that will contain everything you need to get ready, no need to worry about getting to the bathroom and forgetting the toothpaste. It’s all there, nicely organized.

There are many different styles, brands, colors and sizes, from hanging toiletry bags to designer bags. Here’s a few examples of designer toiletry bags:

LL Bean

• L.L. Bean carries bags in an assortment of colors and 4 convenient sizes.
• Small for 1-2 days or at the gym,
• Medium for 2-3 days ,
• Large for 3+ days-fits regular size hairdryer
• Family Size for 5+ days-large enough for the whole family.

Some of the features of these bags are:

• made of water-resistant nylon
• built-in hook for hanging anywhere, from trees to door handles
• side storage pockets with zippers for easy access to often used toiletries
• two upper zip pockets to keep smaller bottles and items organized and to keep items from spilling
• larger compartment with mesh pockets

Kenneth Cole

Kenneth Cole Men's Toiletry Bag

If the man in your life needs a bag for traveling on business or personal trips, Kenneth Cole carries high quality mens toiletry bags with a lifetime warranty and:

• leather exterior
• full zippered top closure
• water-resistant interior lining
• front zipped pouch

Luca Vergani 2-piece Toiletry Bag

Of course, it seems there are always more choices for ladies.  Patterned fabrics are pretty to look at and can be matched with your luggage.  Having enough compartments to separate make-up from toothbrushes and shampoo is important when traveling to avoid spillage.

There is a wide range of sizes, brands and styles in ladies toiletry bags.  The Luca Vergani 2 piece set represents fashion and function.  One piece holds all your make-up needs and the other holds toiletry items such as shampoo, soap and hairspray. Features are:

• easy zippered top entry
• inside mirror
• detachable shoulder strap
• sturdy handles
• fully lined for easy cleaning
• keys and lock for extra safety
• various fabric designs with a chic look

Notes on Checking in Your Toiletry Bags

Luca Vergani Ladies Toiletry Bags

Travelers have noticed limitations on checked baggage due to enforced security measures. If you are checking in your toiletries as carry-on, you will need to check with The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a list of items allowed.  Toiletry travel bags help with security screening by separating items for easier viewing. Certain bags like the hanging toiletry bags that fold out and reveal all the contents will allow each item to be inspected. Restrictions do apply for items in your carry-ons, such as liquids or gels up to 3 oz. Only one bag of toiletries per passenger is allowed. For any larger items you have, you can place them in with your checked luggage.


As mentioned in the post on mens flip flops, you can find simple sandals almost anywhere, from you local grocer to your neighborhood hardware store. While traveling, you should also have no problem in replacing your sandals, adding a unique international flavor to your footwear collection.

For now, let’s look at some different thong sandals women may appreciate.

Timberland Luminari sandals

T-Strap

One of the most commonly found styles are “t strap thong sandals.” The between the toes strap is classic but at the same time is represented in a huge variety of looks by every sandal manufacturer.  For example the Timberland Luminari brown thong sandals have leather uppers, a round toe with a toe loop and a unique mesh looking embroidered side. This is a casual shoe which would be suitable for all day use as it has a cushioned footbed, flexible midsole and tractioned outsole.

Clear Thong Sandals

Venessa Jelly Thong Sandals

To add some shine to your summer fashion, see the variety of clear sandals that are available. From department store variety $25 sandals to $700 Prada sandals, and everything in between, you will find a wide selection. Many clear thong sandals have faux beads or jewels attached. The materials used will be a combination of PVC, for the clear components and perhaps suede and other materials for the midsole.

Black Thong Sandals

For a sharp contrast of black and leather, and a classy look even with casual styles, take a look at black sandals. One nice example would be the Deandra Snake Print. This shoe has a “python embossed” upper, along with a ring which joins the upper to the t-strap. These are flats, which some find comfortable for lots of walking, while some do not. This type of shoe is a very simple, yet elegant quality sandal to consider.

Deandra "Snake Print" black thong sandals

What to Look For

As you are doing your shopping, keep in mind the balance between form and function. If you are planning to wear your footwear for longer periods of time, including a fair bit of walking, you may want to find a shoe that has a flexible midsole, good traction and decent arch support.

If form is king for you, just look for quality in workmanship be it in the cut and construction of the leather, clear PVC or other materials. If you simply want something for the summer beach season, you won’t want to spend too much as they may get thrown out in the fall. Still you will find a wide selection of products at very affordable prices.

We often think of the basic, affordable rubber flip flops that can be found almost anywhere in the summer. These you can find at department stores, shoe stores and even at your local grocery and drug stores. How about some alternatives? What if we want something a little different?

Let’s look at some other distinct flip flops mens retailers will have for you:

Leather flip flops

Leather

For a bit more money, you can upgrade your footwear by choosing mens leather flip flops. Here you will find various combinations of leather with rubber and/or EVA materials. Quality products will have good arch support and a soft inner lining on the leather straps. Not like cheap flip flops, a quality shoe will be something you can wear all day without causing your feet to become tired.  Good leather ‘flops will be durable, a sandal that you may get years of use from. Expect to pay $25 to $100 for a very nice pair.

Designer

Armani flip flops

For trendy and fashionable styles try mens Armani flip flops. They have some surprisingly affordable products that are proudly labeled with the Armani logo. The full collection of Armani will have traditional sandals and ‘flops. Emporio Armani has a line of leather and traditional rubber/EVA products that start at around $25.

Reef is a very popular brand name for ‘flops. For mens Reef flip flops see the Reef.com website, where you will see a huge product line including exotic leather and a wide variety of rubber/EVA models, some more sporty and some more trendy.

Some of the Reef footwear has features such as:

• heel airbag
• synthetic nubuck uppers
• leather uppers
• contoured arch support
• herringbone treaded outsole

Reef flip flops

What to Look For

If you are buying cheap drugstore ‘flops, size and color will be the only considerations. If you are splurging on brand name and/or higher quality footwear, then look for these features when you buy mens flip flops.

• outsole material, flexibility and durability
• functional treads
• arch support, contoured fit
• well made straps
• comfort of strap on your feet
• overall durability
• water resistance

Whether you plan to wear your new flip flops at the beach or just as a summertime walking shoe, take a good look at your local shoe and department stores and browse online to see a greater variety of sandals than you may have expected.

Today, thankfully, things have somewhat changed. Tourists now often believe that lightweight travel luggage is best. Most vacationers will now utilize lightweight carry on luggage with wheels as the preferred choice to the large, heavy and bulky suitcases of the past.

IF you’re planning a trip and have not replaced your old bulky suitcase or you are a younger traveler hoping to find a deal on a cheap lightweight luggage set, you will have many options. Let’s look at two choices and see the varying features and benefits.

Coleman lightweight luggage

Coleman

The Coleman Luggage lightweight 4 piece travel collection is a popular choice. You can find this set of 4 for under $250 at online retailers. User reviews are high with this set. It is covered by a 10 year limited warranty and includes a 17′, 21″ 25″ and 28″ piece.

Some of the features this set is known for are:

• inline skate wheels
• durable, while being lightweight
• locking, push-button handles
• mesh pockets
• industrial strength, gun-metal hardware

People that have purchased this luggage comment on the durability and the fact that they love the pockets and bags inside, which help with organizing smaller items. Many comment that this luggage set is the best bang for your- relatively small- buck.

Delsey

Delsey lightweight luggage

If you are looking for ultra lightweight luggage, the challenge is to find a piece that will remain durable while being lightweight. There are many, many brands to choose from but let’s look at one fairly new line from Delsey, the Helium Pro H-Lite Collection.

Here’s some of its features:

• flexible, graphite frame
• push-button, long handles
• TSA combination lock
• ballistic nylon
• self repairing zippers

What to Look For

When looking at lightweight luggage, along with its size and weight, consider the durability of the fabric. If it feels too thin and cheap, it likely won’t last the rigors of frequent use. The zippers should feel substantial and the hardware, including wheels, handles and straps should not feel too light or flimsy.

If you’re at a department store, compare a quality, more expensive brand with a discount “no-name” brand. Notice the difference in the construction and quality of the materials used. See how sturdy and smooth rolling the wheels are. Check inside for pockets, and straps which help you to organize your items.

Finally you may also factor in the fashion of you bag- color, design, etc. You can look at higher end lines from DVF or Harmann for quality, designer (yes, that means high priced) luggage sets.