I moved to Scottsdale in August of 1976. So, some may call me a native. But to those of you who have never heard or Scottsdale, let me tell you why it’s so famous. It was the winter home of Frank Lloyd Wright who built Taliesin West as his retreat. It was a local favorite of Charles Wrigley as well. More recently, it is home to Mike Tyson, Michael Jordon, Charles Barkley, and Muhammad Ali, who all have homes nearby. Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad) and Go-Daddy (Domain provider) have their businesses here. It’s the location for the TPC golf course, a favorite of the pro tour. We are the spring training home to the San Francisco Giants and neighboring towns host the Chicago Cubs, along with over half the major league baseball teams. Next year, nearby Glendale will host a little event known as the Superbowl. We also hold the Barrett-Jackson auction of classic cars every year.

We border Phoenix to the west, Tempe to the south and Mesa to the East. The population is about 250,000 and our income is about $20,000 over the national average. We have Scottsdale Community College, home of the Fightin’ Artichokes (no kidding) and a private airport.

But it’s our weather that brings in the newcomers. The Phoenix area summers are infamous for baking at a crisp 105 to 110 degrees from June through September. But the rest of the year we can be in the 60’s through 80’s with very low humidity. It almost never snows or has frost. Every thing and place is well air conditioned to offset the scorching temperatures. We are a desert so rain is rare. We average less than seven inches a year and most days are sunny and cloud-free. The only pollution comes from neighboring cities and traffic that plods along one of our two freeways. We have a few wonderful malls with high-end designer shops and the normal Wal-Mart shopping centers. But, what sets us apart from many other cities, is our environment.

As I stated earlier, we were built on a desert, more specifically, the Sonoran Desert. So we boast scenic vistas of mountains and arroyos, cactus plants and tall saguaros. There are palm trees of varying sizes that can grow 50 feet tall. Many homes use xeroscaping which excludes grass and non-native plants. Rockscaped yards are common. Another common feature are the ranch-style homes built on a single-level. Many will have earthen-hued tile roofs and stucco exteriors to combat the sun. There are also in-ground pools in abundance. Here it is not a luxury. Most homes have central air conditioning and ceiling fans. Tile floors are an ordinary sight at every price range, many composed of Mexican tile. Citrus trees; orange lemon, and grapefruit, grow everywhere. Unfortunately, so do scorpions, rattlesnakes, and black widows. We are home to gila monsters and other smaller lizards. Add in roadrunners and coyotes and you have the wildlife picture.

So, why do I like Scottsdale so much? Well, it’s far different than Red Bank, New Jersey, where I was raised. I enjoy the sunny days, western landscape, lack of crowds, and relaxed lifestyle. It has a bit of California overtones without the beach, although I can drive to Rocky Point and lay on a Mexican beach in 4.5 hours or San Diego in 6 hours. I can be in Las Vegas in 45 minutes by plane. There’s great Mexican food, modern buildings, low crime, good schools, and state-of-the-art medical facilities. Every year, we get many retirees from the mid-west. Most have vacationed here for years, just waiting for the opportunity to get a winter home here.

You may be wondering what’s the point of me telling you all this? Am I a shill for the Department of Tourism, encouraging you to visit or move here? Heck no! Although I love living here, I hope you stay right where you are. I hope not a single new sole moves here to crowd our streets and businesses. But that’s not going to happen, I’m afraid. So, I will point out the downsides. Homes and apartments aren’t cheap, summer is a bitch, we have only two freeways, one with photo-radar to nab speeders, and, unfortunately, Mike Tyson. That should stop you dead in your tracks. Did I mention that Bob Crane of Hogan’s Heroes fame was killed in a Scottsdale Motel? Hopefully, that’s the final straw. Now stop whining, get back to your chores and clear the snow piled on your driveway.

Buenos Aires has always been a mysterious and dynamic destination and like any big city, you can have a variety of experiences.

Generally, those who visit Buenos Aires are glad they did. It is one of the most unique cities in the world and truly offers something for everyone.

However before you travel to another country, it is wise to glean information from those who have recently visited or even better, from people living there.

Here are 10 things to know before visiting Buenos Aires Argentina.

1. The Culture. They speak Spanish in Buenos Aires and the accent takes some getting used to. If you don’t speak Spanish, you can still get by but you may encounter some difficulties with taxis, shopping, and menus. Most people related to tourism speak English. The people are mostly friendly and very conservative keeping old traditions alive. Argentines are hard working people and work a 9-hour day without a nap. Families are the core of the culture and every Sunday is dedicated to spending time with loved ones. Everyone is good looking, even the dogs.

2. Is it safe? Buenos Aires is safe compared to most cities of 13 million people. The most common crime is petty theft including purse snatching and pick pocketing. You will always want to be cautious of this. But the murder rate is incredibly low, the kidnappings of the past have subsided, and there are plenty of police on the main streets to keep an eye on things.

3. What is the environment like in the city? Buenos Aires is an extremely urban environment and the noise and activity is constant. The weather is mild all year round with a few weeks in February that swelter, and a few weeks in August that get chilly. Pollution does exist on weekdays and can cause breathing troubles and the throat to itch. The streets are narrow and walking can sometimes be precarious. The architecture is a treasure trove spanning the last century.

4. What is the political situation? At the moment, politics in Argentina are stable with President Kirchner at the helm for the last 3 years and leaning toward the left. Argentines are very vocal about how they feel and there are peaceful protests around the government buildings several times a week. Throughout the last 70 years, there have been dictators and democracy and a strong rally for socialism. Despite a strong distaste for President Bush, in general the people of Buenos Aires are open minded to foreigners and enjoy meeting them.

5. How is the economy doing? The economy in Buenos Aires is thriving with small businesses, global companies, huge fashion districts, endless restaurants, and a growth in tourism. The University Of Buenos Aires is excellent and keeps the work place progressive. After the devaluation in 2001, the country had some difficult years, but now unemployment and homeless statistics are low and dropping. Foreign investment is booming and creating jobs in almost every sector.

6. Where should I stay? Choices for accommodations are staggering and each neighborhood will offer a different experience. You should rent an apartment if you are planning on staying a week or more. You should try to find lodging in a central part of the city keeping transportation costs low. Recoleta is surely the best neighborhood and very central. The Microcenter is the center of the city and most hotels and hostels are located here. Wherever you stay, make sure you are a few floors up from the street noise. It can be a serious annoyance for tourists and locals alike.

7. What should I pack? All you really need is your passport, something to help you sleep on the plane, and a camera with extra batteries. Everything else is available here at bargain prices. Laptops are accepted but cyber cafes are everywhere. Anything that can’t fit in 2 suitcases may be taxed heavily at the airport. Make sure to leave plenty of room in your luggage for souvenirs. And don’t forget to bring a pair of comfortable shoes.

8. What about money? Bring cash and exchange it at the airport. ATM’s are plentiful but have a $300 USD limit. To exchange money in the city, go to the financial district and look for signs that say “cambio” and bring your passport and an address of where you are staying. Currently $1 USD is worth about 3 pesos, which is good news for the tourist. Very few places accept credit cards. Only restaurants, grocery stores, and banks will break a 100peso bill. So always carry change with you. Always!

9. Transportation. Getting around Buenos Aires for a tourist will consist of 3 methods. Subways are cheap, safe, and only crowded at rush hour. (9am and 7pm). Taxis are also inexpensive but you may be taken on the scenic route if you speak English. Always have the necessary address written down so you can hand it to the driver. And finally, walking is the best way to see the city so make sure you carry a map. For locals, the bus system is the best transportation because there are so many. If you are brave, remember when you get on a bus, always tell the driver “ochenta”.

10. What happens after I get off the plane? When you arrive at the Buenos Aires International Airport (Ezeiza), you will first go through immigration. Before you get in line, make sure you have filled out the visa they give you on the airplane. Hand the visa and passport to the official for stamping. After that, go to baggage claim and collect your things. When you enter the terminal, go around to the right, all the way to the back to where a blue sign says “Banco”. Stand in this line to exchange your money for the best rate in the airport. Next, go to the center of the terminal where an indoor white taxi stand is. Tell them “Capital Federal” and have an address where you are staying. The cost is about 54 pesos and you will be escorted to a white taxi that will safely take you to your lodgings.

In 1816, although only eight kilometers (five miles) from central London, Hampstead was enough of a remote, rural village for poet John Keats (1795-1821) to write the following about a visit there:

“To one who has been long in city pent,

‘Tis very sweet to look into the fair

And open face of Heaven.”

John Keats soon moved to Hampstead and lived there for four years, leaving only when his rapidly failing health forced him to seek warmer climes. Keats House is now one of the many attractions of this scenic little London suburb.

A recommended walking tour of Hampstead would start at the Hampstead underground station, on the Northern Line, the line shown in black on maps of London’s underground railway system.

On leaving the station, turn left down Hampstead High Street, the main shopping street with many interesting boutiques and restaurants. The signs to Keats House will direct you down Downshire Hill, past rows of fine Georgian houses. Take the right fork at Keats Grove, past St. John’s Church, an attractive, white, 19th-century church with a portico and domed bell turret. Keats House is down the road on the right, next to the Keats Memorial Library, containing some 8,000 volumes about the poet.

The collection includes just about every book ever written about Keats, his family and friends, along with a selection of periodicals containing reviews of his works and those of his contemporaries.

Strolling up the garden path to the front door you will see a plaque on your right marking the spot where Keats wrote his beautiful “Ode to a Nightingale.” The mulberry tree on the front lawn probably dates from Stuart times and must have been quite large when Keats composed poetry in its shade.

Inside the house, of particular interest is the Chester Room, containing a series of display cases housing the main Keats collection. Notice the life mask of the poet by Benjamin Robert Haydon, made while Haydon was painting Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem. Keats and another friend of Haydon’s, William Wordsworth, both appear in the crowd scene on the right of the picture. Other interesting exhibits include Keats’s writing desk; his inkstand with the bust of Shakespeare; his copies of Shakespeare’s plays and poems, with the manuscript of the “Bright Star” sonnet; the only letter from Keats to Shelley, dated August 4, 1820 and his anatomical notebook which he kept as a student at medical school. In another showcase is Keats’s heavily marked copy of Milton’s Paradise Lost, one of his favorite works.

Keats House is open Monday - Saturday, 10.00am-6.00pm and Sunday, 2.00pm-5.00pm. Admission is free.

On leaving Keats House, proceed down the hill towards Hampstead Heath. Turn left up Willow Road towards New End Square and Burgh House, your next stop on the trail. Burgh House was built in 1703 during the reign of Queen Anne and is now used as a community center, local museum, art gallery and study center. On the ground floor is the pinewood paneled Music Room, used for concerts and recitals. Hampstead’s history from prehistoric times to the present is vividly portrayed in the museum. Burgh House also boasts a bookshop and a licensed restaurant.

Hampstead has been a magnet for creative people for over two centuries and within a block or two of Burgh House have lived: Edgar Wallace, D.H. Lawrence, Compton MacKenzie and artist John Constable.

Upon leaving Burgh House, stroll down Flask Walk and, if thirsty, drop into The Flask and drink in the ambience of a genuine Victorian pub. Once back on Hampstead High Street, cross over to Church Row, an elegant 18th-century terrace of brown brick houses where George Du Maurier and H.G. Wells once lived. At the end of the row is the Church of St. John-at-Hampstead, where the artist John Constable is buried.

Northwards is Holly Walk with its pretty 19th-century pink and yellow washed cottages. Continue up across Mount Vernon Junction along Hampstead Grove and note on your left the elegant wrought iron gates of Fenton House.

Now a National Trust property, Fenton House is an attractive, redbrick, Queen Anne house, once the home of Philip Fenton, a wealthy merchant. The interior is authentic, early 18th-century, with fine furniture and an extensive porcelain collection. The most important feature is the assembly of early keyboard instruments, kept in good playing condition by visiting music students who give concerts here. Outside is the walled garden with terraced walks, a sunken garden and orchard.

Just beyond Fenton House is Admirals Walk where you’ll find Grove Lodge, the house in which John Galsworthy wrote The Forsyte Saga.

Continue uphill until you reach the Whitestone Pond, London’s highest point at 133 meters (437 feet), believed to be the site of one of the Armada beacons. On the left, the large, white weatherboard building is Jack Straw’s Castle, now a pub and once the gathering point for supporters of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381. Take the right fork down Spaniards Road to the Spaniards Inn and Tollhouse. This weatherboard inn stands on the site of a house that belonged to a 17th-century Spanish ambassador. It was here that the Gordon Rioters stopped in 1780 to ask the way to Kenwood House, but their revolutionary zeal withered under the influence of excess ale.

Follow the footpath off Spaniards Road across Hampstead Heath to find Kenwood House. Lord Iveagh bequeathed this beautiful Adam-style house to England in 1828. Kenwood contains paintings by: Gainsborough, Stubbs, Rembrandt, Hals, Vermeer, Turner, Romney and Reynolds. There is also an extensive collection of 18th-century furniture, jewellery and shoebuckles. During the summer music recitals are given in the Orangery and evening concerts are held at the lakeside. Also in the grounds is Doctor Johnson’s Summerhouse, brought to Kenwood in 1968. Lunches and afternoon teas are served in the Old Kitchen and Coach House.

Make sure you leave time for a stroll on the heath itself. Comprising of 324 hectares (800 acres), it is just slightly smaller than New York’s Central Park (843 acres). With heathland, hills, ponds and pathways, for walking, kite flying, swimming and picnicking, it has been the playground of north Londoners for over 150 years since it was rescued at the eleventh hour from the greedy hands of developers.

Since our plane landed nice and early we had virtually a whole day left to explore yesterday. The weather was pretty nice, quite sunny when we started, although it clouded over a little and was a little on the cool side, it never got much above 15 degrees Celsius.

Around noon time we hopped on the Q subway line, which is literally 5 minutes from our bed and breakfast, and we made our way into Manhattan. The subway actually emerges at the Manhattan Bridge and we got a good look at the Brooklyn Bridge and the south-eastern tip of Manhattan.

We decided to get off on Times Square, figuring that this would be pretty good place to start exploring NYC. Times Square, with all its neon advertising signs, and promotional displays is something else. The sidewalks were totally full of people strolling and tons of promoters were handing out flyers for broadway shows, comedy shows and other entertainment events. There is so much advertising in the Times Square area with lights and displays blinking everywhere, that the individual advertisements actually started to run into one another in my mind, probably not the effect the advertisers tried to achieve. Indeed, the hustle and bustle in this area is huge and can get a little overwhelming.

We strolled around that area for a while, and walked by Rockefeller Center, although we did not get to explore the whole complex. Then we tracked down Grand Central Terminal and walked through this grandiose historic train station which opened in 1913. There are over 100 commuter train platforms at Grand central and they all run off a glorious central concourse.

The east side of Grand Central opens out almost straight onto the Chrysler Building, and considering that I am a huge fan of Art Deco skyscrapers, I had to go inside this 1929 masterpiece. As a tourist you can only access the lobby, but the central area with its ceiling mural and the authentic Art Deco elevators (and their doors covered in wood marquetry) are definitely worth a little detour.

Then we snaked our way up towards Central Park, mostly on Lexington and Fifth Avenues. We walked by the (apparently just closed) famous Plaza Hotel and into the south end of Central Park, a masterpiece of landscape design and 850 acres of much-needed recreational space by the famous landscape designer Frederick Law Olmstead. We only explored the south end, including the Dairy and Sheep Meadow and headed out onto Central Park West with all its stately apartment buildings, including the Dakota Building, in front of which John Lennon was shot in 1980. The Strawberry Fields hillside garden was dedicated to his memory.

Everything is blooming here right now, and New York City is definitely a few weeks ahead of Toronto in terms of the horticultural cycle. Something was in the air, and I had to sneeze about a hundred times, and by the end of the day we both had to pick up some allergy medication since we were both battling major hayfever symptoms.

Then a brief hop on the subway later, we popped up again in Greenwich Village, a beautiful neighbourhood of brownstone townhouses and took in the ambience. We ended up at a nice little restaurant on 7th Avenue, called “Pennyfeathers” where we had a beautiful dinner in an enclosed porch so we could take in the street life.

A couple of subway rides later we came back to our temporary home in Brooklyn where we dropped into bed exhausted from all the walking, trying to catch up on a bit of rest for the next day.

As springtime dawns upon us and the travel market gears up for short breaks, Amsterdam heads the list of the most desirable and popular European city destinations. The culture, atmosphere and nightlife of Amsterdam have long been heralded by UK and European travellers; and Amsterdam, along with Barcelona, Prague and Dublin is widely recognised as one of the most popular short break destinations.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ largest city, is also one of the most pedestrian friendly and environmentally conscious cities in the world. This status helps reaffirm the tourist-friendly nature of the city, as amiable wandering is encouraged and the scourge of traffic is virtually non-existent within the confines of the city centre.

Amsterdam is also a good base for those looking to explore further into the Netherlands; and for repeat visitors, a number of excursions and attractions are easily accessible by car from the city. Delft, a historic city founded in 1100, is on the main stretch of road between Amsterdam and The Hague. The town is home to the historic blue and white pottery, known as Delftware; it has also been described as ‘the Netherlands in miniature,’ with characteristic buildings and canals that are associated with the architecture of the country. Further traditional pursuits can be experienced in Alkmaar, which hosts the weekly cheese market. This runs every Friday and is a traditional ritual for tourists who are after the region’s renowned Edam and Gouda cheeses.

For adventurous types, a day trip to the Efteling theme park is a must. The park is based around traditional myths and fairy tales and is renowned as one of the best theme parks in Europe. More laid-back entertainment can be found on a trip to the Zaanse Schans windmills - a reconstructed and fully operational museum that relives the heritage of industrial windmills.

Driving in the Netherlands is a pleasurable pursuit: the country is flat, the roads are open and most tourists find that Dutch drivers are extremely courteous and safe. Moreover, with extensive means of car hire in the Netherlands, pairing some exciting excursions with a round-up of Amsterdam attractions is simple. But if the wider attractions of the Netherlands don’t appeal, you can always hire a bike and see some of the Netherlands on two wheels rather than four.

Travel and Tourism degrees are available through an online college or university distance learning course. A Travel and Tourism degree qualifies future travel agents for an exciting career planning trips, escorting clients to exotic locales, and enjoying industry discounts on airfare and services.

Online Travel and Tourism Schools teach students to assess a client’s travel goals: Will it be a business trip or pleasure? What are the client’s interests? How much is the client willing to spend? Online Travel and Tourism Schools show students how to select a destination, make reservations for hotels and car rentals, purchase airline tickets, and arrange tours and recreational activities.

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement for travel agents, but a Travel and Tourism degree or certification can greatly increase employment potential. Travel and Tourism is an extremely competitive job market, and an online degree demonstrates a high level of competency that employers find very desirable.

There are many online schools and distance learning programs to choose from when seeking an education in Travel and Tourism. For those who major in Travel and Tourism, online colleges and universities offer Associate, Bachelor and even Master Degrees. Students may also opt for certification via a 6 to 12 week Distance Learning course.

If you are interested in learning more about a career in Travel and Tourism, apply to one of the many online and distance learning courses available, and join an exciting profession that will take you around the world!

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Las Vegas is often the main event in Nevada, no matter what month it is and there are a lot of things to do in Las Vegas whenever you visit. There are, however, other things to check out if you have a chance to visit other parts of Nevada that are just as fun and interesting as Las Vegas. Lake Tahoe is a beautiful sight to see. Heavenly Valley Epic Mountain is one of the largest mountains in the country. There are 4,800 acres of beautiful snow and beautiful scenery to experience. The mountain is over 10,000 feet with 360 inches of annual snowfall. If that isn’t enough snow for the mountain, they have the largest snowmaking system in the country that covers 70% of the mountain. Heavenly Valley also offers sleigh rides, lake cruises, spas, hot springs and everything you need to make a relaxing vacation.

The Truckee River Kayak Park Course is open year round and is a great break from the surrounding hotels, even though it is downtown. The water has a constant flow and is fresh and clean. The park is within walking distance from the hotels and casinos but is a part of the mountain adventure area. This area offers skiing, golf and mountain biking in addition to the kayaking park. There are five-drop pools in the north channel and six drop pools in the south channel. Each drop pool allows for kayaking maneuvers or you can run the whole course in 2 to 2 ½ minutes. The water maintains a 50 to 70 degrees and never freezes. Kayakers are required to wear helmets and flotation jackets for safety purposes. The course is a class 2 to 3 course. Canoes, rafts and inner tubes are also allowed on the river.

Laughlin is a fun place to go if you like to gamble but don’t want to pay for the high-priced hotels in Vegas. Laughlin is on the Colorado River and it is still pretty warm during the day. You will find temperatures in the seventies, so feel free to hop into the hot tub after a long day at the slots. Laughlin doesn’t have all the glamour of Vegas, but it is hardcore gambling if that’s your thing. There are also several outlet stores for some shopping. Nevada is a beautiful state and it doesn’t matter where you go you will find something to do. Nevada has a lot of outdoors attractions and the weather tends to stay warm throughout the year.

A visit to the Napa Valley encompasses a visual, aromatic and gastronomic indulgence. Chefs from around the world, wine connoisseurs, and any epicure will definitely enjoy and learn from a visit to Napa Valley.

Several companies hold single or multi-day tours to showcase the different vineyards and to give the tourists a taste of the different wines being produced. They are professionals who will open doors to the bigger, established and more popular wineries and also to the smaller, newer and lesser known ones. Some companies offer a fixed program and itinerary while some customize the tour to suit the tourists’ specific needs, requests and budget. They create specialized programs suitable for unsure wine neophytes and wine aficionados alike.

For long-time wine connoisseurs, it is very interesting to learn about the craft of winemaking from the winemaker himself. For a novice, it is fun to learn about wine tasting (e.g. sniffing, swirling and sipping), discover the history of the wineries and to be able to compare the products from different vineyards. Other tours also offer lunches with the winemaker, cooking classes by a renowned chef, winemaking seminars and even river rafting, bicycle tours and hot air ballooning.

A sample itinerary for a single-day tour starts with being picked up by the tour guide and bringing you to a vineyard that does not produce any red wine. This is interesting as you will learn about Chardonnays that can be aged for ten to fifteen years. If the group prefers red wine instead, they will visit another vineyard and even have lunch with the winemaker himself. The owner of the winery gives a private tour of his property. After that, a large and famous winery and/or a smaller, less popular one will be toured. The company will bring you back to your location after the tour.

Different companies offer different choices of transportation for the tours. Some have buses or coasters for bigger groups, SUVs for good viewing opportunities or cars and limousines for smaller groups.

Alaska is USA’s 49th state and it became part of the country in 1959. Where does it get its name from? It is derived from the term “aleut alyeska” which means “a greater land.” It lies way up on the Yukon Trail and borders a part of Canada. The Arctic Circle lies within it and it has tall, snow-covered mountains. It has a lot of land area and is the largest state in the US. It also has the largest coastline of all the states.

The first inhabitants in Alaska probably came through the Bering Land Bridge. This piece of land used to link Alaska and Russia way back in the Ice Age but it has long since been submerged. Who were these first settlers? They were the Yupik Eskimos, the Aleuts, The Inuit, Inupiaq and other American Indians. In fact, this was probably the way most ancient settlers to America came through. Over the years, Alaska grew to be a part of Russia. In 1867, it was bought by the US for 7 million dollars.

Like Hawaii, Alaska does not have any other US state along its borders. In fact, it is around 500 miles away from the country which it belongs to. What is it like? For one, it is a state that has a lot of water. It has many islands and around 3.5 million lakes and that’s just counting the ones that measure over 20 acres in area! It also has a lot of wetlands and marshlands and, of course, a lot of its land is made up of glaciers or frozen rivers. Most of Alaska is still very much a winter wonderland. Vast stretches of white snow interspersed with beautiful hills that are picturesque with tall trees and sparking waterfalls.

Thanks to its abundance of water, it abounds in fish as well. Little wonder it is the favored destination for so many seasoned anglers. There are any number of fishing tours one could take and experienced guides take you to the best spots. With so much fish around, Alaska’s main export just has to be seafood! However, as agriculture isn’t much of an industry, and transport infrastructure within the state is not too good, food prices tend to be high.

Despite all its natural beauty, many Alaskans tend to suffer from depression. Is it the isolation or the cold? Whatever the reason, there is domestic abuse and a high crime rate and also instances of suicide. A lot of it can probably be blamed on the high incidence of alcoholism here. Yet another problem seems to be the fact that youngsters tend to leave Alaska as soon as they finish school or college. Their destination? The exciting world that is the rest of the US. This happens especially with the best students. So the ones left behind are the ones who do not perform as well, which means a slow winding down of talent within the state. Is there a solution? The schools and universities are trying to tackle the problem by offering the best 10% of students a 4-year scholarship.

New York City, located among a cluster of islands surrounding New York Harbour, has an immense amount to offer visitors. That said, many first-timers in the city often feel overwhelmed by its size and multitude of attractions. But rest assured that by keeping a few handy travel tips in mind, you’ll be able to get the most out of your experience in the “Big Apple.”

New York City, like many large cities, has a number of small, distinctive boroughs. Atmospheric neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village, SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown emanate the splendours of the city, yet stand on their own characteristically. Even relatively compact regions of the city are known for their unique attributes, such as the farmer’s market in Union Square or the iconic lighted advertisements of Times Square. But one thing is certain: no matter where in the city you go, you’re bound to encounter a host of treasures.

When organizing an outing in New York City, it’s a good idea to arrange an approximate sightseeing route; after all, with a city that’s so vast in size, sticking to some sort of plan might save time and help you get the most out of your visit. Getting around New York City is simple: the city’s subway network is one of the most comprehensive in the world, connecting all parts of Manhattan in rapid time.

However, the best way to see New York is undoubtedly on foot. Central Park is an ideal place to start a walking tour of New York City: 843 acres of shimmering ponds and lush greenery beckon to locals and tourists alike as a haven alongside the concrete backdrop of the city. And apart from offering breathtaking scenery, the park is a centre for New York recreation. Visitors can listen to music groups, watch performers, walk along the trails and even take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. The Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, Ellis Island and Coney Island also offer great opportunities for outdoor family fun in New York City.

If you’re an art buff, you’ll certainly want to take advantage of New York City’s many museums and galleries. A section of Fifth Avenue has now been officially deemed the “Museum Mile” due to the number of famous museums located there. Among the most famous are: the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Moreover, a trip to New York City simply isn’t complete without a visit to its famous Theatre District. With world-class performances being staged year-round, visitors are always sure to find a show that suits their theatrical taste. Furthermore, half-price discounted tickets are available at the TKTS centre on Broadway - so you don’t have to pay a fortune to see a fantastic show.

Avid shoppers will be thrilled with New York City’s shopping scene - one of the most prominent in the world. With Stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, Bloomingdales and Macy’s, there’s something to keep every shopper smiling. And children - as well as the young at heart - will enjoy visiting the world famous toy store, FAO Schwarz. New York also plays host to countless annual festivals and events, such as the International Food Festival, the New York State Fair, New York Film Festival and the New York City Marathon, the world’s largest road race. So no matter what time of year you decide to visit, you’re sure to come across some seasonal excitement.

If you’re planning a trip to New York City, you’ll find a number of superb hotels - like the Jumeirah Essex House - which offer first-class accommodation. And if you stay at a hotel near Central Park New York, you’re guaranteed an experience which encompasses both the animated attractions and serene splendours of the city. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags - complete with a pair of walking shoes - and get ready to experience one of the most iconic cities in the world.