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Holiday Reviews

The 2008 Holiday Card

23 Dec 2008 - Glenn in Sydney got the card, so it's safe to say that everyone has. This year's card was a frustrating experience. Last year's would have been hard to top so it instantly stressed me out.

I debated all kinds of themes, but kept falling short and part way in went into a full blown identity crisis for a few hours. I had an idea that involved the cats, but they are less willing photo models than I would have hoped, and I also didn't want to be "that guy with the cat card".

The idea for this year's card came to me out of the blue, in bed, at 5am. I woke up from a (unrelated) dream that I can't seem to remember now and thought to myself "Santa's Facebook Page".

Unfortunately, it's kind of an inside joke that only people who use Facebook will really get, but so far the reviews have been positive.

Now it's time to start thinking about next year's card!

Finding the Right Hotel for your Holiday

Article by Chris Miles

Everyone's heard the horror stories: hotel rooms crawling with cockroaches or rats, unclean pool water, rude and unhelpful staff, fellow guests running riot at all times of the night. These are the cautionary tales from holidaymakers who didn't properly research their hotel before heading out on holiday. These hideous scenarios are easily avoidable with a bit of preplanning, however, and by being sensible about your booking choices.

Cheapest is not always best, even if you're on a budget holiday. Look for a hotel that's within your budget, but don't jump at the first low price you see: these low prices can be an indicator of the quality of the service and rooms, or can indicate low occupancy rates due to poor customer experiences. Most holiday destinations have a bevy of great hotels on offer and by shopping around online you can usually find fantastic deals.

Visit websites such as Travel Advisor for impartial reviews from previous guests to get the real scoop on what hotels are like. Hotels usually only publish their best reviews and the descriptions are designed to make you want to stay there, so impartial reviews can give you a true idea of what to expect from your own visit. These review sites are also brilliant for feeling out the demeanour of the staff who work there, but you can also find out what the staff are like by checking with the local business or tourism bureau. Bear in mind that things may have changed since the reviewer's last visit and may have improved or, alternatively, the quality may have declined, so be aware of the date the review was posted on and rely more heavily on recent reviews.

Evaluate what amenities you and your family need. If you have a young family, you may want to find a hotel offering play and childcare facilities. If a member of your family is disabled, you will need to be sure that the hotel you've chosen is accessible to them. Don't assume that all hotels have a pool either, as this isn't always the case, and on hot, languid days you will miss having one if you didn't call ahead to check. Another thing to consider if you're on a family holiday is how far hotels are from your main holiday destination. It may not be possible to stay in the town or city you're most interested in visiting, so finding one as close as possible might be top priority for you.

There are a number of hotel booking sites online that also offer reviews as well as cheap deals and these may be the best place to start your search for the perfect hotel to compliment your dream holiday - happy hunting!

Holiday Reviews question by Michael Jensen: In 2000 New City (a Chicago weekly) reviewed wine stores, including Holiday wines. I need citation, Maybetext
The article was in New City in late 1999 or early 2000. Three or four shops were reviewed, I was mentioned by name and singled out for praise. I desperately need the date, and if possible, the text, for my resume.

Holiday Reviews best answer:

Answer by A M
You can order backcopies of that mag, maybe they can help you find the one you are looking for:

New City Communications, Inc.
770 North Halsted, Suite 306
Chicago, Illinois 60622
Telephone: 312-243-8786
Fax: 312-243-8802
Online: info@newcity.com
Listings: calendar@newcity.com

One copy of current issue free. Additional copies, including back issues up to one year, may be picked up at our office for $ 1 each. The Best of Chicago issue is $ 3 at the office; add $ 2 for mail. Back issues are available for the last two years by written request only to the Circulation Dept.; $ 5 per copy. Issues more than two years old are $ 10 (depending on issue availability; a reproduction of an article is available if desired.) Subscriptions: $ 35 for 3rd class mail (allow 2 weeks delivery), $ 75 first class mail. Copyright 2003, New City Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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