الجمعة، 31 أغسطس 2012

Why Should I Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?

A personal injury can affect your life for many years. However, it can even result in financial, physical and emotional suffering for you and your family. Suffering an injury of this type can be difficult. Regardless of the person, intent or the company, whose negligence was accountable for your injury, and can be held liable for the damages that you may have incurred. By consulting a competent lawyer, the damages of the case can be calculated and explained.

A personal injury is a legal term that has been used for the kind of injury which occurs to the mind, emotions or body rather than an injury to property. This can be distressing especially if you have suffered this as a result of an accident, which was not your fault. Having such an injury can automatically give the claimant a right for compensation. The specialists who claim such a case can guarantee you compensation quickly. If this type of injury is related to class action it can be heard in either state or federal court. Also, these specialists deal with claims that are related to this type, and which are caused by direct result of another person. On the other hand, they also help if you are unsure whether you have a claim or not. The court will determine the damages, if the claims for the injury have been proved.

However, as discussed earlier, this type of injury can be either physical or psychological. In matters of law, this is defined as any damage that results from another person's careless, reckless or negligent actions. A victim deserves to be rightly compensated for such traumas as well as the physical injury, when such a personal injury has been caused by the intent or negligence of another person.

Many a times, you may be unsure if your personal wound is actionable or caused by negligence. As previously mentioned, this can come from many places. You should understand what exactly this personal damage means in your state is. However, in order to file a lawsuit for you to recover the damages caused by the injury, it should work only if it is a result of an attack, an accident or negligence. Reading through the passage, you should have understood that this is more than an injury occurred by one's self and is definitely not a person problem. If this type of claim has been sustained then a personal Injury lawyer will have the experience to advice on the potential of the claim.


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Explore a Buddhist Tour in India

For Buddhists, India is a sacred place even though the country is not essentially a Buddhist country. The reason behind India being sacred is that Lord Gauttam Buddha was born in India, in the city of Lumbini. Not only that, Gautam Buddha attained enlightened at a place near Gaya. The place is called Bodhgaya after "enlightenment".

Other than this, Lord Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon to his five disciples in a place near Varanasi. The place is called Sarnath and is easily reachable from Varanasi - via air, road and rail. Lord Buddha attained nirvana in Kushinagar, in India.

Thus there are four must visit places for Buddhist tourists:
• Lumbini
• Bodhgaya
• Sarnath
• Kushinagar

Other than the above mentioned four places, there are caves and monasteries all over India that contain teachings of Buddha. Ajanta caves, for example, contain carvings and paintings that cover Jataka tales related to Buddhism.

A Buddhist Pilgrimage tour should essentially cover the above mentioned places. The Buddhist temple tour would mean visiting not only the temples at Sarnath, Lumnini and Bodhgaya but also the paintings at Ajanta caves as it is also a Buddhist Place in India.

Lumbini is a world heritage place as people believe visiting the place is the beginning of their quest for salvation. The palace where Buddha stayed until the age of 29 is protected and preserved as are the other places of Buddhist interest - including the pond where Buddha's mother took a dip before lord Buddha was born.

Bodhgaya is a place near Gaya which again is reachable via Patna, the capital of Bihar. Patna is reachable via rail, road and air. While Gaya stands as an important place for Hindus, Bodhgaya is venerable for Buddhists. Lord Buddha gained knowledge here in one of the monasteries. The place has monasteries and paintings that reveal the life and study of Lord Buddha.

Sarnath was the place where Lord Buddha shared his knowledge with his first five disciples who actually were looking for knowledge with Buddha at Bodhgaya. As Buddha did not have money to pay for crossing the river Ganges, he walked on the water to reach Sarnath. When the king of Varanasi came to know of this enlightened person, he gifted an entire deer park and adjoining place to him - for purpose of further strengthening the studies etc. At Sarnath, you can also find a huge statue of Buddha. In addition, there is a museum.

Ajanta caves are located in the state of Maharashtra. They are total four caves out of which three contain paintings and sculptures that reveal and spread the stories from what are known as Jataka tales. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha was not the only avatar. There were several instances of Boddhisatvas on this planet. The Jataka tales tell stories of other Boddisatvas too. Even if you are not a Buddhist, you should visit the Ajanta caves just to check out the enchanting paintings and sculpture.

Your tour operator will give you more details on Buddhist Pilgrimage tour - places you will visit, schedule etc. Make sure you know things in advance so that you can pray and enjoy the peace while learning new things.

Anushka Roy is a writer. He has more than 5 years of experience in Travel industries. He is assisting travel last 3 years. For more information about India holidays and Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour


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Using Your Traditional IRA to Buy a Home

10% Early Withdrawal Penalty

Generally, when you withdraw funds from a traditional IRA and you are under 59½ years old, you incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty in addition to the income taxes on the amounts withdrawn. However, if you withdraw from your traditional IRA to use the funds to buy a home, then you may be able to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Home Buyer Exception

Under 26 USC § 72(t)(2)(F), if you use funds from your traditional IRA to pay for "first-time home distributions", then you do not have to pay the 10% early withdrawal penalty. A "first-time homebuyer distribution" is a distribution from a traditional IRA that is used within 120 days of the withdrawal to pay the costs of acquiring, constructing, or reconstructing a residence (such as the usual or reasonable settlement, financing or other closing costs) for a principal residence of a first-time homebuyer. See 26 USC § 72(t)(8).

Definition of a First-Time Homebuyer

Since this is a government program, a "first-time" homebuyer does not mean what you think it means. A "first-time homebuyer" is an individual (or their spouse) who has not had a present ownership interest in a principal residence in the past two years of "acquiring" a new principal residence. The date of acquisition is either the date of the binding contract to acquire the new principal residence or the date when construction or reconstruction of the new principal residence is commenced. See 26 USC § 72(t)(8)(D).

$10,000 Limit to the Home Buyer Exception

However, there is a limit to how much you can withdraw from your traditional IRA without incurring the 10% early withdrawal penalty. You can only use up to $10,000 in total distributions over your lifetime as qualified first-time homebuyer distributions. See 26 USC § 72(t)(8)(B).

Income Tax Consequences

Although withdrawing from your traditional IRA may not result in the 10% early withdrawal penalty, the withdrawals may still be subject to Federal and state income taxes. The amount of the tax will depend on the total income you receive during the year, such as wages from work, interest and dividends, gains and losses from the sale of capital assets, etc. Before withdrawing from your traditional IRA, you may want to consult with a tax professional to understand the tax consequences.

Laws Subject to Change

Information in this article was based on a review of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code in effect in 2012. Laws are subject to change.

This article was written by Jake C. Santos, Esq., a Senior Associate Attorney, at Norrie & Associates in Mount Olive, NJ. More information about the firm and the author is available at http://www.norrielaw.com/. Norrie & Associates serves North and Central New Jersey.


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الخميس، 30 أغسطس 2012

Wildlife Tour of India

Located in Central India, Madhya Pradesh is bordered by Uttar Pradesh in the northeast, Gujarat in the west, Maharashtra in the south-west and Chhattisgarh in the southeast.Ancient palaces, fortresses, temples, archaeological museums, waterfalls and wildlife abound in this state, making it an attractive tourism destination. Every region in the state has something to offer in terms of its rich history and natural sights.

Heritage

The finesse and tastefulness of the royals who ruled Madhya Pradesh are evident in the architecture of the various palaces and fortresses in the state.

The main heritage attractions in Mandu are the Jal Mahal, Baz Bahadur Palace and Hindola Mahal. The Hindola Mahal has a well which is connected with underground vaulted rooms with arrangements for cold and hot water.

The Dhar Fort houses the Kharbuja Mahal with melon- shaped domes and Sheesh Mahal. The architecture of the Lalbagh Palace in Indore has a European influence. The Gujari Mahal in Gwalior Fort stands as a monument of love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen Mrignani. The Jai Vilas Palace here is an elegant white sprawling building and also houses the H.H. Maharaja Sir Jiwaji Rao Scindia Museum. The Ater Fort in the ravines of Chambal has a few attractions like the Khooni Darwaza. Badan Singh Ka Mahal. Raja Ka Bangla. Rani Ka Bangla and Barah Khamba Mahal. The Vijayraghavgarh Fort in Jabalpur boasts of a number of features like the Kachahari, Hamam, an amphitheatre. a temple and a baodi (well).

Some significant museums in the state are the Archaeological Museum of Chanderi, ASI Museums in Khajuraho and Mandu, Birla Museum of Bhopal, Sarod Museum of Gwalior, the Central Museum of Indore, State Museum in Bhopal, Site Museum in Sanchi and the Tribal and Folk Art Museum in Khajuraho. The varied historic collections and exhibits in these museums are evident of the region's distant past.

Pilgrimage: The popular pilgrimage centres in the state are Bada Ganesh ka Mandir, Chausath Yogini Temple, Gadkalika Mandir, Gauri Somnath Temple, Harsiddhi Ma, Karna Math Mandir and Shri Gopal temple.

Wildlife: Madhya Pradesh prides itself on the abundantwildlife found, especially in the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges. Best known ones are the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Kanha National park. Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhav National Park and the Mandla Fossil National Park.These parks are home to a sizeable number of tigers. Sambar, Chital (spotted deer). Chowsingha, Nilgai, Chinkar. Gaur and wild pigs are some of the herbivores common in these reserves. Wild animals include leopards, wild dogs. Hyena, jackal, sloth bear, grey langur and wolves.Some of these wildlife parks are also home to over 200 varieties of birds like cormorants, darters, storks, ibises, pintail ducks, Brahminy ducks, fishing eagles, spot bills. bar-headed geese, shrikes and wagtails and vultures.The Satpura region is an important habitat for freshwater crocodiles, flying squirrels and jungle fowl among others.Besides wildlife, these reserves have other tourist attractions too. The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has the Bandhavgarh Fort, Badi Gufa and Chakradhara. The attractions in the Kanha Reserve consist of the Shravan Tal, Macha Dongar and Bamni Dadar. At the Madhav National Park. one can visit the Sakhya Sagar Lake, Madhav Lake, George Castle, Bhurakho and the Sailing Club.

Leisure: Madhya Pradesh is also known for breathtaking waterfalls, lakes and dams such as the Dhuandhar Falls, Jamuna Pratap. Rajat Pratap, Jalawataran, Raneh Falls and Pandav Falls, Upper Lake, Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar. Multi-purpose dams like Bansagar, Bargi, Kerwa, Tawa, Bhadbhada and Halahi also serve as picnic spots.

Madhya Pradesh has plentiful places of interest, which makes it all the more worthwhile to plan a leisurely itinerary to see and soak up all that the state has to offer by way of its heritage. Pilgrimage, Wildlife and leisure.


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How a Business Attorney Can Help

Whether you own a small or a large company, it is likely that you will need legal assistance at some point. A highly qualified business attorney can help you in a variety of ways, including with contract disputes and tax issues.

A business attorney can represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom. They can provide legal guidance on a number of issues and even negotiate with other organizations or individuals on your behalf. If negotiations are unsuccessful, a legal professional can work to build a strong case in order to protect both you and your company.

When you own your own company, there is a lot at stake. While it may be tempting to try to tackle legal issues on your own, it could end up costing you in the long run. It is far better to hire a skilled and experienced lawyer to handle everything for you. That way, you can get back to what's most important to you, which is the successful running of your company.

Day to day, there are a lot of details involved in making an organization operate well. Often, legal issues are included in those details and they are far too important to overlook. Not only do you have to file the proper tax forms on behalf of your company, but also you need to ensure that the correct forms were filed for both you and your employees.

Without the help of a knowledgeable business attorney, you could find out down the line that imperative tax paperwork was mishandled, and you could end up owing the government money. But, you can avoid the headache when you hire a seasoned legal professional to help you navigate the process.

A business attorney can also help if you need assistance with contract issues. Not only can they make sure that any contract that you sign is in your best interests, but also they can ensure that the agreement is adhered to by other parties involved. So, before you sign a legally binding document, it is of the utmost importance that you have the guidance of an experienced lawyer on your side. They can protect you from future legal issues.

It is also beneficial to have a business attorney on retainer so that when you have an unexpected legal question or issue, someone that you have established a personal, trusting relationship with will be available to help you, no matter how big or small the problem.

When you need a trustworthy Ft Myers business attorney to handle your legal needs, a professional partnership with us is the way to go. Visit http://www.dorceylaw.com/ to learn more about our practice today.


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الأربعاء، 29 أغسطس 2012

Is Budget Travel Right for You? Weigh the Pros and Cons

Saving enough money for your next vacation might seem like an insurmountable task. Have you decided to explore the possibilities of budget travel? Be careful! The word "budget" does not always mean that you will save money - or that you will enjoy your vacation.

Budget Airlines

Advantages

• You can save a lot of money.

• Safety is on par with the bigger airlines, as the inspection process is the same, no matter how much you pay for your flight.

Disadvantages

• Flights often land at secondary airports, which may be several miles from your destination.

• Cancellations are common on budget airlines. You could end up stranded and trying to make arrangements for a new flight.

• Discount airlines may charge a lot more for checked or overweight luggage, insurance, and other perks provided at a lower cost (or free) by the larger airlines.

• Inflight services and amenities may be minimal.

All-Inclusive Resort Packages

Advantages

• Round-trip airfare is often part of the cost, so there are no hidden surprises. Since the resorts deal directly with airlines and other transportation providers, they can negotiate better price points.

• Meals and drinks are usually provided, eliminating the need to search for local restaurants or buy meals.

• Sports equipment such as scuba gear is usually provided. Free instruction is often included.

Disadvantages

• Since everything is onsite, there is little or no interaction with local culture and customs, unless the resort includes local tours in its rate.

• Some resorts with cheap packages charge for extras. Read all brochures and advertising so that you know what to expect. Weigh the cost of extras and compare with other resort offerings.

• Poorly-maintained or improperly fitting sports gear can cause accidents or even death.

• Courses (such as scuba diving) may cost extra; read the fine print.

• If tipping is included in the total price, you do not have the opportunity to reward good performance and staff might not be as attentive at this type of resort.

Cruises

Advantages

• Meals, unbottled water, and coffee are free. Some cruises provide complimentary wine.

• Many onboard activities, including entertainment, are part of the total cruise cost.

• You don't have to worry about planning activities or getting lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Everything is nearby; activities are organized by the cruise company; you can relax and enjoy your vacation.

• Once you unpack, you are ready to have fun. You completely avoid the tedium of packing/unpacking for every leg of the journey.

• Cruiselines often work directly with airlines to provide packages that include inexpensive round-trip air transportation.

Disadvantages

• Living quarters are cramped. Unless you really get along with your companion, your patience may be put to the test.

• Chances to explore are minimal, because you will be spending most of your time onboard.

• Shore excursions will not allow you to travel far from the dock for sightseeing activities.

• Port taxes and fees are usually not included in the cost of a cruise.

• There is typically an extra charge for bottled water, fancy coffee, gourmet meals, and alcohol.

• Salon and spa treatments are usually quite costly.

• Laundry and dry-cleaning services are fairly expensive.

• Internet access is pricey and notoriously slow.

Do some of these facts surprise you? Weigh all the options before you make a decision that you might regret later.

Part of planning a vacation is deciding how you will get to your destination. If you have opted to fly, be sure to check Kathy's latest eBook, Top Tips for Travel by Air - Over 300 Targeted Travel Tips. 1000Tips4Trips is also a good place to visit. You can search through over 1500 travel tips about flying, cruises, pre-travel preparations, and more.


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Rape Attorney: Options for a Defense

From the moment a rape attorney is contacted, the planning begins for a solid defense. There are all types of factors that need to be considered before a person is convicted of the crime. A lawyer sits down with his or her client and begins to talk about all of the options. In order to provide the best legal representation possible, it is important to learn more about a client, his or her experiences, and the events leading up to the charges.

Assumptions Made About the Accuser

A rape attorney needs to understand the mindset of his client at the time of the incident. For example, if the client is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with someone underage, is could be possible that the defendant believed that he or she old enough to consent. 18 years old is the line in the sand that the law has drawn. Sexual interactions with anyone under 18 are considered illegal. However a defendant could have been deceived and led to believe that a person was older than 18. In these cases, this is a plausible defense.

On the other hand, when one adult accuses another adult of inappropriate sexual contact there could be a question of intent. For example, one person may have believed that the other was a willing participant. Then after the fact, accusations are made. A rape attorney can suggest that his or her client believed that the accused was a willing participant and was in no way forced.

False Accusations

Another type of defense includes suggesting and proving that false accusations are being made. It is obvious that the lawyer wants to show that his or her client is not guilty. While going through the defense, it is suggested or proven that the accusations are false. This includes showing that a person intentionally made up the story in order to hurt the defendant and his or her reputation.

Proof of Intercourse

These types of cases often turn into a "he said, she said," situation. One person says that something happened a certain way. The other denies it. In order to prove that a client is innocent, a rape attorney can force the prosecutor to show that actual intercourse took place. This can be very difficult as physical evidence is often hard to come by. While in many states, proving that intercourse actually took place is not necessary to receive a conviction, it does make the jury think twice about all of the evidence and the testimonies of everyone involved.

The severity of these accusations is reason enough to find the right rape attorney. The charges are just the tip of the iceberg. If convicted, you gain a criminal record and are required to register as a sex offender. These are often consequences that ruin a person's life.


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الثلاثاء، 28 أغسطس 2012

Best Apartment Sharing Websites

In an earlier post I addressed the best websites for booking hostels. Now I want to do something similar with apartment shares. There are many scenarios where someone might look for their own room/apartment over a hostel. Frankly, privacy stands out, as the cheapest options in a hostel often have you in a room with 8 other people. Above all, though, when you've been traveling on the road for awhile, sometimes it's nice just to have a place to call your own (even if it's only for a few days).

We begin the same way we did last - the apartment websites we're going to review are

Air BNB
Wimdu
9flats
Homeaway
Localo
iStopOver
The (fake) Request

Location: Berlin, Germany
Dates: Sept 6th - Sept 9th 2012
Guests: 2

Websites

Air BNB

Results: 2808

Lowest Total Price: $65 ***after $7 booking fee*** (Ranked 1 in returned results)

What is great here is that the price shown is representative of the entire package. If they say $20 a night, it's $20 a night, not $20 for the first night and $40 for the next nights. At 2800 results, over 10x what was returned frmo the hostel websites, there is an overwhelming variety.

Functionality: Similarly to what we see in the hostels websites this gets right to the point with all the necessary sort features and search filters. The amenities are called out separately, clearly, and coherently. The price advertised in the search results represents the going rate for that room for all days relevant to your stay, so there is no worry about a "bait and switch" scenario (where first night price is lower than subsequent nights). One thing that could be improved is their review system. Most of the apartments have limited reviews (probably because their are so many), so you only get to read about one description for may of the apartments.

Wimdu

Results: 774

Lowest Total Price: $105 ***after $11 booking fee*** (Ranked 1 in returned results)

Similar to air BNB in how it is advertised but the booking fee is slightly higher, and when compared to the typical hostel booking fee of $2, it's much higher.

Functionality: Much the same as airbnb in terms of what is displayed and how it is displayed. I like the cancellation policy and the check in/out information as extras.

9flats

Results: 100s (didn't say)

Lowest Total Price: $56 (Ranked 1 in returned results)

Finally, a website that just straight tells you what the total price is, including all additional charges, before you even click on the description. Was it really that hard? The only drawback is that it displays it in euros and I can't seem to find a currency converter, unlike the other websites, which usually have them built in.

Homeaway

Results: 659

Lowest Total Price: $100 (Ranked 1 in returned results)

So far the least clear because the price seems to be a bit more of a range. Moreover you can't book from the website, but instead have to email the owner to come to an agreement? That sounds almost like it can't be right, but I can't find a book it button or anything of the sort...

Functionality: The design is not as intuitive as some of the others because at first glance it seems like it is just one long scroll down. Later you realize that there are tabs at the top which automatically direct you to the proper area to view it, unleashing a wealth of information. I give this site credit for having an unbelievable amount of information on the apartments it advertises, it's just not as easy to get the hang of right away.

Localo

Results: 23

Lowest Total Price: $169 (Ranked 1 in returned results)

Given the lack of results this site simply doesn't have the numbers to compete on price with the earlier ones.

Functionality: They have a really nice feature where it high lights the apartment's distance from nearby transportation centers by walking, driving, and bus. Other than that it's the same we've seen basically everywhere else.

iStopOver

Results: 37

Lowest Total Price: $124 ***$12 service fee*** (Ranked 1 in returned results)

Again this returned significantly less results but there were a few places that came up that were in my opinion reasonably priced (remember these are apartment rooms in Berlin for 2 people)!

Functionality: Pretty basic stuff but they did have a tab which highlighted events in the area that I thought was really nice, for example in Berlin it said:

Berlin Fashion Week Jul 3, 2012 - Jul 9, 2012
Berlin Festival Sep 6, 2012 - Sep 10, 2012
Hello Etsy Conference Sep 16, 2012 - Sep 19, 2012
Berlin Marathon Sep 28, 2012 - Oct 2, 2012
Berlin Christmas Markets Nov 22, 2012 - Dec 27, 2012
New Years Eve Berlin Dec 28, 2012 - Jan 2, 2013
ITB Berlin 2013 Mar 5, 2013 - Mar 11, 2013

Recommendation: Tie between Air BnB and 9flats

This pretty much comes down to the results and prices. These sites have figured out what people want to filter and sort by and it's essentially a non-issue. Yes, some tend to be more intuitive than others, and a few offer some unique extras, but at the end of the day I have to give this to Air BnB and 9flats for having so much variety and the lowest prices.

Dave Schneider runs a travel blog at http://www.acoupletravelers.com/ which specializes in providing budget travel tips to readers.


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Options for People Looking for Affordable Legal Aid

Legal aid in the United States is painfully expensive. In fact, an article that appeared on the American Judges Association official website claimed that a sizeable number of family law and other smaller civil law cases are self-represented. A major reason for this can be attributed to the 'relative scarcity of affordable legal services'. People often choose to proceed without the help of a lawyer because their income does not allow them to afford one. A study conducted in 1994 found that 47 per cent of low income households experienced a new or existing need for legal help, but only 29 per cent of these were addressed by the judicial system; the rest remained unaddressed. Here are some options for people looking for affordable legal aid.

- Legal Aid Officers: Legal aid offices are established all over the country. These lawyers offer their services to low income people. Their services aren't for free, but at a subsidized cost. You would need to first ascertain if you qualify for legal aid.

- Paralegal Services: Paralegals are employed by lawyers to perform substantive work including recognition, evaluation, analysis and communication of relevant facts and concepts. People who choose to represent themselves can hire services of paralegals to help them draft correspondence and pleadings, write and file petitions, manage trial documents and court correspondence, attend and summarize depositions, and even attend execution of wills, real estate closings, and court hearings. They can also be hired to investigate the facts of a case. Needless to say, paralegals offer affordable legal aid when compared to the full cost of engaging a lawyer.Legal aid in the United States is painfully expensive. In fact, an article that appeared on the American Judges Association official website claimed that a sizeable number of family law and other smaller civil law cases are self-represented.

- Pro-Bono Lawyers: There are many professionals in the legal business for whom money isn't always the sole motive. These professionals often get a high when they use their knowledge and skill for the 'public-good' or pro-bono. Pro-bono programs are organized by local bar associations. Services in these programs range from offering free legal advice, to dealing with clients, to even training organizations on legal aspects. Sometimes it even includes advising such organizations on their employment and charity law. Some pro-bono lawyers offer virtual advice through websites.

- Public Defenders: Public Defenders are lawyers appointed by the court to people who cannot afford to defend themselves in criminal cases. They are compensated for their services by the government as salaried employees. In fact, a majority of criminals coming from a poor economic background depend on this system.

The Author of this article is a paralegal in Sacramento and writes about legal issues including advising people on affordable legal services.


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5 Ways Of Getting Cheap Business Class Airfare Deals

It is always better to seek websites that gives a comparison of the different airline fares since that would help in getting valuable and useful information. Look for websites that would give exclusive information on hotel bookings, travel arrangements etc.

But to get these cheap airfares requires quick action at the very non long time to wait which can save you money! Here are some tips to getting a cheap economy or business class airfares for local and international travel.

BE FLEXIBLE. Be flexible with timings, which airlines and airport you fly from and also possibly having to take a couple of flights to get there! Business travelers after cheap business class airfares also have to be flexible with early morning flights and changing planes. Flying out of smaller airports is another option as smaller airports often also means lower airport fees, so there is already an immediate saving.

CREDIT CARD DEALS. Many major credit card companies have some great 1 for 1 Business Class airfare deals that are often hard to believe or beat. Some major international airlines have also jumped on the bandwagon by doing special promos on Business class fares for two passengers traveling together. When looking for fares online make sure you enter the correct number of passengers as some of these couple fares only appear when you indicate it's for two people.

WEB & MEMBERS ONLY DEALS. To clear remaining seats, airlines will often post domestic and international deals online as web-only fares. Quite often International Airlines will also advertise these fares cheap fares via newsletters to their pool of email subscribers. Sign up for these airline newsletters as they are often sent out to members before airlines advertise online. But take note that these fares will usually be seriously discounted and consequently be very restricted and non refundable.

WHOLESALERS. Larger quantities of tickets, including some business class fares from airlines at discounted bulk prices, so sometimes they are able to sell these fares at cheaper than even the airline's own websites!

TIMING IS CRUCIAL. Avoid traveling in peak season, but if you have to travel during peak holiday seasons - book in advance! Finding your best deals at peak holiday seasons is nearly impossible! Be prepared that travel in peak season is expensive, so getting any discounted Business Class Fares will be hard unless you book well in advance. Traveling in low season or peak periods is another good way to get some cheap business class airfares as airlines try to clear seats.

This is Robert Victor author of Explura.com.my
"Explura.com.my offers best deals for Asia tours trips, Malaysia Hotels and holiday packages. Get your Cheap Business class flights, hotels, tours, travels with Cheap Tickets through online booking. Great savings with 5% off Life Time Loyalty Program."


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Request a Free Consultation From an Attorney

If you are unsure if you need an attorney, request a free consultation from one to find out. Often times, individuals do not know if they should hire a lawyer to help them with their legal situation. They may feel as though they do not need to pay someone for the legal process. In other cases, they are worried about the cost of hiring one. The good news is you do not have to take a risk. You can request a consultation that allows you to learn more about your options without having to worry about that initial cost to you.

What a Lawyer Can Offer

Do not overlook the benefits of hiring an attorney. Even in minor cases, it can be a good idea to have this professional by your side. Generally speaking, you will have an easier time getting through the legal process and you will know what all of your options really are. For many people, this means considering things like what the best possible result could be and what the worst case scenario could be as well. Unless you have been through this process in the past, you may not know what you are dealing with in your situations.

What Happens During a Consultation?

When you request a consultation from an attorney, you will learn a great deal about the options you have. This will include things like the following:

• A free consultation can provide you with information about what your worst case scenario is. For example, you may want to know what the worst punishments you may face include, such as fines and jail time.

• Discuss how a lawyer can help you in this legal proceeding. What are the benefits of hiring a professional for this type of situation? Do you really need one?

• Determine what the process will include. In some cases, there is a need to do witness investigation and to conduct a great deal of research to build a defense case. In other situations, this is not necessary and the process is much faster.

• Talk about what your desires are in this situation. Do you want to prove you are innocent or are you willing to work through a plea agreement? The circumstances of your case will help you to determine what to expect.

• You will learn what it will cost you to hire the lawyers. This should include the entire fee for the service including what this fee will include.

Talk to an attorney to find out what your options are and what your limitations may be. By doing so, you will know what steps you can take for the best possible outcome.

The attorney Albuquerque defendants rely on can help you build a fair case. Call for a consultation with http://www.kubiaklawyers.com/


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الاثنين، 27 أغسطس 2012

Before You Hire A Condemnation Attorney Ask These 9 Questions

When the government has condemned your land this is often referred to as eminent domain. When faced with eminent domain, you should consider obtaining the assistance of a condemnation attorney. Before you choose a condemnation lawyer to represent you, there are some questions that you may want to ask the attorneys you are interviewing:

1. What is their experience with eminent domain law? As a property owner that's faced with condemnation one of the most important decisions you have to make is the attorney that will represent you. Their experience in handling cases like yours and their overall experience with eminent domain and condemnation will go a long way in how successfully they represent you.

2. How many eminent domain cases have they taken to trial? There are many instances of eminent domain cases settled out of court. But more often the case must be taken to court in order to achieve the full compensation that the property owner is entitled to. The number of times that an attorney has gone to trial is a tell-tale sign of their experience and puts you in a better position as a property owner.

3. What types of properties have they handled? An attorney that has handled cases for a wide variety of types and sizes of properties will have well rounded experience.

4. How much time is devoted to representing landowners in condemnation cases? Eminent domain/Condemnation is a highly specialized area of the law with many loopholes and complexities. As a property owner, you will want to hire an attorney that regularly handles eminent domain cases.

5. Have they handled cases like yours? No two condemnation cases are the same, just like property. However, there can be similarities, which would make an attorney more experienced with the specific circumstances surrounding your case and property.

6. Do they represent property owners, the government, or both? The term conflict of interest could apply here. If an attorney has handled cases for the government they may by friendly with the condemning authority and/or the opposing attorney. Be aware of this situation and decide whether or not you are comfortable with it before hiring an attorney.

7. What are the attorney fees and what do they cover? An appropriate fee arrangement depends on the facts and circumstances of each case. Some attorneys charge by the hour, which can lead to time spent on the case being more than dollar amount received. Other eminent domain lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. Fees should cover all work conducted through trial. Other costs include appraisals, depositions and expert witnesses that usually have to be paid by the property owner. Weigh the costs and make sure that you choose the situation where your expenses are less than your possible compensation.

8. Are there any clients you can talk to as references? The reputation and personal accounts of how an attorney has handled other condemnation cases can say a lot about their experience and ability with eminent domain law.

9. Are there any appraisers you can talk to as reference? Most condemnation cases involve an appraiser. The appraiser estimates the fair market value for the property. You want an appraiser with eminent domain experience that has worked with attorneys. If they have worked with that attorney they can also attest to the experience and knowledge of the attorney.

Choosing an attorney to represent you is quite possibly the most important decision you'll make when faced with condemnation. Experience is the reigning theme of these questions. The attorney you choose should be well versed with eminent domain law and have your best interests in mind at all times.


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Best 3 Star Hotels in Nainital

Nainital is positioned in the Ganga range valley of the Himalayas. Extending from east to the west, it joins the peak of China in the north. Nainital is surrounded by many prominent peaks and hills which offer breathtaking beauty of the vicinity. Due to its pleasant climate all the year round, it manages to attract thousands of tourists from every nook and corner of the world, which makes it one of the most enchanting hill stations within the Indian subcontinent. There are many 3 star hotels in Nainital which make for an enthralling holiday experience amidst natural beauty and tranquility.

Also known as the 'Lake District' of India, Nainital came into prominence due to its eye-shaped Naini Lake which is situated in the heart of the city and is among the tourist hotspot which acts as a magnet for all those visiting the hill resort. Another very beautiful and enchanting place to visit is Nakuchia Tal Lake in Nainital which has nine corners. Among famous religious sites in Nainital is the Naini Devi Temple and St. John's Church. To capture the breathtaking pictures of snow-covered peaks and mountains, one should pay a visit to Snow View Point which is situated at an altitude of 2,260 m. People on a holiday to Nainital can indulge in yachting, boating, and paddling in the calm waters of the lake. One can take in to forest walks for long miles along the forest trails to enjoy the surrounding beauty of nature. The Mall Road, stretching across the town, consists of many hotels, residential buildings, and shops where one can spend a joyous evening strolling around and shopping in the local shops.

Among 3 star hotels in Nainital, Vikram Vintage Inn is among one of the best luxury hotels in Nainital. It reminds one of the charms of an open British house including atrium lobby, grand chandelier and leather chesterfields. The hotel is 30 km from railway station & 85 km from Pant Nagar airport. It provides excellent accommodation, services and all modern luxurious amenities. It even has a separate kids' corner, and facilities for many indoor games like billiards, table tennis, and more. The hotel charges Rs. 5,175, along with complimentary breakfast for every night.

Another excellent choice of 3 star hotels in Nainital is Hotel Cedar Lodge. It is a resort property which is situated on a plateau, in the midst of apple and peach orchards and with views of the Himalayas. It is at a distance of 43 km from Kathgodam railway station. The resort offers large, airy, well furnished rooms with the best modern amenities and an awesome view of the Himalayan peaks. The hotel is equipped with a host of outdoor activities such as long walks, horseback riding, drives through alpine forest, listening to birdsongs and boating in nearby lakes and the highest 18 whole golf course in the world. People who have stayed here say, 'it makes for the best holiday experience at Nainital.'

The author is an editor of Nainital hotels and tour packages. Book in advance the 3 star hotels in Nainital to make your trip memorable and hassle free. Online booking is available from hotelpushpak.com for hotels in India in over 100 cities across the country.


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الأحد، 26 أغسطس 2012

Lawyer Services With A Flat Fee

When it comes to simple or routine services, a lawyer may choose to offer his or her legal guidance for a flat fee. Before agreeing to representation under these circumstances, be sure that you know what is and is not covered. Find out if the flat fee is all that you will be responsible for or if there could be added charges for things like office supplies, courier services, or even specific documents. Instead of a cost associated with a situation or outcome, some clients can benefit from flat fee services.

Wills:
Having a will is becoming more and more important as laws and regulations continue to change. In order to determine what will happen to a person's children, finances, and assets, it is important to have all wishes in writing and in a legally binding document. For many people, this is a simple situation to handle. They already know who they want to have custody of the kids and how they want to money to be divided. In this case, a lawyer may request a flat fee to handle the will of an individual or a couple.

Before agreeing to this arrangement, make sure that you know exactly what you will pay. You don't just want an estimate. The reason you are choosing a flat fee service is to be able to plan for the expense of a will in advance. Talk to your lawyer about what types of things would increase the cost. For example, if you plan to set up a trust or make complicated provisions in the will, it may not fall under the category of a flat fee will.

Uncontested Divorce:
Sometimes things just do not work out in a marriage. Instead of a heated battle over assets and support, two people can come to an agreement that works for everyone. Neither party is going to try and fight the divorce and the decisions have already been made as to the assets, the debts, and even the property. Knowing that this is not going to be a complicated situation, a lawyer could offer these uncontested divorces as a flat fee services. The couple gains their independence easily and their legal representatives handle things efficiently.

Immigration:
Sometimes immigration issues can easily be handled without a lot of extra work or time-consuming problems. A lawyer will create a flat fee for a visa application or similar situation. Just because there is a flat fee, it does not mean that the entire amount needs to be paid at one time or even upfront. Instead, payment plans are often devised to make things easier on the client.

Most attorneys request some money upfront as part of the fee for their services. This is often called a retainer and is the amount that sets this person up to be another's legal representative. Fees vary from office to office and state to state.

A Teaneck NJ lawyer can help you with your legal situation. To learn more about the services of this professional, visit: http://www.arijacobsonlaw.com/.


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How to Find Cheap Hotels and Flight Bookings

If you are out to acquire affordable public holidays for yourself or your family, then you must be willing to extend the effort. Sometimes, it may come easy but in most cases, getting to find cheap hotels and travel packages will be painstakingly difficult. And although it is smart to start looking at online sources for great deals, you should also extend your search to other options so that your chance of landing any holiday promos increases.

The most convenient resource you could initially try out would be online travel discount sites and travel aggregator search sites. These are trusted references when it comes to holiday bookings. The former extends discounts on holiday packages while the latter compares prices and shows you the best deals from different websites. Covering these two should secure you great savings and the best travel options your budget can afford. On top of that, they should also provide assistance in securing other amenities such as rentals. And they sometimes even suggest itinerary choices for travellers. It is important that you check them both out thoroughly because they could display different results. Some hotels don't necessarily sign up their deals in both portals, you know.

After you've signed up for membership and alerts, your next option to find cheap hotels would be look at smaller, local travel establishments. They are just as reliable when it comes to planning economical trips. And they may have special airline or hotel deals that are not made available through the web. It is important to remember that like the previous resources, they too have a special connection with travel-related businesses. And they can hook you up with their contacts for discounted rates without any problems.

Third, you should look up tourism websites and check out any clean and safe lodging options that are less expensive than what large chain hotels can offer. Bed and breakfasts, inns, and lodging houses are just some of the low-cost accommodation options you can take advantage of. You could also use your network of friends in social media sites to refer you to these alternatives. Some people might now some people who can set you up with a nice place to live during your escapades.

In addition you could also join travel clubs. Yes, there is a fee to consider but the cost reduction privileges their membership card can provide you will more than compensate for your initial outlay. It is applicable to all types of concerns during a travel, from the tickets and hotel bookings to the food and attractions. Besides, membership also allows you to access customer care representatives and they can ably help you when there are any problems during public holidays.

To go on a vacation abroad without incurring thousands upon thousands of dollars in expenses would be a dream. But this is not to say it is impossible to achieve in the real world. What you need to do is to extend a lot of patience in your quest and be resourceful when needed.

For more information about how to find cheap hotels and public holidays, visit our website aboutcheapholidays.com.


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السبت، 25 أغسطس 2012

International Contracts - Enforceable?

International contracts are still considered to be a complex and mysterious subject for laywers who do not have experience or training in cross-border transactions. This is even more concerning for business people, to whom the basic principles of contract law, and particularly cross-border contracts, are completely unknown.

In the case of contracts between companies from the same country (domestic contracts) the rules governing the agreement will usually be those provided by the national law of the parties and the local courts having jurisdiction in event of a dispute. The scenario changes when a contract is classified as 'international'. There are various elements that would define one as such, but the most common could be the fact that the contracting parties are in different countries.

Cross-border contracts are fast becoming a common practice for most traders, yet very few of them are adequately protected. Most lawyers tend to consider international contracts as local contracts (in line with their home jurisdiction) as most do not have the appropriate expertise to deal with them.

The two main issues arising in relation to international contracts are those regarding the applicable law and jurisdiction. These arise due to the absence of an adequate legal framework for cross-border transactions.

Conflict of laws or private international law (the latter usually named as such by civil law countries) are the set of rules that nations will constitute and build in order to protect its sovereingnity but at the same time allowing interference of foreing rules into its own jurisdictions so that certain matters can be adequately dealt with in line with legal principles. In this case specifically, international trade and commerce between countries.

Conflict of laws (private international law); valid choice of applicable law; hardship clauses; enforceability of a contract; valid choice of language; Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods; are all examples of issues that one might face when negotiating these type of contracts.

Contracts may have NO EFFECT at all if the points above and/or other principles are ignored. An example would be the fact that certain local courts, depending on the country, might strike out the content of an entire contract simply because the choice of language isn't properly defined or the official language isn't provided in the body of the agreement.

That's why it is extremely important that businesses get the appropriate legal assistance when trading internationally. Expert lawyers should always be considered when your scope of work includes countries outside of your jurisdiction.

Intercontracts is a company specialised in providing international contract law and commercial law consultancy.

Intercontracts' expert lawyers are well experienced in international trade and cross-border contracts, providing top-quality legal services to your business.

We focus on a niche market where our expertise is unique. With the globalisation and accessibility of information increasing exponentially as years pass by, international trading is consequently accompanying such phenomena. And that's where we come in, to help you with the legalities of international contracts and international trading in general.

Contact us today for a free quote on affordable consultancy - simple and easy:
http://www.intercontracts.com/


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Getting To Lombok From Bali

The island of Lombok is one of the main constituents of the Lesser Sunda Islands and lies in West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. According to the regional geographical pattern, it is somewhat similar in density and size with the neighboring Bali Island that lies to the west of Lombok. The two are separated by the Lombok Strait. Lombok has a number of smaller islands called the Gilli Islands. Tourism is one of the biggest income earners for Bali and Lombok. Majority of travelers visit Bali-Lombok region to view the different hot spots in the region. Each has something to offer and this generates better and luxurious transport systems.

Transport between Bali-Lombok-Gili Islands is mostly based on sea and air. By air, travelers can go to Lombok International Airport which lies on the south western part of the city of Lombok. It is currently the only international-class operational airport within the region. In Bali, there is the Ngurah Rai International Airport which located near Jimbaran in the southern part of the island which offer air travel to a number of local and international destinations. Daily flights are available from Bali and Lombok. Travelers can also choose a wide variety of airlines services in the spot.

Alternatively, travelers can reach Lombok from Bali through sea transport that is easy to access. The cheapest is via public ferries. The ferries depart from Padang Bai on the eastern part of Bali to Lembar on the western part of Lombok at 2-hours intervals with a 24-hours transport system, carrying goods, passengers and vehicles. The ferries are quite basic and slow, with a time span of between 4-5 hours per trip.

Fast boats are another option under sea transport and operate along Bali to Lombok to Gili Islands. Private fast boat are available for hire at Serangan Harbour and Benoa Harbour in South Bali, and Padang Bai Harbour in East Bali. Those fast boats are equipped with standard safety measures for passengers, making transportation very safe and efficient. Charges are quite expensive when compared with ferries and air transport to Lombok. However, you will reach Lombok and the Gilis within 2 hours.

The region around Bali, Lombok and Gili islands has much to offer. Each transport option should be chosen based on travelers budget. Fast boats with a special offer are considered the best for budget travelers. Travelers can take a sunbath on the boat roof during the trip and get chance to see swimming dolphins.

There are many budget fast boat from Bali to Lombok. One things that travelers should do is examine whether a fast boat have passenger insurance or not. Visit each company website for Bali Gili Islands special offer.


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الجمعة، 24 أغسطس 2012

The Importance of Family and Family Protection Trusts

The settler - Is the title of the person in charge of setting up the trust, and also typically the person currently holding assets that will be transferred to the trust. In other words, this is you. There may be more than one settler: for example in the case of a family trust, a married couple may both be settlers.

The trustees - The trustees are persons responsible for dispensing the trust. They will also have to be certain that any wishes of the settler (as written down in the trust deed) have been carried out accordingly.

You, being the settler, are normally allowed to also be one of the trustees in your trust. In most cases the settler will also employ an unbiased trustee, which is in most cases the settler's solicitor, Will writer or accountant. Using the services of an independent trustee helps prevent any hint of suggestion that the settler continues to have control of the family trust assets, in which case the Inland Revenue may argue that the trust is a "sham" and therefore invalid.

The beneficiaries - These are persons benefiting with the trust. By having a family trust, persons listed as beneficiaries should normally include all family members (as well as including future family members for instance future grand kids).

These individuals are known as "discretionary" receivers, which is a essential factor in household trusts. These individuals (contrary to the receivers with in a "fixed' trust) have no right to obtain any advantage under the trust; rather, trustees have the energy to determine which of these receivers will obtain from the resources. Trustees are totally able to select who is the most suitable successor.

The believe in title - This is the lawful papers revealing the settler's desires along with establishing up the believe in. Also it names the trustees and declares their abilities and responsibilities, declares the receivers, & declares the guidelines for the govt and guidance of the believe in. To be able for the title to be obvious and to be able to fulfill certain tax specifications, it would usually be a lengthy and properly selected papers.

The trust's resources - The believe in must have some resources. When the believe in is first set up, usually just a moderate sum - say £10.00. But the ultimate aim is for the household believe in to be created up of all considerable resources.

The aim of a household trust: Is your "personal poverty"

Setting up a Family Trust is aspect of property preparing and property management. The aim of you creating household believe in is to exchange your considerable resources over from you to possession of the believe in, generally, to obtain "personal poverty" while at the same time being a successor of the believe in.

Mathew Gibbon is the author of this article on Family Protection Trusts.
Find more information on Inheritance Trusts here.


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7 Budget Friendly, and Enjoyable Vacation Ideas

Simple vacations are sometimes the best. When we're not looking for the trip of a lifetime, a simple getaway can be much better. Maybe we're trying to be romantic, reconnect with our family, or simply relax. The point is that we need to treat ourselves to a break. And if you're like most people, you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it. Here are 7 budget friendly vacation ideas that you could easily take advantage of.

1) Drive 4 Hours in Any Direction

The 4 hour drive is one of the easiest vacations to plan. Find an attraction within a 4 hour drive and plan a weekend there. There has to be something around you.

2) Hotel Room Rental

Some people don't see the point in renting a hotel room and just staying there. Why not just stay home? But I think it's a great idea. Find a great deal on a hotel room and get away from home for a little while. You can expose yourself to a new area and enjoy hotel amenities. Plus, if you look for a hotel in a smaller town, you'll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet that you can't get elsewhere.

3) Park or Beach Hopping

Parks are either free or incredibly cheap to get into. Spend a day or two driving around and looking at different parks and beaches.

4) Bike Trip

If you're the athletic type, then a bike trip might be a lot of fun. This is actually something that my friend does frequently. He'll grab is bike and peddle his way a couple of hundred miles for a week and then come back. I'm not that athletic so I never tried it, but he absolutely loves it.

5) Cheap Flight and Back

Flights are known for being expensive, but that's not always the case. Look for different destinations that people don't normally visit and see if you can get a cheap flight. Sometimes (rarely, but it does happen) you can get a round trip ticket for under $100.

6) Spontaneous Excitement

You can save a lot of money by getting last minute hotel deals. Wait for one to get in your price range and surprise your loved one to an exciting weekend. It can be really fun if you suddenly decide to do something in the next few days.

7) Car Trip to Nowhere

This one has been a dream of mine ever since I read an article where somebody actually did it. Grab your car keys, your favorite playlist, and drive somewhere. There's nothing more exciting than the phrase "should we drive north for 100 miles or west for 100 miles".

But how can you save even more money? Here's a free 28 page ebook that will help you save hundreds on your next vacation. Click here to get your free copy.


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Why Do You Need to Have Documents Notarized?

Almost everyone in the United States has, at one time or another, had to have a document notarized. They probably do not know why someone they probably don't know has to witness them signing some piece of paper. This article should answer some of the more common questions that people have about Notaries Public. What is a Notary Public? In the simplest terms, this is a trained and licensed person who verifies that the person signing a document is, in fact, who they claim to be. The purpose of the Notary Public is to be an objective observer who has no personal interest in the proceedings, and who will not benefit in any way from the signing of the document. The Notary's job is to verify the signor's identity. If the Notary fails to do so somebody could very easily commit fraud, or commit forgery. The whole purpose of the Notary Public's job is to verify that the person who signs the document is the person whose name is typed or printed under the space for the signature.

The person who is having a document notarized, must personally appear in front of the Notary Public. This person must also present a government-issued photo ID card to prove that they are indeed who they say they are. These actions are necessary to prevent someone else from falsely, and therefore fraudulently, signing the document as someone else, who's name is on the document as the executor of the document. This verifies for everyone involved, and other interested parties, both now and at a later time, that the signature on the document is in fact the true, valid, signature of the person named as the executor of that document. Each State has it's own laws concerning who can be a Notary Public, the training required, the types of documents that can be notarized, the types of notarizations allowed in that State, and other requirements and restrictions related to the office of the Notary Public.

Types of notarization

There are generally two (2) types of notarization done in the U. S.

1. Sworn documents -- These documents have a section that states that the signor states or declares, under oath, that the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge, etc. The person signing these documents has to raise their right hand and take an oath or swear that the document is true and correct. The Notary Public has to administer this oath.

2. Affidavits -- These documents require that the signor acknowledge that the document is true and correct. The Notary Public is verifying that s/he witnessed the signature of the person executing the document. There is no oath involved in this type of notarization.

In some states, a Notary Public has to be a lawyer. In many others, Notaries Public are not normally associated with the legal profession in any way. In those states that do not require a Notary to be a licensed attorney, the Notary is restricted from giving any advice which could be interpreted as "legal advice". This means that if one lives in one of these states, and is not sure whether they need an Affidavit or a Sworn statement, they have only two legal choices: decide for themselves which type of notarization they will ask for, or they need to seek the advise of an attorney.

Hopefully, this short article has answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding notarization of documents.

If you live in the United States of America, and have other questions, or are looking for more information, you may want to contact your Secretary of State. Most of them have web-sites with your state's info. You may also use internet search engines like Yahoo!, Bing, Google, AltaVista, and others.


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الخميس، 23 أغسطس 2012

Lonely Planet Guides Vs Travel Blogs - Which Is Better?

If you find travelling the world to be a rejuvenating experience, you don't have to strain your budget to stay young and kicking on the travel circuit.

I'm sure you'll agree, It's a lovely planet we live in, and Lonely Planet guides can show you the best treats, eats and retreats which some luxury tours choose to overlook as they sometimes only show you only the glossy, well worn parts of the country that you have chosen to visit, and leave you with the feeling of a somewhat 'plastic' holiday experience

If you are planning a backpacking trip of your own, then the correct use of Lonely Planet guides and various travel blogs are a great way to familiarise yourself with your chosen travel destination before you ever leave home. They are a great option since they include some of the best kept travel secrets, helping you to travel further & longer with confidence.

Just because you want to travel doesn't necessarily mean that you have burn a whole pile of cash to get an amazing travelling experience.

Backpacking from place to place can give you the chance to meet locals, as well as other travellers, and learn more about the planet we live in and the diversities of other cultures.

The famous Lonely Planet Guides have provided tourists with useful and practical information for many years.

Created after its founders splendid honeymoon during which they travelled across two continents and an ocean with borrowed money.

I always liked how the Lonely Planet guides are packed full of practical travel information and advice about the places I want to visit, however, I sometimes have found the guides to be outdated on more than one occasion.

The Guides are laid out beautifully with helpful maps & various photographs from local attractions.

Combine the photos with descriptions of cities & countries from around the globe and you have a great book that will inspire you to plan your next travel adventure.

What I enjoy most about the Lonely Planet Books is they can help to generate fresh ideas of new places to travel and things worth doing when I'm in need of some travel inspiration.

The books are full of lists. Top 10 Countries, Top 10 Regions, Top 10 Cities and so on.

I don't know if I agree with the top 10 in each of these categories, and you might not either, but that is not the point.

Use the book to inspire you to travel to new places you haven't yet been, and to generate ideas and travel inspiration.

Even if you don't travel to the locations listed in the Lonely Planet Travel Guides, they will help you create awareness of what's out there, and of the places that are available for you to explore.

If you enjoy traveling, you will enjoy looking through the Lonely Planet Travel Guides for fresh new backpacking ideas.

In 2007 approximately seventy five percent of the Lonely Planet was acquired by BBC Worldwide who resolved to continue creating travel guides as they have always been created in the past, providing trustworthy advice to independent travellers and backpackers.

Each year approximately 500 new Lonely Planet guides are published for travellers.

You can either purchase them from bookstores all over the world, or online directly from the company's official website.

In addition, you can even download the guides now as an audio book.

Wandering from one distant place to another, allows you to experience the diversity of the world's cultures, and the world-renowned Lonely Planet Guides have been helping tourists with their itineraries since it's founders went on their own life-changing adventure, spending borrowed money and savings on an unforgettable travel experience across two continents.

Lonely Planet Publications is one of the world's largest travel guidebook publishers, founded by Tony and Maureen Wheeler, who cashed in on their wanderlust.

Tony came up with the company name, having misheard the phrase 'lovely planet' in Joe Cocker and Leon Russell's song, 'Space Captain.'

Of late, Travel Blogs have become one of the more popular ways to learn about the mighty world of travel.

Backpackers, travellers on the move, and jet setters who love to travel the world can find a bunch of relevant information on travel blogs especially information that may not be available in a standard printed travel book or guide.

First hand information about a possible travel location can come in very handy for the regular traveller, especially if it concerns local travel, hotel and food information, local weather information and travel maps etc.

Don't depend on a single source for travel information. Flick through the Lonely Planet Guides, find a good Travel Blog with relevant & accurate information & even use Google to find helpful useful travel advice & tips.

For More Travel Tips and Backpacking Gear Advice


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The Law About Children and Your Divorce

Divorce can have a devastating effect, not only on the parties involved, but in particular the children. If a divorce is amicable then in most instances agreement will be reached between the parties as to who will look after them and what visiting rights are given for the other party. In these situations it is often possible for the children not to suffer, but when agreement can't be reached, then undoubtedly it can cause a lot of anguish for the children.

It is sad but true that in some cases the parties to the divorce can become unpleasantly selfish and this can often lead to either party becoming totally unreasonable about who gets custody of the children. A battle effectively commences and neither will give ground, so the case has to go to court for independent assessment and judgement. This is when it can get very distressing for children.

A court is faced with making a very difficult decision when deciding on the custody of minor children. However, the one overriding factor that a court must take into account is the decision has to always be in the best interest of the children. For example, a court must not make a custody decision based upon rewarding the party it thinks isn't guilty for the divorce or as a punishment to the one it thinks is mainly responsible for the divorce. It has to be objective and take into account which parent will offer the best opportunities and provide a safe and caring home environment.

Many factors have to be taken into account and it can take several hearings and much deliberating before a final decision is given. The court will need to learn about each parent and consider which one is best suited to raising the children. It may take into account age, their jobs, where they live and the court will try to ascertain the type of relationship each parent has with their children.

In most cases the court will also want to ensure that both parents will continue to care for their children, despite them being separated. Custody may be awarded to one parent, but the court will also decide on what rights the other parent has for seeing his or her children regularly.

A court can award custody to either parent, or if both parents are divorcing amicably, they can award custody to both. However, if the children are of school age then the court will determine which parent is best set up to ensure the children are properly educated.

A court will try not to get involved with visitation rights, if at all possible as it would prefer to allow the parents to work out the arrangements. However, if the parents are in dispute and are unable to come to a suitable arrangement then the court will impose visitation rights to the parent that has not been awarded custody.

As difficult as divorce can be, if you have children, try to put them in first place. They need the support of both parents and if it can be done amicably it will help your children and provide security for them.

Lawrence Reaves writes for Ephraim law, a divorce lawyer who has offices in Fairfax and Loudon counties. Click here for the Fairfax office and also check out this link for info on the Loudon office.


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الأربعاء، 22 أغسطس 2012

What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do?

Whether or not an individual is selling or buying a house, one needs a group of professional advisers to seek help from such as a real estate attorney and a realtor. A realtor will help choose the right property or the suitable buyer and will also work out a selling price/closing date. An attorney can evaluate whatever offer an individual comes up with or get, and ensure that an individual's legal rights are upheld while his or her obligations are well-defined.

If one is prepared to make or take a deal on a property or home, and have not appointed an attorney yet, one can have the proposal dependent on an attorney's assessment and endorsement prior to signing an agreement.

One can find non-legal assistance claiming that they can carry out many of the legal tasks that are needed. Any individual who thinks that it is too costly to hire a proper legal service needs to understand that lawyers are part of a standardized profession, which means that there are regulations that they need to conform to, as well as ethical standards enforced by the Texas States Bar. An individual who is not a real estate attorney does not also share the same standards. This is also not the appropriate time for an individual to do things on his or her own since buying a house is often a consumer most costly purchase.

While some legal forms utilized in real estate may appear the same, purchase or binder agreement forms differ from one state to another.

Additionally, a number of title insurance firms and brokers insist that one retains a lawyer to make sure that, among other things, the property is free from liens, it has a clear title, and that the sale is going to close as expected.

An attorney's function can usually be as comprehensive as one would like including a cost breakdown. Although it is rather uncommon for the buyer or seller to request a lawyer to give a written explanation of his or her services and charges before one goes ahead.

There are a number of things that an individual's real estate attorney should be able to do in purchasing a property. First, make a buyer understand his or her contract of purchase which includes how the title will be transferred. Second, the attorney will ensure that the property title is good. Third, handle all the necessary legal documents. Fourth, make the mortgage terms clear and change anything if needed. Fifth, evaluate the changes before the transaction is closed. Fifth, be present during the closing and go over the documents that the buyer has to sign. Sixth, prepare title insurance to protect the buyer from any troubles that may arise due to title problems. Seventh, make sure that the buyer gets a legitimate title subject only to obligations that the buyer has agreed on.

There are also numerous tasks that a real estate attorney will be able to help a seller with. First, go over the binder and also prepare the contract and the terms of agreement. Second, prepare the deed to transfer real estate property, as well as power of attorney if required. Third, handle any title related issue that comes up and resolve them. Fourth, be present during the closing and go over the documents that the seller has to sign. Fifth, prepare the transfer of security deposits. Sixth, prepare for certificate of insurance if necessary.

Tom A. Higgin is an accomplished legal writer. He wrote this article to inform individuals on Real Estate Attorney San Antonio. If your seeking information on another related topic, take a look at Credit Card Defense Texas


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Deciding Between a Touring Caravan and a Static Caravan

Choosing between a static and a touring caravan depends on how adventurous you are. New caravan sales are expected to soar, as people opt for staycations, due to rising travel costs. If you want to travel around the country or Europe, a touring caravan is best for you. You can enjoy a 'wherever I lay my hat is my home' kind of abandon, which is very liberating. You can visit various dealers to check out new caravan sales. It's always better to see a local dealer, in case of problems, it's also easier for yearly servicing. Choose wisely, it will be a large investment. There are varying degrees of luxury, depending on your budget. Facilities vary from camp site to camp site. Most have a laundry room, battery charging facilities and wifi. Some have a swimming pool, and recreation areas.

The advantage of a static caravan is that you can put it in a location of your choice and it can be a comfortable home from home for weekends and holidays. It can sleep up to 8 or 10 people, so you could have extended family round for a visit. You have comfortable seating, a fully fitted kitchen with all the mod cons. You can install a plasma TV and connect it to a satellite dish. You also have normal bathroom and toilet facilities, plumbed in to the caravan site. You get your electricity and water from the site, too. You can always rent out your static caravan to help pay the yearly fees.

The disadvantages are that once it is in place, you can't just up and leave without the major hassle of getting it moved professionally, and for a high price. Static fees can be very high in certain places and you have to take into account that the site closes down for 5- 6 months in the winter period, so you won't be able to stay then. You need to have insurance cover all year round, subject to weather damage, also possible vandalism. General maintenance is required, including the updating of gas and electricity safety certificates. Some parks don't allow older static caravans on their sites and ask for them to be removed when they age. Some don't allow pets.

The advantage of a touring caravan is that you can enjoy the changing scenery. It offers the excitement of visiting a different place whenever you feel like it, then staying in a place a bit longer if you prefer. Pets can travel with you. You can insure the caravan just for the time period it will actually be on the road. You can put up an awning, to create extra space.

The disadvantages are that you are confined to a much smaller space, and living in a cramped environment on a rainy day can be frustrating. There is more of a risk of accidents while touring, not to mention soaring petrol prices. In the high season you have to book in advance to get a suitable camping place, which curtails the freedom of roaming around. When you get to your destination there is a risk that you may be disappointed by lack of facilities, or the conditions may not as described on the website.

Michael P Richards is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans, specialists in New Caravan Sales


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الثلاثاء، 21 أغسطس 2012

Fighting For An Extension Of Time

Subsection 169(1) of the Income Tax Act (the "ITA") provides, in part, that a taxpayer may institute an appeal in the Tax Court of Canada to dispute a (re)assessment or notice of confirmation (jointly referred to as the "Reassessment"). In order to institute a valid appeal, a taxpayer must submit a notice of appeal, along with the appropriate filing fee, to the Tax Court within 90-days of the date that the Minister of National Revenue mailed the Reassessment (the ("90-day Period").

If Minister has satisfied its burden that the technical rules associated with the mailing of the Reassessment and if taxpayer has not instituted a valid appeal with the 90-day Period (assuming the discoverability rule does not apply) a taxpayer may apply for an extension of time to appeal under paragraph 167(5)(b) of the ITA. The Tax Court will consider an application for an extension of time if the application is filed within one year after the 90-day Period i.e., within one year and 90-days from the date indicated on the Reassessment.

Subsection 167(5) of the ITA provides that the Tax Court shall not grant an application for an extension of time to appeal unless the taxpayer can establish all of the following conditions: (1) s/he had a genuine intention to appeal within the 90-day Period or s/he was unable to act, or instruct another to act, within the 90-day Period; (2) it would be just an equitable to grant the application; (3) the application was filed as soon as circumstances permitted; and (4) there are reasonable grounds for the appeal (jointly referred to as the "4 Application Conditions").

The Tax Court recently considered whether a taxpayer satisfied the above-noted conditions in M.P.N. Holding Ltd. v. Her Majesty the Queen ("MPN"), 2011 TCC 181. For present purposes, the salient facts in MPN were as follows. MPN objected to a Part XIII withholding tax assessment related to management fees that MPN paid to a non-resident corporation, Arden Advisors LLC ("Arden"). MPN's position at the objection stage was that Arden was a limited liability corporation that did not have a permanent establishment in Canada and, therefore, Article VII of the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention (the "Convention") precludes the Minister assessing Part XIII withholding tax on the amounts that MPN paid Arden. The Minister issued a notice of confirmation, dated February 2, 2009, denying MPN's objection on the basis that limited liability corporations were not liable to tax in the United States and, therefore, not entitled to benefits under the Convention (the "Minister's Convention Position"). MPN did not institute an appeal within the 90-day Period.

MPN was unaware that the Minister assessed TD Securities (USA) LLC ("TD") for Part XIII withholding tax. The Minister purported to justify its assessment against TD using the same Minister's Convention Position. On October 22, 2008, TD instituted an appeal in the Tax Court to dispute the Minister's Convention Position. At that time, MPN's objection was outstanding. On April 8, 2010, the Tax Court allowed TD's appeal on the basis that the Minister's Convention Position was wrong in law. MPN learned of the Tax Court's TD decision and MPN applied for an extension of time to appeal. MPN's application was filed within the one year 90-day Period and the Tax Court considered whether MPN satisfied the 4 Application Conditions. MPN argued that it satisfied had a genuine intention to appeal within the 90-day Period because - at all material times - MPN disagreed with the Reassessment and the Minister's Convention Position. In addition, MPN argued that it was unable to act because of the cost of litigation.

Although Justice Sheridan accepted that that MPN never agreed with the Minister's Convention Position within the 90-day Period, she held that this fact was not sufficient to satisfy the requirement that MPN had a bona fide intention to appeal within the 90-day period. Justice Sheridan noted that MPN's directing mind acknowledged that MPN did not appeal the subject reassessment because it believed that an appeal would be cost prohibitive and challenging. In addition, MPN's acknowledged that it decided to file its application for an extension of time to appeal only after it learned that TD instituted its appeal. In these circumstances, Justice Sheridan held that MPN simply chose not to appeal within the 90-day Period and, therefore, MPN did not have a genuine intention to appeal within the 90-day Period.

Second, Justice Sheridan addressed MPN's argument that the costs of litigation, like a mental or physical impairment, rendered it unable to act. Justice Sheridan observed that the Court could accept that an inability to pay litigation costs could constitute an inability to act within the 90-day Period and satisfy the first condition of the 4 Application Conditions. However, that was not what prevented MPN from filing a notice of appeal within the 90-day period. MPN simply chose not to act.

It is unfortunate, to say the least, that MPN was unable to establish all of the 4 Application Conditions. If MPN instituted its appeal within the 90-day period, it could have applied to the Court to hold MPN's appeal in abeyance pending the resolution of the TD appeal. This way, MPN may have benefited from the Tax Court's decision in the TD case without incurring significant expense. It appears that MPN's only recourse may be to seek remission under the Financial Administration Act. In any event, we believe that Justice Sheridan's reasons for judgment in MPN are valuable to taxpayers and practitioners applying for an extension of time to appeal. Justice Sheridan's reasons illuminate what constitutes a bona fide intention to appeal and confirm that financial constraints may constitute an inability to act.

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind and may not be used for professional or commercial purposes. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this article. Moreover, this communication does not establish a solicitor-client relationship between Mr. Peter V. Aprile, ATX Law and you. Every tax matter is unique and we strongly recommend that you discuss your matter with a reputable tax lawyer. Please don't hesitate to contact our firm to discuss your particular tax matter at http://www.atxlaw.ca/.


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Paris Museums Open Their Doors

May 14th offers a perfect opportunity to see some of Paris' finest museums under the late spring moon. Part of a series of European free museum nights, Paris museums willl be open to the public for one night only. Around 200 participating museums, galleries and monuments will have free entry and stay open until 1am.

Some of the most internationally renowned museums like the Musee de Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou Centre will see thousands through their gates. For visitors looking for things to do in Paris, there will be few opportunities like this to take an evening or midnight stroll through Paris and enjoy some of its great art.

And to avoid the rush of the Louvre crowds, why not head to the left bank of the Seine and check out the Orsay? Housed in the former beaux-arts railway station of Gare d'Orsay, it holds the key impressionist and post-impressionist French painters of the 19th and early 20th century. A wonderful Paris attraction for art connoseiurs, here you will find Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cezanne and Gauguin under one roof.

For history and military buffs, the French Air and Space Museum, opened in 1919, offers a trip through France's exceptional aviation history. With material back into the 16th century and over 150 aircraft located in the museum's hangars, also displays protoype spacecraft rockets.

A trip to the fashionable quarter of La Vilette will take you to the wonderful Cite de la Musique. Opened in 1995 and designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, it consits of an amphitheatre and concert hall that can accommodate upto a thousand people. The centrepiece for music fans must be the museum's outstanding and rare collection of instruments collected by the Conservatoire de Paris. In addition to over 200 classical guitars, visitors will find instruments dating back to the 17th century including rarities such as the octobass and crystal flute.

And finally, to complete a wonderful free night of culture why not pay a visit to the Sevres Ceramincs museum? The most famous and illustrious of ceramics makers in France are considered to be the finest ceramics makers in the world, and the museum contains over 10,000 works in the permanent collection.

So if you are going to visit Paris this May, make sure you dont miss out on a fantastic opportunity to see some of the world's finest paintings, sculpture, architecture and music!

Walter is a Fine Artist based in England. A lover of textures, colours and sounds. Lately, in love with Paris attractions.


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Studying Class Suits From a Class Action Lawyer

There are few things more dramatic than a television show or film that shows ordinary people joining together in a class action lawsuit to bring down corporations. Like what every class action lawyer will tell you, it is not as simple as that. It takes more than a group of people complaining about the same thing to gain the benefits of a class suit.

Origins of the law

Class actions as done in America have their origins in the legal traditions of the English chancery court. In the 17th century, English courts set up the "bill of peace." This allowed a group to be represented in court by a single person. To be eligible for the bill, there were three requirements. They first looked at whether there were many interested persons for the lawsuit. The second was determining if all members had an interest in the issues. The third required a representative who can protect the interests of all members, especially those who were absent.

The US adopted class representation on a case-to-case basis until the US Supreme Court said in 1853 that courts should allow it for the sake of justice and convenience. In 1938, as part of the effort to come up with a set of rules for class action lawsuits, the Supreme Court adopted Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23. Several states, including California, still rely on Federal Rule 23 today to guide them on class suits.

Any class action attorney will tell you that class suit helps deal with cases that involve large numbers of people. Instead of several individual cases, there is just a consolidated suit. Class suits also give litigants strength and unity, preventing defendants from taking apart a case by going after litigants piecemeal. Class suits also discourage unacceptable conduct among companies

Becoming a class

In most cases, there are three important factors for a court to determine if a class suit is possible. One of the most important is the certification of the "class" that will file the suit as one. A class could be composed of a group of factory workers or customers who were affected by the same brand. Another is that there must be enough members of a class that even joint filings will be cumbersome.

Your class action lawyer will point out, though, that numbers alone do not make a class. Federal courts have been known to recognize a group over a dozen members as a class and reject those with a membership in the hundreds. Another requirement is that the litigants must have issues in common. This means that all the members of the class should have at least one issue of law or fact.

The representative is an important part. He or she is required to be a member of the class, as defined by the court. Additionally, the representative must be capable of fighting for the rights of their class. Federal Rule 23 also insists that there be no family or financial relationship with the class action attorney pushing for the case.

Jade Vaughn is looking for a good class action attorney after hearing of the advantages in getting a veteran class action lawyer


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الاثنين، 20 أغسطس 2012

Best Hostel Websites

Finding a place to stay abroad as a budget traveler can be a very frustrating process. While Vicky and I plan to turn to couch surfers as our main source, you can't guarantee that someone will be available, no matter how many people you mail or how much notice you give. In most cases, the next step will be to turn to a hostel or an apartment share. Where then, are the best websites to go about this, and how do they stack up against each other?

Let's start by considering some of the top hostel websites and see how they handle a fabricated request.

The websites we're going to review are regarded as some of the best in their industry:

HostelWorld
HostelBookers
Hostels
Hostelz
The (fake) Request

Location: Berlin, Germany
Dates: Sept 6th - Sept 9th 2012
Guests: 2

HostelWorld

Results: 167

Lowest Total Price: $46.89 ***after $2 booking fee*** (Ranked 3 in returned results)

When you sort by price it displays the lowest per guest/per night price for all options covering the days you asked. One thing to be careful of is the first night may often be cheaper than say, the second or third, so that it ranks higher in the search engines. For example, the first two hostels that came up were actually $50 MORE EXPENSIVE than what I found by trying a few more farther down...

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Functionality: There's a lot about the functionality that I really liked. First, the search filters allow you to select which features you want, which is clutch if you need a place with internet, for example. Moreover, the map view functionality is extremely helpful if you're looking for certain areas or distances to public transportation. Berlin is a big city and this gets right to the point. In general, review metrics are nice but I don't pay too much attention to anything outside of the overall, unless something stands out as being particularly bad (like cleanliness). Lastly, when you click on a place to view its information, it has some nice summary tables highlighting the features, rates (including days before and after your possible selection) and map in a clear and coherent manner.

HostelBookers

Results: 113

Lowest Total Price: $42.72 ***NO booking fee*** (Ranked 1 in returned results)

It's important to call out a few things here. The first is that the hostel I found here is the same as what I found on HostelWorld, but it was $4 cheaper (that's 10%). The second is that there is no booking fee, which, if you travel a lot, honestly could result in hundreds of dollars saved. Lastly, while with HostelWorld I had some issues in that I felt the price displayed was somewhat misleading (it only represented the cheapest night which was often 50% lower than subsequent nights), I did not run into this problem with HostelBookers. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, I'm just saying I found this site to be more consistent. This is why what ranked #1 in their search results only ranked 3 in HostelWorld, because in HostelWorld, the first two slots were occupied by hostels that had very cheap nights but expensive subsequent nights (resulting in double the overall price).

Functionality: This site and HostelWorld have pretty similar functionality with some minor differences. The first that I liked about HostelBookers is the ability to not only sort by price but by whether or not that price was a shared room or a private room as I can definitely see that being a major decision by someone. The second is that they had some nice extras about the hostel called out that I didn't see in HostelWorld, such as the check in/out time, purchasable extras, and what's included. Outside of that I found everything to be pretty much the same.

Hostels

Results: 163

Lowest Total Price: $46.89 ***after $2 booking fee*** (Ranked 3 in returned results)

This essentially returned the same results as hostel world, and as a result also had the same "issues" with pricing. There is a booking fee as well.

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Functionality: In terms of pricing and results this site is very similar to HostelWorld but frankly hasn't come as far a way in its functionality. It's missing some really key search filters (features for example). Lastly, it doesn't have quite as many extras as the aforementioned websites.

Hostelz

Results: 100+ (Didn't call out specifically)

Lowest Total Price: $42.72 ***NO booking fee*** (Ranked 1 in returned results)

Hostelz actually combines search results from Hostel World, HostelBookers, Hostel Club, Student Universe and shows you the price of booking on each. You can literally see, for example, that HostelWorld charges more for the same place. By booking through HostelBookers you got the best deal. It's a cool way to right off the bat get a comparison of them both.

Functionality: Slightly less appealing to use because it includes some of the extras in the description instead of calling them out separately like HostelBookers and HostelWorld. That said, I give it credit for comparing reviews and prices on the websites that it includes (HostelWorld, HostelBookers, HostelClub, Student Universe)

Recommendation: Hostel Booker

Although HostelBooker returned significantly less results than some of the other websites, I still prefer this one for several reasons.

Overall better deal and more upfront about the prices. With Hostel World if you didn't do you research properly you could end up spending not just 10% more but 100% more.

It's important to note that this was only one case studies and results may vary. Given enough time, I would probably check several of these websites to really make sure I was getting the best deal, but I think Hostel Booker is my first choice going forward.

Dave Schneider runs a travel blog at
http://www.acoupletravelers.com/ which specializes in providing budget travel tips to readers.


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