Secrets of Web Travel Sites

Booking a trip on an online travel siteis convenient, but comes with its own set of problems.

1 They who's on a Mac and who's on a PCand who's going to spend more.

Last year, US travel research companyOrbitz tracked people's online activities to test out whether Mac users spendmore on travel than PC users. On average, Mac users lay out US$20-30 more pernight on hotels and go for more stars. according to the Wall Street Journal. Asa result, online• travel sites show these users more expensive travel optionsfirst. To avoid inadvertently paying more, sort results by price.

 Their software doesn't always hook up to thehotel's system.

A guaranteed reservation is almostimpossible to come by anywhere — but the risk of your flight or hotel beingoverbooked increases with third-party providers. The middle-man's softwareisn't immune to system errors, so always call the hotel or airline to make sureyour booking was processed.

 Don't be fooled by packages: Often, they'relow-end items grouped together.

Ever notice how travel sites recommend ahotel, a rental car, and tour package all in one click? These deals usuallyfeature travel that no one wants, like flights with multiple layovers.

Check the fine print.

 You could miss out on loyalty points.

Third-party providers can get betweenyou and frequent flyer miles or points. Many hotel loyalty programmes don'trecognise external sites, others award only minimum points and exclude specialoffers, like double points on hotel stays.

 Once your trip is purchased, you're on yourown.

An online travel agency can't provideassistance the same way an agent can if a flight is cancelled or a room issubstandard. Basically, when you arrive at the airport or hotel, you're justanother client who booked at the lowest rate.

    Opened in 1847, the London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. Today it houses over 760 different species of animal and is the only zoo in London where you can experience big animals.

    Explore the “Into Africa” exhibit (展览) where you can come face to face with some of Africa's most unusual animals including hunting dogs, or try “Meet The Monkeys” an exciting walk-through experience. Other top exhibits include the Butterfly Paradise, where you can enjoy many species of butterfly as they fly around you.

    Make sure you don't miss feeding time at the Penguin Beach and find out more about these popular creatures from the zoo's experienced keepers. Penguin Beach, with a very large pool and underwater viewing areas, allows visitors to be close to the penguins like never before.

    Built in 2013, Tiger Territory is a great experience taking visitors deep into the world of these wonderful creatures.

    Rainforest Life is London's only living rainforest, where visitors can meet a variety of beautiful rainforest species including. In the all-new “Night Life” area you will discover the bats, and rats.

    With over 12,000 animals to see and incredible animal displays taking place throughout the day (including feeds and keeper talks), no visitor leaves disappointed. Learn more about London Zoo in our Interview with a Zoo Keeper on our London Pass Blog.

    You can visit the London Zoo for free with a London Pass—a fantastic saving of £23 for adults and over £16 for children. Children aged 3-4 will be charged on entrance fee for London Zoo.

    Red meat, usually considered to be beef, pork, mutton and lamb products, have nutritional value, but eating red meat also raises some health concerns.

    Red meat is an excellent source of protein(蛋白质). It is also a key source of vitamin B12, which is only available in animal products and is key for both red blood cell and nerve health. Red meat is also a rich source of zine, selenium(硒) andiron. Zinc and selenium are good for our immune system (免疫系统). Iron helps transport oxygen in the blood, and low levels of iron can lead to feeling tired. Eating red meat, especially lean cuts(廋肉), with meals and snacks, may help people curb hunger between meals and help people with weight management.

    Health risks of red meat may include the risk of heart disease and cancer. It is usually best to avoid processed meats. These tend to contain lots of salt and nitrites(亚硝酸盐), which may damage our health. Choosing lean cuts and cooking meat correctly may reduce health risks. It is generally advised not to undercook or overcook red meat and to avoid grilling(烧烤).

    When it comes to red meat and health, another thing is whether the animals are grain or grass-fed. Grass-fed animals frequently have a better quality of life. Grass feeding can be more environmentally friendly as well.

    Many governments suggest the amount of red meat should be safely included in a healthy diet. The amount varies between nations, but several portions a week are usually acceptable. Those who choose to include eating red meat may wish to choose grass-fed animals and to cut off any fat before eating.

Welcome to Reading Museum's Hands­on Learning Service

    During the past 100 years, Reading Museum has always been offering learning opportunities to schools, and we hope to continue this tradition for the next 100 years with your support.

    Victorian Schoolroom

    The session takes place in a grand reconstruction of a schoolroom in a late nineteenth century Board School. The children will experience a wide range of Victorian style lessons and use slate boards and dip pens. The session leader will play the role of a Victorian teacher but will come out of the role during the session to comfort the children. We provide costume for all children.

    Victorian Toys

    Our Victorian nanny delivers this interesting session. The nanny will help children to explore the differences between rich and poor children's toys from the past. During the session the children have the opportunity to make a toy to take home.

    Victorian Christmas

    In a specially decorated room the children will find out how the Victorians introduced many of our Christmas customs. They will make a simple card or present to take home.

    For up­to­date prices and session details, please visit our website www.. Reading museum, org. For all session bookings please phone us on 01189373400. Reservation at least 4 weeks in advance is advised. Please be ready to tell us when you wish to come, the session(s) you wish to book and the year group of pupils. Our sessions take place between 10:00 and 12: 00 or 12: 30 and 14: 30. The maximum group size is 35 pupils. We recommend that you bring 5 adults for each group.

    There were smiling children all the way. Clearly they knew at what time the train passed their homes and they made it their business to stand along the railway, wave to complete strangers and cheer them up as they rushed towards Penang. Often whole families stood outside their homes and waved and smiled as if those on the trains were their favorite relatives. This is the simple village people of Malaysia. I was moved.

    I had always traveled to Malaysia by plane or car, so this was the first time I was on a train. I did not particularly(特别) relish the long train journey and had brought along many magazines to read and reread. I looked about the train. There was not one familiar face. I sighed and sat down to read my Economics.

    It was not long before the train was across the Causeway and in Malaysia. Johor Bahru was just a city like Singapore, so I was tired of looking at the crowds of people as they hurried past. As we went beyond the city, I watched the straight rows of rubber trees and miles and miles of green. Then the first village came into sight. Immediately I came alive, I decided to wave back.

    From then on, my journey became interesting. I threw my magazines into the waste basket and decided to join in Malaysian life. Then everything came alive. The mountains seemed to speak to me. Even the trees were smiling. I stared at everything as if I was looking at it for the first time.

    The day passed fast and I even forgot to have my lunch until I felt hungry. I looked at my watch and was surprised that it was 3:00 pm. Soon the train pulled up at Butterworth. I looked at the people all round me. They all looked beautiful. When my uncle arrived with a smile, I threw my arms around him to give him a warm hug. I had never done this before. He seemed surprised and then his weather-beaten face warmed up with a huge smile. We walked arm in arm to his car.

    I looked forward to the return journey.