The possession of a signature is actually remarkable in sports world. For your actual fans across the globe there are many things that satisfy them more than just an athlete’s autograph. However, the things get little dicier when we think of determining the value of sports memorabilia. There is no particular way to find out how much an autograph is valued. Browsing the internet and going through millions of websites will leave you frustrated as every website has its own price and then visiting the sports stores will again provide you with same skewed values. There are few factors that decide the true value of a memorabilia. Some of these factors are:1. What do you get? If you go to watch a baseball match and get your baseball signed by Albert Pujols then it would be equally valuable as a legitimate sports memorabilia. Well the fact is having an autograph on your own at the baseball stadium will leave you with very few options to prove it’s a real one. 2. You need to have a certificate of authenticity for it. The fans are ready to pay as much they can afford for their favorite sports star autograph. The certificate of authenticity is generally given out by companies who witness every signature. An online or offline company who gives you a COA is a legal company and hence is giving you a reliable product. 3. For people who are fans take an autographed product as a status symbol and thus boosts about it among their friends. The memorabilia gets better with time. The older it is more will be its cost. Legendary players autograph has more value than the new ones. Autograph of a player who is master of his trade sells at a sky touching rate. Above all, the cost of the autograph further rises after the death of a player. It is always beneficial to get the memorabilia from a recognized dealer because you will get a certificate along with it and it will be reliable. Purchasing from amateur who is selling it out at cheap can be risky as you do not really have a proof about its authenticity later on. It is always wise to stay away from fraudulent and only trust people who are into this business from years. Sports memorabilia is a life time investment and thus is made carefully by searching each and every aspect and reviewing the background of the company from which you are purchasing it.
When you are looking to shop for some top quality baby equipment and cheap baby products from a single window of a nursery shop you are bound to stop at Baby Boom 2000. With the amazing variety of baby care products this is a renowned, family run, baby shop at West London, Middlesex that is also equipped with an online shopping facility. So if you are far away and want to ship some premier baby equipment then go online with Baby Boom 2000. A Wide variety of products ensures that you can have a product of your choice within your budget. Product RangeBaby Boom 2000 offers necessary items like three and four wheeler travel systems of different sizes and a variety of features. This nursery store has a fabulous collection of top quality baby equipment such as prams of various styles and design, pushchairs, strollers, Moses baskets, baby swings, baby walkers and car seats for babies of different age groups. It also has all the little baby accessories that you may need. This store has another shop a few doors along which is a nursery furniture showroom where you can find, cot beds, cribs, nursing chairs, High chairs, baby bedding sets, changing units. To ensure safety for your little ones there are products such as harnesses, safety gates and bed-guards. Pamper your little one with different toys, toilet training sets, rattles, soothers and bathing units. Purchase processOnline purchasing has gained popularity as more and more people find it convenient and time saving. The website of Baby Boom 2000 is user friendly with all the various products of top quality baby equipment displayed in very attractive layout. The purchase process is simple and secure. You can sign up with the site for an account when placing an order but this is not obligatory. An account is created in your name that helps you to check the status of your order, save searched items in your wish list and save multiple shipping addresses. You can purchase some premier baby equipment for your friend’s newborn or your little one even if you are far away from them with the help of Baby Boom 2000 online shop. LocationThere are two retail outlets of Baby Boom 2000 in West London, one of them is a dedicated nursery furniture showroom (at 12 New Pond Parade) with a variety of furniture for baby care and bedding and the other one has top quality baby equipment such as prams, pushchairs, strollers and other accessories of renowned brands like JANE, COSATTO, ICANDY, OBABY, PHIL AND TEDS, QUINNY STOKKE, BRITAX, BUGABOO, MALCAREN, LEEBRUSS, BABYSTYLE, RECARO, KIDDY to name but a few. The stores are located at 4 and 12 New Pond Parade, West End Road, Ruislip Garden,Middlesex HA4 6LR and they are both off the A40 Polish War Memorial Junction coming from Oxford or London. For any enquiries Tel: 01895 675596/01895637230 or Email sales@babyboom2000. co. uk . Safe payment optionPayment for online purchase is done through credit card or debit card by using the secured system PROTX/SAGE PAY. Card details are not recorded or stored at any stage. The online nursery shop offers a price match guarantee that challenges that if a similar item of same quality is offered cheaper by another website on current date and stock then the company would match that price subject to verification. You can also pay via PAYPAL. Shipping and GuaranteeOnline purchased goods are delivered normally within 3 days and shipping charges for products over £75. 00 are not subject to any delivery charges in U. K. Mainland. For international delivery there is a shipping charge that may be verified over the phone before placing an order. All goods sold from this nursery shop come with 6 months guarantee unless stated otherwise.
Vacationing together with your family is a great way to bond, build memories, and spend time with your parents, spouse, children, and grand children. Phuket is perhaps the first destination that comes into your mind when you think of a relaxing vacation with your family and friends.
The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is an amazing destination, located south west of the country, in the Andaman Sea. It is about 850 km south of Bangkok - the capital city. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman,’ Phuket’s attractions cover an incredible variety of temples, museums, parks and gardens, and bustling shopping areas. Khao Rang, Chalong Temple, Phuket Aquarium, Phuket Butterfly Farm and Aquarium, Thai Village and Orchid Farm, Phromthep Cape, Saphan Hin, Phuket Sea Shell Museum, and Phuket Fantasea, are just few among them.
Aside these, Phuket is much famed for its superb beaches, which among many others, are Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Bang Toa Beach, Surin Beach, Pansea Beach, Kamala Beach, and Nai Yang Beach. Each of the beaches in the area provides superb options to enjoy a range of activities including parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and rafting. Additionally, Phuket renders limitless choices to enjoy several other activities such as golf, elephant trekking, Thai boxing, bungy jumping, mountain biking, and tenpin bowling. Further, excellent options are available for wildlife lovers, such as, Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary.
Phuket also boasts of a teeming nightlife, with a variety of Thai style nightclubs, restaurants, and bars including Suea Saming, Timber Hut, Blue Marina, Idea Bar, and Chewy’s Steakhouse. In short, the activities that can be enjoyed in Phuket are almost round the clock. Above all, traveling to Phuket enables you to experience and explore the unique customs and flamboyant culture of the Thai people.
With these scores of attractions and activities to enjoy, Phuket draws holidaymakers from across the world, especially from Europe and America. Hence, it is no wonder why Phuket has been now regarded as a luxury vacation spot. Further, in order to make your family vacation truly memorable as well as luxurious, many four-star and five-star hotels and resorts provide matchless facilities and amenities while rendering the breathtaking views of the surroundings including incredible sun sets.
Majority of these hotels render services that are ultimate in sophistication, like, deluxe family suites, attached bath, in-room safe, mini bars, and flamboyant interiors. Further, for ultimate privacy as well as unique experience, some resorts offer fully furnished Thai style cottages.
Mostly, services are offered in the form of excellent packages, which are tailored according to the needs of the vacationers. If you are looking for an exciting vacation with your family, then packages are crafted with excellent facilities to enjoy a continuum of activities such as golf and elephant trekking. Sometimes, packages also consist of historical tour or to cruise along the wonderful coastlines of Phuket. There are also packages crafted especially to procure knowledge in Thai cooking. Additionally, for family vacationers who want to explore the sacred sites in the area, then packages covering tour to such shrines as Chalong Temple and Sireh Temple are available.
Likewise, for a relaxing family vacation, some hotels and resorts even provide excellent spa facilities to indulge in rejuvenating Sukka spa treatments, which are offered on the basis of ancient Thai medical theory. In addition, there are also luxury hotels with sections exclusively for the fun and recreation of children, such as family vacation pools, kids club, kids’ fitness area, facilities for pony riding, and baby sitting services.
However, hotels and resorts are not the only options for an enjoyable luxury family vacation in Phuket. For families vacationing with large group, some of the best luxurious choices would be beachside villas, apartments, and bungalows. Mostly, villas are appointed with separate dining area, two to six comfortable bedrooms, expansive living rooms, and kitchen complete with all necessary utensils and equipments.
Many of them are also complete with the services of maid and an expert cook. In addition, many of these accommodation choices come attached with facilities such as swimming pool, salon, and private dining decks. All of these villas and apartments are available both on the basis of long term and short term rental basis.
So, with these excellent choices and facilities, come and enjoy the sheer beauty of Phuket for a dedicated as well as memorable time with your family.
Thailand is nestled between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is exotic yet accessible, with something for every visitor. Relax on white sand beaches, hike through vast areas of tropical forest, or live it up in the humming capital of Bangkok.
There is much for you to discover in Thailand. The country offers a huge range of new experiences in sights, sounds, tastes, and outlook. But different as it may be from your home, Thailand is probably the easiest exotic country for visitors. The people are friendly, leisure activities are well organized, the food is great and you receive excellent value for money.
Thailand is nestled between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. It is exotic yet accessible, with something for every visitor. Relax on white sand beaches, hike through vast areas of tropical forest, or live it up in the humming capital of Bangkok.
There is much for you to discover in Thailand. The country offers a huge range of new experiences in sights, sounds, tastes, and outlook. But different as it may be from your home, Thailand is probably the easiest exotic country for visitors. The people are friendly, leisure activities are well organized, the food is great and you receive excellent value for money.
One of the great things about Thailand for the traveller is the variety of places to visit. From the urban chaos of Bangkok, to the beautiful mountains of the north, to the amazing beaches and islands of the coast Thailand offers the visitor a wide range of alternatives when choosing a vacation.
Most visitors arrive first in Bangkok. Despite the heat, traffic, pollution and crowds Bangkok has a lot to offer in the way of tourist attractions. The old town around the Royal Palace is the cultural heart of Thailand and is full of temples markets and traditional shop house architecture. The centre of Bangkok with its towering skyscrapers, gleaming department stores and luxury hotels is not only the business district but also the main entertainment area. Bangkok is a truly cosmopolitan city fueled by an unparalleled energy.
The north of Thailand is very different. Ancient and beautiful towns dotted with the golden roofs of ancient temples lie in the valleys and plains flanked by tree lined mountains populated, not only by northern Thais, but also by ethnic minorities with their own languages, dress and traditions. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are the two most visited towns and both serve as a good base to explore this beautiful and remote part of Asia.
At the other end of the country along the miles and miles of coastline you can find some of the best beaches in the world. There are choices for all tastes and budgets. Phuket is sophisticated and developed with not only great beaches but also a plethora of opportunities for sailing, diving, golf and fishing. Whether you want peace and quiet or music and action, in Phuket it’s always only a short distance away. Nearby Krabi is perfect for a family holiday with beautiful white sand and dramatic limestone scenery.
In the Gulf of Thailand Koh Samui provides a world class alternative with a wider range of cheaper accommodation. Nearby Koh Phangan is still comparatively basic and budget travelers enjoy the peace and quiet of what, at times, resembles paradise. Further away, near Cambodia, Koh Chang is also very quiet. If you want a beach resort with attitude, then head to Pattaya. Some love it, some hate it but it is never short of energy.
Throughout Thailand one is never far away from history and its legacy. The ancient capitals of Sukothai and Ayuthaya are both remnants of a glorious past. Through Isaan there are hundreds of examples of the power of the Khmer empire of Angkor. Both Phanam Rung in Buriram and Phimai in Korat are as good examples of Angkorian architecture as one can find.
West of Bangkok is Kanchanaburi and the famous, if tragic, Bridge over the River Kwai. Built by slave labour and allied prisoners during the Japanese occupation of World War II, it is a somber reminder of recent history and the suffering of war. Around Kanchanaburi there is also beautiful mountain countryside and waterfalls.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a water baby, a party animal or just in need of peace and quiet the odds are in your favour that somewhere in Thailand you can find what you want.
The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is South-East Asia’s one of the most charming destinations, situated in the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea. Located about 850 kilometers south of Bangkok by air and just an hour’s flying from Bangkok, Phuket boasts of a stunning landscape comprising awe-inspiring scenery, blue seas, stretches of white sandy beaches, and beautiful sunsets.
Hence, it is not a wonder why Phuket is sometimes referred to as ‘the Pearl of the Andaman. ‘ When comes to attractions, Phuket presents a feast of attractions for visitors touring the destination, such as, Phuket Aquarium, with some rare species of fishes; Phuket Butterfly Farm, boasting of a vivid range of butterflies and other insects; Phuket Zoo, where monkey, elephant and crocodile shows are conducted; wats including Wat Chalong, Wat Kun Chi and Phuket Town Shrine; and Thalang National Museum, containing some unique art and artifacts.
However, despite this amazing range of attractions, many of the tourists come here due to its gorgeous beaches including Patong Beach, Kata - Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, and Bang Tao Beach, just few to name. Each of these beaches has its own significance, and is considered a mecca for enjoying water sport activities, such as swimming, deep sea fishing, paragliding, sailing, and much more. Whether you are beach bums, art or nature lovers, bird or wild life lovers, devotees, or honeymooners or newly weds, Phuket, in deed, has everything for a relaxing and memorable vacation.
It is estimated that millions of tourists, especially westerners, visit here per year. Hence, in order to cater to the growing needs of tourists, Phuket has an astounding range of accommodation choices, depending upon the preferences and interests of tourists. For instance, if you are a tourist who has come here for short stay, then some of the best choices are hotels and resorts. If you are budget conscious, you can opt for such options as boutique and bungalow resorts attached with all necessary facilities like swimming pool and recreational features, apart from inexpensive accommodations.
For beach lovers, some excellent beach resorts are available in destinations, many of which are just few meters away from some of the most popular beaches in the area. Mostly, they are complete with luxuriously appointed rooms, Thai style gardens, lush gardens, swimming pools, most modern spa facilities, and golf courses.
Al though hotels and resorts make available all that is required to make your vacation enjoyable, it may sometimes does not appeal a vacationer seeking more space, privacy, and freedom. For such vacationers, no other options would be better than private villas. They are also an excellent choice for holidaymakers who are here for a long stay. In contrast to a hotel or resort room whose average size is only of about 40 square meters, a villa may be usually in the form of house with size varying from 100 to 900 square meters.
From single studio and apartment style villas to five or six room villas, you can choose from a variety of astounding villas in Phuket. Some of the most sophisticated villas in Phuket come with three or more bedrooms, kitchen designed in European style and equipped with dishwasher and microwave oven, separate dining and living areas, excellent entertainment facilities coupled with satellite TV and CD and DVDs, and hi-speed internet connections.
Additionally, mostly they are complete with facilities such as indoor as well as outdoor Jacuzzis, barbeque areas, and private swimming pools. There are also some villa rentals, offering the services of maids, cooks, chauffeurs, and baby sitters. Above all, as in the case of beach resorts, many of the villa rentals are within close proximity to some of the top beaches in the area.
Let it be any type of accommodation choice or providers, majority of them provide superb arrangements in order to help you indulge in a variety of activities in the destination. For example, some providers organize canoe trips to explore the Phang Nga Bay caves. Likewise, special river rafting trips are organized for adventurous. Many of them also provide excellent facilities to enjoy such activities as elephant trekking, touring wildlife centers, and jungle walking. Further, for weary travelers seeking rejuvenation and relaxation, some of them offer superb spa services covering body massages, herbal treatments, mud baths, and beauty treatments.
A myriad of professional villa service providers are now there to provide you the best services in connection with Phuket villa rentals. Many of them even offer options to allow for a hassle-free booking online.
The Kingdom of Thailand is Bangkok.
Offering some of the world’s finest luxury holiday accommodation, Thailand provides the ultimate getaway for you and your family. Luxury villas are fitted out to the highest standard. Aimed at the discerning traveller who needs flexibility of movement away from the holiday crowds, many property owners will help customers construct a holiday that allows them to move at their own pace. Exploring or relaxing, our clients are able to enjoy the delights of Asia.
Offering a staggering array of activities, Thailand is firmly established as the Asian destination of choice, the infrastructure is such that traveling the length and breadth of the country is easy, cheap fast and reliable. Vacationers’ minds are put at ease with world class hospitals, extremely low crime and amenities to match any country in the world. From Bangkok, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury villas for rent. Stunning locations are within hours of the capitol making weekend breaks very popular these days, High flying professionals can fly in from Hong Kong and be relaxing beside their private pool a their Thailand villa in no time, and enjoying the Thai pace of life.
Thailand Villas are attaining a global reputation for luxury, quality and value. Luxury villas in Phuket are on the same level or above of anything anywhere in the world, and regularly feature in magazines and newspapers as promoted as the peak of living. When choosing a luxury villa guests must decide whether they want solitude or a more hectic atmosphere with hustle and bustle of street markets and beach activities. Luxury villas on the east coast offer the kind of peace and quiet that is more akin to Samui or Krabi. There is a sense of remoteness here, with traditional Thai fishing villages, and quiet serene beaches dotted along the coast.
It is not just the luxury villas that people are drawn too. The Andaman coast is certainly one of the most striking areas, and Phuket is famous for its beauty and wealth of attractions. Southern Thailand stands apart from the rest of the country as being more tropical. It has the highest rainfall, giving a deeper green to the vegetation, while the geological make up of sheer limestone formations adds drama to the landscape.
Thailand also has a reputation as a golfing paradise with a wealth of world class courses that have attracted many of the best pros over the years - including American-Thai Tiger Woods. Thailand frequently stages the Johnnie Walker Super Tour and other Asian classics attracted by the excellent course facilities and clubroom accommodation found across the kingdom. These are all available to our customers and despite the top-notch conditions a first-class round of golf is possible for about US$60 to US$70.
The six provinces along the Western coast are characterized by the Andaman sea which has numerous excellent coral reefs making it a paradise for divers. The water is warm year round and so is always comfortable to swim in. The Similan islands are rated amongst the top dive destinations in the world as are the climbing sites in Krabi province meaning that vacationers will never be bored with what is on offer.
Attracting scores to tourists and visitors to its land every year the country of Malaysia is among the most prominent South Asian nation. Malaysia is located on the Asian peninsula and Borneo Island. Both culturally and historically rich this land makes for a great tourist destination. It is not without a reason that Malaysia has been increasingly attracting vacationers from the entire world over. Tourism in Malaysia has been booming on the past years. And hence Malaysia Hotels make sure they offer a lodging experience to its visitors and guests that it makes them bowled over its services and standards.
Some of the major tourist destination in Malaysia includes:
Kuala Lumpur
The city of Kuala Lumpur is the largest and the capital city of Malaysia. The city is the chief hub of financial, administrative and cultural life of the country. Extremely high on arts, architecture sports and recreation the Kuala Lumpur offers amazing entertainment options to the visitors and tourists. The buildings in the city are a blend of Islamic and Moorish architecture style and are truly awe inspiring. Among the many interesting sights are Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market, Genting Highlands and not to miss the Petronas Twin Towers that prides itself for being the world tallest twin towers in the world.
Langkawi
The island of Langkawi is a union of 99 islands in the Sea of Andaman. Located in the neighborhood of northwestern Peninsular of Malaysia, Langkawi belong to the Kedah State of Malaysia. The largest island of Langkawi is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi. Boasting of the scenic views of mountains of Peninsular Malaysia, this island is dotted with gorgeous sandy beaches, verdant woodland and pristine lakes among others.
Penang
The city of Penang in Malaysia is very mesmerizing and interesting. The pretty Georgetown of Penang houses some of the every finest architectural splendors of colonial era. Forever reverberating with fun and frolic, the ambience and locales of Penang is exceedingly bewitching. Enjoy strolling around the town, shopping in the colossally huge malls, and digging out on the delicious food of Penang. In the city one of the best things to indulge oneself into are fishing, exploring the vivid culture of China and of course walking around the lush jungle of Penang.
Malacca
The city of Malacca in Malaysia is also known as the Historical State. Although Malacca is small state it is among the best known holiday spot. Being a sea side city of Malaysia, Malacca is dotted with beautiful resorts. Rich in cultural and tradition, this city is very different from the other ultra modern cities of Malaysia. The architecture of the city is highly influenced by Portuguese style architecture. But when it comes to avenues and markets of Malacca you would realizes that there is a bit of Chinese ambience to it.
Accommodation in Malaysia is easy to find. Besides lodging Hotels in Malaysia you may even opt for private apartments, inns, hostels and lodges. Falling in different categories and price brackets hotels in Malaysia are excellent.
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. It is located on the banks of Chao Phraya River. This beautiful city of angels is the political, economical, cultural and spiritual center of Thailand. The splendid view of the city will delight your heart. Among its world famous attractions gorgeous marble temples and golden Buddhas are the most remarkable ones. The shopping extravaganza, restaurants, hotels, and the entertainment venues everything that offers by this city has its unique world class value.
Accommodations that Bangkok city offers include star rating grand hotels and affordable budget hotels. If you wish to stay luxuriously then it is advisable for you to choose 3 Star hotels in Bangkok for these star hotels are comfortable and affordable as well. Stay like a Royal Guest in one of these 3 star hotels.
Before you book the hotels, you need to some search and make comparison of the motels. However, the Three Star hotels in Bangkok such as 13 Coins Airport Grand Resort, 13 Coins Resort Bangna, Airport Suites Hotel Bangkok etc are among some of the popular hotels in Bangkok.
During your stay in one of the luxury hotels, you are sure to get the limitless comfort and world class facilities. The comfortable stay will make you more energetic to explore the city in day time and at night as well. After experiencing the tours of various attractive places in day hours, there are many wild and colorful experiences left for the night. Bangkok completely alters its face transforming into the beautiful and luminous spectacle at night. Bangkok’s incredible nightlife is an extravaganza filled with flashing lights, music and fun loving crowds.
Thailand’s biggest island Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea of Southern province of Thailand. This particular island is filled with lots of mountains. This beautiful island offer many attractive beaches. Among them Patong Beach is the most famous. Apart from this beach there are beaches like Karon Beach, Kata Beach etc.
The island offers good and first class arrangements for accommodations. Among its various star rating hotels, 3 Star hotels in Phuket are well suited to its visitors. So, make your stay in these star hotels and enjoy the island life culture of Thailand.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is home to many beautiful beaches, set against the background of verdant coconut palms and sparkling lagoons. Every bay is unique, every creek has its own charm, and the sunsets are invariably spectacular. Visit shimmering temples and colonial mansions, indulge in Phuket’s many activities including golf and scuba diving or enjoy an excursion to the many surrounding islands during your holidays to Phuket.
Highlights of holidays to Phuket include a speedboat tour of Phang Nga Bay, which deserves its reputation as one of the loveliest in the world. This dramatic collection of limestone outcrops, rising sheer from the emerald sea, will be familiar to fans of The Man With The Golden Gun and The Beach.
During holidays to Phuket, for the keen golfer, four wonderfully scenic golf courses are available - Phuket Country Club, first and still one of the finest of the island’s courses, the Blue Canyon Club (former home of the Johnny Walker Classic), Laguna Phuket Golf Club beside Bangtao Bay and Mission Hills Golf Club.
In holidays to Phuket you will discover the “Pearl of Thailand”, regularly voted one of the worlds top holiday destinations, lies just off the southwest coast, surrounded by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Phuket (pronounced poo-KET) is the country’s largest island, some 50 km (30 miles) in length and 16 km (10 miles) across, and home to almost 200,000 people. At its northern tip, a road bridge carries traffic across the narrow strait that separates it from the mainland.
Some of the famous white-sand beaches are on the west coast, happily facing the often dramatic sunsets. Phuket offer water sports are the main attraction: all the main resorts offer sailing, wind-surfing, water-skiing and snorkelling, and you can learn to scuba-dive with experienced instructors. For variation in holidays to Phuket there is golf or tennis, a tour of the hilly interior of the island or a boat trip among the spectacular isles of Phang Nga Bay. In Phuket tropical showers can last for an hour or two, rarely interrupting the fun for long-when it’s this warm, getting wet hardly matters. And the climate keeps the landscape lush and green, a backdrop for huge, vivid butterflies that flit among the flowers.
While on holidays to Phuket you will find that the rapid growth of tourism has brought a rash of development at the main resorts, especially Patong. But tranquil spots are not hard to find, and a variety of boats can take you to Phuket’s own offshore islets where you may be completely alone. By contrast, bustling night markets are a Southeast Asian tradition. The cool of the evening is a time for strolling and shopping, and when you’re ready to dine, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Being a pilot or an air hostess could be anybody’s dream career. The job involves lot of traveling, glamour and lot of money. It is a well-paying job so youngsters dream to pursue a career in aviation. In fact, all jobs related to the aviation sector are lucrative. However, it is also a rigorous job and demands a lot out of you and involves a certain amount of risk on daily basis. The work hours are generally long but the perks are high. One also gets to travel the world while on the job and meet interesting people. All these things make a career in aviation a very sought after option. Also, with the upcoming travel industry and the upgradation, liberalization and privatization of airports, there is a huge demand for the people who have done career training in aviation.
Today, there are many state-run and private training schools that provide pilot training and air hostess training. Different schools offer aviation courses of different duration.
It is always advisable to take up courses related to the aviation industry from a recognized and prestigious career institute. Aviation courses mainly include training about flying operation, aircrew, aircraft, air traffic management, technical aspects of flight, aviation safety, regulatory policies and economics of airport.
The Indian Institute of Aeronautics based in Delhi offers 3-year AME Licence Training Programs, as approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation. For enrolment in the course, one has to apply as per admission notice displayed in newspapers. The courses usually commence in July every year. For foreign students, admission is subject to security clearance from the Government of India.
Indian Institute of Aeronautical Science based in Jamshedpur offers a course in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. The course usually commences in January and July every year. The admissions are done on the basis of merit list prepared on an entrance examination. The duration of this course is three years and it is divided over six months, which includes six months on the job practical training on flying aircraft. The eligibility for this course is that the candidate must have passed Intermediate Science, 10+2 (or its equivalent) with 50% Marks in Physics & Mathematics or a 3-year Diploma and degree in any branch of engineering with minimum 50% marks. Foreign students shall have qualification equivalent to any prescribed above or “O” level of U. K. or equivalent.
Another good institute is Avalon Aviation Academy, which is an enterprise of Aptech Limited. It offers the following courses: Diploma in Professional Cabin Crew Services, Diploma in Professional Ground Staff services, IATA / UFTAA- Foundation Course, Certificate Course in Fares & Ticketing Virgin Atlantic/ GTMC Courses and Personality Development courses. Avalon Aviation Academy has centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune etc.
The state owned institutes include: Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Akademi, Rae Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh Aviation Academy, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Amritsar Aviation Club, Amritsar, Punjab, Bihar Flying Institute, Patna, Bihar, Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Gujarat Flying Club, Vadodara, Gujarat, Government. Flying Training Institute, Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, Government Flying Training Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, Government. Flying Training School, Bangalore, Karnataka, Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation, Karnal, Haryana, Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation, Hissar, Haryana, Haryana Institute of Civil Aviation, Pinjore, Haryana, Ludhiana Aviation Club, Ludhiana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Madras Flying Club, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Northern India Flying Club, Jallandhar, Punjab, Patiala Aviation Club, Patiala, Punjab, Rajasthan State Flying School, Jaipur, Rajasthan, UP State Flying Training Institute, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar Flying Training Institute, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam Flying Club, Guwahati, Assam, Banasthali Vidyapith Gliding and Flying Club, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Aviation Training Academy, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Delhi Flying Club, New Delhi, Kerala Aviation Training Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Nagpur Flying Club, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Jamshedpur Cooperative Flying Club, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
There is wide ranging scope in India for those who successfully complete courses in aviation. One may find jobs in aerospace / aviation engineering, aviation maintenance, flight crew, management aviation, civil aviation department of India, avionics, cargo management, reservation sector, cabin crew, operation executive, air hostess etc. The major companies in aviation include Sahara India, Kingfisher Airlines, Indian Airlines, India International Airways Ltd. , Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. , Deccan Airlines, Trans Asian Aviation, Bird Group, and many others.
To be a pilot the basic prerequisites are that you must have completed your Class XII under the 10+2 system or its equivalent with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in Mathematics and Physics. Minimum 16 years of age is required to be eligible for a Private Pilot License and 17 for a Commercial Pilot License. The vision in one eye must be perfect. General physical fitness is also mandatory.
Before going for the plunge, one must remember that however glamorous and exciting it may sound, the job requires intensive training and risk. A pilot is responsible for the lives of passengers as well as the aircraft itself.