Archive for April 2010
Planning For That Special Alaskan Vacation
April 30, 2010
Taking an Alaska Cruise will take you to a unique and beautiful place that cannot be duplicated anywhere else on earth. With the smallest of populations Alaska is oddly enough also the largest state in the US. Which is why many people consider this to the be the last great frontier in the Country. The qualities that have drawn people to it are those of mystery and challenge. No matter if you’re looking to go whale watching fishing or just relax an Alaska cruise will provide you all of these pursuits.
The waters around Alaska are home to the most concentrated population of humpback whales on the planet. This makes Alaska a Mecca for those who want to view this beautiful scenery first hand. So many people take their Alaska cruise vacation not quite knowing exactly what to expect from such a majestic and vast expanse of wilderness.
They will see the natural interaction of wildlife as it has remained since the dawn of time unfettered by human intrusion. What they will also find are a vast array of sea life such as sea otters orca and seals not to mention land based creatures such as wolves and elk and moose. Remember to bring a camera as well as a set of binoculars for your visit.
If whales are not really your interest you can find a great variety of animals and birds. Many people will take a wildlife cruise in order to view the beautiful diversity of species and plants. People are never sure exactly what they’re going to view don’t be surprised if you get to view mountain goats and bears. The avid traveler will find that their Alaska cruise will expose them to many different types of wildlife and so many ways to enjoy them.
If you’re a catch them and eat them kind of person then an Alaska fishing cruise is just for you. The area is well known for the extreme fishing that occurs. Many people want to experience the halibut and salmon fishing which is unlike any other fishing trip. You may even find a cruise that allows you to throw a line over the side during the trip. These packages range from quiet to extravagant. Whether you are an extreme vacationer or looking for a quiet experience there is an Alaska Cruise for you. All this takes is some research on which vacation package to choose.
There are those packages that meet the needs of the traveler looking for a more intense visit. And for those interested in a more placid experience of watching this beautifully coastline peacefully go by as they revel in the tranquil nature of their surroundings there are plenty of packages offering these more docile trips. Once you begin looking you will see that there is a large selection of sources which will provide you with a plethora of information regarding which type of cruise will provide you with the experience for which you are looking.
Whether you’re interested in fishing or whale watching or you just want to relax there is a Alaska cruise to meet your needs. Do some research to find a vacation package that best fits your needs. intense nature and beautiful scenery will be found on your Alaska cruise.
If you would like to plan for Your Next Vacation then make sure to swing by Vacation Travel Site and let us help you.
Find The Best Hotels In Tenerife
April 30, 2010
There’s a simple rule of thumb you need to bear in mind when looking for a Tenerife hotel – what is it you actually require from the place you’re going to be staying in? This may seem extremely obvious, but my experience is that people often forget this basic principle.
So how do we go about answering this question? What we need to do is develop a list of features that can be found in the Tenerife hotels that you find in your online search. Once we have this list, we’ll be much better able to choose a hotel that best matches what we’re ideally looking for.
The basis for all hotel stays is obviously the reason why you’re going to be there in the first place. This will most likely be either for a holiday or city break, or for work. There are, of course, other possibilities (such as visiting relatives, attending a party etc.), but we find these are the 2 most common reasons for wanting to stay in a hotel.
The next factor, then, is to decide where it is in Tenerife will be the ideal location for your accommodation. For example, do you want to be in the town centre, near to nightlife, near to any sights you wish to see, near to where you’ll be working, or any other issues that spring to mind.
Once you have this in mind, you’ll want to determine what sort of facilities are important to you within the hotel itself. Certainly most modern hotels will come with en suite bathrooms, but if that isn’t important to you, you may be able to save some money. Similarly, you should decide if you want a bar or restaurant in the place you’ll be staying.
Back in the day, it was unusual for holiday accommodation to include a gym or swimming pool within, but this is much more common now. And if you feel the need to go online while you’re away, you should check if the hotel has wifi internet access, which is increasingly the norm.
We suggested you might be able to save some cash through looking at reduced facilities, and obviously your overall budget is a key consideration. There’s not a lot of sense in looking for top of the range luxury if you know you can’t afford it. Fortunately, Tenerife has many hotels in all price ranges so you should find something suitable quite easily.
Now you have all this info to hand – location, facilities etc. – you should look into each of the hotels that are available in Tenerife that meet up with your requirements. You’ll probably find several that tick all the boxes, so you now simply need to choose a favourite.
Finally, of course, you’ll need to include the dates of your stay. Many hotels will not be available for all the days you want to be there, so you’ll want to check against each of them to ensure you can get the hotel you desire when it comes to booking online.
Tris Jackson is a hotel booking expert with many years of experience in helping people find their ideal accommodation.
Escape To The Ocean Spa Hotel For Your Next Vacation
April 30, 2010
In the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone is the Ocean Spa Hotel. If you are planning your next Caribbean getaway, then I recommend staying at this oceanfront hotel. It will complete your vacation in one of Mexico’s most popular cities. I was not disappointed with the sandy beaches and warm tropical nights what so ever.
The hotel is a wonderful place to stay and relax. They have over a hundred rooms for you to choose from. Most of the rooms either have a view of their beautiful gardens or the Caribbean Sea. There are also view rooms where you can see the Isla Mujeres. All the views are gorgeous and you will not be disappointed.
There is much to do during your stay to Cancun while staying at this hotel. Not only to the many things you can do in the city itself and there is much to do while never leaving the hotel. They have several restaurants for you to enjoy at your leisure. You can relax by the pool or on a lounge chair in front of the ocean.
There is also the luxurious spa that I will never forget. You will find every type of treatment you can imagine in their state-of-the-art spa facilities. When it comes to health and fitness, I found daily activities for mind and body while I stayed at the Ocean Spa hotel, it’s known for its peaceful, intimate, full-service spa, its healthy meal options, and its dynamic activity programs.
You can also view all the rooms on their websites as well. You can accommodate the small party of two or a family reunion. They have live chat specialists to answer any questions you have and can help you book the rooms you need for your future stay. There are also last minute deals you can take advantage of.
Look into your next great vacation at the Ocean Spa Hotel and see how great your stay in Cancun can be. You will be surprised on how affordable it can be. Check online today and book your next great trip to Mexico.
For additional information and queries about the Ocean Spa Hotel please come see the Ocean Spa Hotel team at www.oceanspahotel.com
Get Hold Of Your Flights To Miami At The Preferred Time Of The Year
April 30, 2010
If you’re planning a trip to Miami there are a few things you will want to take into consideration. Without proper planning, you may wind up spending much more then necessary on your trip so it can help to look at a few things first to help you save money on the over all trip. One of the best ways to save money on your Miami trip is in your airfare.
The price of your airline ticket depends on whether or not you are able to book a flight well in advance. Your plane tickets will most likely be quite expensive if you are taking a last minute trip. If you’re able to book reservations well in advance, you’ll find that you won’t pay as much for your tickets. The cost of flights varies on whether you buy them 7, 14 or 21 days in advance. Book tickets well in advance if you would like to take advantage of the lowest rates possible.
The time of year your traveling will also play a huge roll in how much your ticket will cost. Since Miami is a hot spot for vacationers year round, you will want to know when the off season is so that you can get a better deal on your plane tickets. There are basically 3 seasons for tourists in Miami. The high season is considered to be January through April. This is when the weather is colder up north and that usually sends northerners south for a vacation to warmer climates. The off season or low season is June through September making this the ideal time for traveling to Miami. Mid season or the shoulder season falls on the months October through December and the month of May.
The shoulder season is still cheaper then peak season but a bit more costly then the low season. You should also try to fly out on a weekday as flights during the week are always cheaper any time of the year. Look for specials during the low season that will combine airfare as well as hotel accommodations so you can get the most for your money. You can check online as well as with a travel agent for the best deals. The Internet allows you to compare the rates of several airlines at one time.
You may find discounted fares to Miami, available through certain carriers, if you relinquish the option to modify your flight arrangements for any reason. It is also beneficial to request information about any airfare specials that may not be readily advertised. Along with the reduced airfare available during the off season of June through September, a large number of Miami’s attractions will be attempting to attract additional business by slashing prices.
Every time of year provides some benefits and activities for tourists to do, so you should think about these things when planning your travel dates. During spring break, lots of college kids love to visit, but if you’re traveling with kids, you might want to visit Miami when there aren’t as many tourists around. Provided that you plan your trip well in advance, you’ll discover that you can find a plane ticket to Miami at a very low price.
You’ll find the most impressive deals on the web for Flights to Miami from the leading and most respected air carriers in the business. You’re able to fly to Miami from nearly every major city on the earth and all departure cities can be catered for by our partners, so merely choose one of our associates and get hold of the best offer relating to your Flights To Miami International right now.
The Hilton Head Island Lighthouse Museum Is A Can’t Miss Attraction
April 30, 2010
The distinctive red and white day mark of the Hilton Head Island Lighthouse stands out from its surroundings like a giant 90 foot, barber pole. It is so easily recognized that it has in fact become the unofficial symbol of Hilton Head Island. It is also the official logo of the Horizon Heritage PGA golf tournament, held every year in April on the Island.
Ninety-feet may not seem like much until you begin to tackle the 114 steps required to get you to the top. Fortunately, the climb is interrupted by a landing every 10 steps, which features a mini-museum built into the wall at that point. “Walking up all those stairs is very tiring,” as one visitor put it, “If you have bad knees, I wouldn’t recommend it. The view, however, is awesome!”
The Museum
This “step and study, step and study” approach puts you at the top before you even have time to think about it. Every 10 steps brings you to another “room” of the museum on the self-guided Legends Tour. The historical objects and paintings are rotated on a regular basis, so there’s always something fresh and new to anticipate every time you visit the Island.
You’ll get the inside story on the creation of the lighthouse and learn the ancient history of the Island from artifacts dating back 3000 to 5000 B.C. There’s also a big emphasis on how the Island was found and developed by William Hilton In 1663 and on how the Civil War impacted life on Hilton Head.
The French and Spanish were first on the scene, but they didn’t stick around so when Captain Hilton showed up he was free to claim the Island for England. He was on the way from Barbados hugging the coast in search of profitable plantation lands. Stumbling upon the Island he disembarked to explore and did not hesitate to Cristen it with his own name – “Hilton’s Headland.”
The Gift Shop
The lighthouse climb may be “breathtaking”, but the view from the top is even more so. You can catch your breath in the little souvenir shop which occupies every square inch of the Watch Room (lighthouse terminology). “The Island’s most elevated shopping experience,” is the way some have described it. Over 2,000 items are on sale, many of them crafted specifically for the Hilton Head Lighthouse. The prices are not bad at all.
The experience is also billed as “Shop At The Top.” It is in fact the only lighthouse in the United States with a shop at the top. It’s the only lighthouse constructed in the United States since the late 1800s. Built in 1970, the Hilton Head Island Lighthouse is the visual centerpiece of the Sea Pines district at the south end of the Island. More than just a replica, its beacon is visible from 15 miles at sea.
On your next vacation to the Island, be sure to include a visit to the Hilton Head Island lighthouse! It’s one of the most exciting Hilton Head Island attractions for the whole family. To learn more about the creation of the Hilton Head Island lighthouse and how it has become the unofficial logo of the #1 vacation destination in the continental United States follow the links below.
Who needs Hawaii, when we’ve got Hilton Head? Oliver Woods invites you to discover more details on why Hilton Head Island is America’s most popular vacation spot at Hilton Head South Carolina To plan your vacation at Hilton Head utilize the simple vacation Trip Planner Worksheet for discounts on dining, sleeping, biking, and much more.
Now Is The Time To Take Your Disney Family Vacation
April 30, 2010
A Disney vacation can be expected to provide family friendly fun as well as luxury and spectacle. Your Disney cruise will provide you those same standards. In order to accommodate your whole family, your rooms are much larger than on other cruise lines. You will find that each ship within their fleet has plenty of options that will accommodate a family of any size and budget. You will also see that there are plenty of choices of whom you can associate with whether you want to just keep to your own family or if you want to visit with those who are you same age. With such a diverse selection of options and events you will love your Disney cruise vacation.
Before you book your Disney cruise you should think about the kind of room or suite you want. There are about twelve different categories of ship accommodations. Choose your rooms based on the number of people you need it to hold, the view you would like and whether you would like a veranda. Keep in mind that each room needs to have at least one adult. If you are traveling with friends or family, you can link your reservations if you make them at the same time. If you need to make them separately, you will need to speak to a Disney representative. It pays to make your reservation as soon as possible, as the Category 1 and 2 suites tend to sell out quickly.
Your vacation begins the minute you set foot on a Disney cruise ship. Whether your trip lasts a few days or more than a week you should not run out of fun activities. The younger kids can take advantage of activities especially designed for them that are supervised by professional counselors. Because parents are issued beepers when they drop off their young children they can enjoy themselves without worry. Even teenagers can enjoy specially designed activities and events just for them. With the wide variety of programs available, everyone in your family can enjoy themselves together or with other passengers their own age.
After you’ve dropped off the kids, you can explore all of the adult oriented events such as the spa, shopping or adults-only pools. You will find plenty of activities designed for the entire family also. You can organize your days with the help of a Daily Navigator who will inform you of each days schedules and on board events. With a schedule that will let you enjoy Broadway-caliber shoes, the on-board movie theaters, themed deck parties or just lounge in the sun, you’re almost assured to have a good time.
The fun is not limited to the interior of your Disney cruise ship. The Bahamas, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean…make sure to get out and see the sights at your ports of call. A “Shopping in Paradise Port Guide” will give you an historical overview of the port as well as good dining and shopping suggestions. Some cruise itineraries will take you to Castaway Cay, Disney’s privately owned island paradise.
There is so much to do on a Disney cruise it is impossible to recount it all here. The accommodations are so spectacular that you can enjoy yourself without even leaving your room. But it would certainly be a mistake to miss the amazing adventures that Disney’s entertainment experts have carefully designed with your family in mind. Of course, the ports of call and Castaway Cay provide additional opportunities for fun. Whether you play together or apart, this is a vacation you will never forget.
Do you know which Vacation Destination you would like to visit? Do a little more Research on Your Vacation at our Travel Site.
Find The Best Hotels In Brussels
April 30, 2010
When you’re looking around for a hotel in Brussels, you should start by asking yourself what it is that you actually want from the place you’ll be choosing. Although you might think this is obvious, in my experience it’s easy to forget this simple rule that you should keep in your mind.
So let’s examine the question in more detail, so we can develop a set of criteria to use when sifting through the list of Brussels hotels we can find online. Once we’ve done this, we are in a much better position to choose the ideal hotel for our particular purposes.
The first thing to look at, of course, is why it is you want to stay in a hotel at all. Generally, this will be because you’re going on holiday or for work purposes. There are other reasons, such as perhaps visiting people or attending a function, but the most likely scenario is you’ll be there for a break or to work.
Once we have in mind why it is we’re going, we then need to determine where in Brussels will be the best place for us to be based. This will take into account factors such as whether you want to be near the town centre, near to any sightseeing opportunities, or near to the place you’ll be working.
Once you have this in mind, you’ll want to determine what sort of facilities are important to you within the hotel itself. Certainly most modern hotels will come with en suite bathrooms, but if that isn’t important to you, you may be able to save some cash. Similarly, you should decide if you want a bar or restaurant in the place you’ll be staying.
Many hotels also now come with facilities that would have been unheard of a few years ago, including some with their own gym and swimming pool. If you want to keep on top of your emails or just chat with friends on Facebook, a wifi internet connection might also be important to you.
Having mentioned money, this is a very obvious issue that you’ll want to address. No point looking for five star luxury if you simply can’t afford to pay the amount it would cost per night. Brussels certainly has its fair share of hotels to choose from in all price brackets, so you should easily find something suitable with just a few minute’s investigation.
So now you know roughly the area you want to be in, and the facilities you’ll want from your hotel and the surrounding area, it’s time to look at all the hotels that Brussels has to offer you, and make your decision according to the criteria you’ve just established for the ideal place.
One final factor, of course, is the dates you’ll want to be there. It’s not always the case that each hotel is available for your chosen time frame – or perhaps not for all the time you want to be there – so it’s essential you check based on the actual dates of your stay so you’re not disappointed when it comes time to book.
Hotel booking expert Tris Jackson has many years of experience in helping people find their ideal accommodation.
categories: hotels,accommodation,holidays,vacations,travel,Brussels,Belgium
Lake Tahoe Has Vacation Rentals All Year
April 30, 2010
Lake Tahoe is undoubtedly one of the distinguished natural treasures of the United States. With consistently delightful conditions in both the summer and winter months, it deserves the portrayal given to it by Mark Twain upon originally setting eyes on the lake in 1861, “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” The region is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the unaffected splendor of America’s largest alpine lake. Lake Tahoe is situated on the border between California and Nevada, about a hundred miles east of Sacramento, California and 45 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada.
In the summer months, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for visitors interested in boating and water sports, as well as those who simply want to respite in the sun on the miles of sandy beaches. More energetic visitors can find countless possibilities for outdoor activities, including bicycling, golf, tennis, camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, parasailing, even hot air ballooning. Lake Tahoe vacation rentals are also widely obtainable during the summer months.
In the summer, when the sun shines 80% of the time, hikers find Tahoe to be heaven on Earth. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the area, traversing the mountains and valleys. There are a range of difficulties for all skill degrees, and a variety of trail lengths for quick day hikes or extended multi day backcountry excursions. If you are recent to hiking, guided backcountry hikes are offered with supplied meals, transportation, and abundant information about the lake and its natural environs.
A few of the most popular hiking spots include Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake, a comparatively undemanding trail of beginner difficulty which leads to a stunning view of Eagle Falls. Emerald Bay Trail is a quick but steep trail leading up from the north region of Emerald Bay and ending at Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle. The Nevada Shoreline Trail and the Shirley Lake hiking trail are also popular hikes in the area.
In the winter months, Lake Tahoe devotes itself to the ski season. Thousands of visitors from California, Nevada, the United States and the world descend upon Lake Tahoe in the snowy months to contribute in some of the most scenic skiing to be had in the United States. The snow is dry and powdery, and the runs are breathtakingly beautiful.
Lake Tahoe has the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America and a fantastically long season from November to May, commonly lasting into the summer. Lift tickets are reasonably priced between $44 and $75 per day for adults and much less for children. There are in addition numerous Lake Tahoe ski lodges available for rent throughout the winter months as well.
The area has many ski resorts, including Heavenly Mountain, Alpine Meadows, Diamond Peak, Northstar, Kirkwood Mountain, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Boreal Mountain, Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, Homewood, Mount Rose, and Squaw Valley, most famed for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Whatever your desired outdoor sport or pastime, or if you love the snow or the sunshine, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone, every month of the year.
James Harden is part of the travel team at FindVacationRentals.com and FindBedandBreakfast.com. These directories provide detailed information on Nevada golf rentals and things to do.
Facts About The Melbourne Convention Centre
April 30, 2010
The largest and biggest convention centre in the Southern part of the world is the Melbourne Convention Centre. Located on the Yarra River in Melbourne, it is also a part of the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, popularly called the MCEC. Most transportation in the Melbourne area is close to the event centre. The centre has long been a host of seminars, conferences, conventions and galas.
Thirty two meeting rooms and a grand banquet room are provided within the Centre. In each room is highly sophisticated AV equipment built in. Some rooms have smart lectern built in as well. Smart lectern capability allows an organizer to self manage their meeting through satellite controlling.
The meeting rooms go from small to large as well as the large banquet styled room. They interconnect with other rooms to form spaces that are almost the same. The plenary can support a full theatrical production with every detail and need accounted for.
The plenary is also moveable, with walls that can be divided to form three other theaters. Inside the exhibition centre is a 493 seat auditorium, and it is the only event venue that has been awarded Green Globe accreditations as well as WasteWise awards. Green building is an important aspect for the convention centre.
The Melbourne Convention Centre has the largest pillarless floor space in the Southernmost part of the world, with it measuring a huge 30,000 metres. It was designed by Denton Corker Marshall and includes its famous razor entrance. An entrance foyer can accomodate 8,400 guests, with views of the river seen through the glass walls.
The Convention Centre is the first convention centre in the world to be awarded the Six Star Green Star award, an award given out by the Green Building Council of Melbourne, for its sustainable design. The building features displacement ventilation, which provides a good air flow while using less energy, and a glass fa?ade that allows natural warm light to shine in.
A black wastewater treatment plant recycles wastewater, and lighting is energy efficient while fixtures are water efficient. The fixtures use a chemical system in order to be gentler on the environment. Carbon dioxide monitoring ensures fresh air, while paints and sealants are low in VOC’s, otherwise known as volatile compounds. Timber is taken from the Forest Stewardship Council as well.
The Melbourne Convention Centre also provides full catering service for those planning an event. The banquet room accommodates 1,500 guests and can be separated into two rooms. All produce is provided through regional and local farmers, and best quality ingredients are used. Wine is brought in from the Victorian region from small vineyards and boutiques.
Melbourne, Australia is a pleasant place to visit, with temperate weather, safe neighborhoods, lovely scenery and amicable people. The airport flies in thousands of domestic flights and hundreds of international every week so getting to the centre is easy. Transportation centers are all around the event centre and make it easy to get to also.
A wonder of complete technology, the Melbourne Convention Centre is a pinnacle of design and function, and environmental green building. It is able to accommodate guests with their needs and cater to big or small events, being unparalleled in versatility.
Looking for a Motel at Melbourne for your next stay? Check out the Melbourne Convention Centre area for a fantastic location. Head online now and make your reservations.
Waco, Texas Has Summer Activities For All
April 30, 2010
Waco is a territory abundant with history and this history is preserved all through Waco in the field of may forms, even in its’ given name. Before the founding of the town, a Wichita Native American party called the “Waco” (Spanish: Hueco or Huaco) lived on the territory of present day city center Waco. Most of the “Waco” Native Americans ended up being resettled around Oklahoma. However, throughout the township, there are many points of interest to see and learn about this rich history.
For an informed vacation, you can start with a quick stopover to the Visitor Information Center, proudly located on I-35 between Dallas and Austin, where you will be able to check out event information, various vacation rentals, museums and points of interest, in addition to transport options. For more information, look at their web site at http://www.wacocvb.com/index.asp .
There are an array of vacation rentals including bed and breakfasts, historic inns and distinctive accommodations. For a couple of recommendations, the luxurious Waco Bear Creek Guest house is a bed and breakfast vacation rental house near Waco,TX, serving Baylor University & Central Texas. It is a scenic and reasonably priced alternative to other accommodations such as motels and hotels. Their website address is http://www.bearcreekguesthouse.com/.
The Brazos Bed and Breakfast is over 113 years old, located in the sphere of downtown Waco, and continues to be called “Waco’s most well appointed bed and breakfast.” The bricks used to construct the bed and breakfast were completed locally, taken from the Brazos River, and even the tin roof is the real thing. The accommodation continues to be totally renovated, and currently provides 5 guestrooms, five half bathrooms, two ceremonial dining rooms in addition to a roomy living room. The house is open to hosting distinctive events such as weddings, receptions and events.
If you are traveling with a pet, Waco has provisions for dog friendly accomodations. Dogtopia, is a doggie daycare and boarding resource where your beloved animals can commemorate and intermingle with other pets at the same period. The number to Dogtopia is (254) 776-3647. Dog care is also accessible at Waco Animal Emergency Clinic, PetSmart and Petco. There are also many points of interest that will let you take your pets in Waco like the renowned Waco Suspension Bridge in addition to Riverwalk, Cameron Park, Lake Waco Wetland or Lake Waco Dam Hike and Bike Trail. Waco even offers dog friendly lodging establishments, which tend not to charge a pet deposit such as La Quinta Waco, Best Western Old Main Lodge (under 25 lbs), Motel 6 South, Twelve Oaks Inn and Residence Inn.
Waco is a home to thirty five parks. Cameron Park, located along the river, has terrific hiking and biking paths. Your children might take a walk through Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place, a wildflower preserve, or be competitive and have fun playing a game of Disc Golf on an eighteen hole, year round free golf course! Furthermore, at hand are 5 Spray Parks to select from: Dewey Park, Cameron Park, Kendrick Park, Mountainview Park and Chapel Park.
Waco, Texas is a great vacation destination for the whole family with many vacation rental possibilities in addition to area points of interest.
Miles Dyson is a freelance author writing articles on travel destinations and attractions pertaining to Texas rentals and other vacation hotspots.