At the British Youth Travel Awards 2011, Germany ousted traditional favourite Australia to be named the Best International Youth Destination for the year.

The awards, hosted by TV personality and paralympic superstar Ade Adepitan, recognised different organisations and destinations in the youth travel market that focus on giving young people affordable, memorable and enjoyable experiences around the world.

In second and third place for the International award were Australia and Sacramento (capital of the US state of California) respectively, proving that Germany truly excelled to win the prestigious accolade.

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If you love live theatre, then there are some fantastic plays currently on in London’s West End. Why not shake off the gloom of winter and treat yourself and a loved one to a magical night at a top production.

If you live outside the capital, then there are many affordable London hotel and theatre breaks which enable you to enjoy a theatrical getaway without breaking the bank. You can get excellent theatre and hotel deals in London that offer you the lowest prices, best seats,and accommodation close to theatreland.

So what would you choose to see on one of these London hotel and theatre breaks? One

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A long time ago I wrote a post about the kind of jobs that expats in France do or might consider doing to help make ends meet (see expat work in France).

But times and ideas move on and recessions turn up unexpectedly so I thought Id suggest a different idea. This is something I would do myself it I had more time, and that I am quite confident could earn a plausible income for a suitably dedicated person (or unlimited number of people).

The advantages are that you can start very small, there is almost no financial risk, and you have the theoretical opportunity to earn wealth beyong your wildest dreams

The downside is that the ideas requires at least 3-6 months of hard study and effort first before you have any hope of earning income (hence why it is a suitable idea for expats, who are often likely to have time available over the next few months during the off season for tourists).

The basic idea

The basic idea is not new or complicated to understand.

Almost all shops and businesses are happy to pay commissions to people who find them customers.

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Many of you know that in addition to writing about family travel, I also run a kids app review website.   For the first, I travel a lot.  For the second, I own all the latest gadgets and apps.  Guess which gig my kids like better?

Up until now, I havent been very impressed with Android tablets.  I test drove a bunch of them, and briefly owned the Samsung Galaxy Tab (but returned it after two frustrating months).   Then, two weeks ago, my Kindle Fire came in the mail.  Guess what?  Im in love.

If youre struggling for a gift idea for an adult or kid on your list (and they dont already own an iPad or an iPad 2), go get a Kindle Fire right now.  Heres why:

1.  Its a good size

Traveling families will love how easy it is to slide the Kindle Fire into a purse or carryon bag.  At 7.5 x 4.5 inches, its no bigger than a paperback.  Even kids can hold it with one hand (though mine grip it with two, the better to thwart marauding siblings intent on swiping it).

2.  Its tougher than an iPad

The lightweight, chemically-strengthened display is allegedly 20-30 times stronger than plastic. It j

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Traveling during December might be fun for the kids yet can get frazzling for parents. Most properties decorate to some degree and have holiday menus in their restaurants, but a few go above and beyond hauling out trees, snowflakes and tinsel to offer experiences that can add a little excitement and make holiday travel more enjoyable for everyone.

Gaylord Hotels is usually tops with its holiday offerings, and this year is no exception. The company has partnered with DreamWorks Animation to offer Christmassy DreamWorks Experience packages at all four of its properties, and its annual ICE!

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