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The world’s smallest continent and largest island is Australia. It is almost as large as the 48 adjacent United States. There are about 20.4 million people and they are mostly focused in th eastern and south-eastern coastal urban areas. This means that there are wide open areas to explore in the remainder of the country, and this can be best done by car. Gorgeous coastal lines, inland mountainous regions and verdant tropical forests with exotic plants and wildlife are there for the traveller to discover.

You can easily arrange for a car rental at the airport or hotel with an international drivers licence or a validated American or European drivers licence. There are lots of car hire companies providing many kinds of vehicles, from diverse makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is always a vehicle type to suit any need or requirement. For instance, camping enthusiasts can find campervans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come outfitted with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Some even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini-kitchen. If you are travelling in more rugged terrain, there are four-wheel-drives. If you are travelling on a budget, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars.

If you are visiting Australia from another country, you should be knowledgeable with the driving conditions: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. The car hire company will usually supply you with detailed information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), processes in case of emergency, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation ahead will insure a successful and pleasant car vacation in Australia.

Australia is the smallest continent and the biggest island in the world. In terms of size, it is nearly as large as the 48 adjoining U.S.. With 20.4 million people in population, largely focused in the eastern and south eastern coastal urban areas. This means that there are huge open spaces to explore in the rest of the country, and this can be best done by car. Gorgeous coastlines, inland mountainous regions and verdant tropical forests with exotic plants and wild life are there for the traveller to see.

A traveller with an international driving license or a valid American or European driving license in English can easily organise for a car rental at the airport or hotel. There are dozens of car hire companies offering many kinds of vehicles, from different makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is constantly a vehicle type to suit any need or preference. For example, camping enthusiasts can get camper vans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come fitted out with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Some even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini kitchen. If you are travelling in more rugged terrain, there are 4WDs. If budget is sensitive, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars, if you want to travel in style.

If you are visiting Australia from another country, you should be knowledgeable with the driving conditions: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. The car rental company will usually provide you with thorough information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), procedures in case of emergency, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation in advance will insure a successful and pleasant car vacation in Australia.

According to the Birmingham Crane Survey released earlier this year by Drivers Jonas, only six new construction ventures have come up in the region in the last 12 months. This is significantly lesser than 21 projects reported in 2008.

The survey highlights the effects of the economic recession on the property and construction sectors of the UK. The resulting ‘credit crunch’ was the main cause of the drop in property values this year.

This drop in property prices has affected prominent real estate companies like Chase Midlands, Regal Executive Homes, Wrekin and William Ashley, and also many other smaller enterprises. Many companies have had to shelve plans and stop ongoing work, awaiting a healthier economic atmosphere.

The survey reports that out of the six construction projects that have been started this year, three have been dropped until further notice. These include the construction of the second phase of Masshouse and Newhall Square, as well as work on the residential accommodations at Snowhill.

The positive aspect is that the three major construction projects i.e. the renovation of New Street Station, Library of Birmingham, and the Jewellery Quarter public square that are still left are predicted to move to completion by around 2011. These projects are expected to bring back solidity to Birmingham business and properties and development sector.

The survey predicts that UK requires 1 million square feet less office space this year compared to the last year. Hence, only two new office construction projects have come up this year, a big blow for the industry; at least the desk space rental sector of the market remains active and profitable.

Cyprus is an island with a long tradition of Greek history, but what it is best known for is its spectacular climate, which has made it a very popular destination with tourists, with over 2.4 million visiting the island each year. The island receives over 330 days of sunshine a year, which has given it the name The Island of the Sun. With plenty of travel agents able to arrange Cyprus holidays and low cost airlines such as Easyjet offering routes to Paphos and Larnaca, getting there is cheaper than ever.

While attracting visitors from around the world, most of them tend to be Europeans. In recent years Russians and Poles have become poolside regulars alongside the French, Germans and, of course, us Brits.. One of the main reasons why there is such a heavy presence of Brits in Cyprus is because of the positioning of the British Armed forces in the southern Greek part of the island. The UK retains a military base in order to have a gateway for forces to the Middle East. The impact of this on the surrounding area is that Cypriots have grown used to, and in turn, now cater for the Brits. From English being spoken everywhere you go, to driving on the left side of the road. A major attraction for many Brit tourists is that the island offers all of the comforts and familiarities of home, but we also get to bask in the sun.

Much of olden Cyprus is giving away to culture that is more eclectic and less traditional. However, this side of Cyprus, that continues to attract millions of tourists year after year, is only one aspect of the island and is concentrated around the tourist hotspots of Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. As soon as you leave the packaged paradise and clubbers haven of these areas and hit the road the real country reveals itself.

Its worth tearing yourself away from the beach and visiting the Troodod Mountains if you can. In the heart of the mountains you will find the Kykkos monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1998. Housing art and exhibits on ancient Greece, the monastery has the twin function of being a museum for visitors and a practising monastery lived in by worshiping monks. Kykkos even has its own winery where the monks bottle and sell their wine. A daytrip to the Troodos Mountains can be a welcome change from the beach and with overnight accommodation available in many of the authentic villages dotted about; you might want to spend a few days here sampling another side of Cyprus.