If you are planning to visit Europe anytime soon and you are on a tight budget then that budget should not ruin your European tour in any way. In fact there are some effective tips that will help you come up with an enjoyable trip to Europe even when your budget is a way tight.
Here are five essential tips that will help you enjoy a budget-friendly and cost-effective European tour:
Join Free Walking Tours
Many of Europe’s key cities offer free walking tours, mostly allowing you to walk for three hours to enjoy your exploration of the city’s cultural hotspots. For instance, Paris offers free walking tours to visitors, giving them the opportunity to walk and explore the captivating Boulevard Saint-Michel, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde and the cathedral of Notre Dame. It is encouraged togive tips to the guide and 10 euros is quite acceptable.
Cook Your Own Food
It is usually tempting to eat and dine in European restaurants but the truth is that they can be very expensive. To help you stretch your budget, it is highly advised to cook your own foods to help you save your money for other purposes.
Avoid Staying in Chain Hostels
In Europe, no two hotels or hostels are ever the same. To get a bang out of your buck, you should get rid of accommodations that offer hotel-like services and amenities.
Utilize Bicycle Rentals & Day Passes
Punch cards and day passes should be the thing you need to look for when traveling around the city through bus or train. And if your city trip is not that far, bicycle rental is a thrifty and practical option.
Avoid Constant ATM Withdrawal
The more often you withdraw from the ATM the more withdrawal fees are collected from you and such fees are really high when you are in another country.
Nice is a well-known seaside destination in the south of France, making it the ideal place to visit if you’re after a bit of relaxation in the sun. While the city itself is home to several stunning beaches, it would be a shame not to explore some other parts of the coastline.
The easiest way to do this is to hire a car when you arrive, as this will give you plenty of freedom to travel outside Nice should you wish to (check out this websitefor information about car rental). To give you an incentive to explore, we’ve put together a list of some of the top beaches in and around Nice.
One thing to remember about Nice’s beaches is that there are private and public seaside stretches, with the private options generally thought to be the best.
Blue Beach
Our first pick is Nice’s Blue Beach, a private cove that’s got excellent facilities and is renowned for its brilliant restaurant. As well as the high-end eatery that is a must-visit for gastronomes, there is also a volleyball court and a table tennis table, so there’s a lot to keep you from getting bored while you soak up the sun.
You’ll find Blue Beach just off the Promenade des Anglais and close to some of the city’s best hotels, such as the Palais de la Mediterranee.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Around a 20-minute drive to the east of Nice is the charming seaside town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which happens to boast some of the most picturesque beaches in the French Riviera.
You don’t need to look hard to find that perfect sweep of sand, either, as the main beach is wonderful. It’s around 1 km long and is made up of a mixture of sand and pebbles. Running along its entire length is a promenade where you can go for a leisurely stroll if you tire of lying in the sun.
Plage de la Mala
Plage de la Mala is in Cap d’Ali, which is roughly 30 minutes to the east of Nice. This is the ideal seaside spot if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds, because the steep steps you have to climb down (and back up again after your day of sunbathing) put many people off.
This secluded cove is well worth the effort to get down to, though, with azure-blue waters lapping gently at the shore and few people to fight over space with. There are private areas on this beach, which are backed by high-end restaurants – perfect if you want to treat yourself to an indulgent meal before heading back up the steps.
Eze bay
Our final pick is the bay in Eze, a delightful perched village that is worth a visit regardless of the quality of its beach. The village itself is located high on a hill overlooking the coast and dates back to the medieval era. At its highest point are the ruins of a 12th century castle – so drive up to the fortified centre and explore before hitting the seaside.
The beach is made up of pebbles but is very picturesque. There’s a private section – known as Anjuna Beach – where the restaurant and sun terrace are decorated to give visitors a taste of India and Bali. Head down on a Sunday and you’ll be treated to live music at the beach club as well.
Family holidays are amazing and, in terms of the chance they give you to spend some quality time together, utterly invaluable. But, going away with the kids (no matter what their age) isn’t always easy, so I’ve put together a few basic tips to help make sure your trip goes smoothly.
Now, there are about a million tips I could give on planning family holidays – like packing lots of activities to keep the kids occupied in the car/on the plane – but telling you every single one would take all day. So, the below are what I think are the most basic elements you should start with – use these as your foundation and you won’t go too far wrong.
1) Choose a family-friendly hotel
Choosing a family-friendly hotel is the most crucial step. Admittedly, it’s probably also rather obvious, but often it’s the simplest things that make the biggest difference, so take your time over choosing where to go.
I’ll give you a few examples of decent hotels below, but for now let’s talk about some of the key factors. For me, one of the most crucial is remembering that the holiday should please the whole family – that means you too.
So, go ahead and pick somewhere luxurious where you can really relax – just make sure it’s child-friendly too. Look for kids’ clubs, children’s swimming pools, early meal sittings (if you have toddlers) and kids’ menus. Also, see what activities the resort offers – complimentary water sports, tennis and suchlike can provide great family fun.
2) Factor extra time into your journey
Travelling with kids is never going to be as simple as a getaway for two. If you have toddlers, for example, your journey will likely be peppered with stops for them to look around and gaze at whatever interests them, as well as the occasional tantrum.
The difficulty of carrying a family-load of luggage, kids’ getting distracted by airport shops and frequent toilet stops are all things that will add up to make your journey time much longer than you’d expect. Instead of battling this and trying to rush the kids (which will only make them grumpier), factor plenty of extra time into your journey.
3) Go for simplicity
It’s the simple things in life that are often the best, and this certainly rings true where holidays are concerned. Nothing makes tempers fray more quickly than long, difficult journeys, so make simplicity your friend when planning your holiday.
Short-haul destinations, hotels that are easy to reach from the airport and resorts close to the attractions that most interest you will all help make your break as relaxing as you want it to be.
Examples of good family-friendly hotels
Atlantis, the Palm
On the face of it, Dubai may seem more suitable for a sophisticated sojourn for two than a family holiday – but hotels like Atlantis, the Palm mean that’s not the case. After all, it’s not many resorts that boast their own water park. Aquaventure is the biggest in the region, and offers free entry to hotel guests. Plus, there are kids’ clubs, interconnecting rooms and babysitting – all of which are good news for children – and plenty of ways for mum and dad to relax, like indulgent treatments at the ShuiQui Spa.
Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque
Thanks to attractions like Siam Park and Loro Parque, as well as gorgeous beaches, Tenerife is a natural choice for family holidays. The Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque on the scenic Costa Adeje is a fantastic place to stay. Like Atlantis, the Palm, it offers essentials like interconnecting rooms and kids’ clubs, while there’s also a children’s pool, playground and teen activities.
Cancun is one of those vacation spots where you just can’t go wrong. From watersports to beach time, exciting nightlife and exploring the Mayan culture, there’s something here to make everyone’s holiday amazing. Travelbag’s Cancun Holidays is the perfect starting point for inspiring your trip. But while you could indulge in the typical shopping, sunbathing and resort life on Cancun, you could also go for something a little different! So why not get on the other side of a Cancun holiday? Travelbag’s Cancun holidays has everything you need to prepare for a fun and unique experience in this gorgeous destination:
Get Tipsy at the Tequila Museum
Obviously it’s not a holiday in Mexico without some tequila beverages to lighten the mood. But why not take it a step further and really learn about the stuff at the Tequila Herradura Sensory Museum. On an hour and twenty minute tour, you’ll learn the history of the local tequila, the distilling process, and even the best drinking etiquette. Good thing nobody’s driving!
Explore the Underwater Museum
A completely different kind of water experience takes you beneath the sea to experience an art installation that doubles as an ecological benefit. The eco-sculptor who created the 450 statues that are on display underwater intended for them to help promote new coral growth and divert divers from the fragile reefs nearby. It’s totally unique, so get scuba trained so you can dive down and check it out! You can always throw on some snorkeling gear and dive right down as well.
Check Out the Turtle Hatchery
After a few days of beach bumming and hanging around the touristy areas, you’re bound to be craving an escape from the crowds. Head to the turtle hatchery for a random afternoon of hanging out with the little guys! You’ll get up close and personal with all sorts of turtles, and it’s super cheap to get in. Where else do you have the chance to see a baby turtle? And all proceeds go towards helping the animals, so you can feel good about a good cause.
Strap on a Jetpack
This insane new “watersport” is relatively new and super crazy. You literally strap on a jetpack, undergo a brief training and then you’re taking off like a rocket, able to fly over the ocean for several minutes at a time using the power of the water. If you’re into really new and crazy things, you absolutely have to check this out! Cancun is the perfect place to do it, with its insanely gorgeous waters.
Driving into the dry, hot desert stretches of Australia’s Outback, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Coober Pedy was abandoned long ago. However the barren landscape hides a thriving community of over 4,000 permanent residents, who live under the earth’s surface. Coober Pedy was first established in in 1915, shortly after a mother lode of opals was discovered in the area. Prospective opal miners from around the world flocked to town to seek their fortune, establishing this settlement in the sun. The harsh weather conditions caused the locals to drive their living spaces underground, converting old mines into cosy houses.
Today, tourists visit South Australia’s Cooper Pedy not only to find out more about it opal mining heritage, but also to see what life is like underground. You can stay in an underground hotel, get a bargain on precious gems at the opal jewellery shops, and even enjoy a gourmet meal below the earth’s surface. The following are a few attractions that make this historic town a fascinating place to visit.
Underground Living
You may assume that the dugout homes in Coober Pedy will feel small or claustrophobic, but they rival many of the finest examples of real estate SA in cosmopolitan Adelaide. You can tour some examples of the homes, which feature modern kitchens, walk-in closets, and a warm glow from the red rocks that comprise their walls. Many visitors choose to stay in the Desert Cave Hotel, which offers 4 star accommodations and an on-site opal gallery. There are also underground gift shops, museums, churches, and cafes to keep you busy when the sun is at its brightest outside. The Umoona Mine and Museum contains an underground house, theatre, cultural displays, and Aboriginal interpretive centre to learn more about the region’s history.
Coober Pedy Golf Course
In the evening hours when the temperature drops, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a round of golf with glow in the dark golf balls. There isn’t any grass or trees in the area, so the course uses mounds of sand, oil and diesel pits, and a large sand trap. This makes it a uniquely challenging and bizarre golf course that will test even the most avid golfer’s skill.
Opal Mining
If you want to try your hand at opal mining, you can visit the “noodling” area open to the public in Coober Pedy. There are designated areas that are open for noodling, so be sure to stick to these to avoid a fine. No permit is required if you don’t use a digging device, shovel, or pick. However, if you plan to use digging tools, explosives, or heavy machinery you’ll need the appropriate permit from the Mines and Energy office.
The Breakaways
If you’re looking for an intriguing day trip from Coober Pedy, you might want to venture about a half hour north of town to the Breakaways Reserve. This includes bright and colourful rock hills which were once part of the Stuart Range, but have broken away over time. Be sure to pack plenty of water, as temperatures can soar. However, visitors are rewarded with amazing views of the Outback. The desert changes colours throughout the day depending on the position of the sun, creating a surreal and completely unique impression on viewers.
A day in Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else on earth, allowing you to experience what life is like below the earth’s surface.
The Atlas Mountains offer endless fun to any outdoor loving person; from the southern Anti-Atlas ranges that give you fantastic views of the golden desert to the snow capped High Atlas Mountains dotted with quaint Berber villages where you can stay in traditional Atlas Mountains hotels. The Anti-Atlas ranges are less visited hence give an opportunity for anyone looking for a trip off the beaten track, the facilities are minimal as compared to the High Atlas ranges.
Jebel Siroua is an ancient volcano that is popular with hikers. For a more challenging experience the purple colored Jebel Lekst is the most popular and most difficult. Jebel Aklim though less visited is equally challenging; but after the struggles of getting to the top you will be rewarded by spectacular views of the High Atlas and Jebel Siroua. If you’re planning on trekking around volcanoes on your trip make sure you get a travel insurance policy which covers those kinds of activities!
The High Atlas ranges on the other hand gives you more advanced trails as its most frequented by visitors. For those fit enough the Toubkal summit which is the highest in Northern Africa awaits you, the Imi Ourlad to the beautiful village of Imli offers spectacular lush valleys, sparkling streams and moderate trails. Tizi Oussem route only a short walk from Imi Ourland lets you experience the Berber culture as you pass through their villages; it is an excellent break from the city.
MARRAKECH
Marrakech city is a must stop over: from its fun filled Djemaa el Fna square with charming story tellers, fire eaters, music and dancing. There is a lot to see, you can start by visiting the majestic Koutoubia Mosque with its distinctive traditional Almohad style minaret which is visible from near and far.
Wander along the narrow alleyways and spend some dirhams in the souks. The souks are lined up along the alleyways and comprise of small retail cubicles that sell almost everything from fine fabrics, carpets and spices to love potions and Berber lipstick.
Try out scrubbing yourself clean in the traditional baths known as Hammam and sleep in a riad to experience the rich culture of the Berbers. Before leaving Marrakech make sure you spend a night in the clubs and enjoy being entertained by the popular belly dancers who contribute heavily to the vibrant nightlife. A magical holiday in Marrakech won’t be forgotten quickly.
FEZ
Fez and Meknes are recognized as ancient Morocco capitals. If you are looking for an inspiring historical tour then you are sure to get that and more from Fez. It is Morocco’s intellectual and spiritual center, boasting of one of the world’s oldest universities and the largest intact medieval quarters. It is a UNESCO World Heritage town whose biggest attraction is the old medina Fes el-Bali. Take some time to wander off in the narrow alleyways where you will encounter donkey carts or local artisans at work.
This fantastic town is also famous for its fabulous leather products that are sold in the leather souk. Visit the tanneries and witness the rigorous process of tanning and dyeing leather. Morning hours are perfect to visit when the colors are still bright and appear vivid on pictures.
BARCELONA
Barcelona is a popular party destination, but there is a lot for the family to enjoy: from the fantastic beaches lined up with fine family friendly resorts to the wander of Gaudi’s fairytale architecture.
The best place to start your trip is strolling along the mile long colorful Las Ramblas where you will enjoy mingling with the locals as well as other tourists. Enjoy watching fortune tellers, dancers, music and the fine statues as you wander through the magical streets. You may let the young ones experience the magic of fortune telling. There are also numerous restaurants lined up along this street where your family can enjoy a good meal as you explore the bustling surrounding.
There are some exciting parks to relax after a long day exploring the Las Ramblas; the Teatre Grec gardens are not only lush but also inspiring and tranquil.
If you don’t fancy exploring on foot then why not get a ticket for one of Barcelona’s hop on hop off buses? This is a great way to see all the main sites in the city and find out some of the history and background behind it. It’s also a great way to save the children’s tired legs!
If you have not introduced your family to sea food then here you can have a great start. It is immoral to leave Barcelona without sucking on an oyster, and there are numerous restaurants where you can enjoy sea food delicacies.
Don’t forget to treat your kids to some of the finest chocolates in the world!
INDIA
India is fascinating and a spectacular destination for all ages: there is always something for everyone. Whatever your age, it is guaranteed that you will marvel at the enchanting landscapes, alluring wildlife, rich culture and magnificent architectural grandeur.
Take your family on a wildlife trip and watch your kids get thrilled by the spectacular wildlife as you sink deeper and deeper into the Indian jungles. The Royal Tiger is just one of the rare jungle attractions that can be found in the Kanha National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.
Kerala is another exciting destination for families; it is also known as ‘gods own country’ and all you need is get there to know why. This fairytale land is blessed with extravagant attractions, dramatic hill stations and the popular backwaters for a tranquil family holiday. Let the family enjoy navigating these glorious waters in a fabulous boat house. Experience the Indian culture up close and candid as you watch closely as the natives continue with their daily activities. There are numerous resorts to stay at in the area, such as the Poovar Island Resort which is a great place to keep the kids entertained when you’re not exploring.
PORTUGAL
Portugal is ideal for that long awaited family holiday: the fine weather, enchanting towns, rich marine heritage, charming fishing villages and the friendly people make it a perfect holiday paradise.
The Algarve is a popular touristic destination: it offers picturesque coastlines, pristine sandy beaches, magnificent resorts and world class golf courses. It has something for everyone and offers an opportunity for family fun.
Madeira Island is an all year round holiday destination with spectacular gardens, rugged coastline, volcanic caves, gorgeous beaches and enchanting cultural experiences. Some of Portugal’s splendid flowers are showcased in the lush gardens. For a tranquil and intimate experience, you can savor a family picnic surrounded by this natural beauty. For a beach experience you can head to the Praia da Jamaica and build some sand castles with the kids on the beautiful sandy beach. Take a walk through Funchal, the islands capital and have some cultural fun, take family photographs in the picturesque squares and enjoy roaming in the charming streets.
Montreal is one of North America’s oldest cities, with architecture going all the way back to the 1600s. It’s also the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris. Vieux-Montréal, the oldest part of the city, remains much the same as it did in the city’s earliest days. A walking tour of Old Montreal will show you some of the city’s charming European culture and quaint cobblestone streets. If you’re visiting Montreal, you could check here to find the best deals on hotels near this neighborhood.
Begin Your Tour at Pointe-à-Callière
Pointe-à-Callière, the Montreal Museum of Archeology and History, is located on the very site where Montreal was founded almost 400 years ago. The Pointe-à-Callière is named after Louis Hector de Callière, the third governor of Montreal who built his house on this spot in 1688. The Pointe-à-Callière is the largest archeological museum in Canada. Decades of excavations have revealed more than a millennium of human habitation here.
Continuing Your Tour
Your next stop will be the Centre d’Histoire de Montreal, the Montreal Historical Center. Here you’ll learn everything you need to know about Montreal’s history. The structure was built as a fire station in 1904 and was reopened as a museum in 1983 after being decommissioned in 1972.
Next, you’ll visit the DHC/ART Foundation for Contemporary Art where you can take interactive tours, participate in creative workshops or enjoy one of the museum’s regular events. The museum is open to anyone who wants to learn about contemporary art, with free interactive tours available.
The nearby Centaur Theatre showcases some of the best English-language theater in Quebec. See award-winning shows put on by some of the world’s best actors of the stage and screen. After the show, walk down Rue Saint-François-Xavier and take a right on Rue Saint-Jacques to visit the Bank of Montreal Museum. This museum honoring Canada’s first bank, which opened in 1817, contains old banknotes and 19th-century banking documents, mechanical moneyboxes and other banking objects of historical significance.
Montreal Science Centre and the Old Port
You’ll have to cross Rue de la Commune to get to the Montreal Science Centre on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, but it’s worth it for the museum’s exciting and interactive exhibits. You can learn about the technology we use to protect the environment and practice more sustainable living, monitor maritime cargo shipping, make hockey sticks stronger and keep bridges standing.
When you leave the Science Centre, check out the Old Port of Montreal on the St. Lawrence River, which offers a range of activities for everyone in the family all year long. Enjoy a walk on the riverfront or rent a paddle boat. In the winter, the Old Port is home to the city’s largest natural outdoor ice-skating rink.
Marché Bonsecours
If you’re interested in ceramics, the Bonsecours Ceramic Centre on Rue Saint Gabriel showcases pieces by emerging artists as well as internationally recognized names. Students come from all over Quebec to train at the Ceramic Centre, but you can see stunning examples of the best in ceramics art as well.
Perhaps the bigger nearby draw is the Marché Bonsecours, or Bonsecours Market. The building itself is more than 100 years old, and is the city’s oldest and biggest public market. The two-story, domed neoclassical structure once held banquets, exhibits and festivals, and was where grocers and other merchants sold their wares. Now, it’s home to some of the city’s finest upscale boutiques.
Ending Your Tour
Perhaps one of the more picturesque parts of your tour of Vieux-Montréal, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is also home to the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum at Rue Saint Paul. The chapel was built in 1771 on the ruins of a previous chapel that burned down in 1754.
Marguerite Bourgeoys was the remarkable woman and teacher who inspired the Montrealers to build this first chapel in 1675. She traveled to France in 1672 to bring the wooden statue of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours back, which stands in the reliquary in the left side-altar.
Near the end of your tour, visit Chateau Ramezay, the first structure classified as a historic monument in Quebec. The castle, built by Montreal governor Claude de Ramezay in 1705, opened as a museum in 1895. It encompasses more than 500 years of local history. Its collections include almost 30,000 artifacts including paintings, printed materials and furniture.
Finish your tour with the Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site, Montreal’s only Victorian home museum. See what life was like for members of the bourgeoisie in the 19th century, and learn about this important Canadian historical figure.
Old Montreal is one of the most exciting parts of this historic city. You can retrace your footsteps through the district at night to see the historic streets and architecture at their loveliest!
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel photo credit: Marcio Cabral de Moura / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
About the Author: Louise Vinciguerra is a native of Brooklyn. She loves gardening and traveling almost as much as she loves content.
If you’re considering a holiday to Lanzarote but are concerned it’s all water parks and sun bathing, well think again. Lanzarote is an island rich in history and natural beauty with an awe inspiring volcanic landscape.
Historians have dated habitation on the island back to 1000 BC and since then the island has been through numerous governmental disputes until the treaty of Alcacovas granted authority of the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote, to Spain in 1479.
In 1982 the Canaries became an autonomous region of Spain and this is celebrated throughout the archipelagos on 30th May each year with a national holiday known as ‘Dia de Canarias’.
The Canary Islands, though part of Spain are actually located near to the northwest African Coast, close to Morocco. Lanzarote is one of the largest of the archipelagos which is perhaps the reason why, along with Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, it is one of the most popular places for holidaymakers.
The name Lanzarote is said to derive from the name of the Genoese navigator Lancelotto Malocello who arrived at the island in 1336.
While there’s an interesting history of the island to explore it is perhaps the unique lunar-esque landscape that really deserves some attention.
Volcanic Landscapes
Volcanic eruptions are responsible for shaping the unique geography of the island today and have created the out-of-this-world environments tourists flock to explore. With rugged rock formations and solidified lava streams, it’s like something straight out of a sci-fi film set in outer space.
The famous volcanic eruptions of 1730-1736 are largely responsible for this when they devastated the communities that had developed around the island.
Culture
Beyond the political history and natural beauty, Lanzarote also boasts an impressive cultural climate.
Arguably the most famous artist Lanzarote has produced is César Manrique and his work is proudly celebrated throughout the island with paintings, sculptures and architecture.
Manrique was hugely influential in the development of tourism in Lanzarote, which really started to take off here in the 1960s. With the average temperatures generally staying above 17?C all year round it’s easy to understand why it’s still such a popular choice for holidaymakers.
Sensing that a closely fought general election is on the horizon, the government has taken an innovative measure to combat historically low voter turnouts: by launching a major drive to attract votes from British expats.
The Electoral Commission is planning an online campaign targeted at British nationals using email accounts abroad which were initially set up at home. A large number of British expatriates live abroad, with the latest estimates putting the number at around 5 million. A fifth of these live in Spain alone. The government’s plan is a potentially very clever one, as a good number of financially well off, 60 year old-plus expats may arguably lean towards the right of the political spectrum and vote Conservative if given the choice. This new initiative is designed to promote that choice.
Many British nationals living abroad take out private expatriate health insurance and the move towards a more privatised healthcare system could be a constituent of the government’s 2015 election manifesto.
In many cases these individuals are signed up with banks and expat health insurance providers based in the UK, meaning that many of life’s key considerations are still administered from their country of origin. It is hoped that voting will become another of those considerations.
Whilst the number of expats registering to vote remotely was relatively small at the last general election in 2010, with 40,000 registration forms being downloaded, these kinds of numbers could potentially make all the difference in so-called ‘swing’ constituencies. Labour’s victory in Ealing Central and Acton in West London was decided by a mere 1,060 votes. The Lib Dems’ margin in York Outer was just 203 votes, so it’s easy to see how the government’s expat voter push could swing these kinds of seats.
Conservative MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown is pushing the Electoral Commission to aim to sign up an additional 100,000 voters this time around. The number could even be substantially higher, given that expats will be able to register online prior to the 2015 general election.
Louis Kaszczak of expat health insurance providers Aetna International has said that there is an appetite amongst expatriates to keep in touch with the UK’s political goings on, however many are unaware that they are still eligible to vote.
Only time will tell how successful the EC’s forthcoming initiative will be in regards to changing this viewpoint.
