The trade show is over, your flight is hours away, What to do? The answer, take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Walking the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the great walks in America. Your car service driver will drop you off at the southern visitor center.

Often at the end of a trade show or after a long meeting there is enough time for this rejuvenating walk. Give yourself about one hour for the walk. Your San Francisco car service or limo will get you to your flight on time. It's about 45 minutes to reach San Francisco International Airport and an hour to Oakland Airport.

Pedestrians are allowed only on the east, city facing sidewalk. During Daylight Savings hours from 5 am to 9 pm. Gates close automatically at 9 pm and reopen at 5 am. During Pacific Standard Time, walking is from 5 am to 6 pm. Wheelchairs are permitted on sidewalks. Roller Blades, Skateboards and Roller Skates are not permitted. Dogs are permitted only if under control and on a leash at all times.

If you are traveling with a load of trade show stuff ask Quicksilver TownCar reservation, 800.468.9622, for a Suburban, large enough to hold boxes, signage and bags.

The bridge is 4,200 feet or 1,280 meters in length, spanning a strait, approximately three-miles long by one-mile wide. Currents running the bridge range from 4.5 to 7.5 knots.

The view east includes Alcatraz Island, Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco. The view west is Pacific Ocean. If you have limited time have your Quicksilver TownCar driver drop you off at the parking lot at the southern end of bridge and pick you up at the northern vista point. Be sure to wear a windbreaker, sweatshirt, heavy sweater or all three as it can be cold and windy, especially in July and August.

The Gate: The Golden Gate Strait is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It is generally accepted that the strait was named "Chrysopylae", or Golden Gate, by John C. Fremont, Captain, topographical Engineers of the U.S. Army circa 1846.

The bridge is not really gold. The Golden Gate Bridge has always been painted orange vermilion, called International Orange. The distinctive orange color was selected it blends well with the span's natural setting as it is a warm color consistent with the warm colors of the land masses in the setting as distinct from the cool colors of the sky and sea. It also provides enhanced visibility for passing ships.

Bridge historians, goldengatebridge dot org, note that if the U.S. Navy had its way, the Bridge might have been painted black and yellow stripes to assure even greater visibility for passing ships.

No tipping required: A note about these side trips, no extra gratuity is required when your driver takes you to your walk on the Golden Gate Bridge. Many firms charge such as Quicksilver built-in gratuity. Business clientele charge billed accounts and on-file credit card accounts simply sign a waybill when they exit the car.

Trade show planners should always make sure that the passenger that you are reserving the car for understands that the tip is included.

If you have your bike in the back of the Quicksilver Suburban, cyclists have toll-free access to the Bridge's sidewalks 24-hours a day.

As of June 2005, 1,779,032,891 vehicles had crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, including northbound and southbound, since opening in 1937. They don't count those walking.

About the Author

SF Bay Area Transportation Expert As President of Quicksilver TownCar Service http://www.qstc.net Phil Macafee knows all of the freeways and most of the byways from Carmel to Sacramento to the wine country.

Italy is one of the most popular places to visit in the world. It’s a favorite of millions of tourists worldwide. And who can blame them? Nobody can resist the charms of Italy’s culture and architecture. This boot-shaped country was, after all, the home of the Legendary Romans and the Heroes of the Renaissance. Indeed, if you’re going to go to Italy, be prepared to have your breathe taken away by the sheer beauty of the place.

1.) The Coliseum

No other civilization in the world could top the Romans in terms of strength and power, and indeed, the Romans practically conquered the world. And for their entertainment, the Romans had the world. They had the Coliseum where the prizes of their conquests, lions and other exotic animals were made to battle with the gladiators. Indeed, if you stand within the walls of this gigantic complex, you can almost feel the spirit of celebration that once rang through the place.

2.) Piazza Campidoglio

The Piazza Campidoglio, or the Capitoline Hill, was the seat of power of the Ancient Romans. And up until today, it still stands as Italy’s center of politics. It holds the famous statue of Castor and Pollux and various structures designed by the great Michaelangelo himself like the double staircase and other buildings.

3.) The Roman Forums

Also, there’s nothing more exhilarating than to visit the place where democracy was born. The Roman Forums, where the Roman senate once held their heated debates discussing everything from large-scale wars to petty squabbles, are also popular tourist attractions. Here, you can find the Forum of Caesar and the Forum of Trajan, and there’s also the Palatine Hill and all the other temples dedicated to the various gods and goddesses of the ancient Romans.

4.) The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best places that you can visit in Rome. It’s teeming with beautiful architecture, beautiful sculptures, and beautiful statues. This magnificent building is also the home of the grave of the famous painter, Raphael.

5.) The Trevi Fountain

This world renowned fountain is famous for its sheer beauty and size, and it features several sculptures, including one of Neptune coming out from underwater, riding on a sea shell that’s drawn by two horses with wings. It’s featured in Dan Brown’s famous novel, the Da Vinci Code. Also, toss a coin into it while facing away from it and it is said that you will be guaranteed a return to the great city.

6.) The Grand Canal in Venice

There’s nothing more Romantic than going on a boat ride through the famous canals of the floating city of Venice. These quixotic canals are featured in various movies and are a favorite of newlyweds all over the world. It’s also a great way to take in all the sights of the beautiful city.

7.) The Sistine Chapel

The Vatican, though it’s considered as an independent country in itself, is still found in the heart of Italy. And, there, you’ll find the great Sistine Chapel where extraordinary pieces of art can be found. There, you’ll see the works of Michelangelo and Botticelli.

8.) St. Peter’s Basilica

Also, if you’re a fan of great architecture, you will have to see the famous St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s the largest Catholic Church in the whole world, and it’s simply teeming with beautiful paintings, frescoes, and statues. You can also see this Basilica’s famous dome which is literally filled with works of art.

9.) St. Peter’s Square

And of course, if you’re going to St. Peter’s Basilica, you might as well walk a few steps to get to St. Peter’s Square. This beautiful plaza is designed by the famous artist Bernini. It is also featured in Dan Brown’s novels.

10.) The Vatican Gardens

The Vatican Gardens as beautiful as they are large. This grand paradise is filled with beautiful sculptures, fountains, and flowers. It’s a great place for sightseeing and picture-taking.

About the Author

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/italy to view or share Italy travel videos.