So You Want to Get Free Airline Tickets: Should You Choose a Reward or Cash Back Credit Card?

If you want to use a reward credit card for getting free airline tickets, you have a choice of choosing a dedicated airline credit card, a travel reward credit card or a cash back credit card. A dedicated airline credit credit card has hefty annual fees and may not be worth it if you are not a very frequent traveller or do not spend enough on your credit card.

If you decide to get either a no annual fee travel reward or cash back credit card, how would you decide which is better? This article examines how you should go about making this decision.

Let us assume we now have one reward credit card and one cash back credit card to choose from. The reward credit card pays one point for every dollar you spend on purchases. The cash back credit card pays a 1% rebate. Essentially, they both have identical payout formula of 1%. Let us assume both have no annual fee (very realistic) and both have identical apr. Would there be any difference between the two credit cards? Should we be indifferent? How do we decide which is better?

How much does your typical vacation airline ticket cost?

The most important factor that in this decision is actually the average cost of your airline ticket when you take your vacation. Why? Because most travel reward program (in fact, most frequent flyer program) require that you earn 25,000 miles or points to redeem a roundtrip restricted economy ticket within continental US. You are required to purchase the ticket either through the specific airline directly (in the case of a specific frequent flyer program) or through the reward program's agent. If you have a cash back credit card, 25,000 points will get you a $250 cash rebate (assuming a 1% formula).

But we all know that a domestic economy ticket cost can vary anywhere from about $99.00 to $350.00. If you are flying short haul, you can get a $99.00 ticket from a low cost discount carrier. If you fly from coast to coast, you are likely to have to folk out over $300 for a ticket. If you use get a special deal from expedia or priceline, you may get it cheaper.

Choose a cash back credit card if you airline ticket cost less than $250

Hence, it is very important to know your vacation habits. Where do you tend to go for your vacations? How much does your average airline ticket cost you? If you tend to fly short haul to a nearby place for your vacation and your airline ticket cost about less than $250 (say for example $150), you are better off using cash rebates from a cash back credit card. This is because you only need to spend $15,000 on your credit card to get a $150 cash rebate. Spending $15,000 on a reward credit card only earns you 15,000 points, not enough on most reward program to earn a free domestic economy flight.

Choose a travel credit card if your airline ticket cost more than $250

However, if you fly long distance (New York to LA for example) and your airline ticket tends to cost over $300, then using a reward credit card makes more sense. This is because if you use a cash rebate credit card, you need to earn over $300 in cash rebates (ie spend over $30,000). However, with a regular reward program credit card, you only need to spend $25,000 to earn your 25,000 points.

So if you tend to take vacations that require long haul flights that cost more than $250, use a travel reward card. If your vacation flights cost less than $250, use a cash rebate credit instead. Some reward program only require 22,000 points to redeem a domestic roundtrip flight. In that case, use $220 or 22,000 points as your guide when you are choosing between a travel or cash back credit card.

___________________
Nick Lian
http://www.compare-apply-credit-card-online.com
Credit Card Tips, Articles and Reviews for those looking for a credit card

Airline Security; Stewardesses The Last Line Of Defense!

It might come as a chock to many people, including the Stewardesses, but the fact remains that in today's Airline Industry, the Stewardess is the last line of defense!

In the 11th of September terrorist attacks, on the WTC and Pentagon, the first victims were the Stewardesses. Savagely attacked by the terrorist on their way to the cockpit's and tortured to pressure pilots, to comply with the terrorists demands.

More mundane, but daily occurrences in the International Airline Industry, is unruly passengers. Who endangers the safety of co-passengers and the aircraft due to mental disturbances, alcohol consumption, stress or disregard for airline regulations, such as remaining seated during takeoff and landing etc. or smoking in prohibited areas on smokeless flights. Stewardesses are expected to deal with these travails, as first responders and can if necessary call on the Pilots for help, if the situation is beyond their control. However, first the Stewardesses have to intervene and are often the victim, of verbal and physical abuse from the unruly passengers.

After the 9-11 attacks pilots; should show precaution before leaving the cockpit, to assist in calming or restraining unruly passengers. The incident could well be a diversion to get the pilots to open, the now locked cockpits, whereupon conspirators of the unruly passenger/s will attack to get access to the cockpit.

Onboard Security:

On the majority of flights, there are no Air Marshals, so problems have to be faced by the Stewardesses. Who either have deal with the matter on their own, or wait for the pilot or co-pilot to assist, or occasionally call upon the assistance from other passengers. As these problems, have been around for decades and will be in the future, it is simply necessary for the Stewardesses to receive training in Self-Defense and Arrest techniques. These skills should simply be part of the standard Stewardess training program, with regular retraining.

Stewardesses have not always just been service minded, multi language, pretty women; when the Icelandic Airline was originally established, all Stewardesses where former Nurses, as that was thought to be necessary, in order to deal with any medical emergencies. My opinion is that today, a similar concern is valid and that is that the Stewardesses, should be able to deal with current security threats as well. It would also be wise, to continue the current trend of adding more Stewards to the crews and preferable to the level of half of the crew.

To give the Stewardesses an extra advantage, a non-lethal weapon such as a mini stun-gun or expandable baton, could be issued and used together with handcuffs etc. CCTV should be installed, with cameras placed in strategic positions, could be supplemented with RF frequency pen-type cameras carried on the Stewardesses uniforms. Monitors should be place in all crew areas; this would give added security, not only to the Stewardesses but also to the pilots, who would be able to respond earlier, to a potential security threat from unruly passengers or terrorists.

Now, some will argue that training Stewardesses, to deal with terrorist incidents are wrong and the focus should be on passenger and baggage security screening. To those I will say yes, I fully agree, to the necessity of pre-screening of passengers and baggage and an increase in Airport security procedures is necessary. However, the current efforts are focused primarily, on simply throwing in more security personnel and making them federal employees, which in reality has done little to actually increase security. This is a fact that is evident by the many cases of persons carrying weapons onboard aircrafts anyway.

This fact has repeatedly been proven by security inspections, where security agents, have boarded aircrafts with weapons and explosives etc. There is also the fact, that the Airlines often have little control over the actual Airport security and close to no-control at foreign Airports. In many foreign airports the airlines simply have to rely on the local security and the occasional inspections, by official institutions such as the FAA etc.

There is also the real threat, of terrorist co-operators working within the Airline service industry, which has access to the Aircrafts and could place weapons or bombs onboard the Aircraft, to be used by the terrorists. And finally, the violent unruly passenger, will always be part of the environment the Stewardesses faces. Perhaps these incidents can be reduced, by enforcing higher penalties and prison terms on those who violate Airline regulations in any manner. But these procedures are going to take time and meanwhile the problem remains, in the hands of the Stewardesses; Our last line of defense!

_________________
By Dan Sommer

Dan Sommer is the author of the SD Agent, a Surveillance Detection Manual, he has been part of the process of designing, implementing and training a SD team for a European Embassy. His 17 years security career started in 1986 and he has active experience from military, security, close protection, counter assault team and surveillance detection operations. Since 1994 the author has been writing training material’s for security companies and police departments. He has been instructing courses world-wide for security officers, bodyguards, police officers, counter assault teams and surveillance detection units. Dan currently acts as the International Director of the World Federation of Bodyguards and has a private business as a Security & Protection Consultant. His work can be viewed at his website http://www.DanSommer.Biz

A Sydney road trip -- chin chin to the Hunter Region

Sydneysiders may fight to the death arguing they live in the best place in Australia, but, when holiday time rolls around, it pays to watch where they go to relax and unwind.

Not two hours north rests the divine Hunter region, and it makes a brilliant Sydney road trip. The Hunter region is best known as Australia's vineyard, but there's loads more you can fool about in – old colonial towns, national parks, burning mountains, horse festivals, and more water sports than your travel insurance is prepared to cover.

If you don’t have a car of your own, visit websites like www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au (car hire Sydney)that pool together the specials of all the most popular car rental companies.

So, from Sydney, head up inland to Wollombi, by taking the freeway and turning off at Calga. Wollombi is a great little place for a brief stopover. It has a distinctly “rustic look” (a very tired tourism platitude which very much applies to this little place), and is armed with a national park of the same name and some nearby wineries. Back in the car, the next stage of your road trip is to drive up Wollombi road until you hit Cessnock, which is about 30 kilometres away. This is probably the best place to set up camp and plan your attack on the area’s profusion of vineyards, most of which are around nearby Pokolbin.

To help you choose which wineries you'd like to visit, check out
http://www.winecountry.com.au/ or visit Cessnock's Wine Country Tourism office for maps and brochures. But among the wineries in the area you might want to think about include: Tyrrell’s Vineyard, which is plonked right in the middle of romantic scenery in the Brokenback Ranges; Pepper Tree Winery, which is a boutique wine operation just off Broke road in Pokolbin; and of course, you shouldn’t really go past Lindemans – it is one of the biggest names in wine in Australia. Head to McDonalds road, they’re open daily for wine tastings.

After you’ve sobered up, get back into your car and make the short drive north from Cessnock to Maitland, which is a pretty town full of old colonial architecture and historical ambiance. You don’t need a long time here though, so get back on the road and head up to Scone on the New England Highway. Here, once again, you’ll be bombarded with all the rustic farmland scenery of before, more wineries yes, but this here is horse country – the business of breeding thoroughbreds is serious ‘round here. The day they build a golden horse idol to worship isn’t far away. They’ve already got the horse festival in May and a six-week Hunter Horse expo in September. The Barrington Tops National Park is nearby. And while you’re gadding about, why not visit the biblical-sounding Burning Mountain – which actually is burning, and has been for about a thousand years, ever since an underground coal seam caught fire.

Turning you’re car around, the last stage of your road trip involves heading back down the New England Highway, this time passing Maitland until you get to Newcastle. You’re now on the doorstep of Lake Macquarie – Australia's largest salt-water lake. It’s here you’ll encounter a clear-water paradise with water sports aplenty. Wend your merry way around the shores, driving through tiny villages and holiday towns like Belmont, Swansea and Toronto. Explore the Watagan Mountains, which flank the western side of the lake, for a sniff of fresh air and a good view.

All that’s really left is to take your time heading back onto the freeway towards Sydney, refreshed and ready to take on all the congested traffic conditions the city can throw at you.

Keywords: travel, Australia tourist information, car hire Sydney, car hire Australia, car rental Sydney

__________________
Alyssa Betts, Brisbane
info@vroomvroomvroom.com.au
Learn more about car hire Sydney

Alyssa Betts has travelled around bits of the UK, Europe, South-East Asia and Australia complaining about backpacks and clothing made of cheesecloth. She now works for www.vroomvroomvroom.com.au

Campsite Meal Planning and Recipe

Campsite Meal Planning and Recipe

Hello Again,

Today we will be talking about meal planning. Meals are one of the most memorable aspects of any camping trip and if one meal is a disaster you will never hear the end of it. I will show you how to avoid spending half the day in the kitchen and still deliver a meal that will knock their socks off. Pre planning and pre prep are a great way to buy more time for doing what you came for "Camping". Later I will share a recipe that includes a great way to pre cook pasta. There are two methods for meal planning, the ration method and the recipe method. Today I will focus on the recipe method. I will go into depth on the ration method in a later issue. A small group in a camp setting will find the recipe method much easier to implement. If you have a very large group or need to be mobile the ration method is desirable.

An efficient and fun way to plan your menu is to gather up all your favorite recipes and make a daily menu centered around your planned activities not worrying about space or supply restrictions. For example if you are planning some hiking, sandwiches will do the trick. If you plan to stay close to the site you can afford some more elaborate meals. I try to plan for a variety of situations. This allows you to be fixable once you hit the site. You don't have to follow your menu to the tee. Mix it up, be spontaneous and have fun.

Once you have your menu, figure out what supplies you will need, then depending on your space and weight requirements adjust your menu and/or your equipment accordingly. Otherwise just creating the menu can be a real challenge. Our goal here is to have fun. This method for meal planning is an easy way to figure out what supplies you will need without a lot of size and weight calculations. There are plenty of complicated formulas you can use for meal planning and in some circumstance like backpacking or extended trips these are essential, but for the average campsite certainty not necessary. If you forget or overlook something, most campgrounds either have a store on site or within a short driving distance. You might kick yourself for having to spend twice what something is worth but you won't starve.

When planning your menu include plenty of fresh water, high-energy snacks and trail foods like fresh fruit, beef jerky and granola. Stay away from things like chips, soda and cookies unless you plan on sitting around the campsite wishing you had a TV to watch. Outdoor activities require a lot of energy and burn a lot of calories. The best way to plan healthy meals is to use the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid. Keep in mind appetites will be up so plan accordingly. Click on the link above to visit the USDA's site.

Do as much pre planning and pre prep as possible. <=(Say that 5 times fast) I use a lot of zip lock bags, cutting up and cooking as much as I can before I get to the site. Use a cooler to keep your perishables like milk, condiments and fresh vegetables. I use powdered milk in all my camp recipes because it is convenient to carry and easy to convert your recipe to fresh milk if you have it. I usually use fresh milk for the first few days then go to the powdered milk after we have run out. At least that is the plan. My daughter loves to drink milk and always throws a fit whenever we run out of fresh. I often find myself reentering society in exchange for a little peace and quiet.

The nice thing about the recipe menu planning method is most home recipes can be converted to outdoor recipes with very little effort. This next recipe is a perfect example of something that is equally delicious at home or out on the campsite. Note the pre planning tips that make this a quick fix without compromising on taste.

Campsite Pasta Italiano

7 to 8 oz pasta 4 Tbsp olive or peanut oil 1 lb Italian sausage cut into Ѕ inch pieces 1 28 oz can Italian Style crushed tomatoes (do not substitute with regular crushed tomatoes) 1 tsp garlic powder Salt and pepper Parmesan cheese

Do Ahead Tip: Cut sausage before hand and store in a zip lock bag

Do Ahead Tip: Cook the pasta at home as directed on package. Drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl add pasta and 2 Tbsp oil. Toss until evenly coated, seal in a zip lock bag and store in cooler until needed.

Do Ahead Tip: Plan several pasta dishes and cook all the pasta at once. Store each portion in a separate bag. Use a permanent marker to write the name of the recipe each bag is intended for.
Before you prepare your meal remove the appropriate pasta bag from the cooler and let it reach room temperature.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add sausage and brown evenly until cooked through. Drain grease; add crushed tomatoes and garlic powder. Stirring constantly bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium. Simmer until thickened about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add pasta. Mix well. If your skillet is too small to add the pasta you can mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. The heat of the sauce will reheat the pasta. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with parmesan Cheese.

Whala! A simple delicious meal whipped up in a flash. Guaranteed to stick to the ribs after a hard days play. Don't forget to leave some room for the S'mores.

Keywords: camping, Campsite, Meal Planning, Recipe, cooler, camp stove, coffe pot, usda, pasta, cooking, cook

________________
Timothy McBride
Rialto, CA, USA
Learn more about Campsite Meal Planning and Recipe
I am an avid camper with a passion for the simple life. Growing up in Rural America meant camping and fishing from a young age. This has translated into a passion for providing only the best camping advice and services. As the owner and operator of Camping & Cooking Supplies I strive to provide a tremendous resource for the camping enthusiast. So come and visit us at Camping & Cooking Supplies. See you on the trails.

Prague travel basics

Prague is a well- known old city of Europe that is a host to many tourists all round the year. The aura of the place speaks for itself. Prague is the capital of Czech Republic whose traditional and archaic European ambience is too appealing than ever imagined. Czech is deemed to be the heart of Europe and ahs a population of more than ten million people out of which 1.3 million are nestled peacefully in the city of Prague.

The Sites Worth Gazing

The Charles Bridge at Prague is a host to many visitors all round the year. This bridge was completed and made public in 1400. It displays grotesque architecture and river views that keep the visitors engaged especially during the summer season. There is also the eminent Wenceslas Square hat is deemed to be the heart of Prague and that grounds some of the most wonderful restaurants, shops and pubs in Prague. The Old Town center is also a place worth visiting in Prague. The center has on parade some of the marvelous historical sites like the Old town Hall and the Astronomical clock where the visitors get to see the land from the 60 meter elevated tower.

Getting around in Prague is quite simple and convenient. Besides the natural beauty that the place is blessed with, the human technology does not score less. There are trams, metros and buses to explore the charismatic place.

Prague is the land of wonderful museums. There is the National Technical Museum, which puts to display old cars, bikes, planes, trains, cameras, watches and so forth. The best part is the museum itself that is a historical building of 1930’s. The Mozart Museum is worth appreciating. The music lovers can have a gala time here for the place offers historical music scores, letters and musical instruments that are exclusive and great to enjoy. Specifically for the artists is meant the Museum of Decorative Arts that presents Czech porcelain, crystal and wood -carvings. Not to overlook is the Wax Museum that has proved its worth across the globe. Apart from these there are many good museums and art galleries that are evenly spread across the city.

Pargue also has some of the magnificent castles like the Karlstejn Castle that was redesigned in 19th century and which is one of the most photogenic castles known so far. Close to the castle place, are sold exotic Bohemia crystals that the tourists often love to take back home. The Konopiste Castle is known for its French style architecture from 13th century. It is located about 44 kilometers southeast of Prague and is thrown open for visitors from May to August. The Krivolat is a 13th century castle that boasts a prison, torture chambers and one of the biggest non-church Gothic Halls in the Czech Republic. Prague is an ideal place for all the music devotees for they can relish the classical concerts at the Sate Opera and at the Rudolfinum or the Municipal House. The Prague Autumn Festival is a big music event that offers lots of classical concerts and music. The Prague Spring festival is famous all over Europe. It is a liked cultural event that goes on from 12th May to 3rd of June every year.

The nightlife of Prague is thrilling and active with music in the air and loads of pubs, discos and bars cuddled in the city. Besides these there are many other attractions that make Prague a perfect holiday destination.

Keywords: Prague travel

_________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about prague travel topics.

The lowdown on new orleans travel

The beautiful city cuddled around the curve of the Mississippi River, known for its cuisine, music and culture, is the metropolis New Orleans. This vibrant city summons many a visitors every year. Its more than a few attractions are cherished by tons of people across the globe.

Getting Acquainted With the Place

New Orleans is quite an old city that has a profound sense of art and architecture, culture and people. Certain historic buildings like the U.S Mint Building and the Lousiana History Museum have always accepted attention of the visitors.

The French Quarter is an eminent area in New Orleans. The Quarter speaks about the marvelous European architecture, history, legends and the like. The Bourbon St. bars is an all time entertainment bar or club for the adults. Once you step out of French Quarter, a horde of hotels and restaurants welcome you. The IMAX theatre, Riverwalk shops and Harrah’s casino are particularly very famous here.

The Storyland at the City Park of New Orleans is believed to be a wonderland park. The Six Flags amusement park, the Audubon Park and the Zoological Gardens that have more than a thousand animals are amongst the magnets of New Orleans. The Jackson Square area of New Orleans is teeming with artists, musicians, mimes and fortune tellers, needs no introduction. People from all over the world visit this place on their vacation to New Orleans. The French Quarter is brimming with shopping malls and shops. From glittering jewelry to exclusive souvenir, everything is readily available. There are also antique shops for those who have a taste of antiques. The French Market at New Orleans is known for the bargain. The market is basically devoted to the farmers as well as to flea.

Once you are tired of running around to shop, enjoy a wonderful coffee at the Cafй Du Monde. The cafй is considered to be the home of beignet and chicory coffee. The ‘shotgun’ houses at New Orleans are meant to admire the exclusive and peculiar architecture. The rooms in these houses are lined one behind the other such that a single shot fired from outside the front door would go out from the back door without hitting anything. The D- Day Museum at New Orleans that exhibits the history of World War II, has its own glory and charm.

There are different tours to explore New Orleans to the fullest. Thses tours are quite informative and adventurous. For instance on a swamp tour you get to know the concept behind the above ground cemeteries in the city. You also get an opportunity to feed the alligators, see the grand homes and gardens in the Garden District and many such things. A ghost tour, relished especially by the kids will take you to the haunted St. Philip Street. While on a Southern Comfort Cocktail Tour you will enjoy the restaurants, bars and hotels of the city along with the fables attached to them. The Honey Island Swamp tour is specifically meant for the kids to enjoy this nature preserve and eerie houses like Gris-Gris.

The distinguished pulls of New Orleans are incomplete without the festivals celebrated here. The principal festival of the year is the Mardi Gras in February. This is followed by the crawfish festival in March, the Jazz Heritage festival and the French Quarter Festival in April or May. The July visitors can enjoy the fireworks that happen to be on the 4th of July, Satchmo festival in August subsequent to which are the festivals for tomatoes, catfish, plants etc. in September. Finally there is the grand Christmas celebration that draws everyone’s thought and concentration. Almost all the festivals are festooned at least with fireworks and parades.

New Orleans has earned a significant name in the area of sports. The city is a host to many sports concerts all round the year. These festivals make New Orleans a destination worth vacationing all round the year.

Keywords: New orleans

_______________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about new orleans travel topics.

Dancing With Whales

We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and a few companies are now offering the possibility of actually swimming and snorkeling with whales in the wild. Is this a good thing?
Some whalewatching operators in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific islands, advertise the possibility of swimming and snorkeling with humpback whales during the cetacean's annual migration from July to October. This activity sounds appealing, yet there are a number of things to consider.

To drop clients off within snorkeling distance of a whale, the swim boats must come closer than the 30 meters laid down in Tongan government guidelines in 1997. Engine noise from a maneuvering boat can startle a whale, and repeated disturbances can lead to the animals changing their behaviour and even abandoning their traditional habitat. The nursing and resting routines of the pods can be disrupted, potentially threatening the health of the whales.

This high-risk activity is not covered by most travel insurance policies. The humpback whales of Tonga are wild animals with powerful fins, and swimming near one always involves some risk. The movements of these huge creatures can be fatal to a human swimmer, either accidentally or if the beast feels threatened, and a nursing mother with calf can be especially unpredictable. Swimming into the path of a whale greatly increases the danger.

In Tonga, sharks are known to frequent areas where there are whales, especially calves, and at least one shark attack on a Tongan guide swimming with whales has been recorded. A tragic accident involving tourists seems to be only a matter of time.

Most whale encounters occur in deep waters where unperceived currents and wave action can soon tire a snorkeler and possibly lead to panic. For these reasons, responsible whalewatching companies like http://www.whalediscoveries.com do not offer snorkeling with whales.

Of course, the demand is there, and pressure has come to bear on the Tongan Government to revise its guidelines to allow boats to come within 10 meters of a whale. Several new whalewatching licenses have been issued recently, raising the number of commercial operators in this small area to about a dozen, and vessels often have to queue to drop off swimmers. Cases have been observed of boats approaching to within five meters of whale pods, and of mother humpbacks and calves being pursued out to sea.

Visitors should be aware that by purchasing such an excursion, they could be adversely affecting the noble creatures they came to see. It's a good idea to discuss these matters with the operator before booking your trip, and to avoid those who seem most interested in maximizing their own profits at the expense of the whales.

Even if you decide to book such a tour, be aware that only 10 percent of swim-with attempts are successful and there are no refunds. These concerns only apply to attempts to actually swim with whales, and whalewatching from a boat at a safe distance is no problem.

Keywords: whales, whalewatching, tonga, south pacific, swimming, snorkeling, humpback, risk, insurance, sharks

_________________
David Stanley
Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Learn more about Tonga, South Pacific islands

David Stanley authored the first two editions of Lonely Planet Cuba. His initial visit was in 1975 when he accompanied one of the first Canadian tour groups to visit Cuba after the revolution. Until 1979 he worked at resorts on Isla de la Juventud, in Havana, and at Varadero, then he left for the South Pacific islands to write a series of travel guidebooks. Moon Handbooks South Pacific, now in its 8th edition, has become the classic guide to Oceania. In the early 1990s Stanley's three editions of Eastern Europe on a Shoestring led Lonely Planet into Europe, and he has since written about Canada for the same company. Photos from his Pacific travel guides can be seen at http://www.pacific-pictures.com

David Stanley is the author of Moon Handbooks South Pacific http://www.southpacific.org/pacific.html which has a chapter on Tonga. Stanley's online Tonga Travel Guide is at http://www.southpacific.org/text/finding_tonga.html while his Tonga travel photos are on http://www.pacific-pictures.com/tonga/

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, so long as the byline and resource box are included. Please do not use this article without the byline and resource box. Many thanks!

The Downtown San Francisco Marriott Hotel Wins Gold Key Award for 2005

Secaucus, NJ-Meeting & Conventions magazine recently announced the winners of its prestigious hotel meeting & convention Gold Key Award for 2005. This annual award is bestowed upon the world’s finest meeting and convention hotel properties.

The downtown San Francisco Marriott Luxury Hotel was nominated for this award of excellence by the readers of M&C, who based their votes on the overall professionalism and quality of this San Francisco hotel. This year, the readers honored 190 domestic and 20 international luxury hotels and resorts as Gold Key winners. Meeting and convention planners selected their winning hotel properties based on strict hotel service industry criteria including; quality of meeting room facilities and convention space, quality of hotel guest services, hotel staff attitude, banquet rooms, hotel restaurant food and beverage service, proficiency of handling hotel room reservations, availability of technical/support equipment and the range of hotel recreational facilities.

“The dedication to quality has always been a trademark of M & C’s readers who represent the highest level of meeting and convention planning/incentive professionals. The San Francisco Marriott Hotel has met these tough standards by providing outstanding hotel services,” said Bernard W. Schraer, Meeting & Conventions Group Publisher. “The entire M&C staff commends the downtown San Francisco Marriott Hotel for demonstrating the high qualities to earn the Gold Key distinction.”

The San Francisco Marriott Hotel will be honored and receive its Gold Key Award as a part of M&C’s Gold Awards ceremony on November 11, 2005 in New York City. The downtown San Francisco Marriott will also be featured in Meetings & Conventions’ Gold Awards issue published this November.

The San Francisco Marriott hotel is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco CA., across the street from Moscone Center and minutes from Union Square. When planning your San Francisco hotel meeting or convention, be sure to book your group hotel reservations at the San Francisco Marriott. Visit our site @ San Francisco Marriott Hotel

Keywords: hotel, san francisco hotel, downtown san francisco marriott, hotel services, meeting room facility

_____________
Brett Lane
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
blane@emergentmarketing.com
Learn more about san francisco hotel

Brett S. Lane is an Internet Marketing Specialist for eMergent Marketing, located in Cleveland, Ohio. Web Site Conversion & Usability Testing Professionals

What you need to know about – canada travel

Canada is one of the celebrated countries of the world. The second largest country in the world has unique blend of French-English culture. With plenty of worth watching cities, the country is not densely populated. The cities of Canada have their own magnificence and grandeur that magnetizes people round the globe.

The Land of Provinces

The vast area of the country along with variation in flora and fauna varies in other attractions too. The different provinces have the aura that leaves no visitor from getting beguiled. They vary in not just flora and fauna but also the culture and other temptations.

· The capital city of Canada –Toronto has any and everything. Where on one hand the city is the home for the longest street in the world- the Yonge Street, on the other hand it has the 1815 foot tall CN tower that is well known to be the tallest free standing structure in the world. This isn’t all. The visitors also take delight in the ravishing and enticing antiques displayed at the Sigmund Samuel Canadian Gallery and the eternal tourist destination-the Royal Canadian Museum.

· The Prince Edward Island, the smallest province enthralls the visitors with its scenic splendor. The place is blessed not just with beautiful landscapes, sandstone cliffs on its southern coast but also sparkling green fields in the interior, crystal blue beach water of the sandy beaches around the coastline.

· New Brunswick that is rooted in the French tradition s rich in seafood and fishing. The place has nestled the largest and busy town of Saint John that reminds of the history of the province.

· Fishing and hunting are adored in the Newfoundland region too. It is the largest of the Atlantic Province that has the eleventh century Viking outpost as its outstanding attraction.

· The New Scotland or Nova Scotia smells of Scotland as well as French fragrance. The amalgamation is also of the contemporary and the archaic structures like from the nineteenth century historic buildings there are exclusive latest shopping malls, apartments, hotels etc.

· The British Columbia province is distinctively bifurcated into the lush green forests and the dry and arid region.

· The Quebec province and the Quebec City have a lot to treat the visitors. The Montreal region of the Quebec province has special seasonal festivals. The winter season is a host to the La Fete des Neiges festival; the summers welcome all the Jazz and opera lovers with its Montreal International Music Competition and the International Opera Festival respectively. The Festival Internationale de Nouvelle Danse and the International film festival add to the beauty of autumn season. The Quebec City that is the capital of the Quebec Province is quite significant from the perspective of trade and commerce and its noteworthy historical buildings.

· To hail all the golf, tennis, baseball and soccer lovers, the third largest city of Canada - Vancouver has more than numerous golf courses, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields. The city has an exotic forty storey Harbor Center climbing up at which one can gaze at the Gastown (a renowned tourist spot) and Chinatown (the blooming Chinese community of Vancouver). For the children as well as the adults there is Stanley Park Zoo that is nestled in a thousand acre Stanley Park.

· If Canada happens to be your holiday destination in the first two weeks of July, not to miss is the Calgary Stampede i.e. the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. This show has worldwide popularity that fetches innumerable tourists to Calgary.

· Last but not the least are the Canadian Rockies- the Rocky Mountains on the edge between Alberta and British Columbia, the 4200 square mile Jasper National Park and the first national park of Canada i.e. the Banff National Park.

Canada is the place where sports never say die. The country is known for its water sports like canoeing, sailing and so forth. Apart from these there is the national game of Canada- Lacrosse, the Canadians adorable game of Hockey, Basket ball and the like.

The moment Canada ranks first on your dream destinations, just collect little information about the weather of the place that varies with the provinces there. For instance, the Quebec and provinces adjacent to it have hot and humid summers with cold winters. But the Northwest Canadian Territories are different with short cool summers and long cool winters. However, the concoction or fusion of diverse cultures and climate, picturesque attractions, cuisine, language, people etc. make Canada what it is- a place worth loving and visiting.

Keywords: Canada travel

____________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about canada travel topics.

What you need to know about – south africa safari

The land of Cape of Good Hope, wonderful flora and fauna, multiple languages and mother of eminent leader like Nelson Mandela, South Africa awaits no introduction. There are more than a few reasons that make this country an apple of everyone’s eye.

The Matchless Wildlife Adventure

One of its distinguished features is the Kruger National Park that invites visitors from all round the world. The ferocious as well as the gentle wildlife is at parade in this park. The park that is the home for the Big Five Animals i.e. lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos and Cape buffalo, is supposed to be the largest wildlife park in the world today. Young as well as adult come to South Africa with a dream to encounter exclusive 142 species of animals and 507 types of birds found here. This park is the most breathtaking adventure trip for all its visitors. The wonderful fantasy of Jungle Book comes to life for the children when they gaze at huge tigers, rhinoceros, giraffes etc. walking close to them. The park has specific timings when it is thrown open for safari. The place is always thronged with researchers and those making animal documentaries.

Wildlife can also be discovered at the Tsittsikamma National Park. Apart from numerous birds and animals species, the site is blessed with beautiful coastal cliffs, waterfalls and deep narrow valleys. When it comes to whale watching, the experience at the Walker Bay (at the coast of Cape Town) is unprecedented. It is an awesome experience when huge mammals like whales and sharks seem to be at hand. The Karoo desert is famous for its Mountain Zebra National Park that has inhabited some of the most unique zebra species. There is also the Karoo Nature Reserve that has nestled bizarre desert plants like kudus, buffaloes, hartebeests, springboks etc. The lovely and queer ecosystems that include coral reef, shore, lake, swamp and grasslands can be perceived at the renowned site called Greater Lucia Wetland Park. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in the Zululand region is a destination worth visiting for all the wildlife devotees.

The Cities that Count

· The city of Cape Town is one of the oldest cities of South Africa. The city receives vacationers’ attention due to many reasons. The significant causes include – the stunning Table Mountain, The District Six Museum which is quite informative about the place and the displaced people, The South African Museum, The Castle of Good Hope that has been functioning as a guard to this area since ages.

· The city of Durban is popularly known for its 230 days of sunshine and its being the third largest of the South African cities. The city owns a refreshing beach known as The Golden Mile Beach, the Seaworld that holds attractive dolphin shows, the Waterworld with lots of slides etc. Also to be seen is the Time Warp surfing Museum that has a rare collection of the surfing mementoes.

· The South African city of Johannesburg has its own charisma. This wealthiest metropolis was once widely known for mining of gold from various sites here. The other pulls of the city are the South African National Museum of Military History, the Dynamite Museum, the Madiba Freedom Museum (well known for the exhibiting the life of Nelson Mandela) and the Johannesburg Zoo. The Newtown region of the city is dedicated to industrial work. But it has the admired Museum of Africa, the Soweto Art Gallery that parades the magnum opus of black artists, the SAB World of Beer and much more.

· The Western Cape Province is the area at the edges of Cape Town. This region is swarming with visitors due to the multiple attractions. The wine lovers never miss a chance to visit The Winelands area around Stellenbosch that has ample of wineries. The high mountain ranges like Franschoek, Slanghoeck etc add to the splendor of the place. If you encounter atypical sandstones and paintings on rocks and caves, this mystifying place is the West Coast and Swartland.

· The Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of the country and the provincial capital of the Free State Province is stuuded with museums and so visitors throughout the year.

· The Western Gauteng region of Gauteng Province receives special attention due to the wonderful caves in this area.

· The Northern Province lures the tourists with its exquisite nature reserves. The highly acclaimed is the Ndzalama Wildlife Reserve.

· The National Botanical Gardens on the Crocodile River in the Mpumalanga Province are quite informative about the geography of South Africa. The Little Dragon Mountains and impressive rock formations in this quarter are evergreen tourist spots.

Keywords: south africa safari

__________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about south africa safari topics.

What you need to know about – thailand travel

Thailand is one of those destinations, which is forever teeming with tourists. The country holds an exclusive position in the hearts of all vacationers for the place has much more to offer than anyone can expect. Thailand lies in the South East Asia region and can be taken to be the land of Buddha. Almost all the Buddha devotees desire to visit this country once in their lifetime. This is due to the fact that Thailand has some of the unique and exquisite Buddha temples where perfect tranquility prevails.

A Concise Review of a Seemingly Interminable Place

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is worth visiting spot. This sacred temple has Buddha statue that is 65 centimeter elevated and is entirely made of jasper quartz or jade. While the jade goes back to 15th century, the murals on the walls of the compound can be traced back to 18th century. The visitors can take a look at The Royal Thai Decorations and the Coin Pavilion. All in all the sanctity of the temple speaks through itself and the ambiance is enough to enchant the visitors.

Along with Temple of Emerald Buddha, several other grand Buddha temples can be seen once you move into the city of Bangkok. Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand has proved its worth across the globe. This metropolis has everything to offer to its visitors. From wonderful museums to thrilling nightlife, Bangkok has it all. The bustling city owns the largest South East Asian museum called The National Museum. National Museum has a gathering of various things like Thai art from old to contemporary, musical instruments, weapons, woodcarving, ceramics, clothing and sacred Buddha images.

Visitors that come to Bangkok never miss the opportunity to encounter Vinmanmek Teak Mansion that is supposed to be the largest teak building in the world. The Royal Elephant Museum and Dusuit Zoo are perfect places to have some learning with fun. The Wat Pho temple near the temple of Emerald Buddha in Bangkok is perhaps the oldest and the largest of all Buddha temples there. The Wat Pho temple is known for its 46 meter long statue of reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddhas in the country. A refreshing massage therapy is done at this place that too attracts a lot of people.

Finally when it comes to shopping, Bangkok has it all. There are ample of markets here that will serve you with all the things of your necessity. The Chatuchak Market or The Weekend Market (that is open on Saturdays and sundaes only), the Pak Khlong market and markets in Chinatown and Phahurat district are particularly quite famous.

The Thonburi region resting on the west bank of river Thonburi has always gathered attention due to different reasons. The Taksin Monument that has a statue of Thailand’s eminent king Taksin which is a delight to watch. The Royal Barges Museum that has a fantastic collection of boats, the outstanding one being the king’s personal barge –The Golden Swan is definitely a pull in Thonburi.

Buddhist stupas area centre of attraction at Ayuthaya, a city that lies to the north of Bangkok. The oldest and largest temple here is the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, another famous temple is Wat No Phra Meru that has a green stone Buddha statue inside. The Ayuthaya and the Chantharakasen are the two significant national museums. The Lopburi and the Kanchanaburi town in the Central Thailand region is a host to a lot many tourists every year.

In the Southeastern Thailand region is situated the Ko Chang National Park that is crammed by people due to the various activities like elephant riding, diving, snorkeling etc. and also to enjoy the wildlife in this area. The Rayong Province has a set of exotic beaches along with the Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park that has striking limestone mountains, caves, cliffs and waterfalls including impressive wildlife. Pattaya is another eventful beach spot located 150 kilometers away from Bangkok.

The Northern Thailand is bedecked by the Lamphun Province that has numerous historical temples, Doi Khun Tan National Park, the Lampang Province that grounds the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang temple which is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand and there is also the famous Thai Elephant Conservation Center which provides acre for sick elephants, animal shows and tourist exhibits from time to time. The Sukhothai Province is important for its Ramkhamhaeng National Park.

The Isan Region of Northeastern Thailand has the renowned Khao Yai National Park, which is a home for innumerable wild animals and the Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Few places at the Thailand’s Southern Coasts like Phetchaburi city, the Southern Gulf Region (known for marine life and water sports) and the Andaman Coast are everlastingly meant for vacationing in Thailand.

Keywords: south africa safari

_______________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about thailand travel topics.

First Time Cruisers

If you are a first time cruiser you are in for a treat! Cruising can be a great experience provided you are aware of certain things and know how to get the most out of the experience.

If you are flying or driving, I recommend getting to the city where you will board the ship the day before you sail. This will prevent you from running to the ship at the last minute, hoping it is still there, should you have any problems with flight delays, lost luggage, traffic back-ups, etc. This will allow you to rest from your travel and give you ample time to get to the ship on the day it departs. Avoid getting to the ship at the earliest time allowed or at the last minute. Getting there in the middle of the hours designated to check in sometimes reduces the time you have to stand in line to check in.

Be aware of what the cost of the cruise includes and what it does not include. Normally (there are exceptions) the cost of the cruise includes your lodging on the cruise ship, all your meals, port charges, and transfers between the airport and the cruise ship (if you arrange transfers through the cruise line). Things that are usually not included in the price of your cruise are sodas, alcoholic beverages, spa services, shore excursions, tips for services rendered, and any items you purchase while on the ship. The material you receive from the cruise line should spell out what is covered in the cost of the cruise and what is not. If you are ever in doubt – ask!

Tipping on cruise ships is expected and there should be some guidelines on suggested amounts in the material you receive from the cruise line. Generally, the people you tip are your cabin steward, your waiters/waitresses, and the maitre ‘d. After all, they do take good care of you!
Cruising is all about choices – your choices. If you want to dress for meals and eat in the formal dining room, you can. Or, you can dress down and eat in the informal cafй that most cruise ships have. In the evening, a choice of activities awaits you - a show, some gambling, or karaoke in the lounge. When the ship arrives at different ports you can get off and explore or stay on the ship and lounge by the pool. If you are traveling in a group, there’s something for everyone.

If you’ve never cruised before – go ahead, give it a try! You’ll be glad you did!

Keywords: cruising, cruises, caribbean cruises

________________
Sherry Otto
Learn more about Cruising for the first time
Sherry Otto http://www.great-caribbean-vacations.com
Specializing in fun Caribbean vacations! Also offering travel tips, hot spots, and information about romantic vacations, beach vacations, sailing vacations, golf vacations, shopping vacations, and Caribbean cruises.

Going On Vacation With Your Children

So, you've decided to go on a family vacation - but where to? There are several different places that you can go with your whole family, and some of them are better than others. When you're thinking about traveling with children, especially, you should definitely make that a major deciding point when you're trying to figure out where to go.

The number one mistake for a vacation with children is Las Vegas or Reno in Nevada. The rigorous advertising of both cities (especially Las Vegas) as places for family vacations is misleading, because these places are not targeted specifically at family travelers.

There is very little in either city that is great for children, and anything that is can be easily replicated in other locations. Besides, if you're planning on going to Las Vegas, you probably plan on doing at least a little gambling - which is something you should save for an adults- only vacation getaway.

The preferred choice for many parents with children is Disney theme parks. These parks are often the best choice for children over five and under twelve. Children over twelve may well still like it, too. Children under five, especially those under three, might find it difficult to spend the whole day there and later they will hardly remember their visit to Disney.

Do not forget, however, that a lot of energy is required for a vacation at Disney. These parks are not a good choice for a relaxing trip, because as a rule they are crowded and there are so many new things to see. With younger children, it can get especially hard in the afternoons.

For a more relaxed family vacation, you should think about a destination like Hawaii. While Hawaii is not geared specifically toward children, there are still plenty of things for you to do depending on which island you're staying on.

Hawaii is the best place for a family vacation with children who are ten or older. The reason is that most entertainment activities are suitable for older children - for example Pearl Harbor. If you visit it and your children are too young, they will hardly figure out the significance of the place.

Cruise ships are also worth considering for family vacations, though there are a few things you should consider. First, if you go on a cruise, it's very likely that your family will be sharing living quarters, and things can be a little cramped. This isn't too bad, however, since chances are good that you'll only be in your cabin to sleep - there's so much going on that you won't want to stay cooped up.

Another disadvantage of cruise ships is that they might not be suitable for teenagers. The reason is that most of the children~s programs are for children under twelve, while the majority of adult entertainment (lounges, casinos, etc.) are also not suitable for teenagers, who are too young for this kind of fun. But despite everything, a cruise vacation is a good choice even only because of all astonishing ocean sights and ports that you will visit while on vacation. Beware of whales!

The conclusion is that choosing the destination for your family vacation is firmly up to you! You are the one who knows best what is interesting for your children and what is not. Take into account what is suitable for them and what is preferred by you, choose a destination or vacation package which offers the best combination of things which appeal to all of you- and you're halfway to a great trip already.

Andrew Westforth is the webmaster of FHT Travel - a large and comprehensive collection of information on travel, including articles, resources and a free newsletter. For great travel information, go to: http://www.fhttravel.com

Keywords: Travel, Accommodation, Vacations, Hotels, Transportation, Cruise, Destinations, Tourism

____________________
Andrew Westforth
Turks & Caicos Islands
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Midlands Meander Diaries: Karkloof Canopy Tours on the Midlands Meander

They call this an eco-experience. But a Karkloof Canopy Tour on the Midlands Meander in KwaZulu Natal is more than that. This is adventure. This is adrenalin. This is like your first time on a red or a black ski slope. You’re thinking, “This is too fast. This is too dangerous. I’m gonna die”.

So what’s the skinny? Using state of the art climbing and safety equipment, they suspend you on a pulley attached to a steel cable 30 metres above the Karkloof indigenous forest floor. And then it’s “Goodnight Vienna”.

What and where is the Karkloof Forest? The Karkloof Forest is in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands. It is pristine. And when you see the size of the trees, you’ll know, it is old. It is also home to the Karkloof Blue butterfly, which inhabits a few hundred square metres of the forest. And it’s found nowhere else in the world.

And Karkloof Canopy Tours? Well they’re the psychopaths that make a living out of jumping your adrenalin level to the point where it’s practically squirting out your ears.

Sure it’s a big rush. But don’t think these guys aren’t serious about safety. The kit is “state of the art”. The whole thing’s been designed with the strictest civil engineering standards in mind. You begin with a safety briefing. Your harness and gear are checked and double-checked by the lead guide. And then you’re off!

“Off” means you’ve managed to screw up your courage, closed your eyes, muttered a prayer, and leapt off the first of seven platforms – high up in the trees. Catch your breath, calm your heart rate. You’ve got eight slides, the longest of which is 170 metres long as you whiz and zigzag, down the pristine indigenous Karkloof forest valley.

By the way, did I mention that they call this an “eco-experience”? You did notice the 20-metre waterfall you zoomed over, the river you screamed your way across, the beauty of the forest, the extremely rare bird-life, the Samago monkeys? You did notice these things, didn't you?
No?

Then you better go and do it again tomorrow!

Karkloof Canopy Tours is a member of the Midlands Meander Association which regulates and markets the Midlands Meander – the largest “arts and crafts ramble” in South Africa. It’s not only “arts and crafts”, as you’ve probably gathered. It’s jam-packed with a variety of accommodation establishments and things to see and do. The symbol of Midlands Meander in KwaZulu Natal is the Karkloof Blue butterfly. Bear it in mind, the next time you’re travelling to South Africa.

Keywords: midlands meander, midlands meander accommodation, drakensberg, drakensberg accommodation, kwazulu, natal

______________
Brian Kemp
Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Learn more about midlands meander,drakensberg

Brian & Janette Kemp own an award-winning Midlands Meander accommodation establishment in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Halls Country House is a 4-star country retreat in the foothills of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Travel Tips for Getting Through the Airport Easier and Quicker

Traveling is different now than it was before 9/11. Arriving at the airport even earlier than before, standing in line longer while waiting to pass through security, having luggage x-rayed, and being pulled aside for random security checks make the time it takes to travel more lengthy than it used to be. Planning ahead can shave off a few minutes here and there and hopefully make your travels less frustrating. Here are some things I have found to be helpful when traveling:

Make a list. Other than clothes, write down everything you need to take with you (camera, film, sun screen, hand sanitizer, book, etc.) and pack it ahead of time. This will avoid taking extra time to put it in your suitcase or bag at the last minute since you have to arrive at the airport earlier now.

Before you leave home, put your jewelry and watch in a little cosmetic bag down inside the bag you carry on the plane and put your jewelry on once you’ve passed through security. Since security has been tightened there is a good chance that you will beep and have to take it off anyway.

Remember to pack things such as fingernail kits (that include nail files, clippers, etc.) in the suitcase you will be checking and not in your carry-on bag. You are no longer allowed to carry these items on the plane.

Purchase a zippered pouch (I got mine at AAA) to keep your ID, boarding passes, e-ticket, and travel itinerary in. Then put the pouch in a side pocket of the bag you carry on the plane. Keeping this information together will keep you from digging for it each time you need it.

Try not to wear clothing that requires a belt (with buckle) or clothing that has any metal, metal buttons, or anything on it that would cause you to beep when you go through security. This will just slow down the process and you want to keep moving as quickly as possible.

If the airport you are departing from has curbside check-in, take advantage of it. It is often quicker than standing in line once you are inside the airport.

Sometimes just remembering the little things will help you get through the airport smoothly and avoid those little delays that give you a big headache.

Keywords: travel, travel tips, airport travel, air travel, airline travel

_____________
Sherry Otto
Learn more about Travel tips for airports
Sherry Otto http://www.great-caribbean-vacations.com

Specializing in fun Caribbean vacations! Also offering travel tips, hot spots, and information about romantic vacations, beach vacations, sailing vacations, golf vacations, shopping vacations, and Caribbean cruises.

Airport Travel Tips: Reducing Waiting Times

Key Travel Tips Following these tips will help you reduce your wait time at the security checkpoint. Before you go to the Airport

• Do not pack or bring Prohibited Items to the airport.

• Place valuables such as jewelry, cash and laptop computers in carry-on baggage only.

• Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.

• Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.

• Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.

• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.

• Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.

• If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA-recognized lock.

• Do not bring lighters or prohibited matches to the airport.

• Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons. While at the Airport Each adult traveler needs to keep available his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until exiting the security checkpoint. Due to different airport configurations, at many airports you will be required to display these documents more than once.

• Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint: o Mobile phones o Keys o Loose change o Money clips o PDA's (personal data assistants) o Large amounts of jewelry o Metal hair decorations o Large belt buckles

• Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes OUT of their cases and place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.

Keywords: Travel, Cruises, Hotels, Airport, Air Travel, Reservations, Hotel Reservations, Auto Rentals

__________________
Marisol Boatwright
Simpsonville, SC, USA
boatwrim@bellsouth.net
Learn more about Travel

Marisol Boatwright is an Independent Travel Agent with Global Travel International. She has years of experience in the travel agency business and wants to help people with their travel needs. Whether it be for hotel or air reservations, auto rentals, cruises, or vacation packages, Marisol will be able to help. http://boatrighttravels.globaltravel.com
boatwrim@bellsouth.net

Cambridge, England: Scenic Punting, Cream Teas and Ancient Bookshops

When deciding between visiting two of the world's most famous seats of higher learning – Cambridge or Oxford – travel writer Jan DeGrass took a friend's advice to take "light and elegant" over "gloomy and depressing." The day-long visit to Cambridge England is detailed in the newest travel story at www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Travelers Come First!"
"Though academia sets the tone, the (English) city is so much more than Cambridge university colleges, as we found out during a full day of sightseeing," writes Jan. The day started downtown across from an oddly named park: Christ's Pieces.

"Cambridge is an angular city full of geometrically correct buildings, manicured squares of lawn, green quadrangles and dramatic spires."

Passing through the gates of King's College leads to one of the most well-known past-times – punting on the Cam River in small, flat punts. You can even rent your own punt boat to join the generations of punters who leisurely ply the waterway as long you avoid the reserved section of the river reserved for Cambridge's famous rowing team.

Away from the water, you can find stunning architecture such as Church of Holy Sepulchre, one of England's four surviving Norman round churches built after the Knights Templar returned from the Holy Land.

Outside Cambridge, Grantchester offers its pubs in a pastoral setting – "cream teams among the apple trees." Notable poets and authors such as Rupert Brooke, Bertrand Russell and Virginia Woolf frequented Grantchester's farmhouse teashop – The Orchard.

"For me, the big attraction of Cambridge was not its splendid colleges or even its thriving outdoor market," says Jan.

"On Trinity Street opposite the colleges, I was drawn into the orbit of what is billed as the oldest bookshop site in Britain, home of the Cambridge University Press. You might imagine a fusty place of ancient tomes – given that scholars first arrived at this location in 1209 – but this bright, modern, relaxing store, so seductive to bibliophiles, is crammed with the world’s most erudite texts on every subject from paleoethnobotany to the birth of the blues."

Jan concludes that "it is possible to self guide around Cambridge – sights and shopping are all within walking distance."

"We took ourselves on a brief tour of St. John’s College (founded 1511) where students clattered busily across its quaint Bridge of Sighs modelled after Venice. It was truly picturesque."

For more details about Cambridge, England, as well as thousands of other travel stories on destinations around the world, visit www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Travelers Come First!" New travel reviews by professional travel writers are featured each week at this leading international travel website.

Keywords: Cambridge, England, CambridgeEngland, Cambrige University

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Peter James
ONLINE, EVERYWHERE, CANADA
peter@424826.com
Learn more about Cambridge England, Great Britain, UK

Peter James is the marketing director Travel-Wise Online Magazine. Visit www.Travel-Wise.com to find thousands of destination reviews by professional travel writers.

Casares, the most famous of the "White Villages"

The Costa del Sol is blessed with several traditional Spanish white villages, or Pueblos Blancos, each with its own unique atmosphere. However there is something about the village of Casares that just makes you stand and stare.

As you approach Casares up a steep winding slope it is difficult to prevent yourself from taking a sharp intake of breath and saying outload: "wow!" Stop the car, climb out and admire the vista from a fantastic viewing point just on the edge of the village, looking down across the entire valley.

Hundreds of white -washed homes perch precariously across the hillside, below the battlements of an old Arabic castle. Hold onto your sunhat though because the viewing point can sometimes be a real wind trap!

From here take one of the many paths leading down into the village and experience a perfect day exploring the multitude of steep, winding streets and footpaths that make up the delightful village of Casares.For the most part it is traffic free, having been built in the days long before the motorcar when the only form of transport was the donkey.

Head first for the Plaza de Espaсa- the main square. Here you will discover the statue of Blas Infante, the Andlucian Nationalist leader who was born in Casares in 1885. There is also a fountain where you can refresh yourself with a drink of cold, clear, fresh mountain water. Blas Infante's birthplace has now been turned into a museum and tourist information centre.

From the centre take one of the roads leading onwards and upwards until you reach the old monastry and ruined church. The views from here towards the coast are spectacular and you look down a gully where it is reputed that Franco dispossed of his enemies during the time of the civil war, there is a poignant iron cross commemorating those who perished. The base of the walls date back to the Moors as does one of the arches you may have passed through depending on your route up. Everything above shoulder height though is more likely to have been built after 1500. Just below the monastry you will find a museum with many old artifacts depicting life in and around Casares through the ages. Be sure to descend via a different route in order to see as much as possible.

Casares, as with any Spanish village, has its fair share of bars and restaurants so be sure to partake of some local tapas. The people are very friendly and welcoming and I am sure you will spend a memorable day in the town.

The 2 annual ferias are held on the first weekend in August and on the weekend closest to September 15th. They also celebrate a procession of the Three Kings on the evening of January 5th.

After exploring the village you may like to head up the Sierra Crestillina, which is a parque natural just on the outskirts of the village. You will find a signpost to it near to bar/restaurante Laura.A circular footpath has been put in right round the mountain and it is approximately a four hour walk. The scenary and views are fantastic but be sure to take some water with you as it can get quite hot. Good footware is also essential as the descent towards the end of the trail can be quite trickey.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak the owner of http://www.costadelsol- vacationrentals.com A web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.

Keywords: casares,andalucia spain

________________
Ruth Polak, Spain
ruthcasares@yahoo.co.uk
Learn more about Spain's white villages

I live with my husband and 3 children in the mountains of Spain near a village called Casares, about 20 minutes from the Costa del Sol. I have the pleasure to run a business renting holiday villas and apartments in some wonderful locations around the area.

Tahiti in Fiction and Film

Over the years, Tahiti and Polynesia have provided novelists and moviemakers with colorful subject matter. Early travelers told of wanton women on tropical shores, and Fletcher Christian added drama to the plot by leading a mutiny against the tyrannical Captain Bligh.

In 1934 American writers Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall brought out the Bounty Trilogy. This three-part novel deals with Christian's mutiny on the Bounty, the escape of Bligh and his loyal crew members to Dutch Timor, and the colonization of Pitcairn Island by Christian and his fellow mutineers.

The novel was an instant bestseller, and director Frank Lloyd soon made it into a movie, Mutiny on the Bounty, starring Charles Laughton and Clark Gable. In keeping with the mood of his time, the mutiny was presented as a simplistic struggle between good and evil, and the film won an Oscar for Best Picture in 1935.

A generation later Marlon Brando flew down to Tahiti to star in a blockbuster remake of Mutiny on the Bounty. MGM's 1962 production is still considered the most spectacular film ever made in the South Pacific, in part due to the glorious scenery of Tahiti and Bora Bora. Thousands of Tahitian extras appeared in the film, and Brando married his first lady, Tarita Teriipaia.

In 1984, yet another version of The Bounty was released, with Sir Anthony Hopkins as a resolute Bligh and Mel Gibson as an ambiguous Christian. Of the three Bounty films, this is probably the most historically accurate, and it's certainly the one with the greatest psychological depth. It was largely filmed in Moorea's Opunohu Bay.

Another Nordhoff and Hall novel, The Hurricane, has been brought to the silver screen twice. John Hall's 1937 film portrays a young couple fleeing a despotic governor. In 1978 Dino de Laurentiis reshot The Hurricane on Bora Bora, with Mia Farrow and Trevor Howard. The resort built to house de Laurentiis' crew still exists as the Sofitel Marara.

British novelist W. Somerset Maugham also had close ties to the South Pacific. In 1943 Albert Lewin filmed The Moon and Sixpence, Maugham's fictionalized account of Paul Gauguin's life in Polynesia. The nonconformist painter's incompatibility with French colonial life provided Maugham with a pretext to explore the role of the artist in society. Another famous Maugham story, Rain, set in Samoa, has been made into a movie several times.

Other well-known authors who have popularized the legend of Tahiti include Herman Melville, Pierre Loti, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack London, Rupert Brooke, and James A. Michener. Their stories, plays, and films have helped create the myth of a South Seas paradise. And even today, Tahiti and Polynesia beckon to romantics wishing to live their share of the dream.

Keywords: tahiti, french polynesia, film, novel, movie, south pacific, bora bora, mutiny, timor, pitcairn

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David Stanley
Nanaimo, BC, Canadaearn more about Tahiti in Fiction and Film

David Stanley authored the first two editions of Lonely Planet Cuba. His initial visit was in 1975 when he accompanied one of the first Canadian tour groups to visit Cuba after the revolution. Until 1979 he worked at resorts on Isla de la Juventud, in Havana, and at Varadero, then he left for the South Pacific islands to write a series of travel guidebooks. Moon Handbooks South Pacific, now in its 8th edition, has become the classic guide to Oceania. In the early 1990s Stanley's three editions of Eastern Europe on a Shoestring led Lonely Planet into Europe, and he has since written about Canada for the same company. Photos from his Cuba travel guides can be seen at http://www.cuba-pictures.com

David Stanley is the author of Moon Handbooks Tahiti http://www.southpacific.org/tahiti.html His online travel guide to Tahiti and French Polynesia may be perused at http://www.southpacific.org/text/finding_tahiti.html and his Tahiti travel photos are at http://www.pacific-pictures.com/tahiti/

The Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica

The Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica

Whether you’ve saved up for years for a fun family vacation or want a romantic honeymoon in a tropical paradise, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. This lovely locale isn’t one of the world’s most popular fun in the sun destinations for nothing. There are tons of great activities – on the beach or off, exotic and interesting plant life and wildlife, friendly people and of course, the amazing weather and beaches. Best of all, if you get the right vacation rental or vacation house, Costa Rica is one of the most affordable and flexible tropical vacations around.

If you’re looking for great vacation homes, Costa Rica vacation rentals are the best around. Getting a vacation rental is a great idea if you want an extended stay in exotic paradise on your terms. Whether you’re trying to avoid the hard partying singles of all-inclusive resorts or the stifling Club Med crowd, your own private vacation house gives you exactly the experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re after fun with the kids or a romantic getaway (or maybe both) vacation rentals in Costa Rica have some major advantages over standard hotels and resorts.

For one, vacation rentals give you tons of space. This is especially appealing for families. Many of the finest vacation homes in Costa Rica offer at least the same amount of space as you’d get in a 3 bedroom house, with most of them offering more. Anywhere from 1800 to 6500 square feet of blissful privacy can be yours with Costa Rica vacation rentals. Much more appealing than cramming the entire family into one or two cramped hotel rooms, all this space affords you and your spouse the opportunity for private moments while the kids are sleeping, and means that bickering siblings can each have their own private room while on vacation.

A large vacation house is also a great opportunity to get away with your extended family too, because there’s room for everyone. Imagine frolicking with all your nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in paradise without the added expense of extra hotel rooms or resort packages. And once you split the cost of these vacation rental properties, you may find them to be even more cost effective than all-inclusive resorts.

Renting a vacation home also gives you privacy. Instead of sharing a large resort with hundreds of strangers, and worrying about who your kids are exposed to, a Costa Rica vacation rental means that no one is looking over your shoulder or intruding on your fun – including unwanted attention from other hotel guests or pushy staff trying to sell you tourist packages. If you’re a newlywed looking for a romantic honeymoon, the last thing you want is a bunch of other guests intruding on your passion. Enjoying yourself in a private vacation house with your new wife or husband, with no interruptions, will definitely keep the sparks flying for the entire trip and give you memories to last a lifetime.

Vacation rentals are available through commercial renters, who specialize in providing the very best in vacation homes to ensure you have a fantastic vacation. Alternatively, you can look for a vacation rental by owner, who would be willing to rent out their private residence to you. Many vacation rentals include private patios and beach access, private pools and kitchen facilities so you can cook what you like and never worry about unexpected surprises in the local cuisine.

If you are eager to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of Costa Rica on your next vacation, consider a vacation rental – it may be the smartest thing you’ve ever done.

Keywords: vaction rental, home rental, house rental,vacation property

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Paul Orr
info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com
Learn more about costa rica vacation rental

Paul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa's available. www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com

Mystic Seaport Captured – Links to Our Past Guide, Part 3

Mystic Seaport celebrates the seafaring past of New England. Known as The Museum of America and the Sea, the seaport is an entertaining journey through 19th century nautical life.
This is the third part in the series of popular attractions for New England vacations with a historical theme. Others in the series are Plymouth Plantation, Mayflower II, and Old Sturbridge Village.

Located 100 miles from Boston on Route 95 at exit 90 in Connecticut, the Mystic Seaport exhibits are open between 9-5pm April-October, and 10-4:00pm November – March.
Here's what you'll see and how to get the best out of your trip.

There's three main exhibits at Mystic Seaport: the historic ships, the authentic seaport village and exhibits, and the preservation shipyard.

THE SHIPS...
Whenever I visit Mystic Seaport I head straight for the Tall Ships in the museum dock area. I'm just drawn to these beauties, and the most popular to tour is the Charles W. Morgan – a wonderful example of a wooden whaling ship. It made 37 whaling trips from its launch in 1841 and before retiring in 1921.

The Joseph Conrad and L.A.Dunton are the other fine specimens of Tall Ships in the museum collection.

These ships alone are worth the trip to Mystic Seaport. But two others with a unique and rich history are the Sabino and Emma C. Berry. More later about the Sabino, but Emma C. first launched in 1866, and since then has undergone many changes as a fishing vessel and a coastal freighter. She was beautifully restored and donated to Mystic Seaport in 1969.

THE AUTHENTIC VILLAGE AND EXHIBITS...

A short walk from the ships is the village exhibits and galleries.

A stroll through the recreated Mystic Seaport village stirs the senses. Most of the buildings in the village are authentic and moved from other locations in New England and the Northeast.
With 46 exhibits you'll discover a rich assortment of stores, shops, and homes. Wander around the nautical shops and discover rope making, rigging, cooperage, and the sail loft. And two must-see exhibits are the Mystic River Scale Model, and the Shipsmith shop.

Further down from the village check out the galleries and make sure you spend time inside both the Voyages and Figurehead exhibits.

The three-floor exhibit of Voyages celebrates the legacy of America and the sea, and how it continues to impact our lives in many subtle ways. And across the street is the Figurehead exhibit, and a wonderful collection of carvings.

Unfortunately, these carvings are a bittersweet display. The desire for these carvings on ships has dwindled and it's now become an endangered art form.

Now amble back to the shipyard area and get ready to be amazed...

THE PRESERVATION SHIPYARD...

I don't know about you but I've always had a healthy fascination for the old master skills, and love to watch people work with them. Many of these skills are being lost as the economics of our time reduce the need for them. Wooden ships are a thing of the past, and so the wonderful carpentry and shipwright skills have dwindled throughout the world.

But here in this corner of the world they are uniquely preserved.

In the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard many of these skills are still practiced to keep the museum ships in tip top shape.

In the yard you'll see carpenter's shops, a rigging loft, a paint shop, metalworking shop, lumber shed, and an old-fashioned sawmill. Close by is the documentation shop containing vital records used by the museum's shipwrights, carpenters and riggers, to maintain accuracy as they work on preserving the ships.

Just across from the duPont building is the shipbuilding exhibit. Here you can see the keel of the whaleship Thames, and take in a revealing display of the many stages of building a ship.
And when you're finally ready for a rest take a 30 or 90 minute cruise on the Sabino steamboat as she travels up and down the Mystic River.

Now that you've armed with this information it's time to set the main sail, raise anchor, and head out to Mystic Seaport to experience this all for yourself.

For more information and ticket prices for Mystic Seaport visit their web site at www.mysticseaport.org.

Keywords: mystic seaport, tall ships, whaling

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Cliff Calderwood
Upton, Massachusetts, USA
Learn more about mystic seaport

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of www.New-England-Vacations-Guide.com/ima He's lived in New England for 23 years. Get more great info. at http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/ima

Sea Shells and Shelling on Sanibel Island

Located in south west Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel Island is well-known for its sea shells. Year round, a plethora of beautiful, intact sea shells line its sandy white beaches. Sea shell enthusiasts travel from all around the world to walk along the island’s long stretches of undisturbed shells. The secluded, well-preserved island provides an abundance of shells, allowing visitors to select shell treasures as if they were fruits on a tree.

Why should I shell on Sanibel? Sanibel’s unique geography has made it a shelling hot spot. The island and surrounding land form a plateau that stretches for miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Waves moving across this plateau scoop up shells and move them across the plateau. When these tides hit Sanibel Island, the shells are scattered across the island’s beaches.

When should I shell on Sanibel? The best time to collect sea shells is during low tide, when the water has retreated, exposing larger stretches of sand. During the low tide, the receding water has left many more shells along the beaches. In addition, during new or full moons, the water recedes further, allowing for better shelling. Traditionally, December and April tend to provide the most ample shelling opportunities. In addition, foul weather (including hurricanes) tends to sweep up more shells and scatter them across the beaches.

Where exactly should I shell on Sanibel? Due to the island’s unique location, and sustained efforts at wildlife and beach preservation, all of Sanibel’s beaches on the island provide comparatively good shelling opportunities. In particular, however, the eastern end (near “Lighthouse point”) is better for smaller shells, while the western and northwestern end (near neighboring Captiva Island) is better for larger shells.

Sanibel Island Rental is one of many fine vacation rental properties on Sanibel Island, providing easy beach access for great shelling opportunities. Feel free to inquire about rates and availability.

Keywords: vacation rental, sanibel island, sanibel island rental, sanibel island condo rental, sea shells

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Kenny Du
New York, NY, USA
webmaster@sanibel-island-rental.com
Learn more about sanibel island rental
OpineTree is encourages debate on today’s most controversial political topics, including abortion, affirmative action, cloning, the death penalty, euthanasia, gay marriage, gun control, health care, social security, stem cells, as well as other debate topics.

What you need to know about – Switzerland travel

Since time memorial, Switzerland has proved itself as one of the most cherished tourist destinations. Every part of this country seems to be caressed and lying in the lap of nature. The land of magical Alps Mountains, Lake Maggiore and the home of cities like Zurich and Bern need no introduction.

An Encounter with the Swiss Cities

Switzerland greets you with one of the most beautiful cities on earth-Zurich. This metropoplis is a significant financial center in the world. Apart from its blessed location at the tip of Limmat River, the city has some of breathtakingly wonderful attractions that include Gothic
Fraumunster, the Church of Our Lady, the Fluntern Cemetery where the soul of famous Irish writer James Joyce rests in peace. You can take some of the most expensive items home from the Bahnhofstrasse Street meant for the rich. Accommodation is not a problem in this city for there are many a great hotels like The Widder Hotel, The Baur au Lac Hotel, Arabella Atlantis Sheraton Hotel and the like that provide the best of all amenities.

Cuddled up on the shores of river Geneva is the historical city of Switzerland-Geneva. Amongst a multitude of pulls, the city is known for possessing the world’s tallest fountain, a beautiful flower clock (Hologe Fleurie), the archaic Cathedrale de St.Pierreand the renowned Musee de L’ Horlogere that enhances your knowledge about the worldwide recognized Swiss watches.

The great Luzren’s Lowendenkmal, also known as Lion Monument can be gazed in the city of Luzren. The city is endowed with beautiful surroundings that include villages and mountains. The Luzren city happens to be at the spot where the River Reuss flows out of Lake Luzren. The bees are related to honey and water to bridges. So there are some grand worthwhile bridges here. For instance The Chaff Bridge, the Kapellbrucke or The Chapel Bridge that
If you are stunned with the popularity and status of ‘bears’, you have stepped in the metropolis Bern. Bern is a delightful city that is the capital of Switzerland and is nestled in a curve in the River Aare. The ancient exotic fountains, the majestic arcades that seem to be eternal and caring, the Kunstmuseum or art Museum with the original magnum opus of the genius Swiss painter Paul Klee, are some of the outstanding features of the Bern city. Some more museums like Bern Historical Museum that presents exclusive archaeological artifacts; 15th century tapestries etc., The Natural History Museum, the Communication Museum and the Kunsthalle Bern Museum always receive the vacationers’ attention.

The Bernese Oberland region of Bern is an evergreen tourist destination. The area has some of the captivating spots like Interlaken town that is bedecked by three mountains namely Jungfrau, Monch and the Eiger. The spectacular Grindelwald Glacier near the recognized Grindelwald resort never lets one take off his eyes from it. To elate your spirits the Trummelbach Falls that can be distinctively viewed via an elevator built in the rock and the Staubbach Waterfalls await your visit.

To rock your body on the pulsating music, celebrate with the Swiss their highly acclaimed Montreaux Jazz Festival in the Montreaux city. What can also be relished is the amazing work of art of the mentally ill and criminals at the distinguished Collection de l’Art Brut museum that is to be found in the city of Lausanne. The town of Klosters is swarming with visitors for its fantastic ski resort that too is known as Klosters. Skiing can also be enjoyed at the popular skiing resorts in the town of St. Moritz. Since the town rests on the southern side of Alps Mountains at an altitude of 6000 feet, it is all the more appealing to the visitors.

Keywords: Switzerland travel

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Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about switzerland travel topics.

How To Have Better Camping Trips

Tired of packing too much or not bringing critical camping gear for your camping trips?

Camping trips can be a great way to relax and get away from it all. But with a little planning you could make them even better. Since different areas offer different challenges start off by making a camping list and/or hiking gear list you might need. This will also help get you started...
Are there any wildlife that may be an issue on your trip? Bears, raccoons, snakes, spiders, and mosquitos are just a handful of wildlife to consider on your camp trips.

What weather is possible? Pack the right gear for the trip. Does the weather vary much? Do you need rain gear? Does the temperature fluctuate between extremes like it does in the desert or are biting insects a problem? If it's a trip you haven't taken before ask someone who has or call your guide or host.

What do you want to do? Are you taking a camping trip to relax or are you looking for full physical involvement? Do you want to camp only, or would you like to throw in some hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, or mountain biking into the mix?

Do you like rustic camping or do you think flush toilets and warm running water are a good thing. ;-) If you like travelling in RV comfort, are looking for tips, or if you need help selecting a campground, take a look at Your RV Lifestyle before your next camping trip.

Consider your level of fitness. Your level of fitness will determine how much you enjoy your trip. If you're going to be doing demanding activities be honest with yourself and make sure you're up to the challenge, because pushing yourself too far will only make you miserable.

Camping trips in remote locations may require different transportation than you're used to... how are you going to get there. Is help easily available if you need it?

Do you need topographic maps because you're wanting to get away into the backcountry?
If you're hiring an outfitter ask what's included and expected of you regarding the camping tours you're considering. If you're camping at various sites do you have to carry your own hiking gear or other equipment used for camping or will your host take care of it? Do they provide food or shelter?

Is the camping trip "kid appropriate"? Do they have guest references you can check with to make sure your trip is a good one? Do they carry insurance or do you need to get your own?
If you're going on any remote camping trips make sure you plan for water. Will there be water available the entire time or will you need to treat or purify your own with a water filter or water purifier? Or will you have to carry it all...

If you'd like more information about camping trips click here for the rest of the article. You may also want to take a look at a related article about how to pick the best camping tents.

Keywords: camping trips, camping tours, camp trips

________________
Marc Wiltse
Learn more about camping trips

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

© Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Mountain Hiking Tips, Mountain Trekking Gear & Equipment Hints.

Mountain hiking demands great gear and more education than your typical trail hike. Why? Because as you ascend breathing becomes less efficient, passage grows rugged, and rescue becomes more challenging. So consider your mountain equipment to be your life support system.

Where in day hiking you may be able to get away with wearing light-weight boots or shoes, in remote mountain hiking it's a good idea to wear heavier supportive boots to protect your ankles and feet. Walking with a sprained ankle on a day hike is inconvenient compared to trying to limp out of the back-country mountains with the same problem and a heavy pack. Thinking ahead and being prepared with the right mountain gear, guides, and information can literally mean the difference between a minor mishap and at times death. Take your safety seriously.

As elevation increases the atmospheric pressure decreases (amount of oxygen doesn't actually drop until over 50,000 feet) which means there's less pressure to 'push' the air into and fill your lungs. Because there is less air going into your lungs you'll fatigue more quickly. How much does the pressure really change? According to an academiclibrary.com article (that can be applied to mountain hiking) the barometric pressure can drop by 40% between sea level (average 760 millimeters of mercury) and 12,000 feet (483 millimeters of mercury). Obviously having 40% less oxygen available to your body (because of the pressure drop) will impact you.

Now if you had a 40% decrease in your ability to deliver oxygen to your body during an average day wouldn't you be concerned? Add in the fact you're asking more of your body in terms of keeping you warm in a cooler/cold environment, you are constantly losing water from your system, your reactions are slowed, and your not around the corner from the nearest hospital. Your mountain hiking equipment becomes a more important consideration the higher the altitude and the more remote your location.

Depending on how cold the temperatures you might encounter are you'll probably want some good insulated hiking boots (depending on the altitude and temperature you may need mountaineering boots), hiking clothes, sleeping bags, camping tents, and other equipment used for hiking rated for lower temperature than what you think you'll actually experience. This will give you an extra margin of safety. Also keep in mind that mildly uncomfortable mountain hiking gear will become a bigger problem...

If you'd like more information about mountain hiking click here for the rest of the article. You may also want to take a look at a couple of related articles on how to pick the best hiking footwear.

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear were after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water forcing him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: research is a good thing). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

© Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Keywords: mountain hiking, mountain gear, mountain equipment, mountain trekking, mountain trek

_____________
Marc W.
Learn more about mountain hiking

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

San Francisco Beaches

When you are planning a vacation to Maui or Rio de Janeiro you may put beaches on the top of you list of things to see. However, when planning a trip to San Francisco, you may have heard of North Beach, but North Beach doesn't have any beaches (though the neighborhood was named after a beach that used to be on its north shoreline). If fact, San Francisco has several beaches that provide diversions for residents and visitors alike.

Make no mistake about it, San Francisco is not Los Angeles. Unless it's an exceptional day, San Francisco beaches tend to be a little chilly, windy and foggy. However, this should not deter you from enjoying a nice afternoon at the beach. Many San Francisco beaches have beautiful panoramic views of the Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Golden Gate Bridge. Just be prepared with a sweatshirt or jacket in addition to your shorts or swim suit. Because of the latitude of San Francisco, the waters may be too cold for swimming (unless you brought your wet suit). Bring your beach towels, a sand bucket, a good book, a kite and a Frisbee to make the best of your afternoon at the beach.

San Francisco's most popular beaches are Ocean Beach and Baker Beach. Although East Beach at Crissy Field in the Presidio has become quite popular since the restoration of Crissy Field.
Ocean Beach is San Francisco's largest and longest beach running 5 miles up the entire west side of San Francisco. The northern end of San Francisco Ocean Beach popular among locals, surfers and visitors. The Cliff House towers above Ocean Beach perched on the edge of a coastal bluff that borders the north end of the beach. The beach is perfect for building sand sculptures and hosts a yearly sand sculpture contest. Ocean Beach has a very slight slope, making it ideal for wading in the surf. Surfers wearing wet suits are a common sight along this section of Ocean Beach.

Baker Beach is located in the Presidio just south of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. With its panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, Baker Beach is a popular beach and picnic destination for San Francisco locals, especially on the weekends. Several picnic tables with barbecue pits are located to the east of the north parking lot. The beach has strong rip-tides, so swimming can be hazardous. A few fishermen may dot the shoreline. The north end of the beach is clothing optional, so families typically stay toward the middle and south ends of the beach.

Other beaches in San Francisco include Lands End Beach and China Beach, named for the Chinese fishermen who used to camp nearby. San Francisco Castro Beach is not really a beach at all. It's a park that has garnered the "beach" nickname because of all the Castro sun bathers that blanket its lawns.

Adding a beach to your San Francisco agenda may be a great way to slow down the frenetic pace of sightseeing and enjoy a more relaxed appreciation of San Francisco's natural beauties.

Keywords: san francisco beaches, san francisco travel, travel, beaches, california beaches

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Jed Clark
San Francisco, CA, USA
Learn more about San Francisco beaches

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. He is an avid traveler and has traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. He loves his home city of San Francisco and created ZurdoGo.com to extol San Francisco's wonders, destinations and beauties to would be travelors and visitors.

Visit Carmel California

Just south of Monterey lies the beach city of Carmel, California also known as Carmel By The Sea. Although the city has a population of less than 5,000 people it has over 90 art galleries, numerous antique shops, 14 churches, more than 50 hotels, resorts and inns, 2 golf courses, several restaurants and outdoor cafes, over a dozen wineries and tasting Rooms and numerous souvenir and boutique shops.

Carmel which is famous for having had Clint Eastwood as mayor and has also been the residence of people like Doris Day, Upton Sinclair, Henry Miller and Jack London, is on the Monterey Penninsula and is surrounded by areas like Monterey, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Point Lobos, Pacific Grove, Salinas And Seaside. Tour 17 Mile Drive, golf at some of the world's best golf courses, visit Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, drive down the Big Sur coast, go whale watching in Monterey Bay and see Gray, Humpback and Blue Whales, camp at one of the many beach, river or redwood country campgrounds, go scuba diving, fish the waters off the penninsula for salmon, tuna, halibut, rockcod and more or just sit around and relax.

According to the Carmel Chamber Of Commerce "Carmel has consistently been voted one of the top tourist destinations in the country and you have to see it to believe it. It is located on a breathtaking white sand beach and the quaint European style village offers romance, gourmet dining, shopping and fun." "Carmel has been a mecca for artists, writers, actors and playwrights intent on creating an intellectual and cultural oasis. Each year, visitors are drawn to the diverse festivals and events which promote and enhance the creative traditions of Carmel. The annual Carmel Art Festival, Carmel Bach Festival, and the Carmel Shake-speare Festival are just a sampling of events presented by professional artists, actors and musicians from Carmel and around the world."

For more information about the city of Carmel, California see http://carmel.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Carmel, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

Keywords: carmel,california,travel,tourism,visit,vacation,information

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David Hallstrom,
Learn more about Visit Carmel California

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Beautiful Vancouver, City of the Sea & Mountains

As one flies over Vancouver during the decent into the Canadian city’s airport, the surrounding beautiful natural scenery is already noticed with mountains on one side and the sea on the other. Once inside the baggage claim area of the international airport, visitors are greeted with large Pacific Northwest Coast Indian art carvings. This adds to the overall flavor of nature and the environment that makes Vancouver so different from other major cities. When driving along Granville Street towards the city center, one can’t help but notice that the trees and hedges in the residential areas are so much larger and taller than the ones we normally see elsewhere. One of the locals claims that the superior growth of the area’s plant life is due to the huge amount of rainfall. Vancouver is close to both the ocean and the mountain range so lots of rain is expected. In fact, the rain here can actually be a problem as grey skies, especially during the winter months, are one of the few negatives of living in Vancouver. Fortunately, there is very little snowfall within the city so for Vancouverites, it is a trade off of some sort to have to deal with rain rather than shoveling snow during their winters. As for tourists, the best time to visit Vancouver is the least wet season which is during the summer months. I’ve been told by another local that September is one of the best months to visit. When the sun is shining in Vancouver with both the ocean and mountains as the background, it really doesn’t get any better.

Stanley Park on the west side of downtown Vancouver is the most visited attraction. A drive around the island will reveal great photo spots of both the city and the ocean. Vancouver’s Aquarium is also on site in Stanley Park as well as a magnificent collection of Pacific Northwest Coastal Indian art totem poles. Of course, one can always marvel at the tall trees which seem to touch the skies here. The Lion’s Gate Suspension Bridge connects Stanley Park with North Vancouver on the other side of the harbor. On the north side is Grouse Mountain, the area’s closest ski resort to the city that has turned into an all year round attraction. During the non-winter months, one can take the gondola up Grouse mountain for some wonderful hiking and views of the Vancouver skyline. The Capilano Suspension Bridge which visitors walk across to a nice nature area is another must see nearby. One of the cuisine highlights in the British Columbia province is the salmon and one of the best restaurants to sample it is the Salmon House in adjacent West Vancouver. Dinner there with the Pacific Northwest Coast Indian art dйcor and spectacular nighttime views of the city is one of the best ways to finish off a day of sightseeing.

Back in downtown Vancouver, the Gastown district is one of the top tourist areas for boutique shopping and souvenirs. Don’t miss the steam clock that rings on the hour. Vancouver has one of the largest Asian communities in North America so the Chinatown nearby as expected has some of the best dim sum luncheons outside of Hong Kong. Further boutique shopping can be found in the Yaletown and Granville Island districts.

If time permits, one of the recommended day trips to do out of Vancouver is to drive up the Sea & Sky highway to Whistler, one of North America’s largest ski resorts. During the off ski season, Whistler is all season resort with many activities such as hiking, biking, festivities and shopping in the village. A ride up the gondola here will enable visitors to get a bird’s eye view of the majestic Canadian Rockies mountain range. The drive itself to Whistler, about two and a half hours along the coastline, offers many wonderful scenic points as well.

Vancouver is a great city to visit as one can really see how a major city can still be in very scenic surroundings. For those coming to Vancouver as the departure port of a cruise to either Hawaii or Alaska, it is highly recommended to allocate at least a full day before or after the cruise to see what the city has to offer. As I mentioned before, on a sunny day with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other, Vancouver is really hard to beat.

Keywords: vancouver, british columbia, canadian, whistler, stanley park, gastown,

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Clint Leung
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Learn more about vancouver travel tourist

Clint is owner of Free Spirit Gallery which specializes in exquisite authentic Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints at below retail prices. There are numerous information resource articles on Inuit and Native art with photos of authentic artwork as well as eCards at the website (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca).

What you need to know about – portsmouth city

Life materializes to be calm and complacent and all the worries gradually peter out as one enters the beautiful seaside town- Portsmouth. The city that was initially a ship building center has a rich historical past that is even reflected in the preset day life and functioning of it. Portsmouth has undergone emergence and downfalls but now it has established itself as an adorable and cherished tourist destination.

The Pleasures of Portsmouth The town of Portsmouth is blessed with a wonderful location at the sea shore. This facilitates a horde of water games and activities that act as a pull to the vacationers and even the locals all round the year. There are luxurious cruises to the bay, the Isles of Shoals, activities like whale watching etc.

Water activities never sleep at the Water Country that is the largest New England water park. The park has some of the mind boggling rides for instance the Black Hole that gives you the terrific experience of a roller coaster, so is Warp 8-a twisting and spherical tube ride. Other enjoyable rides at the place include Ollie Octopus-one of the rides deeply cherished by the kids, Double Dive Boggan, Racing Rapids, Plunge and Pirate Lagoon etc. Kids can also take a wonder ride at the Tug Alley Too. From here children can take home all types of Theodore Tugboat products. Besides, there are books, gifts, garments etc. too at sale.

The Museum Delight Portsmouth has a multitude of worth visiting museums. The oldest of museums here is the Strawbery Banke Museum. This museum encounters you with the town’s distinguished architectural history which can be a great learning experience. The Historic Garden here is an ideal place for all the flora lovers for the garden displays some of the most exclusive species in the world. Lilac, Hemlock, magnificent Victorian Gardens, colonial raised kitchen gardens…are a common sight here. The museum is thrown open for visitors during the month of summer from 1st May to the 31st of October. The majestic place can also be explored between 1st November and 30th April. A visit must also be paid to the John Paul Jones House Museum that has a superb gathering of clothing, guns, chinaware, wedding gowns, furniture and other belongings of the captain and his wife.

Not to be overlooked on the land of Portsmouth is the beautiful and grand mansion The Moffat-Ladd home and garden. The mansion that is a paradigm example of Georgian architecture is bordered by archaic gardens that cover more than an acre of land. A stroll amongst the lovely chestnut trees can be a lifetime experience. The mansion has some exotic woodwork carvings inside that are enough to steal the gaze of all visitors.

The Wentworth-Gardner House is another historic Georgian mansion that that too has a tail hanging behind. The place is bedecked with excellent furniture, huge gardens, a barn, a wharf and other buildings.

The Tobias Lear House of the Tobias Lear V who served as the secretary of George Washington is also a laudable place to go to. The oldest colonial paintings can be relished at the worldwide known The Warner House.

Other Attractions

In order to have a brush with submarine history and technology, the USS Albacore is the perfect place. St. John’s Church where President George Washington had attended services on 1st November 1789, has summoned numerous visitors for all times. The pleasure of Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching can be experienced on a five hours cruise to gaze at the whales.
Last but not the least shopping can be a real fun in Portsmouth for the things you purchase will be devoid of sales tax. There is no end to the list of material available here. From antiques, jewelry to garments, furniture and food items, all are at hand.

Keywords: portsmouth city

________________
Mansi gupta, mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about portsmouth city topics.

What you need to know about – scuba diving

Scuba diving is the activity adored by innumerable men and women across the globe. Scuba diving lands you deep in the world of water where you confront the flora and flora kingdom that lies much beneath the land on which we live.

For the beginners

The obsession for the sport of scuba diving has encouraged almost all the tourist destinations to play, practice and teach it. However, those who are naпve to scuba diving should make a judicious start by trying it in resorts. These scuba diving resorts have special instructors that guide you to develop the some basic skills of the sport. It is the best way to learn without casting your life to danger. Many good resorts offer a certification program on completion of which you are awarded by the certificate. This certificate is deemed to be legal in some countries before making your first dive. So it is better to get certified rather than feeding others with opportunity to impede your most cherished dream.

Scuba diving camps too are good training spots. The coaching is available there for all those who want it. They not only gat the newcomers acquainted with the game but also the learned divers can go there to enhance their diving skills.

For the skilled and professionals For those who are perfect at the sport, the journey is never ending. It is because there is no scarcity of the scuba diving destinations.

The foremost in this regard are the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Both the places have a volley of beaches that keep the divers busy throughout the year.

Not to be overlooked are the crystal blue beaches of Florida and Hawaii that are vibrant especially during the winters.

Besides these, the American area from Latin to South America is a perfect host for scuba diving. For the most part of the year the water is warm that makes the experience all the more majestic.

Amongst the coveted destinations to dive are also ‘The Great Barrier Reef’ and ‘The Coral Sea’. The threat of damage of the all-embracing coral here makes it most often mandatory to be assisted by a guide.

The islands of the Mediterranean Sea namely Manijin Island at Cyprus, Maze and the Greek island Crete are excellent scuba diving spots.

The mesmerizing dives in the midst of staggering wreck of colossal vessels can be experienced in the islands of United Kingdom and Ireland. The islands like Oban on the west coast of Scotland, the Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands, Scotland are prominent wreckage diving sites of United Kingdom. Ireland too has illustrious places like Fastnet Rock, Stag Rocks etc. in this regard. The wreck sites also include premier places like Yongola of the Southern Queensland.

When it comes to Australia, the country is brimming up with the divers almost the entire year. The Austalia’s Great Barrier Reef and the islands off the Queensland coast the paradigms.

The wonders of bionetwork beneath water can be explored and cherished at the famous sites like Tasmania, the Heron Island Bommie, The Castle of Southern Queensland; Lomaivitis, Fiji, Suzie Bommie and Papua New Guinea of Pacific Islands; The Tubbataha Reefs (Sulu Sea, Philippines), The Shark Point (Thailand) in Asia. · Remember, like flowers have a blooming season, trees have time when they shed their leaves; similarly all these sites have their favorable and adverse timings during the year. It is better to collect complete information about your destination before heading there. The task can be accomplished online as well as through agents, guides etc.

The Diving and Safety

1. Scuba diving is not a kid’s play. You require requisite skills and knowledge about the sport. It is better to make your first dive with someone not just familiar but is perfect at the sport for safety is better than cure. Make sure that you move into water with the adequate gear.

2. Check the equipment before diving for once you dive, you will not get a chance to do that and it’s malfunctioning in the water can be hazardous.

3. But before the tools, get your health check up done by a doctor. If you have any ailment for instance cardiac problem, diving without medical done might call upon serious difficulties.

4. Make dives in the daytime initially till you become perfectly qualified for a night dive.

5. At the outset, assist yourself with a guide. Guides will nourish your abilities and educate you more about the sport. Guides are also necessary at places with extensive coral reef system for they (the corals) are too vulnerable.

6. Don’t mess with any animal inside especially fish like shark. It might invite grave jeopardy.

7. There should always be someone who is outside water who knows your whereabouts and is monitoring the weather and water activities.

Keywords: scuba diving

______________
Mansi gupta, mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about scuba diving topics.

White water rafting: Wet & wild adventure in Mother Nature's water park

White water rafting can prove an exciting way to spend time on the water, no matter what your age. As travel writer Jane Cassie asks: "What do you get when you take three aging babes; one with a gimped shoulder, another a bum knee and a third who can’t swim, and plunk them on a whitewater raft heading down British Columbia’s Thompson River?"

"Healthy heart rates and gales of laughter," describes Jane in the latest travel story featured at www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Travelers Come First!"

Jane's white water adventure was hosted by Kumsheen Rafting Resort, which since 1973 has successfully guided more than 220,000 rafters down the world-class river near Lytton, BC. The resort's home base overlooks White Canyon, with quaint cabin tents named Gold Miners Shanty, Pit House and The Last Spike – recalling the historic gold rushes of the late 1800s. It's a comfy way to enjoy the night before challenging the wild water in the morning, says Jane.
Then it's on to the river. White water rapids such as "The Shocker" and "Jaws of Death" make for a heart-thumping trip at the skilled hands of the Aussie rafting guide. Simon has "more vigor than Crocodile Dundee, and we feel like his Olympian trainees when powering through the first mammoth wall of water."

"Gasps escape all 12 of our gaping mouths," says Jane, "and in spite of our protective raingear, we soon become as drenched as seagoing mariners."

The day is nicely broken up with riverside lunch, before the 25 river rafters re-board the 22-foot inflatable boat for the final leg of a wild and wet ride on the Thompson.

"We’re gobbled up by the Jaws of Death, bumped and rinsed with the Washboard’s spin, and sucked into Green Hole’s vortex. The Garburator churns, Witches Cauldron boils, and the Terminator — well, you can guess how it feels," concludes Jane. "Our adrenaline flows faster than the surge and pounding hearts compete with the surf. And for three aging babes, what more could we ask for? "

For more details about white water rafting in British Columbia, Canada, as well as thousands of other travel stories on destinations around the world, visit www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Travelers Come First!" New travel reviews by professional travel writers are featured each week at this leading international travel website.

Travellers looking for whitewater destinations in Canada sometimes search for White water rafting, whitewater rafting, whitewater river rafting, white water rafts, whitewater adventure, rapids, trips, tours and Canadian white waters.

Keywords: white water rafting, whitewater rafting, river rafting, rafts, tour, trip, adventure

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Peter James
ONLINE, EVERYWHERE, CANADA
peter@424826.com

Learn more about white water rafting, whitewater raftingPeter James is an expert in Canadian financial products and services. He is a regular contributor to www.CanadianCreditCenter.com, one of Canada's leading finance portals. The website offers a wide range of ways Canadians can save money, get credit reports, take out loans, insure themselves and even prepare income taxes in Canada.

Drakensberg Diaries. Chute and Shoot to Thrill. Canoe in the Drakensberg

Planning a holiday in the Drakensberg Mountains in the South African winter? This little gem is a “something completely different” day-trip. So your Drakensberg holiday doesn’t have to be all walking.

There are other ways of getting around. Like bobbing through the Weenen Game Reserve in an inflatable canoe. I hear you say “Hold it”. Relax, no lions. But that’s about all it’s short of. This day-trip is only available in the winter months (June – September) when the river is at it’s lowest. It’ll be warm in the sun but cool in the shade. You’ll need a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a camera with a longish lens.

The Bushman’s River sources in the high Drakensberg of Giant’s Castle. At altitude, its crystal-clear rock pools refresh overheated hikers. Lower down it feeds the Weenan Canal - built 100 years ago to provide irrigation for the farmlands. While the river rushes and tumbles over rocks, the canal is much less imposing. Only a metre deep and no more than a few metres wide. But it’s 12 kilometres long, traversing rough and hilly terrain. Don’t be too quick to jump in though – its cold, winter-green color tells you it hasn’t been in liquid form for long.

Your river guides will have everything ready for you. So you can lie back in your little boat. And bob. In the sunshine. It’s got paddles but you don’t need them. Claustrophobia sufferers, beware. En route there are three not-so-large steel pipes through which the water has been channeled. You either stop, pick up your boat and portage. Or you lie back with the steel tunnel only inches from your face. It’s dark and you can feel the heat radiating from the surface. Grit your teeth. Go with the flow. Breath relief when you suddenly pop out into the sunshine again.
There’s a driverless boat behind you. This is the drinks trolley. And very welcome it is too. At around lunchtime you’ll come upon a feast spread out on a group of rocks next to the canal. Scotch eggs, asparagus wrapped in ham, chicken wings, quiche, salad, fruit, and cheese. The lunch fairy’s been and gone.

After lunch you move into the Weenen Game Reserve. The sharp, mountainous Drakensberg terrain has given way to undulating thornveld valleys. The canal rejoins a now fairly sluggish and narrow Bushman’s River. You need to paddle a little, and duck under the odd tree as you drift through a spectacular gorge. There’s a huge diversity of bird life and antelope. Buffalo and black and white rhino. Being on the water means you’re less noticeable, and less of a threat to the bird-life and the animals. So you can get close without startling them. And you don’t need a $10000 lens.

Once through the Game Reserve, you disembark just before the main road into Weenen with the tall thatching grass glowing orange in the fading light. Your river guides have arranged transport back to your starting point.

This is different.

Zingela Safari and River Company (+27363541962) organize this day-trip. And it’s only available in the winter months. During the summer they use the rising levels of the mighty Tugela River (which also has its source in the high Drakensberg) to operate white-water rafting adventures.

Brian & Janette Kemp own and run an award winning Drakensberg accommodation establishment on the Giant's Castle road. Halls Country House is a 4-star country retreat in the foothills of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Keywords: drakensberg, drakensberg accommodation, south africa

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Brian Kemp
Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Learn more about drakensberg

Brian & Janette Kemp own and run an award winning Drakensberg accommodation establishment. Halls Country House is a 4-star country retreat in the foothills of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Visit California

Are you planning a vacation, but can't decide where to go or what to do? If you are, then stop worrying, vacation in sunny California.

California has a land area of over 155,000 square miles with almost 850 miles of coastline and beaches, 25,000,000 acres of desert, mountains, including Mount Whitney which at 14,505 feet above sea level is the second tallest mountain in the continental United States, numerous lakes, rivers and creeks, forests of all types, thousands of campgrounds and RV parks, beautiful scenery with plants and flowers of almost every type, amusement and theme parks like Disneyland and it's companion California Adventure Park, Knott's Berry Farm, Movieland Wax Museum, Legoland, Sea World, Universal Studios and Magic Mountain, zoos like the San Diego Zoo And Wild Animal Park, museums of every type, numerous art galleries and antique shops, places of worship for every religion, restaurants to fit every ethnic and cultural taste, motels, inns and hotels to fit every pocketbook, from very inexpensive to extremely luxurious, gaming casinos, nightclubs and comedy clubs, some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, most of which are playable year round, some of the best wineries in the world and shopping centers and areas with almost every type and brand of merchandise you can think of.

Virtually year round, whether you like the climate hot, warm, cool or cold you can find a place to suite your taste.

California, with it's huge culturally diverse population of over 37,000,000 people, has almost every type of activity, restaurant, museum, store and hotel you can think of and it's people speak almost every modern language there is. Why go somewhere where you can not be understood, or you may not like the accomodations or food or the citizens may not like you when you can go to California and with a little bit of searching find people who understand whatever language you speak, who serve food you like, who know your customs and who value your patronage, in other words a place that suits you perfectly, a place where you are wanted.

California is such a large and diverse state that even most Californians have only seen or done a very small percentage of what is available to see and do there. If you vacationed in California every vacation for the next 50 years you still would not run out of things to see or do.

For more information about cities, counties and areas in the state of California see http://www.usacitydirectories.com/california.html, a directory of links to California state, county, city and area guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: california,travel,tourism,vacation,visit

_____________________
David Hallstrom
Learn more about california

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go

Packing Tips and Hints for a Mediterranean Cruise

Have you ever returned from a vacation and realized that half the things you packed you didn’t use and there were things you wished you packed and didn’t? There were probably things you packed that you thanked your lucky stars that you brought along. After you’ve paid thousands of dollars for the trip of your dreams, you don’t want your trip ruined because you packed unwisely.

Here are some packing tips and hints based upon my recent Mediterranean cruise.

Things I Packed and Was GLAD That I Did!!

• Spray bottle of wrinkle releaser – Irons are not allowed onboard and laundry services take a day or more to return. I used every drop of my wrinkle releaser keeping our clothes looking nicely pressed.

• Hanger top clothespins – These were great for hanging up clothes I washed out in the sink or wet bathing suits.

• D-rings in all sizes – These were used these for all sorts of things, from hanging our water bottles on our packs to "locks" on our backpacks/waist pouches to discourage pickpockets.

• Mini packs of tissue - Don't be caught “with your pants down” when you discover most restrooms ashore doesn’t provide toilet paper.

• Small bottles of hand sanitizer – When we couldn’t get to a sink to wash our hands on board, using hand sanitizer was a great substitute. With the prevalence of the Norwalk virus on cruise ships, we didn’t want to take any chances. We also found using this product before meals helpful offshore to avoid having to pay to use the restroom only to wash our hands.

• Zip style baggies in assorted sizes – Baggies were a lifesaver on more than one occasion. I used them to hold bread, cheese, nuts, and fruit from breakfast for snacks off ship, to hold my camera in my back pack, to pack my suitcase items in a compact, organized way, etc.

• Post-it notes – These were great for communicating with my cabin steward, whom I rarely saw and my sons who were in another cabin, who were also MIA most of the time.

• Camel back hydration system - My husband had this built into his backpack and we simply could have not traveled without it. It was so hot and dusty in some places and we could continue to tour without having to stop for refreshments.

• Light jacket – There were several occasions it got cold on our trip, especially at night, and a jacket was essential.

• Travel document notebook - I took all my travel documents and put them in clear sleeves in a three ring binder. The airline, hotels, and cruise staff was very impressed with my organization and it kept me sane.

• Coin purse - Many Euro denominations are in coins so you really needed a coin purse.

• Eagle Creek travel wallet - I kept passports, large denominations of money, and credit cards in this and always had it on my body when we were off the ship. The rest of the time I kept it in the save in our stateroom.

• Wiglets (for women only) - Doing your hair on this cruise will be a challenge due to the heavy port schedule, so on formal nights, I pulled my hair back in a knot and clipped on a wiglet. I looked very elegant!

• Sun hat – A hat is a must if you go to any beaches or ruins.

• Power strip - There was only one electrical outlet in my stateroom, so to charge up both my cameras, camcorder, iPods, etc., I needed lots of outlets. The power strip was essential.

• Light weight sling backpack - I really liked this for me because I could use it over the shoulder or around my waist.

• Battery powered travel alarm clock – I don’t trust wake up calls, so I always travel with my own clock.

• ATM cards with pin numbers - There were ATMs on every corner off short. I found this to be the BEST way to change money.

• Brightly colored duct tape on all our bags - I could spot our bags anywhere!

Things I Packed, But Really Didn't Need/Use

• Travel cooler – I didn't use it once.

• Shorts - I was shocked that on our shore excursions that most people wore crop pants or long pants. I wore shorts one time only and never put them on again. Most churches will not allow you entry with shorts, so it was impractical to wear them in some places.

• Travel books - I never referred to these once I was on the trip, and they were heavy and took up loads of space in my suitcase.

• Lanyards/neck badge holders – Although my youngest son did use his, the rest of us didn’t. I only recommend these for younger children.

• Umbrella – Using disposable ponchos were so much better and took up much less space.

• Travelers checks - I got a bad exchange rate with my traveler’s checks and MOST people wouldn't take them.

Things I Wish I'd Packed, But Didn't

• A pair of blue jeans - I didn't take any jeans because of their weight, which I found was a mistake. I really would have worn them a great deal.

• More capris and long pants.

• Sweatshirt - It was COLD at night on our trip.

• Warmer sleepwear -I froze to death every night.

• Business cards/family information cards – These are useful to exchange with people you meet on the trip. They can easily be made these on the computer.

Keywords: Packing Tips and Hints for a Mediterranean Cruise

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Cynthia H. Lynch
Learn more about packing tips

Cynthia H. Lynch is a full-time educator, part time freelance writer, wife, and mother. Her writing focuses on educational issues, women's humor, and filler articles for publications.

Pasadena California Antiquing

The city of Pasadena, California may be a relatively small city (population under 150,000), however, due to it's proximity to downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the San Fernando Valley as well as it's extremely popular "Old Town" shopping area and being the home of the Rose Bowl, it recieves a disproportionately large number of visitors every day.

While the citizens of Pasadena enjoy an income that is well above average, there are numerous other areas surrounding the city, such as Encino, Flintridge, Glendale, La Canada, La Crescenta, San Marino, Sierra Madre, etc., where many of the residents also have disposable income high enough to be able to afford the purchase of fine antiques.

Due to the foregoing many excellent antique dealers and shops have opened establishments in the city. Here you will find fine early american, spanish colonial, european, oriental and most any other type of antique furniture, accessories, jewelry, etc. you could wish for.

For a listing of Pasadena antique dealers that deal in real antiques, not used furniture, so called "estate jewelry" or other lesser quality items see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/antiquedealer.html. Most of the dealers that I spoke with have been friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Several have buyers that travel the world in order to locate top quality pieces for their clients. Many were even willing to refer me to other establishments if they were unable to supply me with what I was looking for.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: antique, antiquing,pasadena,california,travel,leisure,tourism,shopping

________________
David Hallstrom
Learn more about pasadena california antiquing

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Pasadena California Dining

According to the latest U.S Government census the city of Pasadena, California has a population of just under 140,000, however the city boasts in excess of 500 dining establishments.

Pasadena has a wealth of shopping centers, stores, boutiques, movie theaters, art galleries, museums and of course it is the host of the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl and because it is situated on the edge of the San Fernando Valley, at the start of the San Gabriel Valley and just nine miles north of downtown Los Angeles it draws on a large area population. According to the Pasadena Visitors Bureau the city employes in excess of 100,000 people.

Due to the foregoing the city hosts an inordinantly large number of restaurants, coffee shops, fast food places and specialty restaurants. Whether you are looking for a cheap, mid priced or expensive dining establishment, if you are hankering for central or south American, Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai food, a hamburger joint, a steak house, indoor dining, outdoor dining or a drive thru, you will find what you are searching for in Pasadena.Old Town Pasadena is fast becoming one of Los Angeles County's largest attractions.

Old Town has several restaurants on every block, many with patio or sidewalk seating where you can take a break from shopping, movie going, visiting art galleries or museums and have a leisurely lunch, dinner or cup of coffee while people watching.

Everywhere you go in Pasadena you will find places eat and have fun. Have some of the best hamburgers in California at Original Tommy's or In-N-Out, have good traditional Mexican food while listening to live music at places like Mijares Mexican Restaurant, have a prime cut of beef at the Parkway Grill or the Beckham Grill, dine while enjoying stand up comics at the Ice House, dine dance and drink at Moose Mcgillicuddy's, have sushi at places like Zono Shushi or have great Italian dishes at any number of fine Italian restaurants. Whatever you are searching for in a restaurant you will find it in Pasadena.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California and a directory of Pasadena restaurants and restaurant reviews visit Pasadena City Guides And Directories

Permission is given to reprint this article providing credit is given to the author, David G. Hallstrom,Sr., and a link is listed to USA City Directories the owner of this article. Anyone or any company reprinting this article without giving proper credit and the correct link, is doing so without permission and will be subject to legal action.

Keywords: dining, restaurants, pasadena, california, travel, liesure, tourism

__________________
David Hallstrom
Learn more about pasadena california dining

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Private Aircraft Charter Services the new way of business travel

Air Broker Net is a leader in Private Aircraft Charter Service, Fractional Ownership and Aircraft Management. As an exclusive Air Charter Broker Service, they work with an expansive global network of certified operators and airports. Think of them as your personal booking agent and travel coordinator, providing you with complete choice of carefully selected aircraft meeting the highest safety standards for both private and executive travel. Since they are not restricted to their own airplane fleet or specific operational base they can easily provide you with: Excellent Air Charter Service and Airport Flexibility -Highly Competitive Quotes and Rates -Complete Charter Travel Arrangements -Your Own Private Travel Coordinator -Fractional Ownership and Management

-Database with price reduced empty legs, up to 75% off. For the best single source of private air charter information, empty leg specials, Caribbean and Bahamas deals and Quotes, contact one of ABN’S Air Charter Specialists at http://www.airbrokernet.com Air Broker Net provides air charter service in Private Jet Charter Flights, Aircraft Management and Ownership, and one of the nations largest Network of Private Jet Charter Aircraft. Owned and operated by Airline Transport Pilots and Corporate Travel Professionals. They are an ethical, straight-forward Air Charter Broker Service who puts their clients needs and desires first. They book every trip as if it were their own, making rational decisions on charter jets, itineraries and airports. They are, after all, pilots and frequent travelers too. Whether you are booking a Private Jet Charter for a weekend getaway to the Bahamas or you need an executive jet to get to UK, Europe, they can help. They use their knowledge and experience to get you the best air charter aircraft for the lowest price, the best and closest airports and scheduling options to suite your air charter needs. Furthermore, their service is of no charge to you. Their fee comes directly from the charter aircraft operator, who pays them for referring the flight and in addition provides their clients with discounted rates. There are no fees, contracts or membership requirements. Through consistency and reliability they hope to earn lifetime clients. There is simply no reason for you not to contact them !

WHY PRIVATE AIRCRAFT CHARTER?

Imagine an airport with no crowds, an airline with no connecting flights, and a trip with no lost luggage. No more hassles and a much more productive and stress-free way to fly! Private Jet Charter offers many advantages over the use of scheduled services. Having a private charter airplane at your disposal means you can save time and energy. Private Jet Charter puts you in control. The following is a list of reasons why the executive or leisure traveler prefers to charter a private jet: • You choose the private air charter aircraft which fits your needs. You get exclusive use of the private aircraft. Whether you charter a mid size jet, a small jet, a helicopter or even a private airliner, take a look at some of your private air charter aircraft choices.

• You set the schedule and save travel time. There is about a 20-25% chance that every commercial trip will be delayed or cancelled. Whether you need a simple roundtrip flight or an extended stay in many cities, you choose precisely what is most suitable for you and your will keep your schedule. • You alter the schedule according to your needs on your charter flight. • You select the suite of services to accompany your private jet charter flight. Whether you need ground transport, vegetarian meals or a certain drink served on board your private charter aircraft, you dictate your needs. • You can save money, “time is money” and in most cases traveling in groups of four or more can be more cost effective when chartering your own private charter airplane versus flying commercial airlines.

• You get enhanced levels of comfort, privacy and security.

• Your private air charter aircraft is capable of operating to many smaller or rural airports, where scheduled services are not available, much closer to your destination (Private aircraft utilizes over 5,300 airports, commercial airlines uses only 563 airports).

• Avoid the masses and delays at the general terminals by using the business and VIP lounges. You get additional benefits as easier and free parking, rest in comfort while your baggage and documents are processed with no check in. Enjoy security and peace of mind.

Booking Your Private Air Charter Aircraft

If you'd like to book your private air charter aircraft and want to get the best price, you should look into an private air broker service that works with several air charter companies like Air Broker Net does. We have an extensive network of many reputable charter aircraft providers that are competing for your business! Let us know what type of services and amenities you want on your private air charter aircraft and you will receive a very competitive quote from Air Broker Net, a sure way to get the best deal!

WHY CHARTER WITH ABN? Outstanding air broker service, Professionalism, Promptness, and Competitive Pricing, are among the reasons why we are the first choice for our clients. By providing you with the level of service and respect you deserve and expect, our Air Broker Service and aircraft consultants work hard to earn your business every time you travel. We hope that by building personal relationships one client at a time, we can anticipate your future needs as your true air broker service partner. Air Broker Net have the resources and experience to evaluate every aircraft charter company, negotiate rates and obtain the high level of service and reliability required in today's demanding business environment. We are completely unbiased in our choice of the best aircraft, airport and aircraft charter company to fulfill your requirements, and as we have no financial ties to any aircraft charter company we will work strictly with your best interests in mind.

Air Broker Net brings consistency and efficiency to your executive jet charter needs and Fractional Aircraft Ownership-Management. We will work as your Personal Flight Department and Private Charter Coordinator. We have partnered with the finest aircraft charter companies, and we have assembled a partner fleet of charter aircraft and private jets that is unsurpassed in the industry in selection and quality. Some of our air broker service advantages are:

-Competitive air charter rates. -Safest charter aircraft available. -"One Stop Shop"- only one contact. -24-hour/ 365 days per year of personal support. -We find the right charter aircraft and airport for your needs. -Your own private charter coordinator for your whole trip. -From one passenger to 400 passengers. -Any type of private flights, group travel or air cargo, anywhere. -Flight updates and tracking from take- off to landing. -Timely and well researched free air charter quotes. -Detailed flight itineraries. -4,000+ charter aircraft available. -5,000+ private terminals in lieu of congested commercial airports. -Non- stop service between smaller cities not serviced by commercial carriers. -Discretion. Who goes where and when is your business, nobody else's.

Let us know what type of air broker services and amenities you want and you will receive a very competitive air charter quote from Air Broker Net, a sure way to get the best deal! Contact Air Broker Net today and let us positively surprise you!

Call: 1-877-Sky-Dial or Email: contact@airbrokernet.com http://www.airbrokernet.com

Keywords: Aircraft charter services, private jet charter flights, air charter, jet charter, jet charter service

________________
John Holmes
Fort Lauderdale, FL and Los Angeles, CA
biz@airbrokernet.com
Learn more about private air charter OR jet charter

Worldwide aircraft charter services with offices in Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles.

RoomSaver.com Travelers Are Loyal to Hotel Rates, Not Brands

July 14, 2005- In a recent survey conducted this month of over a hundred RoomSaver.com Travel Club members, hotel brand preferences were investigated. Results show that the majority of respondents (34.8%) do not prefer a specific brand, instead they choose lodging based on the best possible rate.

Based on these findings, hoteliers would be wise to advertise their best rates to attract those online travelers who sort lodging search results by price first.

Hotel brands included in the survey were InterContinental Hotels, Choice Hotels, Marriott International, Best Western, La Quinta and Hilton. Twenty-five percent of the respondents prefer Choice Hotels, followed by Marriott, Hilton, Best Western, La Quinta, and InterContinental Hotels, in consecutive order.

Since 1999, RoomSaver.com has specialized in showcasing hotels online and directing online travelers to the hotel’s website, where they will find the best rates. RoomSaver.com provides a comprehensive hotel database for travelers while serving as a convenient and effective advertising forum for hoteliers and affiliate travel businesses.

Headquartered in Norfolk, VA, RoomSaver.com is part of Trader Electronic Media's family of over 15 high-traffic websites, which receive millions of visitors each week. The sites cover virtually every used vehicle and general merchandise category, including apartments, homes, employment and hotel lodging. Trader Electronic Media is a division of Trader Publishing Company, the nation’s largest distributor of photo-classified ad publications. For more information about RoomSaver.com, call toll-free 866-305-3840 or visit www.RoomSaver.com.

Keywords: online travelers, hotel brands rates

______________
Jackie Moniot
jackie.moniot@roomsaver.com
Learn more about Hotel Brands Versus Hotel Rates

Jackie Moniot is the Marketing Manager for RoomSaver.com, a division of Trader Publishing Company, the nation's largest distributor of photo-classified ad publications.

What you need to know about– new york city

New York City is unknown to none. One of the vibrant and significant metropolises on the globe, the city of New York is considered to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. The dream to vacation in New York seems to materialize only for the rich. However, this is not actually the case like. There are more than a thousand methods to explore the wonderful city while keeping an eye at your pocket.

The Outlandish Attractions

New York is deemed to be city that is awaken 24 hours a day. This is because of the lively places like Chinatown- a famous site for films, Downtown, Central Park, the East Side, Little Italy (swarming with Sicilian culture and known for its sausage that is shipped across the world), Greenwich Village(that speaks the language of Bohemian artists through their work of art) and West Side. The Empire State Building, Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty (marked one amongst the wonders of the world) and the Rockefeller Center summon people from every corner of the world.

Visiting the New York museums will be lifetime experience. Some of the eminent museums, their saga being sung by the whole world are nestled in New York. These are – the African-American Wax Museum, the Hudson River Museum, the Alternative Museum famous for striking art, the China Institute that parades the Chinese culture, the Hispanic Society of America, the National Lighthouse Museum, Saint Paul’s Church National Historic Site that is assumed to be the oldest church in New York and last but not the least the Skyscraper Museum.
The Kids’ Amusement Children can have a gala time in the New York City for the Central Park Zoo that is located in the middle of the Fifth Avenue and 64th Street is open throughout the year. The zoo has some of the exclusive species of plants and animals. To educate the children and adults about wildlife, the zoo organizes a program at the Wildlife Theater. The best part of the zoo visit is the negligible amount for tickets like just $1 ticket for kids between 3 to 12 years of age. But this is not enough for the young ones. They can enjoy ice skating at the Rockfeller Center and Central Park at very cheap prices. The Wollman rink too has a good name in this regard.

The Children’s Museum of Arts at the Lafayette Street, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the Children’s Museum of Native Americans (that displays charming puppet shows, singing, dancing and information about the Native Americans) are places worth enjoying and visiting for kids on their destination New York. With the Kids’ Nights on Broadway program, children between 6 to 28 years get an opportunity to view free plays if an adult with them purchases a full ticket. Some of the loveliest plays like Beauty and the Beast, the Lion King and the Little Women etc. are at display here.

The Christmas Extravaganza

Though the metropolis is vibrant and convivial all 365 days, yet the best time to visit New York City is the Christmas time when the city is bustling not just with people but also Christmas trees, gifts, candles etc. and when the carols are in the air. The magnificence and splendor of the city is at its peak during this season. The city offers a multitude of Christmas shows and there is a huge Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center. The wonderful lightening of this tree fills every heart with feeling of divinity and devotion. The sparkling of the tree and other decorations and preparations in the city mark the onset of the Christmas season and a reason to celebrate.

All in all New York is a dream destination to live your vacations. The place is heaving with luxury hotels, resorts and other places of entertainment, still a budget traveler can experience the wonders of this place. All one needs to do is a little judicious planning and research before heading there. The internet offers complete information about the accommodations including the rents, the rates of hotels and cuisine, which tour to take… and every basic thing that one needs to know. Some prudent planning can make your dream to visit the New York City come true.

Keywords: new york city

_________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about new york city topics.

What you need to know about– paris travel

Life never sleeps in the capital city of France- Paris. The City of Lovers or the City of Lights, the city of Paris is exceptional for it has not just one but a multitude of attractions that leave each and every visitor bizarre. The aura of the city is such that the visitors are left spell bound. The city is so rich in its exotic and prized possessions that it becomes difficult to explore the entire city within a few days.

The Multiple Assets From art to glamour, from the mystifying Eiffel Tower to the stunning Seine River, the wondrous city of Paris has it all. When we talk about the city’s art and architecture, Paris has some of the coveted monuments in the world. For instance the Napoleon’s eminent ‘Arch of Triumph’ (a piece of architecture that ascends the streets); the Square of Peace (known for its huge statues and fountains) and the wonderful pillar from Egypt called the Obelisk of Luxor. The Eiffel Tower has its own tale. Counted amongst one of the wonders of the world, the tower is 986 feet tall and weighs 700 tons.

The Unity in Diversity Paris is endowed with a plethora of small regions that contribute to the pleasing diversity of this place. To name a few in this regard-
The Le Marais Region in Paris speaks of the rich history and tradition of the city. Marais, the land where the King Henry II took his last breath, is the home for some of the most archaic French buildings. The Musee Carnavalet museum has many archaeological discoveries along with breathtaking historical paintings, sculptures etc. Other eminent museums include-The Musee Cognaq Jay, The Musee de la Serrure Briccard, Musee de la Chasse et de la Nature (famous for stone age weapons) and last but not the least The Musee Picasso that has the worlds largest number of Picasso paintings. The Jewish Quarter that nestled in the Marais region and that familiarizes you with the Jewish customs and traditions has always been an apple of every visitor’s eyes.

The La Quarter region of Paris is a paradigm of unity and diversity. This is because people from all castes and creed inhabit the place. There is round the clock activity with plenty of markets, restaurants, gardens, parlors etc. in this ancient region that has streets of the Roman era.
Not to be overlooked is the popular Montmartre region of Paris. The area is bedecked by the Sacre Coeur Church, that has almost scaled to the height of the Eiffel Tower. The place is also more often visited for it’s being the land of illustrious artists like Zola, Van Gogh, Turgeney and Degas. Apart form this, the Montmarte region has an exclusive cemetery where the great souls of Degas, Stendhal, La Golie etc. lie in peace. There is also the famous The Musee de Montmartre where people like Renior, Dufy and Suzanne Valada had resided.

But this isn’t all. The Notre Dame Cathedral at the Notre Dame region is worth looking. The ancient cathedral that is an epitome of love also has an underground crypt and a small museum for the visitors.

A outstanding and enthralling place nestled in the city of Paris is the Louvre Museum. This museum has some of the world’s most prized sculptures, paintings, utensils and other antiques. If there is the globally treasured Mona Lisa of Leonardo Da Vinci, there are also the two giant winged bulls that long ago used to guard the palace of Sragon II and the Hammurabi Code. Other antiquities from Babylon, Mesopotamia, Sumeria etc. can also be seen. Amongst the several bedazzling galleries like Prints and Drawings Gallery, arts gallery etc. the sculpture gallery is also garlanded by the bewitching Michaelangelo Courtyard. On the whole, the Louvre Museum is a spectacular place to stop at.

The authentic magnum opus of art maestros like Renoir, Sisely, Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, Degas and Pissaro can also be gazed at the Musee d’Orsay museum that also has some exclusive primitive sculptures.

Also to be seen are the delightful gardens in Paris. For instance, The Rond-Point, The Grand Palais, the Petit Palais etc. being some of them.

However, one falls short of words and ink to appraise and express the brilliance and magnificence of the unusual and wonderful city Paris, the charm and charisma of which carries the potential to raise someone from the dead.

Keywords: paris travel

________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com
Mansi gupta writes about paris travel topics.

Discover Paseo Colorado In Pasadena California

Just a few short blocks from famous Old Town Pasadena, California is the urban village of Paseo Colorado, a self contained residential apartment complex and shopping mall. According to Paseo Colorado's web site paseocoloradopasadena.com this development is "One of the largest concepts of its kind in the country, Paseo Colorado is an urban village featuring a unique collection of retail stores, fine and casual dining, luxury apartment homes, and garden promenades that restore vital links to the historic core of Pasadena’s Civic Center and Old Pasadena."

"Paseo Colorado features Mediterranean architecture, heavily landscaped pedestrian promenades, courtyards, towers and terraces. The property features a variety of artistic detail from well-known and respected artists, including a fountain featuring hand-made custom-glazed ceramic tile created by artist Anne Marie Karlsen, a second fountain embellished with an Italian glass mosaic by artist Margaret Nielsen, and intricate iron grills and rails created by artist Michael Amescua." There are 391 luxury residential apartments and lofts, an upscale Gelson's Supermarket, a Macy's Department Store, over sixty five specialty and botique shops, including Coach, Ann Taylor, Tony Bahama, Hugo Boss, Bombay Company and Sam Goody, a Pacific Theatre with fourteen screens, seventeen (17) dining establishments, a fitness club, a day spa and much more.

This is an excellent place to spend time shopping and / or just relaxing. There is ample validated parking. There are plenty of places to sit and relax in the promenades, courtyards and restaurant patios, while watching people or listening to a live summer jazz concert. The shopkeepers and their employees are polite and helpful but not pushy. Everybody appears to be fairly laid back and nobody seems to be rushing you.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

Keywords: paseo colorado, pasadena, california, shopping, travel, tourism

________________
David Hallstrom
Learn more about Paseo Colorado Pasadena
David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

How to Make Camping Shoot-the-Chute

A "Shoot-the-Chute" is great fun and one should be built in every camp visit and "Swimming Hole." The one described below has stood the test of several years in many different camp sites.
The plan drawn is for a chute 40 feet long, 3 feet wide and 18 feet high. These dimensions can be changed in length and height, but not in width.

The chute is built of 7/8-inch matched pine boards, to the same width as sheet zinc, usually 3 feet; the boards being firmly cleated together on the under side by 2 x 6-inch cleats 5 feet apart, throughout the length of the chute.

Boards should be screwed to the cleats from the face of the chute with 1-1/2-inch screws, the heads being counter sunk.

The several lengths of zinc are soldered into one piece, the joints being on the under side (as shingles on a roof) fastened to the boards with 8-oz. tacks; set in from the edge about 1 inch and about 6 inches apart.

The side strips of maple (soft wood will not do on account of the danger of splintering) 2 inches wide and 3 inches high, rounded slightly on upper edge, are placed directly over the edge of the zinc and covering the tacks.

Screw the strips firmly to the chute with 2-inch screws from the under side. These ought to be placed not more than 2 feet apart. Probably each will have two or more strips in making a piece of sufficient length. If so, care should be taken to have the pieces joined on a bevel with a slant from outer edge toward bottom of chute, so as to leave no edge.

The utmost care should be used to have a perfectly smooth surface on the inside of the chute. A pump or bucket is needed at the top of the chute to wet the surface before the swimmer starts his slide.

The supports should be firmly braced with 2 x 4-inch timber, and lower end of chute should extend over the pier at least 1 foot and not nearer the surface of the water than 3 feet perpendicularly, allowing the swimmer to enter the water as in a dive.

The chute can be fastened to the supporting braces through timbers, into maple side strips with a good heavy log screw. A platform 3 feet wide and 4 feet long near the top of chute, and set just waist deep from the top of chute will make starting easy.

Keywords: camping

__________________
David Z,
Learn more about camping

A prominentleader in his community, David Z has a great interest on broad topics in life and enjoys writing articles to publish his view and experience to help others.

Wal-Mart Camping And Other Free Places

"Do you know about Wal-Mart camping?" We didn't know, but the old man at the campground in Florida insisted WalMart not only allowed RVs and vans to park overnight, but encouraged it. "Free camping," he told us, and we didn't wait long to take advantage of this new knowledge.

Somewhere in northern Georgia we pulled into a Wal-Mart, and sure enough, we saw some RVs off to one side of the parking lot, looking like they were there for the night. We were heading back to Michigan in our conversion van, and free camping sounded good to us. We parked, plugged in our 5-inch T.V., and settled in for the night. Nobody bothered us. In the morning we used the bathrooms inside, and bought some orange juice.

The next night we camped for free again, this time at a "Flying J" truckstop. There were RVs camping there as well. You'll find Flying J Truckstops all over, and they actively court the RV crowd, counting on gas and other sales. We filled our tank there in the morning, and bought some food as well. As long as campers stay out of the way of the truckers, free camping is likely to continue.

Other Free Camping Places

Generally, you can camp free on any BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, unless it's specifically forbidden in an area. This is also true of National Forest lands. In both cases you're limited to a stay of two weeks in one place, though this rule is not always enforced, and the next two-week place might have to be only a hundred yards away. State forest lands are usually open to free camping without permits, but policies vary by state (The two-week rule seems to be common).

We camped in our van for ten days at Williams Landing, east of Tallahassee, Florida, on Lake Talquin. It's a beautiful place, with hot showers. Our cost? Zero, and you can stay up to two weeks. There are free campgrounds scattered around the country. Ask an RVer about this, or buy a Woodall's directory from any large RV dealer.

Note: Wal-mart seems to encourage the campers, except in coastal areas where too many RVer's want to live in a parking lot. Don't roll out the carpet and put out lawn furniture like one traveler we heard about, or you may ruin it for all. Some stay for a week at a time, going out all day to see the sights (and so they don't wear out their welcome). Wal-mart gets business from the campers, but they'll only continue their policy if they don't have problems, so keep it low-key.

To find a Wal-Mart in the area you're traveling to, visit Walmart.com. Scroll down to the "store finder" link to search. Thank you for camping at Wal-Mart!

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Keywords: wal-mart camping,free camping,camping

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Steven Gillman
Tucson

What you need to know about– madrid travel

The capital of Spain, pulsating city of Madrid is one of the eminent European cities that is famous for it’s more than a few attractions. The city nestled in the middle of the Iberian Peninsula is thronged by people not just for its nerve-wrecking night life but also for the succulent cuisine, mind boggling architecture at museums, monuments and gardens and jubilant festivals.

The Background Madrid is an old city. Its origins can be traced back to as 1085 when King Alfonso VI of Castle reigned here. The throne passed into the hands of Felipe II in 1561 and things were never the same after that. There were wars followed by inflation, the draining of city’s wealth and settling down of a horde of immigrants. The development came in 18th and 19th centuries when there was construction of numerous wonderful buildings with exotic and splendid art and architecture.

The City’s Charm Once you land in the city of Madrid, there are many worthwhile places to visit. For the nature lovers, the Glorieta de Murillo botanical garden is a perfect destination with around 30,000 varied species of plants. These exclusive species that are scattered in different regions of the world were compiled at one place by the botanist Gomez Ortega and Juan de Villanueva for King Charles III. The two pinnacle towers of Casa de la Panaderia grounded in the Madrid’s grand main plaza called The Plaza Mayor, never miss the tourist attention. The Plaza is flooded with people during festival celebrations and as a market place. The statue of Felipe III adds a feather to the fascination of the place.

The music and theatre both can be enjoyed in one of the oldest towns called ‘Moorish Quarter’ of Madrid. Your next step in Madrid can be towards the Parque del Buen Retiro Park. The parks is a home for two buildings that are most often used for art exhibitions and an artificial lake that gives you the pleasure of boating. The classical concerts of music and dance performances can be relished at the Auditoria Nacional de Musica and The Teatro Madrid, Teatro Lirico Nacional de la Zarzuela, Teatro Albeniz respectively.

Madrid City is known for its incredible nightlife that lifts your spirits and leaves you rocking. Some of the illustrious nightclubs on the street of Calle Huertas are The Kapital (a 7 floor club) and The Malasana. Besides this there is tremendous activity in The Paza de Chueca club, Alonso Martinez etc. The discobars and clubs are meant not just for couples or stag but for families as well.

The Madrid festivals lure people across the globe. There Fiestas de San Isidro is one of the biggest festivals of the year. It commences from 15th of May and bedazzles the visitors with excellent dance performances, concerts, and other performances. The delectable food during the festival remains acts as a magnet. The festivals like Feria de la Comunidad in May, Feria de Otono in September and Feria turnia etc. have at display the treasured game of bull fighting. To add to the glory of Madrid is the spectacular Verbena de la Paloma festival from 6th to 15th of August. The festival mirrors the Madrid tradition and culture when people are decked up in their traditional attire and parade their customs. The ravishing decoration and the live performances by bands thrills you with almost all sorts of music heard round the globe. Last but not the least are the exotic new-year celebrations at Madrid and the renowned masked ball of Circulo de Bellas Artes that leave a remarkable impression on each and every visitor.

Apart from the fun and adventure, Madrid specializes in serving all varieties of cuisine. A person from any corner of the world can gratify his hunger conveniently in Madrid. There is French, German, Swedish, Chinese, Italian…diversity of food available.

Madrid can be the home for anyone be it the luxury or the budget travelers. From restaurants to accommodation all are designed in such a fashion that they cater well to the needs of the high as well as the low. However, it is judicious and preferable if you get all the reservations done in advance for this one amongst the largest European cities is swarming with visitors all the year round.

Keywords: madrid travel

_______________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com

Mansi gupta writes about madrid travel topics.

Why Take an Asia Cruise ?

Ever since Marco Polo returned from his 24-year trek to China at the end of the 13th century, Asia has beckoned travelers from around the world to explore its enchanted lands courtesy of an Asia cruise. Befitting of a continent that is the largest on Earth, the mesh of countries that make up this landmass embrace some mind-blowing extremes. The thickest forests, highest mountains and longest coastline on the planet all belong to Asia, as do some of the world's most varied wildlife and plant species..

Few places on Earth can offer cruise visitors such a varied and dramatic experience. From the vestiges of ancient China to the modern day wealth and opulence of Singapore and Taipei, an Asia cruise encapsulates thousands of years of history and diverse cultures in a single voyage...
When choosing an Asia cruise, tourists are presented with a variety of cruise routes to pick from. Many Asia cruises offering a taste of the Orient depart from Beijing in China, taking in Hong Kong and ports of call in Japan and along the Chinese coastline. The more exotic Asia cruises may include stops in Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand...

Other Asia cruise options include routes around the Bay of Bengal, and routes that follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo's return sea journey from China in 1293. The typical duration of an Asia cruise is 12-16 nights, although extended cruise vacations that take in a voyage through the South China Sea and Bay of Bengal can be arranged...

Destination highlights:

China: Beijing - the capital of China - is a 'must see' destination on every Asia cruise. The fabled Forbidden City and Temple Of Heaven, both of which are accessed through the vastness of Tiananmen Square, reside in Beijing. Only a short distance from the city is the Beijing section of the Great Wall of China.

Hong Kong:
A city on an island, Hong Kong is the antithesis of Beijing. Gleaming towers of power exude a modern wealth that contrasts sharply with the older districts of the Chinese capital. Hong Kong is one of the wealthiest places in the world - something that is very much in evidence as you walk the numerous districts on this thirty square-mile chunk of rock.

Singapore:
Singapore is the ultimate exotic destination on an Asia cruise. Situated at the southern tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, it represents the furthest point south an Asia cruise is likely to extend to. Here all year round warmth, stunning architecture and cuisine that is truly out of this world combine to make it a stop not to be missed.

Keywords: asia cruise, asia cruises, southeast asia cruises, asia,cruise line, star, cruise

________________
John Metcalfe
Learn more about Asia Cruise

John Metcalfe is the webmaster for A to Z Cruises which is the No1 resource for Cruise related Information on the Internet. Be sure to visit his site here: www.azcruises.com

Baсos Ecuador: Volcano Tours and Discos

In June of 2004, my wife and I spent a week in Banos, Ecuador. Our clean hotel room, with cable TV, cost $6 per night. It was $12 normally, but we're good negotiators. We paid just $1 for lunch each day ($2.25 total for both, with tip), which was usually chicken, rice, beans, salad and juice. Sometimes we splurged and paid $1.50 at a nicer place.

Evenings we went to Santo Pecado ("saint/sinner") or one of the other discos. Our favorite was Tuparina, perhaps due to the huayusa, a drink made of a psychadelic plant collected by the family of the owner. Most days I played chess in the open market in the center of town, with Manolo or Rene, or other locals.

Getting Into Hot Water In Baсos

There are two hot spring facilities in Baсos, and two with cold water. These are some of the best hot springs in Ecuador. One is at the base of a waterfall that tumbles from the mountain above. You can walk to it from anywhere in town, and it costs just a dollar, or a little more if you want to enjoy the mineral-rich waters under the stars each evening. A sign documents the various minerals that are in the water, and many come to alleviate their arthritis or other illnesses.

Volcano Tours In Baсos

Of the dozens of volcanos in Ecuador, several are active. One of the most active is Tungurahua, which overlooks Banos. To see it, you need to get out of town, because Baсos is set deep in the surrounding lush, green mountains, which block the view. The best way to get a good look is on a "volcano tour." There are a couple operations in Banos that take you on tours to see an eruption. Watch for one of the "chivas" circling town and blasting loud music in the evening. A chiva is an open-sided bus of sorts, with seating inside or on the roof.

My wife rode inside. After a tour of the city with party music playing the whole time, we headed into the mountains. We enjoyed the fire-juggling entertainers on top of the hill, and the free hot rum drinks, while looking down on the lights of Banos. We even saw Tungurahua spit up some lava. The two-hour experience, including drinks and the honor of helping push-start the chiva, cost $3 each.

Other Activities in Banos Ecuador

You can go to a nice zoo (bears, birds, tortoises and more), rent an ATV, bicycle to nearby waterfalls or tunnels, party in dozens of bars, buy avocados for 20 cents, see a recent movie in your own private viewing room for $1.50 per person (bring all the food and drinks you want) - and almost everything is within a few blocks of any hotel. Did I mention that Banos is beautiful, with a perfect climate year-round?

Baсos de Agua Santa, usually just called Baсos, is in the Andes Mountains, at the foot of the volcano Tungurahua, in Ecuador, South America. A bus from Quito, eighty miles to the north, will cost you less than five dollars.

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Keywords: ecuador, baсos ecuador, south america

__________________
Steven Gillman
Tucson, AZ

Travel tips for leisure or business travellers to China

Travel Tips for China
China is a large country at a size of 9,596,960 sq km. China was only partially open to the world from 1979 onwards and has been a communist country for many decades. Although there is much progress in the travel industry and infrastructure of China, there remain areas that needs to be improved before it can match the level that most tourist would require.
However, much of the fun remain that it is different from the rest of the world. China will be the host nation for the Olympics in Year 2008. Travel facilities and infrastructure will be improving quickly as we approach Year 2008.

China is rich in culture and history. Visit the Great Wall of China in Beijing, sip Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check out 19th Century European buildings in Qingdao - there are just so much to do in China!

Below are some travel tips to make your travel in China easier:

Entry Visa
China require entry visa from most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through your travel agent before travelling to China.

Climate
Extremely diverse; tropical in south to subarctic in north. Be prepared with the right seasonal clothing.

Foreign Exchange
The unit of currency is known as Renmembi(RMB) or Yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your local country before travelling. When in China, exchange foreign currency for local currency in the banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Take note that some banks close for a noon siesta between 12-2pm.

Payment facilities
Most better class hotels and shopping centres take Credit Card or Travellers cheques. Smaller hotels and shops take cash only. Once out of the bigger cities, credit card and ATM cards tend to be almost impossible to utilize. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade.

Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before accepting change, especially if it consists mostly 100RMB notes. You can feel a texture difference where counterfeit notes is concerned.

Understanding of English
Most civil servants, custom officials, police, hotel staff and men in the street do not speak English or at best a smattering of English.

both English and Chinese. However, be aware that some translations can be so notorious that one can hardly understand what was it's original Chinese intention.

Do not expect hotels or shops to understand English. Only the very big hotels will have staff that will understand English.

Most young people can understand basic English if you speak slowly.

Social Security
China is generally a safe country. However, hang on tight to your wallet especially in crowded, popular tourist sites in tourist cities such as Beijing and Xian.

These cities also has a lot of touts in the streets touting tourist from currency exchange to jewelleries to female companionships. Avoid at all cost!

Domestic Travel
Bus, train, ferries and domestic flights are quite well developed. Avoid the crowd at the stations and book your tickets through the hotel tour desk or the nearest tour agent. Prices are likely to be competitive and tickets will be delivered to your hotel room. Again, avoid ticket touts who approach you in the streets.

Local buses are cheap (US$0.10 or YS$0.20) and you may want to try out. Taxis are convenient and are available at all hours. Starting fares differ from each city and may be as cheap as US$0.70 in Weihai and US$1.50 in Shenzhen.

Avoid travel during peak holiday seasons or book tickets well ahead.

Local Hotels
There is a good choice of hotels in China ranging from one star to the most luxurious 6 stars. Most of the time, the rooms are safe and clean and in my opinion, cheap does not mean bad.

There are many websites selling hotel rooms on the internet. You can also check out the travel counters which are available in most train, bus stations as well as airport.

Book ahead if travelling in peak seasons.

Peak Tourist Seasons
Chinese New Year: Date varies but generally late January or early February. May Day: First two weeks of MayChina National Day: Middle two weeks of October

Avoid travelling during these period. Book rooms and travel modes way early if need to travel.

Chinese Food
Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try as much Chinese food as your wallet or stomach can afford. Restaurants are available everywhere and open to late hours. Most restaurants will have a menu that include photographs of the various dishes. Better yet, simply point at the food that your next door table is having, especially if it looks delicious!

However, avoid street side stalls and drinking directly from the taps if you have delicate stomach.

Telecommunications
Mobile phone coverage is good in most locations. Global auto-roaming is not a problem.

Internet
There are cyber-cafes everywhere, especially in tourist areas. Most are patronised by young people playing online games but you still can check your Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail. Access may be a bit slow for international websites.

You will need to show your passport as China has tight regulations at Internet Cyber Cafes.

Toilet facilities
One of the worst experience many has with China is the atrocious toilet facilities. Things has improved very much but it may still be a good idea to empty your stomach or bladder at every opportunity in a hotel, restaurant or departmental store. Public toilets and toilets in small shops can be a nose hazard!

* Useful China travel tips *
Try to get a English speaking tour guide at every opportunity you can. China has a rich and wonderful history and culture and without a guide, somehow, the flavour and significance of most tour sites can be lost.

*Sneaky tip: Hang around a group that has a English speaking guide if you cannot afford one!
Always ask for a receipt from a taxi driver so that you can complain if you have been cheated or for tracing purposes if you happen to leave your camera behind in the taxi.

Try to take the namecard for each hotel that you are staying at as these cards will have a Chinese address and the map of your hotel location. This is useful if you need to seek assistance to find your way back as the English version or pronounciation of a hotel or a street name may be quite different from the Chinese version.

After a tiring day, check out Chinese foot reflexology or Chinese TuiNa (Chinese massage). Wonderful for the body and feet after a hard day and very cheap to boot. Simply look out for shop signs that shows two feet! They are everywhere.

Make friends with the Chinese whenever you can. They love to meet foreigners and will make good tour guides. Just buy a small present as a small token of appreciation.

For more information, check out this interesting China Book.

Keywords: china, chinese, chinese culture, business etiquette in China, work in china, beijing, great wall

____________________
Ken Cheong,
info@chinese-culture.net
Learn more about Travel to China

Ken Cheong worked and live in Mainland China for 5 years. He has great admiration for the Chinese people who has suffered for many years from war and political unrest to become a up and coming economy today. He shares his experience in China with people interested in visiting or working in China in his website http://www.chinese-culture.net

What you need to know about – students travel

When traveling across the globe can be edgy for the adults, what to say of the students! However traveling abroad for learning or picnic can be entertaining for students too.

The reason of your trip The foremost task is to mull over the raison d'кtre of your trip for this determines the destination, the monetary issues, accommodation etc. for your tour.

For Holidays With Pals If the sole motive is enjoyment then your destination should gratify your desires. If cartoons and rides fascinate and beguile you, place like Disneyland is just what you want. If along with merriment you crave to enhance your learning and art and architecture absorb your attention, Germany, Barcelona and the like should be ascend your list.

Subsequent to deciding a perfect destination, collect information about the expenditure that is likely to befall your parents’ pockets. Rummage around for some beneficial packages that can take you round the world in least overheads. Try to go in groups for that might save good bucks. But individual traveling too can be economic if you know how to govern your outlay corresponding to what little you have.

The Age Factor The age of the student makes lot of difference. If a student is quite young he should be associated with a chaperone. If a young student takes on the flight for the first time without parents, packing and reservations should be considered in detail and significance. All the medicines, warm clothes etc, should be vigilantly packed. It is always better and prudent to pin the I-Card of the student on his shirt. Along with the phone numbers of the hotel where the kids will take a breather, parents should have the complete itinerary.

Travel For Purpose Most often students travel abroad to participate in some international competitions or to enhance their educational qualifications like going to States for a doctorate program. If studies have hogged your attention, search the university that can live up to your expectations. Surf the Internet; collect every small and big detail. Consult your teachers and other bigwigs in that area that which university will be an ideal one for you.

Once you through with it, look for the costs. The cost includes your lodging, the course fee, food and the means to commute. Hunt for scholarships. These can be your best pals in turning your dreams to reality. Scholarships are offered by the universities and also by different organizations working in this area. A case in point is the AIFS offers a horde of scholarships. Those who are traveling with AIFS are awarded with these scholarships. Online information about the domestic as well as international scholarships is available. For instance CIMO – Centre for International Mobility feeds you the style to fund your travel to Finland.

If your providence does not click to a scholarship, don’t abandon the idea to touch the skies for there are other channels too. Like you can resort to fund raising which apparently might seem appalling and unusual but has tremendous benefits. Last but not the least, knock the door of student’s loans. Loans are offered by government along with private companies and banks. All you have to do is to a little struggle, some running around but remember this sweat so dropped will make your fortune. Once you land up at your destination, you can even carry out a part time job to meet your day to day expenses and minimize the responsibility on your parents.

Lodging should also be deemed. If some of your friend or relative is already nestled in that place or even nearby, the idea to stay with them is not a bad one. Else try for hostels and rooms on rents. But make sure that some planning for this is done beforehand.

Finally, make sure that packing is accurate. Also initially new place, new people and their culture might perturb you but don’t get distressed by these petty things. Keep in mind that if you are good to others, they too will be amicable. All that is required is some time to get accustomed to the place, people and their customs.

So, waiting for what …go ahead and live your dreams!

Keywords: students travel

________________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com

Mansi gupta writes about students travel topics.

Claridge's Hotel in London England: Where you get royal treatment for a price!

While the budget traveler might experience 'sticker' shock over the price of a glass of wine at Claridge's Hotel in London, England, travel writer Joan Fitting Scott notes that the experience is well worth it. Her latest article on the venerable British hotel is featured this week at www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Travelers Come First!"

As Joan describes: "London, England is expensive — that's a given. But if you want to see this grand English city you put up with it." After all there are many free British landmarks to visit and see throughout London. But you can also experience how the other half travels without breaking the bank by visiting luxury hotels like the Claridge for afternoon tea or a glass of wine.
"This venerable institution is a must-see during a visit to London," says Joan. Located in tony Mayfair, Claridge's got its start in 1812" when James Mivart opened a hotel that served clients who want to stay in the British capital for longer periods. William and Marianne Claridge, who renamed it after themselves, subsequently purchased it in 1854. Kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, emperors and empresses, czars and czarinas have been among the royalty who found the luxurious surroundings catered perfectly to their whims and fancies.

"I acted like a royal during my visit to Claridge's," writes Joan. "I enjoyed my libation in the Macanudo Fumoir, the hotel's sleek smoking bar, subtly ogling my drinking compatriots."

For more details on Claridge's Hotel in London, England as well as thousands of other destinations around the world, visit www.Travel-Wise.com - "Where Smart Travelers Come First!" New travel reviews by professional travel writers are featured each week at this leading international travel website.

Keywords: Claridge's Hotel London England The Claridge Claridges Claridgehotel UK British landmarks Royal Roya

_______________
Peter James
ONLINE, EVERYWHERE, CANADA
peter@424826.com
Learn more about Claridge's Hotel London England UK

Peter James is an expert in Canadian financial products and services. He is a regular contributor to www.CanadianCreditCenter.com, one of Canada's leading finance portals. The website offers a wide range of ways Canadians can save money, get credit reports, take out loans, insure themselves and even prepare income taxes in Canada.

The Only Guide You Need for Travel and Hotels in Massachusetts

When you dream of taking a vacation, what do you envision? Vacations symbolize different things to different individuals. Some people like to see everything the city has to offer while quite a few others would like to spend the day getting some sun at the hotel pool. If you happen to be like me, you prefer a little bit of each option. On the one hand, because I have traveled somewhere unfamiliar to me, I stretch out and see some of the local flavor. On the other hand, if ALL my time is spent going from this monument to that amusement park, when I get back home I will have to have a second vacation to heal. To get the most from your vacation time, keep the following in mind when travelling to Massachusetts.

The first thing which you should do is take care of as much ahead of time as you can. That means doing responsible things such as exchanging currency when you need to, viewing maps of the locality, leasing a means of transportation (did someone say Harley?), reserving a flight, and finding a hotel that meets your wants. Fortunately, most of these undertakings have become much simpler and cheaper through the world wide web, so before you arrive at your destination, you may save some cash by looking up deals on the web.

When it comes to locating the right hotel, always remember to examine your choices carefully. Things to weigh might be how it ranks; is it a three star hotel or a 5 star one? How far out of the way is it? If you are going to Disneyland but the hotel you reserved is in San Francisco, you will waste a good deal of your journey driving. Are you planning on staying at the hotel quite a bit, and if you are going to be there, what sorts of conveniences do they supply? I will never forget the time I went out to lay back by the pool, only to find that the property I was at didn't have one. I must've looked very odd walking around the hotel with my inflatable innertube around my waist and no pool to be found.

A good rule to stick by when packing is not to get out of control. Keep it simple, traveler. Start by getting familiar with the weather so that you know what your tummy must pack, but avoid over-packing. Remember, if you forget something, odds are that you can purchase a replacement. I suggest packing older clothing which can be discarded along the way. Depending on where you go, you may find charities that would be glad to take extra clothing off of your hands. Besides, this will make additional space for mementoes.

When it comes to entertainment, avoid getting too out-of-control. For instance, don’t pack more than one book. If you are able to read an entire book, give that one away and go buy another one. It’s time to get out and go to the store anyway, you bookworm. Instead, bring something to take notes with and write your own book. This does not necessarily mean the company laptop. Do not use this rule as an excuse to bring your work with you. If at all possible, leave every thought of work behind when you travel. Though it might seem awkward at first, pencil and paper work fine for taking notes.

During your travel time, be sure and bring something to occupy the kids. There are lots of travel games out there, and no, I am not talking about the Game Boy. As a matter of fact, I strongly encourage taking a step back from technology. Though it may be your last stand, discourage the kids from packing a walkman, video game systems, television or portable DVD player. Kids get enough of that already. This is a perfect time to get to know those strangers in the back seat while teaching them to survive without their standard forms of entertainment. Maybe they will even learn to appreciate the world. And if their grades were not up to par this year, make them listen to your music along the way. You should see a dramatic improvement in grades next time around.

Two important items to consider including in what you take are Pepto-Bismol, in case you eat something you shouldn't does not agree with you, and hand sanitizer; the kind that doesn’t require water. Remember, no matter what situation you find yourself in, do not let the hand sanitizer replace taking a shower.

When you are setting off on your adventure to Massachusetts, you ought to carry plenty of what you need for taking photographs. If you are old-school and still use film, consider upgrading to a digital camera. With a digital camera, I can see what I am taking as I go along. The only things I need are batteries and memory space. Now that you can get a great digital camera for under $200, your excuses are dwindling. Most tourist destinations have places that will transfer your photographs from your memory card to a CD, which will allow you to take even more pictures to anguish family and friends with upon your arrival back home.

I just can't stress enough the value in keeping things simple. Prepare wisely by taking care of as much as you can before-hand. In regards to travel, remember, the internet is your friend. Pack, plan, and keep entertainment basic to help make sure that your vacation to Massachusetts is a relaxing and memorable one. I hope that these words of advice will turn out useful to you as you prepare to embark on your vacation.

John Eldridge is a freelance author and experienced, retired travel agent. For assistance with your next hotel stay, John recommends is: http://www.freehotelsearch.com - Massachusetts hotels

Keywords: Vacations, hotel, Massachusetts, entertainment, travel

__________________
Michael Nichols
Learn more about Hotels in Massachusetts

Michael Nichols is a independent writer and therapeutic massage connoisseur. A recommended site which he enjoys is: http://www.nmsnt.org/ - Massage School

The Only Guide You Need for Travel and Hotels in Massachusetts

When you dream of taking a vacation, what do you envision? Vacations symbolize different things to different individuals. Some people like to see everything the city has to offer while quite a few others would like to spend the day getting some sun at the hotel pool. If you happen to be like me, you prefer a little bit of each option. On the one hand, because I have traveled somewhere unfamiliar to me, I stretch out and see some of the local flavor. On the other hand, if ALL my time is spent going from this monument to that amusement park, when I get back home I will have to have a second vacation to heal. To get the most from your vacation time, keep the following in mind when travelling to Massachusetts.

The first thing which you should do is take care of as much ahead of time as you can. That means doing responsible things such as exchanging currency when you need to, viewing maps of the locality, leasing a means of transportation (did someone say Harley?), reserving a flight, and finding a hotel that meets your wants. Fortunately, most of these undertakings have become much simpler and cheaper through the world wide web, so before you arrive at your destination, you may save some cash by looking up deals on the web.

When it comes to locating the right hotel, always remember to examine your choices carefully. Things to weigh might be how it ranks; is it a three star hotel or a 5 star one? How far out of the way is it? If you are going to Disneyland but the hotel you reserved is in San Francisco, you will waste a good deal of your journey driving. Are you planning on staying at the hotel quite a bit, and if you are going to be there, what sorts of conveniences do they supply? I will never forget the time I went out to lay back by the pool, only to find that the property I was at didn't have one. I must've looked very odd walking around the hotel with my inflatable innertube around my waist and no pool to be found.

A good rule to stick by when packing is not to get out of control. Keep it simple, traveler. Start by getting familiar with the weather so that you know what your tummy must pack, but avoid over-packing. Remember, if you forget something, odds are that you can purchase a replacement. I suggest packing older clothing which can be discarded along the way. Depending on where you go, you may find charities that would be glad to take extra clothing off of your hands. Besides, this will make additional space for mementoes.

When it comes to entertainment, avoid getting too out-of-control. For instance, don’t pack more than one book. If you are able to read an entire book, give that one away and go buy another one. It’s time to get out and go to the store anyway, you bookworm. Instead, bring something to take notes with and write your own book. This does not necessarily mean the company laptop. Do not use this rule as an excuse to bring your work with you. If at all possible, leave every thought of work behind when you travel. Though it might seem awkward at first, pencil and paper work fine for taking notes.

During your travel time, be sure and bring something to occupy the kids. There are lots of travel games out there, and no, I am not talking about the Game Boy. As a matter of fact, I strongly encourage taking a step back from technology. Though it may be your last stand, discourage the kids from packing a walkman, video game systems, television or portable DVD player. Kids get enough of that already. This is a perfect time to get to know those strangers in the back seat while teaching them to survive without their standard forms of entertainment. Maybe they will even learn to appreciate the world. And if their grades were not up to par this year, make them listen to your music along the way. You should see a dramatic improvement in grades next time around.

Two important items to consider including in what you take are Pepto-Bismol, in case you eat something you shouldn't does not agree with you, and hand sanitizer; the kind that doesn’t require water. Remember, no matter what situation you find yourself in, do not let the hand sanitizer replace taking a shower.

When you are setting off on your adventure to Massachusetts, you ought to carry plenty of what you need for taking photographs. If you are old-school and still use film, consider upgrading to a digital camera. With a digital camera, I can see what I am taking as I go along. The only things I need are batteries and memory space. Now that you can get a great digital camera for under $200, your excuses are dwindling. Most tourist destinations have places that will transfer your photographs from your memory card to a CD, which will allow you to take even more pictures to anguish family and friends with upon your arrival back home.

I just can't stress enough the value in keeping things simple. Prepare wisely by taking care of as much as you can before-hand. In regards to travel, remember, the internet is your friend. Pack, plan, and keep entertainment basic to help make sure that your vacation to Massachusetts is a relaxing and memorable one. I hope that these words of advice will turn out useful to you as you prepare to embark on your vacation.

John Eldridge is a freelance author and experienced, retired travel agent. For assistance with your next hotel stay, John recommends is: http://www.freehotelsearch.com - Massachusetts hotels

Keywords: Vacations, hotel, Massachusetts, entertainment, travel

__________________
Michael Nichols
Learn more about Hotels in Massachusetts

Michael Nichols is a independent writer and therapeutic massage connoisseur. A recommended site which he enjoys is: http://www.nmsnt.org/ - Massage School

Camping In Montana With Aliens

Ten minutes out of town, we found the dirt road that goes up to Storm Lake. We had been there before, shortly after moving to Anaconda, Montana. The road was hard on the car, but we couldn't resist going. This time we would hike up to the tundra and stay the night. My wife Ana had never been camping above the treeline.

There were a couple cars, but nobody in sight. The lake was sparkling in the sunlight, and the mountains of the Anaconda-Pintler range rose up all around it. It was quiet and cool here at 8,000 feet. We put on our packs and started up the trail. Twenty minutes later we were past the lake, and the trail steepened.

Hiking With Guns In Montana

After an hour of zig-zagging up the mountain we met another hiker. We talked briefly, and noticed the handgun on his belt. This is common in Montana. We've seen guns on the hiking trails and in the bars, and the bank tellers don't even blink when customers walk in wearing guns - they probably have their own.

We never did ask this hiker why he had one, and didn't find out until later that there are grizzlies in the area at times, something some "experts," have denied. At least we had our freon horn to blast if we met a bear, but then maybe that would just get the bear angry.

The trees got smaller as we climbed, and ended just before Storm Lake Pass. Ana waited patiently at the pass while I ran the five minutes - which became twenty - up to the peak of Mount Tiny, about 10,000 feet high. Small, compared to some of the surrounding mountains, but it seemed almost rude to give a beautiful mountain a name like that.

Later, past goat meadow, Ana waited again while I scrambled up the rocks to the top of Kurt Peak (also about 10,000 feet). I couldn't find the route where I came up, so I went back up, then down the west side and finally back north to the grassy slope where Ana was waiting.

Maybe it was foolish to leave Ana alone. Just three months later, two boys were attacked by a mountain lion on the hill just behind the town of Anaconda. The fourteen-year-old fired his gun to scare it off. Both boys were probably larger than my gunless wife. Fortunately, we didn't meet any cougars or bears on this hike, but Ana had other things to worry about.

Camping With Aliens In Montana

"I hear voices," she told me in the tent that night. I assured her there was nobody within ten miles of us, and then she was worried about aliens landing in the meadow. Well, it would make a good landing site. The wind threatened to shred the tent all night, sounding like the whispers or screams of ghosts - or aliens. By morning the wind relented, but it was well below freezing - time to get Ana home.

Despite the cold she hates so much, Ana couldn't help stopping to take in the view as we crossed the high meadows on our way home. Mountains, grey with rock, green with grass and flowers, and painted with white patches of snow, were everywhere. Lakes sat in valleys below, unvisited for weeks at a time. We'll be back there again, but perhaps with bear spray and alien repellant.

Notes:

Forty-five miles of the Continental Divide Trail pass through the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Other trails in the area are never heavily used. You can easily find mountains and whole valleys where you'll be the only human residents for as long as you stay.

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Keywords: camping in montana, continental divide, montana

______________
Steven Gillman
Tucson, AZ

Going to Live on the Costa del Sol

Thousands of people every year dream of going to live in Spain and a small percentage of them do it, what is the reason for the dream, and how does the reality live up to it?

I came to Spain in 1991, 14 years ago at the time of writing, with my husband and three young children then aged 4,7 and 8. To be honest we had initially intended to go to France, having been tempted by the promise of beautiful rural property going for a song, but we went the wrong way when we got off the ferry in Santander and have been here ever since!

Our reasons for leaving England, Lincolnshire to be exact, were not much different I imagine from anyone elses, better climate, cheaper property prices, less stressful way of life, lower crime rate, cheaper cost of living lower taxation and bureaucracy, less traffic and pollution and generally a better environment for our growing children. In all respects I should say the move has lived up to our expectations.

Of course it wasn't all plain sailing. For a start none of us spoke a word of Spanish, we had been busy learning French! We fell in love with Northern Spain as the scenary is so beautiful but it was impossible to find any property to buy as there were no such things as estate agents then, those halcyon days! but for all we curse them they do a least provide a meeting point between buyer and seller. So against all our original intentions we hitched up the caravan and headed south, having been told by some English people we met on a campsite that it would be alot easier down there. Which indeed it was.

We didn't want to follow the sun, sea and sangria route as we were looking for isolation and seclusion and after responding to an advert for a house for sale in the English paper " SUR in English" we were introduced to a Spainard who after much painstaking searching managed to find us the place of our dreams in the mountains of Casares, just inland from Estepona. However we still weren't home and dry as all we actually bought was 10,000 sq. metres of complete isolation and a ruin without water or electricity! So now the fun had just begun.

In any event we soon discovered that we had escaped bureaucracy as all we had to do was present a simple plan drawn by my husband and pay 200 pesetas and we had planning permission to more or less do as we wished. However that was easier said than done as we still barely spoke the lingo and didn't even know the word for brick. Still with the aid of Hugo's Spanish in 3 months,( 3 years more like) we plodded on and built our own piece of paradise on the sunny slopes of an Andalucian mountain. The children enrolled in the village school and within a few months were virtually bi-lingual. The local people were very friendly and trusting and adored the children arguing amongst themselves as to whose turn it was to invite them for merienda after school.

So 14 years down the line we are still here and have no desire to return. Most of our hopes and expectations have ben realized. Certainly the climate is better, the property, at the time was cheaper, the Spanish don't know the meaning of the word stress, although sometimes this can be a bit stressful in itself! The crime rate in our area is virtually nil, we don't even have a lock on the door, the cost of living was lower but with the advent of the euro is steadily rising, taxation on the essentials in life such as alcohol, fuel and even tobacco is less and certainly even today the Spanish do try to keep bureaucracy to a minimum. Pollution is pretty minimal as there is no heavy industry in this area and although the traffic has increased it obviously has done so in the U.K. as well. I certainly think the children had a better enviornment to grow up in as they were able to have the freedom to roam and explore that you certainly could not afford children in the U.K. these days. One other great benefit that I had not considered before is the much healthier lifestyle. The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest in the world, the sunshine is good for body and soul, the air is fresher, the longer winter days are much less depressing and if you like out door pursuits such as golf, swimming, walking etc. then it is definitely the right place to be. It is little wonder that the local population have a longer life span and comparitively lower rates of cancer and heart disease than in other western countries.
Most of the above still holds true for today. Of course there is alot of development and a much larger foriegn population but that has it's benefits. The infrastructure has been greatly improved, in particular the roads and airports and accesibility to all parts of Andalucia from Britain has never been easier. It is now easy to take out a mortgage to buy a Spanish property either at home in Gibraltar or with a Spanish bank. There is certainly a far greater choice of properties for sale and of course plenty of Estate agents!

If you are thinking of moving over here then don't rush into buying the first brand new villa or apartment you see, shop around. You will probably get better value for money if you buy a second hand property and at least you don't have to worry about dead lines not being met and being left high and dry with all your baggage packed and no place to go. Also all teething problems will have already been ironed out and water, electricity and possibly even phone connections will be up and running.

It is very quick to buy in Spain, it is just a matter of going to the Notary with the money, signing the papers and you can move in- no need to exchange contracts and wait for completion dates etc. You don't even really need a solicitor but if this is your first time it is probably advisable.
Buying a ruin, as we did, and building is now more or less out of the question as the Junta de Andalucia have put a ban on rural development. The only exception is if you can prove that you have a working Finca and that you need to live on the premises to tend to your livestock.

If you are serious about settling here then do make an attempt to Learn Spanish as you will get so much more out of your time here. The Spanish people are very kind hearted and friendly and very patient with all us mad foriegners, so many of whom don't speak the lingo, but they really appreciate you making the effort.

So if your dream is to go and live in Spain then do it! You will find it a wonderful life enriching experience.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak, the owner of http://www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com a site specializing in holiday apartments and villas on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalalucia in particular.

Keywords: costa del sol,living in spain,moving to spain,andalucia

____________________
Ruth Polak, Spain
ruthcasares@yahoo.co.uk
Learn more about Moving to Spain

I live with my husband and 3 children in the mountains of Spain near a village called Casares, about 20 minutes from the Costa del Sol. I have the pleasure to run a business renting holiday villas and apartments in some wonderful locations around the area.

Golf Maui - Tee Off Where the Pros Play!

If you plan to golf Maui you're in for the treat of your links career! More top-flite choices await you than almost any other island destination. Whether you are a scratch golfer or the only way you get near par is with an eraser, there is a Maui golf experience waiting just for you!

With near perfect year-round weather averaging 75-85 degrees, who wouldn't want to golf Maui? You've seen many of the courses on TV: The Kapalua Plantation course, home of the Mercedes Championship; the Wailea Gold course, home of the Senior Skins Game; and Kaanapali North, host to a Champions tour event. But the best part of all is that you can experience the exact same courses Tiger, Phil and Ernie challenge. All of Maui's golf courses are in great shape year round, and there is no bad time for a maui golf vacation. Try some of the lesser known but no less spectacular courses such as Makena South, Pukalani, and the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course. Almost every course offers stunning views of both the ocean and Mt. Haleakala, so keeping your eye on the ball is your foremost challenge here!

So if you're coming to Golf Maui, be advised you'll be subjected to gorgeous vistas, great weather, world-class accommodations, delicious Asian Rim cuisine, and quite possibly the best vacation you've ever had. We just thought you should know. As for myself, every year I look forward to the time I get to golf Maui!

Keywords: golf maui, hawaii golf courses, kapalua

__________________
Keith Thompson, Yucaipa, CA, USA
keith@internetmarketinghere.com
Learn more about golf maui

Keith Thompson is a writer unfettered by Hollywood success, though he wouldn't mind being fettered a little. He is also the owner of www.internetmarketinghere.com, a site featuring the latest and best tools for your online biz!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Hawaii Vacation Directory and continues his love affair with the Kapalua Golf Club

Hawaii Snorkeling - An Underwater Paradise!

Hawaii snorkeling is a fun activity available to almost any skill level of swimmer, where you can discover a breathtaking array of Hawaii's most exotic sea life a few yards from shore. Colorful coral, lava flows, turtles and more than 700 species of fish are found in the clear, high- visibility waters warmed to an average temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting yourself outfitted is no problem, as there are dozens if not hundreds of rental facilities around, ranging in price from $10-20 day, and if you're staying at a resort you can possibly score free equipment available to their guests.

Once you're outfitted and ready for some Hawaii snorkeling, head out to some of Hawaii's best snorkeling venues. Likely the most well-known of these is Molokini. The Molokini crater is what's left of an extinct volcano a few miles off Maui, shaped like a crescent moon. This is s must-see spot! Other great Hawaii snorkeling locations on Maui include Honolua Bay, Kapalua Bay and Makena landing. Honolua is regarded by locals as the best snorkeling and diving spot on Maui, while Kapalua Bay boasts calm waters, safe swimming, and one of the world's best beaches. Makena offers excellent cave snorkeling, and endangered green sea turtles. Other Hawaii snorkeling spots worth getting wet in would be Hanauma Bay Nature Park on Oahu, a marine preserve; and Waimea Bay, best known for it's surfing. In fact, during winter months snorkeling isn't permitted due to high surf. On the Big Island there's Kealakekua Bay and Hapuna Beach. If your Hawaii snorkeling plans take you to Kauai, try Ke'e Beach and Po`ipu Beach Park.

Wherever your Hawaii snorkeling trip takes you in the islands rest assured that there is practically no bad place to dip your feet in! Be safe though; don't snorkel alone, snorkel in safe waters, observe warning signs, and beware of high surf. And don't feed the fish! They've survived centuries without Cheezits; don't get them started now!

Your Hawaii snorkeling adventure is waiting just under the warm waters of whichever island you choose. Don't forget the camera!

Keywords: hawaii snorkeling

__________________
Keith Thompson, Yucaipa, CA, USA
keith@internetmarketinghere.com
Learn more about hawaii snorkeling

Keith Thompson is a writer unfettered by Hollywood success, though he wouldn't mind being fettered a little. He is also the owner of www.internetmarketinghere.com, a site featuring the latest and best tools for your online biz!

Keith Thompson runs http://www.Hawaii-Vacation-Directory.com, where you can find many resources for your Hawaii vacation package

Hawaii Sport Fishing

If you're coming to experience Hawaii sport fishing, you have one heck of an adventure awaiting you! Anglers from all over the world journey to these deep blues waters teeming with trophy fish. This is where you come to get the big ones. In fact the biggest fish ever caught on rod and reel was a blue marlin caught just off Oahu, weighing in at a hefty 1805 lbs.! Hawaii is so legendary among sport fishing enthusiasts that several "big-game" tournaments are held here every year, including the granddaddy of them all, the Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, luring fishermen from all over the globe.

Hawaii sport fishing is the home of big-game fish. Some of the species you'll encounter here are three types of marlin; blue, black and striped. It's entirely possible to hook yourself a "grander", meaning a monster fish weighing at least 1000 lbs.! Other top game fish include Ahi (Yellowfin Tuna), Ono (Wahoo), Mahimahi (Dolphin fish), and Skipjack Tuna. All of these babies can give you a reel-spinning run for your money, and an experience you'll not soon forget! In fact the tuna are among the fiercest, most tireless fighters of the bunch! Only the striped marlin is a sometimes resident, showing up only in winter. All of the others can be found year-round. Some of the best fishing spots you'll want to try would include Kona; long regarded as the best big-game fishing in the world. Oahu's North Shore is more famous for it's surfing, but it's just under the surface here where the real action begins! Actually, there's pretty much not a bad place for Hawaii sport fishing: some are just more excellent than others!

Booking your Hawaii sport fishing adventure is easy. There are literally hundreds of charter fishing boats operating here, offering you a ton of choices. Some things to keep in mind would be to consider how long you'll want to be out. Most offer half or full day trips, but also know that of you want the best chance at hooking a big-game fish, a longer trip may be called for to give yourself time to get to the best fishing grounds and keep your line in the water awhile. No experience or fishing license is required, and should you hook a trophy fish, taxidermy can be arranged. Come and experience Hawaii sport fishing and come home with a little something for that bare wall!

Keywords: hawaii sport fishing, marlin, yellowfin, big game fish

_____________________
Keith Thompson
Yucaipa, CA, USA
keith@internetmarketinghere.com
Learn more about hawaii sport fishing

Keith Thompson is a writer unfettered by Hollywood success, though he wouldn't mind being fettered a little. He is also the owner of www.internetmarketinghere.com, a site featuring the latest and best tools for your online biz!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Hawaii Vacation Directory, a top resource for your Hawaiian holiday adventure!

Iron Man Hawaii 2005

Iron Man Hawaii 2005 will be contested this year on October 15th, 2005, in and around Kailua/Kona, Hawaii. The Iron Man Hawaii 2005 Triathlon World Championship is the culmination of many qualifying events, all leading up to this competition. The race consists of a 2.4 mile ocean swim, a 112 mile bike race, and a 26.2 mile marathon run. Lest there be any slackers, (ha, ha), there is a time limit of 17 hours from start to finish. Iron Man Hawaii 2005 will be watched by thousands on the ground in Kona, as well as approximately 50 million people worldwide on TV.

The Iron Man Hawaii 2005 Triathlon is rightly regarded as the world championship of triathlon racing. A tough course, temperatures between 82-95 degrees and matching humidity, and winds that can gust as high as 60 mph buffet the contestants all the way through the 8-12 hours it takes most of them to finish. The rewards are worth it however. Besides the intangibles of even completing a race as tough as this, a total of $480,000 in prize money is awarded to the pro division. 2000 competitors from over 50 countries will vie for the distinction of winning Iron man Hawaii 2005!

Truly an international event, Iron Man Hawaii 2005 has produced such champions as Mark Allen, Paula Newby-Fraser and many more. The only guaranteed returnees would be the winners in the pro and age-group divisions. All others must earn their way back. For endurance race addicts, this is how it should be. For a thrilling experience in a magical locale, plan to make Iron Man Hawaii 2005 the centerpiece of your vacation travel plans! And if you're fortunate enough to be competing, may the wind always be at your back!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Hawaii Vacation Directory where you can find links and more information on Iron Man Hawaii 2005

Keywords: iron man hawaii 2005, ironman, triathlon

_________________
Keith Thompson
Yucaipa, CA, USA
keith@internetmarketinghere.com

Learn more about iron man hawaii 2005

Keith Thompson is a writer unfettered by Hollywood success, though he wouldn't mind being fettered a little. He is also the owner of www.internetmarketinghere.com, a site featuring the latest and best tools for your online biz!

Take a Hawaii Helicopter Tour

A Hawaii helicopter tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences you'll have on your trip to Hawaii. An hour or two spent above some of the planet's most captivating landscape sears itself into your memory for years to come. A Hawaii helicopter tour is both safe and stupendous!

Some of the sights you'll encounter aloft on your Hawaii helicopter tour include of course Hawaii's spectacular volcanoes, Haleakala, Kilauea and the Pu'u O'o Vent. If you're lucky you'll see lava flows! Other great sights seen from above include Hana's spectacular rain forests and waterfalls, lush sugar cane and pineapple fields, pristine valleys and remote inaccessible rain forests. Relax in the comfort of your seat while you view and listen as your guide gives you all the details on state-of-the-art sound systems, allowing you to concentrate on all the beauty below! Videos are usually available to impress your friends back home, as they'd never believe this if you simply told it to them!

There are several fine Hawaii helicopter tour companies that will take reservations and offer you all the amenities you'll require. Some of these companies include Hawaii Helicopters, Maui Air, Alex Air, Pacific Wings, Volcano Air Tours, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, Sunshine Helicopters and others. Some tours are as short as 30 minutes, to as long as 3 hours, and run from $100-$500 depending of course on the tour and times you choose. Do yourself a favor and book a Hawaii helicopter tour on your next Hawaii vacation. You'll be glad you did!

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at http://www.Hawaii- Vacation-Directory.com, where you can find many resources for your Hawaii vacation Come by and see how to get your own slice of paradise!

Keywords: hawaii helicopter tour

__________________
Keith Thompson
Yucaipa, CA, USA
keith@internetmarketinghere.com
Learn more about hawaii helicopter tour

Keith Thompson is a writer unfettered by Hollywood success, though he wouldn't mind being fettered a little. He is also the owner of www.internetmarketinghere.com, a site featuring the latest and best tools for your online biz!

Coughing Our Way Across The Country

As we drove from Traverse City, Michigan to Tucson, Arizona, I wrote a series of letters, and photocopied them to send to family and friends. This was the first of the three.

Travel Letter #1

Saturday, 12/13/03 - Good morning. Welcome to our vacation form letter. We're in Arizona now. The sun is shining and it will be in the sixties today, which should melt the ice on the windows soon. Ana's foot doesn't seem to be broken, as we thought, so we took a long walk in the desert last night. We saw a coyote, probably the same one I chased the other day, and there were javelina tracks everywhere.

The library in Safford has books in Spanish, so Ana is enjoying reading now that her eye-patch is off. The doctor promised that the "divet" left by his golf-club-like blade will heal soon. We learned that eyeballs have many nerve endings, and we think the object in her eye may have been a fiber from a yucca plant.

Our uncontrollable coughs are under control now, and we aren't among the ten people in Arizona that died from the flu this week. Oh, and the antibiotics from the Safford clinic seem to have helped with Ana's abcessed tooth.

I should start at the beginning. The first day, after dealing with the usual rudeness of the INS employees in Detroit, we made it to Kansas. We hit a traffic cone there at high speed, and heard a horrible sound coming from under the van. The cone, I discovered, had been dragging along underneath. Nothing was broken, but later the bright light switch stopped working.

Fortunately, we drove during daylight after that. In the Colorado mountains we went from 16 to 20 miles-per-gallon, confusing the sensors and causing the "check engine" light to turn on. We successfully ignored it until it changed it's mind.

In Farmington, New Mexico, we spent a few days resting and coughing. We were about an hour away from buying a house when we discovered it needed new wiring, had a garden hose attached to the natural gas line, and other problems we missed on our first visit. The old man begged me to buy it, called our motel room to tell me he needed money for open-heart surgery in three days, and called again to lower the price, but we moved on. By the way, the house was to be a winter project, not a new home.

Monument Valley was beautiful, the Christmas parade in Holbrook was cute, and despite various problems and illnesses, we're having a great time. You see, I didn't want to make you all jealous, so I left out a lot - the constant sun, the beautiful sculptures in Grand Junction, and the nine times we've been in hot springs in Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Next week we're going to Mexico for lunch. Hope all is well in Michigan. Adios,

Steve and Ana

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the United States and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read letters #2 and #3, plus stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Keywords: travel letters, letters home, travel

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Steven Gillman
Tucson, AZLearn more at

Visit Pismo Beach California

Are you looking for a vacation spot where you can relax, unwind and get rid of every day stress without dying of boredom? Why not visit Pismo Beach, California? Pismo Beach is situated on the central coast of California just about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can get there by car, camper, boat, rail, bus or you can fly into San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.

There are no large amusement or theme parks or crowds of people, just twenty three (23) miles of beautiful sandy uncrowded beaches and sand dunes surrounded by golf courses, wooded areas and small towns.

Accomodations are plentiful, with everything from campgrounds and RV parks, to inexpensive motels to hotels in various price ranges to luxury beachfront resorts and spas. There is no dearth of restaurants, you can find coffee shops, family restaurants, excellent seafood restaurants and fine steakhouses.

Lie on a white sand beach soaking up the sun during the day and go for long moonlit walks along the oceans edge at night. Go whale watching for gray, humpback and killer whales. View dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, pelicans and seagulls. See hugh colonies of giant elephant seals up close and personal, dig your own clams for lunch or dinner, visit one of the most spectacular Monarch Butterfly Groves in the country, spend a leisurely day fishing off the 1200 foot pier.

Want a little more activity? Play golf at one of the nearby golf courses, visit some of the nearby wineries, go for a short (under one hour) drive up the coast and take a tour of Hearst Castle, or a short (under one half hour) drive down the coast and visit Solvang, the "Danish Capital of America".

Still not enough? Take a one half or full day sport fishing trip and fish for albacore, rockcod , salmon and more. Go horse back riding through the Oceano Dunes and Beach. Take paragliding or kiteboarding lessions. Go ATV four wheeling, body boarding or surfing or take a 30 minute "flying boat" flight along the shoreline in a two seater ultra-light "flying boat".

For more information about the city of Pismo Beach, California see http://pismobeach.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pismo Beach, California guides and directories listing information, resources, services, things to do and places to go.

Keywords: pismo beach, california, travel, tourism,vacation, visit

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David Hallstrom
Learn more about Pismo Beach California

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

Ecuador: One Month, $1000 Including Airfare

On my first trip to Ecuador I discovered that the official currency of is the U.S. Dollar. A nice surprize, since I thought I'd have to find a place to exchange money at midnight in Quito. Not only could I use the dollar bills in my pocket, but just one of them would buy a three-course lunch at a clean restaurant. I fell in love with Ecuador immediately. I fell in love with my wife Ana a few days later.

Quito, Ecuador

I loved Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Centro Del Mundo, the hostel where I stayed the first few days, cost $4 per night, including breakfast. The walls had maps and all the information I needed on them. There were travelers from fourteen countries there during my stay.

I took a tour to the volcano Cotapaxi, and hiked up to the glaciers with three others, from Israel, France and England. I danced (Free Rum in the hostel on Friday nights), wandered the city streets, and took spanish lessons from a beautiful tutor. Ana was not only a great teacher, but soon became my tour guide and, eventually, my wife.

Riobamba, Ecuador

Riobamba is another beautiful mountain city. My hotel was $3 per night, this time in a private room with a TV. The manager had connections, and information on anything I wanted. He arranged for a guide to take me up Mount Chimborazo, which at 20,600 feet is the furthest point from the center of the Earth (due to the bulge at the equator). After climbing 4,000 feet of glaciers, I made it to the summit.

Banos, Ecuador

Back in Quito, I called Ana, and we made plans to go to Banos De Santa Agua, a town in central Ecuador, famous for its hotsprings. The bus was $3, a nice motel with cable T.V. cost $7 per night. The second day there, we ate out for breakfast, lunch and dinner, went to the hotsprings, bought souvenirs, went to a movie, went out drinking and dancing - and the entire day, including motel, cost $34!

In fact, the entire trip, including airfare, the fee for the guide on Chimborazo, and everything else, cost $1040. That was for four weeks. How I kept it so cheap is a subject for another article.
More Information on Ecuador

The mountain towns (Quito, Riobamba, Loja, Cuenca, Otavalo, Ibarra, Ambato, Latacunga) have wonderful climates. Highs are in the 60s to 70s fahrenheit year-round. Guayaquil and the coastal cities can be hot, but the temperature is moderated by the Humboldt Current, which brings cool water along the coast of South America.

If you like beaches, you have many options. In Salinas, for example, you can sit on a beautiful Pacific Ocean beach, while vendors bring you everything from beer to ice cream to chair rentals an music. For $20 you can rent a jet ski and have some fun in the waves.

The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador, and tour information is available in all major cities (It's cheaper to wait until you're in Ecuador to book a tour).

Good meals can still be had for under two dollars in most cities, if you eat where the locals do. Hotels in most cities start at around $12 (less for a bed in a hostel). Cross-country travel by bus is cheaper and more comfortable than bus travel in the U.S.

The people of Ecuador are almost universally friendly, and speak one of the clearest, easiest to understand dialects of Spanish (A great place to learn). Ecuador is a safe, democratic republic, with a legal system similar to that of the U.S.

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the United States and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. Read their stories, tips and travel information at: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Keywords: ecuador,travel ecuador,quito,riobamaba,chimborazo

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Steven Gillman
Tucson, AZ

How To Save Money On Cruises

1. If you’re 55 or older, you can get senior citizen discounts.

2. If you belong to American Automobile Association or American Association Of Retired Persons, you can get a discount.

3. “Buy One-Get One” fares are often offered. You buy your ticket and bring another person along for the ride. Or better yet, split the cost of the fare and you both travel at a 50% discount.

4. Added Value or Free Days. You book a 7-day cruise and get 3 days free or free shore excursions, as well as pre or post cruise hotel rooms.

5. Flat fare specials are one fixed price for the best available cabin at the time of booking.

6. Share a cabin with friends, another couple or two family members and you could easily end up cruising for free. This fare package can also be cut four ways - reducing the burden on all. You will be sleeping in head over bunks that are comfortable, so consider this strategy. Just make sure everyone gets along.

7. You should check into airfares at reduced rates offered by your cruise line to get you to your embarkation site.

8. How about an upgrade? Better cabins, discounted certificates, 10-40 percent savings off advertised prices may all be offered by your cruise line through their respective newsletters.

9. The early bird still gets the cruise, just like with the airlines. If you’re a good long-range planner, then you can save mucho dinero. The earlier you book your cruise - the more you save. Typically 10 - 40%.

10. If you belong to an association, organization, if you have a wedding party, family reunion, belong to a church group or are planning a corporate outing you can get a hefty group discount. As always, don’t be afraid to ask!

11. Stand by! Yes, it happens with cruise ships too. Typically you’re notified three weeks prior to departure if there is space. Late notice like this means you get a nice discount fare.

Bonus Tip: Did you know that the best cabins to avoid seasickness in are the lower and middle deck cabins? There is more stability here than the pricey upper cabins! Just make sure you’re not placed under the Disco, in high traffic areas, or near the engine room. Diesel powered ships vibrate near the stern (rear) of the ship and passenger cabins near the bow (front) may subject you to hearing the anchor raise and lower.

Are you planning cruise vacation? Visit Cruises Center for the latest news and information on cruises.

Keywords: cruises, travel, vacation

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Alex Fir, info@kosspa.com
Learn more about cruises

Alex Fir, writer, author and webmaster of several successful web sites.

Travel Blog Your Next Vacation

Some years ago, I took an extended trip to Europe. During that vacation, I kept a travel journal in which I made notes of the places I visited, the people I met and the events that occurred. I still get out that travel journal and read through some of the entries. The problem with the journal was that the entries were not easy to share. I still had to write postcards and letters to my family and friends.

Now, with the advent of blogs (web logs) your travel journal can also serve as a way of sharing your vacation with your family and friends. Your friends will be able to immediately read about your adventures as soon as you've written about them. No need to buy stamps or send letters via snail mail.

Because you're writing a blog, there's also no need to send out multiple emails either. Write it once and your done. Your friends and family can subscribe to your blog and they are automatically notified when you make an entry. Additionally, your friends can make comments on your blog post that are available for others to see, giving your friends an opportunity to actively participate in your vacation.

The best part about your blog is that while you are sharing your vacation with your family and friends, you'll also be making a record of your vacation so that you'll be able to easily remember what you did and reminisce about the great times or the challenges that you faced.

Because blogs are web-based, you can make an entry from any location that has access to the Internet. Many of my friends have started to make regular trips to an Internet cafe a standard part of their vacations. Many hotels also offer and Internet terminal that you can use for a few minutes.

There are many websites where you can post your blog for free. Many of them even allow you to post pictures. Some blogs even specialize in travel logs. Two of my favorites are:
Travellerspoint - Allows you to create a public travel blog or a private travel diary that is password protected for selected viewers. TravelBlog - Provides blog space and allows for unlimited photos in your travel journal.

If you've got the travel bug, but can break away from work or don't have appropriate funds, you can go on a virtual vacation by subscribing to a travel blog that someone else is keeping. You may also want to read through a blog of someone who's been to the destination that you're planning to visit. You'll get first hand travel tips and advice for that destination.

A travel blog can enhance your vacation by allowing your friends and family to participate as well as creating a record of the trip that you can enjoy later. Make sure you create one for your next vacation.

Keywords: travel tips, travel advice, vacation tips, vacation advice, travel blogs, vacation blogs

________________
Jed Clark
San Francisco, CA, USA
jclark@zurdogo.com

Learn more about travel tips

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. He is an avid traveler and has traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. He loves his home city of San Francisco and created ZurdoGo.com to extol San Francisco's wonders, destinations and beauties to would be travelors and visitors.

What you need to know about - senior citizens travel

Are you drained of sitting at home, doing babysitting of your grandchildren? Have your dreams to explore the world not turned to reality? Are your eyes longing to capture the grandeur of the world around you? If yes, don’t detain yourself from discovering the world. Your age should not be an impediment in living your life to the fullest.

When it comes to traveling, horde of choices are available for the senior citizens too. From opting a perfect destination that lives up to their tastes to the mode to travel and the place to cuddle, all lie at their discretion.

· The destination- For those who enjoy basking in glory of the sun at the beaches, locations like Hawaii Islands, Bahamas and the like are ideal holiday spots. The connoisseurs of art and architecture can move to the cities like Barcelona, New Orleans etc. that are swarming with the masterpieces of eminent painters and architects. Evergreen places like Switzerland, Germany and so forth are never meant to be overlooked.

· The Decisive Factor The determination of a destination is directly proportional to factors like budget, mode to transport, the climatic conditions and the food.

Most of the senior citizens prefer and desire to travel according to their pockets. Since the youth bids goodbye at this age, the potential to earn more takes a backseat. The expenditure is by and large made from the savings that mushroom a little. Keeping in mind the state of affairs of senior citizens, numerous travel agencies offer discount packages that can be availed in the peak as well as the off season.

If you propose to make a trip within the periphery of your country, the costs incurred will be significantly minimized. For instance, you can accomplish your destination by traveling via a bus, a rented car or a train. The fare will be relatively low as compared to outlay on air tickets. But bear in mind that money is not prior to life. If the distance is a bit too long and you haven’t got the muscle to sit for long (in a train or bus) take a flight. Your health always precedes your wealth.

A majestic feel of heaven on earth is readily available on the deck of a cruise in a cruise voyage. There are several cruises that can serve you with the best of all amenities, all you have to do is discuss with your travel agent and search online about it.

At this age you should not excuse food as a crucial factor in determining the venue. A little search on the Internet and your travel agent can familiarize you with the cuisine, tastes of people and the luxury plus the budget restaurants at the place you propose to go. Also if you have a petite idea about the cuisine of the place, you can ask the locals the place they throng to gratify their hunger. This definitely will correspond to your pocket. Try to leave the home when the weather conditions are adverse there and positive and enjoyable. It is always prudent to make an assessment of the climatic conditions beforehand and plan your trip accordingly.

· Some crucial tips
1. The senior citizens and students should be extra vigilant in carrying cash. Avoid moving with lot of cash. Take your credit card along. This safeguards you against uninvited perils.

2. Carry a mobile phone. If that is unaffordable, leave your complete itinerary and all the contact numbers (of the hotel, villa, apartment etc.) with your children.

3. Pack the clothes with your all your essential and even not so significant medicines.

4. Last but not the least, if on the cards get all the reservations done in advance for at this age you should excuse yourself from the last minute anxiety and stress. Things can be easy in life, all one needs is a little planning and prudence.

Keywords: senior citizens travel

_____________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com

Mansi gupta writes about senior citizens travel topics.

What you need to know about – Barcelona travel

Welcome to the home of 1888 World’s Fair and 1992 Olympics, the capital of Catalan region-a culture branded for its unique amalgam of Spanish and French mode of cooking. Known for its affluent culture and heritage, the city of Barcelona nestled on the shore of Mediterranean is of profoundly entrenched in the past.

The Spectacular Art and Architecture Holidaying at Barcelona will treat your eyes with some of the worlds finest and out of the ordinary archaic architecture that stands unrivaled and unsullied till date. It is the work of the superlative Spaniard architect Antonio Gaudi. Gaudi’s exclusive masterpiece work can be sighted at the church of Sagrada Familia , the six storey apartment of Casa Batlo, Casa Mila also known as ‘The Quarry’-the multi family private residence that gives the impression of surging around the self same corner, Casa Vicens-the summer villa outside Barcelona that is a perfect blend of traditional and innovative designs and last but not the least the Park Guell an urban setting project, a magnum opus of this genius.

To intensify the magnificence of Barcelona, what waits ahead is the outstanding and exquisite work of Picasso. Picasso’s distinguished concerto is put on view at the Museu Picasso where wing of the museum parades Picasso’s take on Valazquez’s famous ‘Las Meninas’. The MNAC i.e. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya displays an exotic collection of the work during Gothic and Renaissance era along with numerous other stupendous things like coins, medals, sculpture and carvings etc. but this is not all. A plethora of 20th century art and sculpture by prominent Joan Miro, Botero, Basquiat and Motherwell can be treasured at the MACBA – Mueseu d’ Art Contemporani de Barcelona and Museu Fundacio Joan Miro museums.

Something more about Barcelona The months of June and July flicker with the celebration of the Fest de Grec-Barcelona arts festival, October and November have the onus for the international film festival and May is swarming with all the grand prix aficionados. You may choose any of these seasons and even apart from these to marvel at the exquisiteness of Barcelona. The accommodations are conveniently available suiting to your pocket. There are some good hotels at Sur Diagonal, Eixample, Barri Gotic etc. and luxury villas t spoil your self on the countryside. Barcelona on the streets of Spain has not scaled heights demographically. The thin population of les than two million, the city permits you to liberally roam around everywhere without much hurly burly.

On your vacation to Barcelona do not leave untouched the Ciutat Vella-the old city that nests in the midst of Barcelona that speaks of its rich Gothic architecture of medieval times and a memorable march on the pedestrian street of La Rambla that grounds vibrant markets and street entertainers.

The nightlife can be savored in the relatively solitary area of Gracia near the middle of Barcelona that also possesses the coveted Gaudi’s project of Casa Vicens. Let the water caress and pamper your body at the beaches of Little Barcelona or Barceloneta and let your mouth relish the succulent seafood served here in Little Barcelona. A breath of air along the contemporary urban development project-Eixample where a grid is made with a garden adjacent to each block is unquestionably meaningful.

Once you step into this massive city that is bifurcated into numerous districts and zones, you will have no snag in getting around. From metros, buses and trains to rental cars all are at your service. To the budget travelers it is advisable to take a special ‘Barcelona Card’ that permits you free entry and discounts on hundred renowned venues along with priceless public transportation. So are you ready to be bedazzled by the Barcelona curves and curvatures?
Mansi gupta writes about barcelona travel topics.

Keywords: barcelona travel

__________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com

10 tips to help you select the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental

Planning a Tropical vacation full of lush jungles, secluded beaches, and friendly people but not too expensive? Costa Rica is the place to go! But where do you stay, a resort or a private villa? Do you want long lines, crowded pools, kids running up and down the corridors? I think not.
Selecting the best Costa Rica vacation rental can be the difference between a great vacation and one where you feel like you are ‘doing without’.

Many vacationers consider the Costa Rica vacation rental as ‘just somewhere to stay’ since most of your time will be spent in or on the water, or enjoying local attractions. Don’t make that mistake. There is no reason to settle for less when, with a little planning, you can find a great Costa Rica vacation rental that you’ll enjoy as much or more than the other parts of your vacation.

Remember, your vacation home is where you’ll be sleeping, waking up, having many of your meals, and resting.

If it rains or is unseasonably hot outside, you may end up stretched out reading a book to while away the day or wanting to watch one of your favorite movies on the DVD – assuming there is a comfortable sofa. And when you meet new friends, you’ll want someplace nice for entertaining. Shouldn’t your vacation rental be a pleasant get-away with the amenities that make vacations a real treat? “A home away from home”

Here are 10 tips to for selecting the perfect Costa Rica vacation rental:

1. The single most important factor is whether or not you can “see” actual recent photos of the interior and exterior of the vacation rental. It’s one thing to read a great description – and some of them are quite ‘complimentary’ (sometimes overly so) - but you need to see what you are getting.

With the Internet, a website is the quickest most convenient way for you to get information on prospective Costa Rica vacation rentals. If there are no pictures, you’ll know right away to keep looking. Brochures, books and guides are nice, but may have out-dated information.

2. List the amenities that are important to you, the ones without which you will feel incomplete. Next, jot down those that are nice to have, but not deal-breakers if not available.

With these lists as a guide, you’ll be able to quickly eliminate those rentals that won’t meet your needs. Your list might include proximity to the water, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, type kitchen (full versus fridge and microwave), outdoor amenities such as decks and BBQ grills, ocean views, private pools, outdoor eating areas, tennis courts and other items important to you.
On your secondary list, you might have things like a hammock for lazing about, or pool waterfall for the relaxing sounds. Exterior stereo speakers, to enjoy your favorite music around the pool. Ice makers to mix your favorite drinks, especially in the heat of the day.

3. List the activities that you want to be able to enjoy while on vacation. A morning activity like scuba diving, snorkeling or canopy tour then coming back to the villa to relax may be a high priority for you. You also need to consider how close the vacation rental is to the airport. It is very important to know how far the rental is from your arrival airport. Some rentals can take a half a day’s drive and after your flight even an hour’s drive can seem an eternity. Your travel time back to the airport at departure can also frustrate your entire vacation. Enjoying your last morning of your vacation by a private pool instead of traveling for hours to the airport can be very important to you. For Costa Rica vacation rentals that are only 20 minutes from the Liberia International airport visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com . This will help you in selecting a general location.

You also need to consider how close you want your vacation rental to be to the attractions.
Some people feel that a great vacation is being able to walk or bicycle everywhere. Others don’t mind a short drive, and still others think nothing of getting on a freeway to enjoy attractions.
If you prefer a vacation without the hassles of traffic, parking problems, crowds and long lines, select a villa located in the quaint waterfront town of Playa Panama, Costa Rica. Visit http://www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com to learn more.

4. Identify your first, second and third choice of dates for renting the villa. With several dates, you’ll save time when making arrangements.

If you find a villa that you really want and you have some flexibility in scheduling, having alternate dates ready allows you to book right then, saving yourself the time and hassle of having to re-check everyone’s schedule and call back – and risking losing those dates in the interim.

5. Call the telephone numbers for the vacation rentals that seem to meet your needs and speak directly with either the owners or the person who is handling the property.

Be prepared with a list of questions. This allows you to compare apples to apples, and keeps you from forgetting something important during the conversation.

It also gives you a feel for the person who will be your contact should you rent the villa and then encounter a problem. If you don’t get a warm, friendly welcome to your inquiries, don’t expect anything different when you have a problem.

6. Ask what amenities are included. You may learn of something that’s not on your list but is perfect for your plans. Does the rental have maid service? Last thing you want to do is make the beds or clean the dishes, even if there is a dishwasher. Does the rental have a washer and dryer? If so, you will not have to take as many cloths with you. Will the maid wash your cloths before your departure? Coming home with a suitcase full of clean cloths is certainly a benefit.

Other things to consider: Is there a welcome basket? Will the owner have essential items in the refrigerator for you, before your arrival? Can you make arrangements for tours? Are there plates, utensils, pots, pans and other essentials for eating and meal preparation – or will you have to bring your own? Does the rental have air condition or do you have to depend on the winds to comfort you?

7. Inquire about restaurants, events and activities and other forms of local entertainment that are close by. Here’s where your list of preferred activities comes in handy. You should be able to find links to local attractions, calendars and restaurants on the website of your Costa Rica vacation rental.

8. Are the owners local or do they have a management team helping 24/7? Owners are a wealth of information about the area and can give you tips on great out-of-the-way places that aren’t in the guidebooks. They also care about your enjoyment and comfort while at their villa.

This can make a huge difference; especially should something need immediate attention in the villa. There’s nothing worse than calling the rental company about a stopped-up toilet and getting somebody’s bored teenager who’s manning the phones for the summer.

9. How long has the owner been renting vacation rentals? If the owner has worked with rental properties, they know what tenants expect and how to get things done.

If this is a new venture, beware. The owner may be in it for “fun” and have no idea how to prepare the villa so that you can have a great vacation.

10. And last, when you look at the pictures, can you see yourself having a great time there?
If the pictures make you want to go right now, and the answers to the questions above meet your satisfaction, you’ve found yourself a great Costa Rica vacation rental!

Keywords: vacation rental,vacation home,vacation house

_________________
Paul Orr
info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com
Learn more about Costa Rica Vacation RentalsPaul has been traveling to Costa Rica since 2001. Purchased property 2001 and built a villa in 2002. Handles villa rentals for five additional villas. Two, three, four and five bedroom villa's available. www.costarica-vacation-getaway.com info@costarica-vacation-getaway.com

Add-on Accessories To Enhance Your Ride

There are many add-on devices and gizmos for cars that can provide features to make your ride better. There are accessories that will give you music that is more to your liking. A gps with maps can display the route to take to your chosen destination. A heated mug will keep coffee hot as long as the car is running. There are other useful functions and nice effects that add-on accessories can provide. Many car accessories are low enough in price so that they may be well worth installing. This article concentrates on the lower priced accessories. Most are under $50. You might find these at larger auto parts stores, large department stores, electronics stores or online.

Here's the list with some information and comments about each:

12 volt heated mug - A mug with a plug for getting power from the cigarette lighter socket. It keeps a liquid such as coffee hot for as long as the vehicle is running. Some models have a thermostat to set the temperature.

Example models:

Wagan Tech Heated Travel Mug. At At www.autoanything.com.

NexxTech™ Travel Mug with Thermal Control At www.circuitcity.com .

Power Up Thermal Mug. At www.radioshack.com.

Cooler/warmer - These give the choice of keeping food or beverage hot or cold. Some are sized to hold a can of soda or a mug of coffee, larger units might hold a six pack or more.

Example models:

Wagan Car Cooler/Warmer. At www.autoanything.com.

Koolatron 8 quart Food Cooler/Warmer. At www.jcwhitney.com.

Vector 6-can Portable Food Cooler & Warmer Chest. At www.jcwhitney.com.

Cell phone charger - Plugs into the cigarette lighter socket to power or charge your cell phone.
Example models:

Custom Accessories Deluxe Power Cord Charger - Motorola. At www.carlovershop.com.

Custom Accessories Power Cord Charger - Motorola. At www.carlovershop.com.

Radio Shack 273-1288 Car Power Adapter for Hitachi SH-P300 Wireless Phone. At www.radioshack.com.

Quick Cell 3900 Car Charger Nokia. At www.advanceautoparts.com.

12 volt coolers - These range in size to hold 2 soda cans up to full size refrigerators for recreational vehicles.

Example models:

VDP Road Chill 2-pack Cooler. At www.jcwhitney.com.

Multipurpose lights - Can be incandescent, flourescent or led. They might plug into the cigarette lighter socket, might be wired directly into the car's power circuits, or be battery operated and portable. If used while the vehicle is not running, a consideration may be that led models will drain the battery the least (but in general produce less light).

Example models:

Bonatrade International 6-Watt Single Tube 12V Fluorescent Light. At www.jcwhitney.com.
Custom Accessories 10716 Power Lite: Magnet Mount. Plugs into cigarette lighter jack. At www.acehardware.com.

Custom Accessories 76665 Utility Light 12v. At www.acehardware.com.

Voltec Industries 0800255 Trouble Light: 12 Volt. At www.advanceautoparts.com.

Alert HC20 Halogen Worklight 12v. At www.advanceautoparts.com.

Compass - Some are magnetic, some mechanical; some are battery powered with digital displays, can be lighted to read at night, and/or have additional features such as time, date, and/or temperature.

example models:

Wayfinder V100 Digital Compass. At www.autoanything.com.

NexxTech™ Digital Compass with Calendar, Clock and Temperature. At www.circuitcity.com.

Radio Shack 63-1221 Digital Vehicle Compass. At www.radioshack.com.

Custom Accessories 18100. At www.advanceautoparts.com.

Custom Accessories 55558. At www.advanceautoparts.com.

Black Type S Compass. At www.autobarn.com.

4 point safety harness - Has four anchor points and a restraint for each shoulder. These are more likely to get you through a crash with less injury than if you had been using a standard belt (across one shoulder and across the lap). Many of these models are made to attach to a roll bar, so make sure the one you are getting is appropriate for your vehicle.

example models:

Peak Racing Equipment PEK-507-2. At www.amazon.com.

Peak Racing Equipment PEK-507-2. At www.summitracing.com.

Power inverter - Plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, clips to battery, or wire it in. The vehicle's 12 volts dc is changed to 120 volts ac to power things like laptop computers, coffee makers, cell phones, camcorder battery chargers and other small appliances. Don't go bigger than 400 watts unless you want to go directly to the battery with heavy wire. Even then, high power devices will drain your battery quickly and could fry the alternator if the engine is running.

example models:

Coleman Powermate CMN-PMP400 400 watt. At www.summitracing.com.

Motor Trend power inverter HDL-MTI-12-3716. At www.summitracing.com.

Xantrex X Power Mobile Plug 75. At www.fisheriessupply.com.

Go Power GP 175 Modified Sine Wave Inverter. At www.hamiltonmarine.com.

Other accessories that can be used to enhance your car include seat covers, floor mats, steering wheel covers, sun shades, head rest covers, litter bags, can and cup holders, inside/outside thermometer, gps/map device, extra loud or novelty sound horns.

Items to keep in your car for repair, emergency, safety and miscellaneous - Jack, lug wrench, trouble light, flares, jumper cables, maps, cell phone and phone numbers, coolant for radiator, drinking water, long storage food, empty container for gasoline, various hand tools, gloves, coat, hat, blanket, rain poncho, and a first aid kit.

This article can be published in print or electronically, free of charge as long as it is complete, unaltered and contains the following author info and links (text only or active):

Alan Detwiler is the author of several books on leisure activities. The books are available at Amazon.com

He has web sites about ideas for having fun at www.leisureideas.com and simple homemade gizmos at www.makegizmos.com

Keywords: affordable car accessories, best car accessories, best low cost car accessories, best interior acces

______________
Alan Detwiler
Learn more about best low cost car accessories

Alan Detwiler is author of the ebook "Date Ideas: Fun Things To Do For Couples" available on www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002WYFFC/leisureideas-20. He also has a web site with a section about things to do for couples at www.leisureideas.com/date ideas.htm.

Breeze Through Airport Security

During the shake up a few years ago of the airport security system, things got a little crazy and airport security went a little overboard confiscating toenail clippers and hair mousse. Thankfully those days of an overzealous security system are behind us and a cautious, careful and reasonable security system has take its place. With a little commonsense and preparation, you can reduce the hassle and the time it takes you to get through airport security and get your flight off to a great start.

Like most things in life, a little preparation goes a long way. Preparation is especially helpful for a smooth move through airport security. Before you even pack your swim suit, do a little planning to make sure that items are packed appropriately for that little visit with security. A little commonsense applies. If you are traveling with anything that is a weapon or could be used as a weapon, pack it in your checked luggage.

Sharp-pointed metal scissors, pack 'em in a checked bag. Curved-tipped scissors are okay for carry-on. Despite some stories you may have heard from friends, the following items are allowed in your carry-on luggage: knitting needles, toenail clippers, corkscrews, nail files, blunt-tipped scissors and safety razors. The most common personal item that is not allowed in checked or carry-on bags is a lighter. If you are a smoker, pack a few books of safety matches in your carry-on bag instead.

If you are traveling with a laptop, it must be inspected outside of your carry-on bag. So, you may want to label your laptop separately by taping a business card or other identifier to the bottom.

Pack all of your valuables, laptop, camera and camcorder equipment in your carry-on bags. Camera film and equipment may be damaged by the checked-luggage screening and you want to keep your valuables in your personal care at all times.

Remember that checked luggage must be unlocked or locked with a TSA-recognized lock (a lock designed with a special code that security may use to inspect the contents of your bags). If you are packing gifts, don't wrap them until you get to your destination as security may have to inspect them.

Now that you're packed, it's time to dress for the airport. Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry or metal items. Try to wear a pair of tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes that doesn't have a metal support in the sole construction (many thick-soled dress shoes and high-heeled women's shoes use these). If you pack your keys, cell phone or PDA in your pocket, prepare an empty pocket in your carry-on where you can easily place these items before you get to the security checkpoint.

When you're at the airport and about to go through security, the most important thing you can do is to be prepared for the next step in the process. Before you enter the security line, verify that there is not a shorter line at another gateway that you can use. As you enter the line, have your boarding pass and driver's license or passport ready for inspection. Keep these items easily accessible as many airports require you to show them more than once.

As you approach the security checkpoint, remove all metal items, keys, PDAs and cell phones from your person and place them in your specially prepared carry-on pocket. You may also want to remove your jacket and carry it over your arm until you get to the check point.

At the security checkpoint, take your laptop out of your carry-on. Place your laptop and jacket in the provided containers. Place your carry-on bag on the conveyor. As your items enter the scanner, it's time for you to breeze on through the checkpoint.

Be sure to follow the instructions of the security screeners. Remember they are there to ensure your security. If you are pulled aside for a random screening, be courteous to the security personnel. They are there to do a job and being pleasant makes things a little nicer for both them and you.

A little commonsense and preparation can ease your way through airport security and get your flight off to a great start.

Keywords: travel tips, travel advice, airport security tips, airport security advice, travel

_______________
Jed Clark
San Francisco, CA, USA
jclark@zurdogo.com
Learn more about travel tips

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. He is an avid traveler and has traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. He loves his home city of San Francisco and created ZurdoGo.com to extol San Francisco's wonders, destinations and beauties to would be travelors and visitors.

Don't Burden Yourself on Vacation, Pack Light

When I was backpacking through Europe and staying in hostels, I met a 56-year-old woman who was traveling around the world. Eileen related to me the story of how she started her trip with three suitcases and a carry-on. The three suitcases were too much for her to maneuver in planes, trains, buses, airports and stations. Three weeks into her trip, she had purchased a small backpack and had discarded 80 percent of the stuff she started with.

Though this story is exceptional because Eileen was traveling around the world, a trip that she expected to last a year, and she started with an oppressive amount of luggage, the lesson learned can be taken to heart by the traveler in all of us whether we're going to San Francisco for the weekend or to New Dehli for a few weeks. Packing light enables you to easily maneuver yourself and your belongings through all the mazes of airports, train stations and bus stations.

How do you go about packing light? Well, packing light requires a special mindset when you are packing. First, you may want to start with a goal in mind. For example, you may want to fit everything required for a trip in a small piece of checked luggage or go one step further and aim for carry-on sized luggage only. Also, you really ought to save some space in that luggage for any souvenirs that you want to bring home.

After you have selected your desired luggage size, start planning and laying out all the clothes, toiletries and personal items that you think you'll need. You may want to check the weather report for your destination so you'll know the types of clothes you'll need. Once you have everything spread out on your bed, go through each item and determine if it is essential. If an item is not absolutely essential, leave it behind.

Determine the precise number of outfits that you'll need and don't pack a single piece of clothing more. Try to coordinate your clothing so that you can reuse items, such as pants, jeans or skirts, multiple times. Your goal is to be comfortable, not necessarily to look great.

If you are going on a trip that is more than one week, take one week's worth of clothing and then washing it while on your trip. Going to the laundromat in a foreign country is a great way to become acquainted with the culture. View it as an opportunity, not a hassle. Alternatively, you may be able to wash some items in the sink at your hotel.

Remember that you are going on vacation, so is it really necessary to bring your laptop or your PDA. Aren't you going on vacation to get away from all that. You'll likely be able to access an Internet cafe at your destination, another perfect opportunity to learn more about the local culture. If you're an avid reader, pick one book to bring and when you're done swap it with someone that you meet in your hotel, another opportunity to extend yourself beyond your normal preferred reading.

The reason that you are traveling is to relax, to explore another location, to expand your horizons and to connect with the culture and people of your destination. Laundromats, Internet cafes and book swapping are all excellent ways to fulfill the purpose of travel.
Don't be oppressed by large and heavy luggage that restricts your movement like a ball and chain clamped to your ankle. Eileen was a lot happier without her blow-dryer and you will be too. Free yourself to really get out there and enjoy your vacation.

Keywords: travel tips, travel advice, vacation tips, vacation advice, packing tips, packing advice,

_________________
Jed Clark
San Francisco, CA, USA
jclark@zurdogo.com
Learn more about travel tips

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. He is an avid traveler and has traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. He loves his home city of San Francisco and created ZurdoGo.com to extol San Francisco's wonders, destinations and beauties to would be travelors and visitors.

It's Finally Here!

It has begun. The Central Mexican yearly ritual has finally arrived, a month late I might add, and life as we know it has changed and will be different for the next 10-12 weeks.

The rainy season is here.

I wrote about it two months ago. I told of my not-so-excited-anticipation of this yearly and, unless you want to leave and go to the desert for 12 weeks, unavoidable act of God. The rainy season changes EVERYTHING.

1. When it is the dry season, you can leave the house on a moment's notice with nary a thought in your head about it. I mean, you can be impulsive.

"Oh, Honey let's run out and get some ice cream."

"Let's do, sweetheart and while we're out, let's go to a movie!"

"Super! Let's go!"

This little scene is on hold now for the next 12 weeks.

2. You cannot leave the house together—ever. Someone has to stay home, at all times, keeping vigil over the leaking windows. You see, Mexican homebuilders, for reasons known surely only to the Almighty, build windows to leak. Now follow me carefully here.

Central Mexico has had, since God created the heavens and the earth, a rainy season. Central Mexican homebuilders know this. They teach this in catechism. Nevertheless, they build windows that leak like Niagara Falls.

The pre-rainy season activity, which is sometime in the middle of April, is to lay in a supply of new terrycloth towels and waterproof tape. You must have the towels to stuff around the windowsills and the tape to plug the new holes that miraculously appear each rainy season.

3. We have birds. Oh, dear God, we have birds in outside aviaries in the back of our house. We have to be on the alert, day and night, for the tornado-strength winds, hurricane-force rain, and lighting bolts that could incinerate a bus so we can risk life and limb to keep them safe.

We do have large and ample caging with tarps big enough to cover most American Sports stadiums, protecting the birds. But here is what we are up against.

We have to keep the tarps in the ready position to be able simply to pull down over the aviaries when the rain begins.

"Why don't you just keep them covered all the time?" you ask.

The reason is that right before the daily storm hits, the air heats up to being able to boil water. This would, of course, cook the birds. We cannot have that at all. Therefore, we have to pull all the tarps up so the birds can have air to breathe and not cook. Then when the rains hit, we have to run out there and pull the covers over the whole aviary.

4. Washing clothes—don't ever get my wife started on this nightmare. Each rainy season the water that comes out of the taps turns a nice nicotine brown. This is because the mountain rains are so heavy that they overwhelm the city's water purification plants with muddy river water.
(This notion of a "water purification plant" is an oxymoron since you cannot drink the water anyway unless you want some amoebic parasite taking up residence in your gut!)
We combat this issue with a water purification system for which we paid dearly, making it possible to drink from the tap. But this does not work for the washing machine.

So my poor wife washes clothes that will have a brown tint to them until the rainy season is finished.

Life as we knew it has now changed. This is our third rainy season. It is an easy trade off.

I know what you are thinking,

"Why do you live there if it is like this?"

Two reasons:

1. It only lasts 10-12 weeks.

2. Does the name "Osama Bin Laden" ring a bell?

Keywords: immigration, racism, minuteman project, jim gilchrist, chris simcox, illegal alien, mexican, mexico

__________________
Douglas Bower
Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
theolog@todito.com
Learn more about Right time to visit Mexico

Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Transitions Abroad. He is a columnist with Cricketsoda.com and the Magic City Morning Star. He is also listed with Ezinearticles.com. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico. His new book Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country can be seen at http://www.lulu.com/content/126241

RoomSaver.com Reels in Travelers Who Prefer to Plan Ahead

July 6, 2005- RoomSaver.com, an online showroom of over 10,000 hotel coupons across the US and a division of Trader Publishing Company announced today that interest in online reservations has increased by 10 percent in the last two years.

Members of RoomSaver.com’s exclusive Travel Club responded to the question featured in the May issue of the Traveler’s Tribune, “How do you prefer to reserve your hotel accommodations?” Fifty-three percent of respondents prefer reserving a room online, while twenty-six percent reserve over the telephone. Walk-ins came in third at twenty percent.

RoomSaver.com supports all three methods with features on the site. As a portal website, RoomSaver.com sends travelers directly to hoteliers’ websites to book accommodations through each listing’s Reserve Now button. Travelers can reach the hotel’s reservation phone line with the convenient toll-free number found on the hotel’s online ad. And finally, the coupons that are the foundation of RoomSaver.com list hotel rates and can be printed and redeemed on a walk-in basis. As a Travel Club member, visitors can store and manage coupons. Members also benefit from automatic searches, sweepstakes, newsletters, and special announcements about additional savings. To learn more about joining, visit www.RoomSaver.com.

Since 1999, RoomSaver.com has been a leading provider of online hotel coupons and discount lodging rates. RoomSaver.com provides a comprehensive hotel coupon database for travelers while serving as a convenient and effective advertising forum for hoteliers and affiliate travel businesses.

Headquartered in Norfolk, VA, RoomSaver.com is part of Trader Electronic Media's family of over 15 high-traffic websites, which receive millions of visitors each week. The sites cover virtually every used vehicle and general merchandise category, including apartments, homes, employment and hotel lodging. Trader Electronic Media is a division of Trader Publishing Company, the nation’s largest distributor of photo-classified ad publications. For more information about RoomSaver.com, call toll-free 866-305-3840 or visit www.RoomSaver.com.

Keywords: hotel, motel, hospitality, travel, travelers, accommodations, reservations, tourism, roomsaver

_____________
Marcy Sunday
norfolk, va, usa
marcy.sunday@roomsaver.com
Learn more about discount hotel rates

Marcy Sunday is the marketing assistant and graphic designer for RoomSaver.com.
This article has

San Francisco Streetcars - Unsung Historic Transit

You probably already know about the San Francisco Cable Cars. They cost $3.00 a ride and are famous for carrying passengers over the steep Nob and Russian hills. Another historic way to get around the city of San Francisco is to take an F-line streetcar. For $1.25, you'll be riding a vintage electric street car. The F-line streetcars were purchased from cities around the world, so you may get on a car that was originally in service in Milan, Moscow, Philadelphia, New York or Cincinnati.

The electric streetcars first appeared in San Francisco in 1892. After the 1906 earthquake and fire, they began replacing cable cars as San Francisco's main transit system (except for the really steep hills) because cable cars were slower and more difficult to maintain. Cable cars run by grabbing onto a constantly moving cable under the street, while streetcars have an overhead pole that connects to a single power wire.

At one time Market Street had four sets of streetcar tracks (two for the Municipal Railway and two for its privately-owned competitor). The last Market Street streetcar lines were closed in 1982 when the subway system was installed, moving the tracks for the remaining streetcar lines underground and replacing the historic cars with modern ones. For the next five years, a festival was held that celebrated the historic streetcars. During the festival, the streetcars were run on the old Market Street tracks. The success of the streetcar festival prompted the development of a permanent historic streetcar line and the F-line was permanently reopened in 1995.

The F-line runs from the Castro down Market Street past the San Francisco Civic Center and around the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf. You can hop off at the San Francisco Ferry Building on a Tuesday or Saturday afternoon and enjoy the Farmer's Market. If you're visiting San Francisco, be sure to include an F-line streetcar ride in your itinerary. It's perfect for getting between some of the most common tourist attractions and you'll find the ride worth every nickel of the fare.

Keywords: San Francisco destinations, San Francisco travel, travel destinations, travel, San Francisco

______________
Jed Clark
San Francisco, CA, USA
jclark@zurdogo.com
Learn more about San Francisco travel

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. He is an avid traveler and has traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. He loves his home city of San Francisco and created ZurdoGo.com to extol San Francisco's wonders, destinations and beauties to would be travelors and visitors.

San Francisco Travel - Discover the Mission District's Murals

With over 600 murals, San Francisco streets are a parade of vibrant and radiant murals that are painted on building walls and facades, fences, garage doors and more. The colorful Mission District is the epicenter of San Francisco murals with the greatest concentration of murals in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Mission neighborhood's love affair with murals stems from the Mexican roots of the Mission District community. The Latino community began to move into in the Mission neighborhood in the 1950s and 60s. Early in the 1970s, resident muralists started following the traditions of the great muralists of the 1920s and 30s, perhaps the most famous of which was Diego Rivera. Discovering the murals of the San Francisco Mission District is discovering the hopes and passions, joys and tribulations of the people.

The Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center (located at 2981 24th Street) is a great place to begin your exploration of the murals in the San Francisco Mission neighborhood. The Precita Eyes visitors center offers three guided mural tours on Saturday and Sunday for between $10 and $12 for an adult. You can arrange private group mural tours in advance. In addition, the Precita Eyes Visitors Center has a Mission mural map of nearly 90 murals that you can use to explore the neighborhood on your own.

At Precita Eyes, you can purchase mural-themed items, such as post cards, candles, posters and books. Precita Eyes also sells mural arts supplies in case your are inspired to paint your own personal mural on your living room wall. For more information, contact Precita Eyes at http://www.precitaeyes.org/ or (415) 285-2287.

Located a block from Precita Eyes between Treat Avenue and Harrison Street, Balmy Alley has a concentration of more than 30 vivid murals painted on fences, building walls and garage doors. In the neighborhood densely packed with murals, Balmy Alley is at the center of it all. Muralists began working in San Francisco's Balmy Alley as early as 1971. Many of the original murals are still there as well as many murals that have been painted over the intervening years.

The Balmy Alley murals are very diverse both stylistically and in the subject matter. Some of the murals feature cartoon-like illustrations that playful and juvenile. Other murals along Balmy Alley grapple with difficult subjects, such as a memorial to people who have died from AIDS or depictions of political strife and war in Latin America. Another mural honors the great muralist Diego Rivera and his wife, the painter Frida Kahlo. And another is a tribute to women muralists of the Mission District. One colorless mural, depicts two men and a woman jumping through a barbed-wire fence lined with keys. The woman has her hand held high, making the peace sign.

Elsewhere in the Mission District on Harrison at 19th Street, mixed among blocks of warehouses and running along a wall for nearly a block in San Francisco's Mission neighborhood is a mural titled "Carnaval." As the name implies, the Carnaval mural is a representation of the Carnaval celebration, a multicultural dance and music festival that has its roots in Latin America and the Caribbean. The San Francisco Mission District has been hosting a Carnaval Festival since 1978. Created in 1994 by Joshua Sarantitis, Emmanuel Montoya, Carlos Loarca and others, the radiant Carnaval mural is as dynamic and colorful as the festival that it portrays.

The Women's Building (located at 3543 18th Street) boasts two walls of a dramatic mural that pays homage to women. Created by a team of seven women muralists, the "Maestrapeace" mural portrays women and feminine archetypes of multiple world origins. The Goddess of Light and Creativity adorns the top of the 18th Street facade with the waters of life flowing beneath her and transforming into fabric designs from around the world.

The mural features such notable women as Georgia O'Keefe (an innovative American artist) and Rigoberta Menchu (a Guatemalan of Mayan decent and Nobel prize-winning activist). The names of many more famous women are inscribed in the mural's colorful patterns. The mural is meant to be inspiration and educational, illustrating the contributions women have made to human history and society.

The Women's Building provides resources and services to organizations that support women and girls from multi-ethnic and multi-cultural backgrounds. For an informational key to the mural, step inside the Women's Building or contact them at http://www.womensbuilding.org/ or (415) 431-1180.

A colorful world of murals and culture awaits you in San Francisco's Mission District, so get out there and explore.

Keywords: San Francisco destinations, San Francisco travel, travel destinations, travel, San Francisco

_________________
Jed Clark, San Francisco, CA, USA
jclark@zurdogo.com
Learn more about San Francisco travel

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. He is an avid traveler and has traveled extensively for both business and pleasure. He loves his home city of San Francisco and created ZurdoGo.com to extol San Francisco's wonders, destinations and beauties to would be travelors and visitors.

The Costa del Sol

Since the 1960's and the advent of package holidays the Costa del Sol has always been one of the premier holiday destinations in Europe, and with good reason. The weather is perfect, with little or no rain between the beginning of June and the end of September. The beaches are long, clean and sandy and the vast majority have the coverted blue flag award also, the Mediterranean, being practicaly tideless, you never have to worry about the tide being out and bathing is relatively safe.

If this isn't enough then there is also the excellent night life with bars and clubs staying open until the early hours and a great choice of restaurants up and down the coast. The Andalucian people are very friendly and obliging and crime is relatively low.

Recent years have seen vast improvements in the infrastructure with both the road networks and Malaga Airport being significantly improved.In addition air routes into both Granada and Jerez now offer the visitor a greater choice of flights and very reasonable rates.Gibraltar too has increased their number of regular flights.

The type of holidays people are taking has changed in recent years with a shift away from the more traditional package tours as more and more people appreciate the flexibility of renting their own apartment or perhaps a villa with a private pool.Many holiday makers are starting to explore the beautiful countryside just a short drive from the Costa where they can enjoy the peace and quiet of renting a country villa whilst at the sametime being able to easily visit the beach.

In addition to lazing on the beach the Costa del Sol now has alot of other attractions to offer visitors, Selwo Wild Life Park near Estepona being just one. This is a super day out for all the family not only entertaining but educational too. Likewise Selwo Marina is a superb attraction at Benalmadena with the only Dolphinarium in Southern Spain. At Torremolinos and Mijas Costa you will find 2 brilliant Aqua Parks, with a vast array of slides and pools.

If you wish to take a more cultural outing then The Picasso Museum at Malaga should be on your agenda or for plant lovers visit the The Botanical Gardens also at Malaga or the Bonsai Museum at Marbella.

One other attraction for the Costa del Sol is certainly not new but should definitely be on your list of places to visit and that is Gibraltar. It is of course steeped in history and has the only troop of wild monkeys in Europe. The beautiful St. Michael's caves are also well worth visiting and then of couse there is the tax free shopping.

For the golfers there is an awe inspiring choice of excellent golf courses of all different levels, some by the sea and some set in stunning mountain scenary. New ones are reguarly being constructed and as a result many golfers return year after year to the Costa del Sol.
Another first on the Costa is Mijas Race Course where evening meetings are held weekly throughout the summer. In addition they hold many top clas concerts, including such artists as Sir Elton John, Rod Stewart, UB 40 and Bryan Adams. They don't forget classical music lovers either, giving concerts by world class orchestras.

So whilst the Costa del Sol is traditionally reknown for "sun, sea and sangria" it has moved with the times and now has alot to offer the more discerning holiday maker who wants more from his holiday than just these ever popular elements.

Article submitted by Ruth Polak the owner of http://www.costadelsol- vacationrentals.com A web site specializing in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia. You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular.

Keywords: costa del sol, costa del sol holiday, holidays spain, holidays europe

________________
Ruth Polak
Spain
ruthcasares@yahoo.co.uk

Learn more about Costa del Sol Holidays

I live with my husband and 3 children in the mountains of Spain near a village called Casares, about 20 minutes from the Costa del Sol. I have the pleasure to run a business renting holiday villas and apartments in some wonderful locations around the area.

What you need to know about – cruise holidays

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of driving, sitting erect in a plane etc., go for a voyage through water- a cruise which provides you the best comfort and sight seeing. Sea journey has its own charm and charisma. The world seems a live paradise when you get the chance to gaze the Sky kissing on the forehead of Earth. Such is the unprecedented experience of the scenic splendor exclusively through a cruise. Planes and jets can make you reach your destination instantly but if you are in no hurry and in a mood to relax then a cruise is the most appropriate and a perfect idea.

There are a variety of cruises. Some vessels like Christmas market cruises are small while others ocean going ones are comparatively quite large. Then there are those that have an aura of remarkable serenity contrary to the ones that are extremely vibrant and brimming up with life. Cruises also vary according to the age groups of people. Like the serene ones are usually meant for the grown ups, while families with kids prefer entertaining cruises to keep their children busy throughout.

To take up a journey via cruise, all you have to do is to decide which place to go. Fir instance if you have cruised Bahamas then you can go for Caribbean or Asian cruise and the like. Travel agencies will let you know about the fares and special packages that are mostly available round the year especially during off-season. Cruises like planes and trains are studded with people during festive season. So if you want to travel in peace, to make a journey while festive season at your destination is not a correct idea. Nowadays people especially the honeymoon couples opt to cruise some of the places. This is because of the heavenly experience of traveling in the midst of huge oceans and also because of a surge in the amenities available at the cruise. From ravishing rooms, delectable cuisine to small golf clubs, video games and small casinos for gambling…all add to the enthusiasm to travel through cruise. Moreover the incredible hospitality and watchfulness of the staff on the deck adds a feather to the aura of the cruise. One more benefit of cruise is that you get to know many a people. Since you all remain in the same vessel for a while, the passengers at the end of the day start enjoying each other’s company and make good friends with each other. it might at times be a little harrowing to take up to a new place where you hardly know anyone.

Generally it is believed that cruises are unhygienic i.e. they are infected with harmful microorganisms. The outbreak of diseases like gastrointestinal add fuel to the fire. However, the organizations like CDC i.e. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and VSP- Vessel Sanitation reveal that such outbreaks are not directly related to the hygiene and cleanliness of the vessel. It is more often communicated from one passenger to the other. This is because in a cruise many people stay together, they touch same things one after the other like doorknobs etc. so the infection transfers frequently to one another. It is better if you gat your medical checkup done before going to a cruise. If you are physically weak and your antibodies do not have much potential to fight microbes, avoid traveling in a cruise. Also if you are scared of water and feel sick in it, cruise isn’t a recommendable option. But if none of these problems exist with you and you are a healthy person then keep several things in mind. For instance wash your hands from time to time especially before eating, keep all the safety medicines with you like headache pills and so forth. Last but not the least go with a travel insurance to avoid all hazards.

Keywords: Cruise holidays

__________________
Mansi gupta
mansigup@gmail.com
Learn more at http://www.antibiotichelp.com

Mansi gupta writes about cruise holiday topics.

Camping Cookware Comparisons: Which Is Best For Camp Cooking?

What type of camping cookware is best for you? Camp cooking and clean-up can be easy or a hassle, it all starts with great camping equipment.

Camping cookware, like any camping equipment, should be versatile and tough. A lot of campers have a set of cookware just for camping because they don't want to risk damaging their good kitchen set and/or it's easier to keep all your camping gear organized and ready-to-go in big plastic bin(s). Kitchen cookware usually won't last long in the field anyway. Camp cooking outdoors can be a lot more demanding than what most kitchen utensils are made for.

Heavy duty camping cookware is not only a good idea, it's almost a necessity. If you're camp cooking and your only pan cracks or burns through making it unusable, you're either going to have to find a way to use tin foil creatively or eat cold sandwiches the rest of your camping trip.

Remember to get camping cookware with tight-fitting lids to help heat food on your camping stove more quickly and to help save fuel, this is especially important to hikers that carry everything. I'd stay away from non-stick coatings as it only takes over-heating them once and the surface is junk. Also once the surface is scorched the chemical make-up is permanently changed and I'm not sure how healthy it would be for you. Non-stick surfaces can also scratch, it's hard enough keeping them in good shape at home let alone camping or hiking.

Some pots/pans come in sets that mate together or "nest" for storage and even allow you to tuck a canister of fuel inside them. This comes in handy when you're looking to save room while camping.

Look for camping cookware with rounded corners/edges to help reduce hot-spots and for ease of cleaning.

Remember that most camping cookware handles can get hot so bring something you can use to protect your hands. For quicker boiling and heating look for camping cookware with black colored bottoms because it will absorb heat better and save you some fuel.

Backpackers: One liter pots are a good size for two people who don't eat much, if you and you're buddy have a normal appetite you'll want to use a 1.5 liter pot. A two liter should supply about three hikers with a bigger appetite each with a good-size meal. If you're in a bigger group you'll want to bump up the size.

There are several different types of camping cookware and they have different advantages and disadvantages...

Aluminum pans and cookware: Advantages: Lightweight, heat quickly, and cheap. Disadvantages: Possible link to Alzheimer's, food has a tendency to stick, hot spot heating can easily burn food so you'll want to stir it, hard to clean, can taste bad, pans can get bent/dinged easily, and aluminum has a tendency to react with foods. I've seen tomato sauce eat through...

If you'd like more information on camping cookware please click here for the whole article. You may also want to take a look at this related article on how to pick the best camping stove for your use.

Keywords: camping cookware, backpacking cookware, camping cooking, camp cooking

______________
Marc W.
Learn more about camping cookware

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money.

Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

© Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Ethiopia Tour

Ethiopia is an enchanting country whose delights are unknown to most travelers. And yet this is a truly unique destination with such attractions as can be found nowhere else in the world. The biggest draw is the rich Orthodox Christian heritage. Ethiopia was one of the very first nations to embrace Christianity, way back in the 4th century AD. The wonderful churches, monasteries, icons and relics to be found here is a reminder of the central role the Church has played in the history of the country. The painstaking effort summoned to produce some of these tokens of mans faith in God is very impressive, especially for non-believers.

Ethiopia is a very worthy destination and many connoisseurs consider it to be Africa's best-kept secret. Since so few outsiders come here, the tourist infrastructure is not well developed. But on the plus side, there are no crowds of visitors, unlike at other historical destinations such as Egypt. The Christian heritage aside, Ethiopia is blessed with an astonishing contrast of nature's gifts. This ranges from the heights of the jagged peaks of the Simien mountains- a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bird filled rift valley lakes, to the under sea level lunarscape of the Danakil Depression.

Travelers have plenty of opportunities to enjoy mountain treks, caving, camping, sailing and white water rafting adventures. Though not as abundant as elsewhere in east Africa, there is plenty of wildlife, and 31 rare species are only found in Ethiopia. This is also one of Africa's great birding destinations and 861 species have been recorded of which 16 are endemic. Due to the relatively undeveloped tourist infrastructure, the best way to see the country is by buying a packaged Ethiopia tour.

Most overseas visitors will start off from Addis Ababa. Addis, as the city is popularly known is the capital city and home to Bole International Airport. The city rests at the foot of the Entoto Mountains. By Ethiopian standards, it is a new settlement and came into being in 1887. Addis Ababa means New Flower and its foundation is credited to Queen Taitu - consort to Menelik II. In Addis, make sure to visit the Ethnographic Museum and the National Museum. The Giorgis Cathedral, which was built in 1896 to commemorate victory over Italian invaders, is also worth a visit.

The Simien Mountains National Park is much favored by trekkers. The park has some of the scenic sights in the country. The mastiff reaches to 4620m, the highest point in the country. The park was created to protect the Walia Ibex, which is found only in Ethiopia. Other endemic animal species in the park are Gelada Baboon and Simen Fox. Bale Mountains in the southeast, though less accessible, has trekking opportunities and some wildlife including a few endemic species.

Awash National park is one of the finest and most accessible reserves in the country. The Awash River strides the park before heading to the Dankil depression where it vanishes, never to reach the sea. Some special attractions in the park include the Awash Falls, the dormant Fantale volcano and some thermal springs. Forty-six species of wildlife have been identified here and the bird life is prolific. The park is located just 211 km to the east of Addis.

You will obtain best value for your Ethiopia trip if you have at least an interest in the unique history of the country. The country claims a history going back 5,000 years, and there are Bible episodes mentioning Ethiopia that are dated at least 3,000 years ago. The colorful history is a blend of fact, legend, and tradition. Some incidents dearest to Ethiopians and which they use to affirm unique their place in the world, on close examination appear to be apocryphal. The legend that the Ark of the Covenant is housed in Axum is certainly controversial. But most of the history is almost certainly correct and remains unchallenged.

Despite earlier contact with the outside world, Ethiopia developed in relative isolation and was actually once known as the "Hidden Empire". As a result, some of the living culture is unique to the country and has origins dating back hundreds of years. The Ge'ez language used in most modern day church services derives from the Kingdom of Axum. Ge'ez alphabet has an amazing 231 letters. The country still uses the Julian calendar, which has 12 months of 30 days each and an additional month of 5 days, with 6 days in a leap year. Relative to the Gregorian calendar used in the west, Ethiopia is 7 years behind between 11th September and 8th January and 8 years for the rest of the year.

Festivals of the Orthodox Church are an ingrained part of popular culture. Timket, feast of Epiphany, is a colorful 3-day festival commemorating the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Meskal, celebrates the "finding of the true cross" upon which Jesus was crucified, by Empress Helana -mother to Constantine the Great. It is believed that a fragment of the True Cross is to be found in a monastery in Gishen Mariam. Meskal has been celebrated in the country for over 1600 years. Other Orthodox festivals include the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash) and Christmas (Lidet).

Though a friendly people, Ethiopians are fiercely independent and even today appear to distrust outsiders a little bit. This may appear justified when you consider that foreigners such as the British and Italians are guilty of looting historical relics. The Italians carried off to Rome a 150-tonne granite obelisk from Axum, when they occupied the country between 1936-41. Mussolini had sought a rematch of the 1896 defeat by Ethiopia that had greatly humiliated Italian patriots. The British had earlier in 1868 stolen priceless illuminated manuscripts, crowns, crosses, and other treasure. Ethiopia has been waging a campaign to have the artifacts returned.

Most of the historical treasures date from time King Azena of Axum converted to Christianity in the 4th century AD. The highlights of the "Historic Route" are Debre Libanos, Debre Markos, Bahar Dar, Gondar, Axum, Lalibela and Harar. You can reach these sites by air or car, or a combination of both. The route starts at Debre Libanos, 110 km from Addis Ababa. Here in the 13th century, Saint Tekle Haymanot performed a fantastic feat- he stood on one leg for 7 years! A cathedral marks the spot where this happened.

In 1937, during the Italian occupation, the monks of Debre Libanos annoyed the Fascist overlord who ordered the execution of 297 of them. If you are traveling by road, you can pause at Debre Markos, 305 km north of Addis to see the church of Markos with its beautiful paintings of Biblical scenes.

Bahar Dar is located on the shores of Lake Tana and is 560 km from Addis Ababa. The 3,000 sq km Lake Tana is Ethiopia's biggest and is the source of the Blue Nile. Just 30 km after leaving Lake Tana, over a maximum width of 400m, the Blue Nile drops over 45 m. The result is the phenomenon of the Blue Nile Falls, otherwise known to locals as Tississat or "Smoke of Fire". The falls are a spectacular sight and the spray mist produces rainbows and rainforest vegetation that forms a habitat to monkeys and many colourful birds.

Lake Tana has 37 islands, some of which harbor churches and monasteries. These buildings carry beautiful murals and paintings, remains of emperors, church crosses, icons, manuscripts, crowns and other articles of historical and cultural significance. Some of the monasteries such as Kebrane Gabriel preserve ancient customs and do not allow entry for women. You can break your historical tour by sailing on the Tana. Boats are available for hire at Bahar Dar. The lake is also a delight for bird watchers. Flights are available to Bahar Dar, and some reasonable quality hotels too.

Gondar is 748 km to the northwest of Addis and rests on the foothills of the majestic Simien Mountains. Founded by Emperor Fasilidas, it was the 17th century capital of Ethiopia. Noteworthy attractions here are the cathedrals, castles, and other imperial buildings that were built by Fasilidas and his succcessors. The architectural style combines Axumite, medieval European and Arabian influences. An Indian architect designed the most magnificent of them. For Cathedrals, the most impressive is the hilltop positioned Debre Berhan Selassie (Trinity Church of the Mountain of Light). The city declined after 1855 when Tewodros II removed his capital to Debre Tabor and was subsequently looted in the 1880's.

Axum, one of the key stops on the historical routes, dates back at least 2,000 years. The ancient city is particularly important in the history of the Orthodox Church, as it was the seat of King Azena when he converted to Christianity in the 4th century AD. Every year, the site known as Queen Sheba's bath is the focal point of the ceremony of Epiphany. Archeologist's think that the site and others such as Queen of Sheba Palace were merely named after the famous queen for the city had not been founded in her lifetime.

In its heyday, Axum was a vital and sophisticated kingdom that produced the written language that survives to this day known as Ge'ez. Though Axum is mostly identified with its trademark monolithic stelae, it has other important ruins such palaces and imperial tombs. The stelae were carved from single blocks of stone as markers of the burial places of kings. These were the biggest monolith structures ever made anywhere in the world. Out of the 11 identifiable large stelae, only one stands today at 24 m. In 1937, the Italian dictator Mussolini ordered one of the structures to be dismantled and raised again in Rome.

Axum is also known for the 17th century Cathedral of St Mary of Zion. Legend has it that the original Ark of the Covenant is housed here. The monks jealously guard this treasure and do not allow anybody to view it. This stand has led to much speculation that this object of immeasurable historical and religious value may not actually be in the hands of the monks of St Mary of Zion.

Lalibela is renowned for its marvelous 11 rock hewn churches built in the 12th century AD. The very devout King Lalibela commissioned them, not as monuments, but really as an act of worship. The churches were each carved from a single block of stone. Some are in trenches below ground; while others are built in open quarry caves. Legend has it that the churches were built with great speed because angels continued working the night shift while mortals slept. The result was truly magnificent and the very learned people at UNESCO have declared Lalibela a World Heritage Site. The churches are living monuments and are still in use today. Of all the historic attractions, Lalibela is the one you should not miss.

Harar, unlike other centres on the historic route is associated with Islam. The town with its city wall, towers and narrow streets has the feel of Arabian Nights about it. Founded in 1520, the city is 523 km to the east of Addis. It is an important centre of Islamic learning and has all of 99 mosques. Indeed it is believed to rank fourth in the ranking of holy cities of Islam after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. The first Muslims are said to have reached Ethiopia in the lifetime of prophet Mohamed. The city is also famous for its handicrafts, colorful woven baskets, and silverware. It was also once the home of the French poet Rimbaud.

If the evening finds you in Harar, you may witness a most bizarre spectacle courtesy of the so-called Hyena Men. With wild howls, these fearless men summon hyenas from the hills. They then get the ruthless scavengers to snatch pieces of meat from their hands or even their mouths!

In the east of the country towards the Dankil Depression and to the west near Sudan, the climate is very hot and dry. The central highland region is temperate, and nights can get chilly. Rains come twice a year- the rather irregular short rains from January to March and the long rains from June to September. The best time to visit Addis and the highlands region is the dry October - June period. The traveler is advised to dress very light in the lowlands and desert country. In the highland region, temperatures average 16°C and warmer clothing comes in handy at night and early morning.

Some Addis Ababa hotels are of international standard. A few other towns and locations on the Historical Route and other tourist attractions also offer reasonable accommodation. Unlike in other countries that receive many tourists, the budget traveler will find accommodation rates to be very reasonable.

Copyright © Africa Point

Keywords: ethiopia, ethiopia tour, addis ababa, travel, travel to ethiopia, danakil depression, axum

_____________
Andrew Muigai
Nairobi, Kenya
travel@africapoint.com
Learn more at http://www.africapoint.com

Andrew Muigai is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.

How to Pick Warm Comfortable Sleeping Bags For Camping.

Should sleeping bags be made of down or synthetic? What sleeping bag is best for camping, hiking or backpacking? A guide to make your decision easier.

First off it should at least be rated for the lowest possible temperature you'll encounter. You may want to even go a little lower just to be on the safe side.

Obviously the main purpose is to hold your body heat in to insulate you from the cooler air. So the better the insulation holds your body heat in the warmer and more comfortable you're going to be.

Insulation

Down-the filamentous and fluffy layer underneath the feathers. Positives: All being equal down is warmer, lighter, more comfortable, compresses smaller, and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Goose down is the standard others are compared to. The more it lofts the better it insulates. This is known as fill-power, the higher the number the better it retains heat.

Negatives: Down looses most all of it's insulating properties when wet, takes a long time to dry outdoors, is more expensive short-term, and may require professional cleaning.

Synthetic- These are usually hollow plastic threads that serve to trap warm air. Positives: Synthetic sleeping bags retain heat better when wet, costs less short-term when compared to the same temperature rating as down, dries quicker than down, and is hypo-allergenic. It's usually well-suited for recreational use, but consider your own individual needs.

Negatives: They're bulkier, heavier, less conforming, and can lose their insulating properties after a few seasons of hard use because of breakdown. More expensive long-term.
Shapes/Styles
Child's/Kid sleeping bags- A kid has a harder time staying warm than an adult, so keep this in mind when you're getting them a sleeping bag. A cool summer night can chill a child quickly so consider a mummy bag like the Tigger by North Face to keep them warm and cozy.

Mummy- Provides more warmth for cold conditions and is more compact/lighter when packed. The narrow cut and insulated hood means less air for your body to heat. This bag is wide at the shoulders and narrows down to the feet. The drawback is it restricts movement. That said the Marmot Sawtooth sleeping bag is a good light 3-season 15 Degree down sleeping bag ideal for backpacking.
Rectangular- These sleeping bags are ideal for campground camping because they give you more room to move around in. They're not suited for the winter due to the larger area you have to heat and the open top design. This is the best design for double sleeping bags, usually you can just zip two of the same kind together. Not for weight conscious backpacking and hiking gear enthusiasts.

Semi-Rectangular- A combination of the mummy and rectangular sleeping bags this hybrid splits the middle between room to move and warmth.

Comfort Ratings- The "comfort rating" is the minimum temperature that a sleeping bag is designed for. Of course this is just an approximation as people tolerate temperature differently. If in doubt go...

If you'd like more information on sleeping bags click here for the rest of the article. You may also want to take a look at this related article on how to pick a great camping tent.

Keywords: sleeping bags, sleeping bag, kid sleeping bags, child, down

______________
Marc W.
Learn more about sleeping bags

Marc Wiltse learned how important good quality hiking equipment and camping gear are after his pup tent flooded with over 3 inches of water and forced him to sleep in the front seat of his 2-seat Honda CRX (translation: no sleep and plenty stiff). His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable information FREE!

© Marc Wiltse. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.

Kwa- Zulu Natal- Shaka's heaven on earth

The remarkable diversity of attractions of the KwaZulu-Natal region is unsurpassed in South Africa. It encompasses the splendid Drakensburg Mountains, sublime subtropical beaches, top rated nature and game reserves, historic battlefields, rolling green hills of the Natal Midlands and the city of Durban. The range of activities possible is a challenge even for those with the most eclectic of tastes: swimming, fishing, boating, scuba diving, hiking, abseiling, game viewing, cultural and historical touring, whale and bird watching and golfing.

Warmer and more authentic South Africa than the Cape Region, KwaZulu-Natal is the favourite holiday destination for locals. The region lies between the Drakensberg Mountains and Swaziland to the west; the Indian Ocean to the east stretching from Port Edward in the south to the Mozambique border in the north.As you transition from a subtropical to tropical environment, you encounter cool mountain ranges, savannah grassland, coral reefs, indigenous coastal forest and dunes, lakes and lagoons and papyrus wetlands. Here 9 million people occupy 92,000 sq km of some the fairest and best-watered lands in South Africa.

Little wonder that the Zulu, or "people of heaven" considered the area a heaven on earth indeed, and were extremely jealous of late comers who sought a share of it. And yet the Zulu people themselves had arrived only in the 16th century. Their ancestors, the Nguni, had been pushing southwards from the Great Lakes region for at least three thousand years. The land was inhabited- if you could use the term- by San Bushmen. This hunter-gatherer society was very sparing in its demands on the land. The arrival of the Nguni, a people with numerous cattle herds and great thirst for land, put the Bushman under great stress and severe disadvantage.
The Zulu derive directly from a clan head of the Nguni named "Heaven" or Zulu, who established a territory bearing his own name or KwaZulu in the Umfolozi valley. The Zulu was a fairly insignificant power, even among the Nguni, until the arrival of Shaka Zulu. Shaka, born in 1787, was first-born son to Chief Senzangakhona, but was considered illegitimate on account of a technicality. Shaka eventually corrected this injustice by plotting the death of his younger brother - the legitimate heir. He thus rose to be chief of his people when his father died in 1816.

Shaka was a man gifted with great daring, cunning and imagination. He repulsed numerous attacks by the Ndwandwe- a rival and more militarily superior Nguni people, eventually forcing the enemy to flee northwards. Shaka appreciated that the Ndwandwe would be back unless he created conditions to make it impossible. Above all else a military leader, he devised such weaponry, battle tactics and training methods that resulted in an unbeatable army among known enemies of the day. By numerous treacherous devices -war, assassination, deceit and intimidation - he subdued smaller and larger clans, and gathered all to his realm.

Within three years to 1819, the Zulu nation emerged as the largest and most feared in the whole of southeastern Africa. And Shaka, now King Shaka, was sitting pretty as its head. His success had however caused unprecedented mayhem in the region, and aroused bitter jealousy amongst his ambitious compatriots. He also ruled with an iron fist and was such a tyrant as had never risen before among the Zulu. Shaka was speared to death by Dingane -his half brother, in 1824. The Zulu kingdom survived him, but his legacy was to be severely tested, later in the century in conflicts with new rivals - the British and Boers.

The British had approached Shaka, shortly before his death, for trading rights in ivory and animal skins. Shaka signed a document granting them the chieftaincy of Port Natal, their small base on the east coast. In a very liberal and rather dishonest interpretation of Shaka's intentions, they claimed the Port Natal area in the name of the King of England. Port Natal is today known to most as Durban -and to locals as "Durbs". The city is the gateway and business hub of KwaZulu-Natal, and the logical starting point for exploring the region.Its port ranks among the world's top 10, and is the busiest on the African continent. To discover KwaZulu-Natal, rent a car at Durban or take a South Africa tour or safari that covers the region.

Durban's weather is mild and pleasant - temperatures average 17 degrees C in winter (June-August) and 27 degrees C in summer (December to February). Holidaymakers are favoured with sea temperatures averaging 24 degrees C in summer rarely falling below 19 degrees C in winter. This coastal playground enjoys at least a good 320 days of sunshine every year. The rains come over the summer months, when it can get quite hot and humid, with temperatures reaching for 33 degrees C. Long before everybody else, the San Bushmen wintered in Durban, taking advantage of the excellent climate relative to their inland domains.

"The Golden Mile" is a 6 km long waterfront lined with some of Durban's top rated hotels. The city has some of the finest beaches in the country. Good beaches for swimming and surfing can be found to the south of the city- Ansteys, Brighton, Cave Rock, and Garvies. To the north- Country Club, Tekwini, and Laguna beaches are more exclusive and less crowded. Within the city, you can visit museums and art galleries and shop for crafts. The Kwa-Muhle museum will educate you about Apartheid, which is important if you want to understand South African society.

There are numerous restaurants- Indian, African and Western - in this cosmopolitan city. The Indians started coming here in 1860 as indentured labour for the sugar plantations. Today, the Durban metro area has the largest Indian population outside India. Durban stands between the North and South Coast of South Africa's eastern seaboard. The North Coast beaches include Umhlanga Rocks, Ballito, Shaka's Rock and Shelley Beach. Here you find good accommodation and myriad opportunities for swimming and surfing. Around Ballito is great for watching the ever-fascinating dolphins.

The South Coast stretches from Durban to Port Edward and covers Hibberdene, Port Shepstone, Margate and Southbroom. The region has fantastic beaches and matching amenities. Between Port Edward and Hibberdene is the scene of the sardine run. This most spectacular display of the natural world occurs around June and July. It is triggered by a 4-5 degrees C drop in sea temperature that prompts millions of sardines in great shoals to head northwards. On this dash, game fish, dolphins, sharks, whales and others of their mortal enemies follow. This unforgettable experience appears to be the marine world's answer to the annual wildebeest migration on the Kenya-Tanzania border.

To see wildlife you can travel to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, 175 km to the northeast of Durban. This combination of the game reserves of Hluhluwe and Umfolozi occupies 960 sq km. The park is mostly savannah grasslands and low acacia bush, but has a forested mountainous section. You will see the famed "big five"- lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. The park is well known for its very successful black and white rhino conservation efforts. Other animal species to look out for include impala, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra, nyala, kudu, bushbuck, warthog, cheetah, hyena, jackal and giraffe. Birding is great and over 300 species are on record.
You can see game on guided walks, but for obvious reasons, an armed ranger must accompany you. The less adventurous will have an equally satisfying game viewing experience aboard a vehicle. Accommodation in the Umfolozi reserve is available at various bush camps at Sontuli, Nselweni and Mndindini and at the self-catering cottages and tented camp at Mpila. At Hluhluwe, the well-positioned Hilltop Camp offers accommodation ranging from a luxury lodge to self-catering chalets and rondavels. The dry season in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi area falls between May and August, while most off the rains fall within the rest of the year.

To the northeast of KwaZulu Natal is the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, which stretches along a 280 km coastline from Cape St Lucia to Kozi Bay near the Mozambique border. This first rate eco-tourism paradise, is an amalgamation of a number of protected areas including - Lake St Lucia, St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Reserves, Coastal Forest Reserve and the Kosi Bay Natural Reserve. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1999, the official bulletin justifying this distinction highlighted the existence of 5 ecosystems resulting in an exceptional diversity of species and actual ongoing speciation.

The park is a tropical and subtropical interface and has landforms that include coral reefs, sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lakes, swamps, and reed and papyrus wetlands. It occupies more than 3200 sq km, but supports more animal species than larger parks. Here you can find hippos, turtles, crocodiles, rhino, leopard and sharks. The birding is unsurpassed and more than 530 species are on record. The numerous activities possible include- fishing, hiking, boating, diving, game viewing and whale and bird watching. You can seek accommodation within the park or nearby towns in the range of basic camps and luxury game lodges to hotels and self-catering chalets.

Sodwana Bay Nature Reserve, which falls within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is a haven for sport fishing, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving. The underwater world, and the coral reefs in particular are outstanding, and the marine life plenty. This is one of the world's top diving destinations. You can visit year round, but conditions for diving are best April to September. Water temperatures vary from about 20 degrees C and can reach 29 degrees C in summer. Take time off from water sports for a guided to see loggerhead and leatherback turtles. There is good accommodation for most budgets nearby.

The Drakenberg Mountains on KwaZulu-Natal's western border are one of South Africa's most outstanding attractions. Rising 3282 m above sea level, the spectacular 200 km long mountain ranges were named by the martial minded Zulu as uKhahlamba or "Barrier of Spears". The thoroughly photogenic "Amphitheatre" is very impressive and is popular with visitors. This is a rock wall with a height of 500m and stretching for 5 km. Many adventure activities are available here in the most scenic of surroundings, including- hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, white-water rafting, birding, and fly and trout fishing.

There are several parks and game reserves around the Drakensberg Mountains, the most prominent of which is the 2430 sq km uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 mainly for two reasons; first for its remarkable physical charm and biological diversity, and second to highlight the outstanding collection of San rock art. Scattered over 600 sites; there are more than 35,000 well-preserved artworks, with scenes depicting hunting, dancing, fighting and food gathering. The oldest paintings are estimated to date back 2400 years, with more recent ones less than 200 years old.

Scholars have in recent years studied San rock art closely and the consensus now is that this is not merely representation art but it has some spiritual content. At the Kamberg Rock Art Centre, you can learn more about the San people, and how to interpret the symbolic and spiritual content of their art. In the Drakensberg region, there is a very wide range of accommodation including - basic bed & breakfasts, guesthouses, camps, hotels, and luxury resorts. The rains come in summer between October and April, with the rest of the year being mostly dry. Beware that winter nights can get extremely chilly and of sudden thunderstorms in summer.

Descending from the Drakensberg, you can visit the battlefield sites, where some of South Africa's most vicious battles were fought. The protagonists were Zulu, Boer and British who engaged one another in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The hottest battles were fought in areas around Colenso, Weenen, Dundee, Estcourt, Glencoe, Ladysmith,Newcastle, Utrecht, Volksrust, Vryheid and Winterton.

The Voortrekkers had headed north away from the Cape Colony to escape British control. After crossing the Drakensberg, just like the Zulu people earlier, they believed they had reached "Heaven on Earth". Conflicts over land and other resources were inevitable and in several episodes between 1836-1852, the two parties sought a resolution through arms. Next came the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. The British eventually won, but they met a number of disasters as they had initially underestimated the Zulu army. This is the war that broke the hearts of Bonaparte royalists after Prince Louis Napoleon - an observer with the British party- succumbed to multiple assegai thrusts.

The British were busy making war again, this time on the Boers between 1880-81. They lost the war, made peace but sought a rematch in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. This second engagement attracted worldwide attention, and it was the first war ever recorded on film. Two of the giants of the twentieth century were witnesses - Churchill as a reporter, and Gandhi as a stretcher-bearer. It is advisable to tour with an accredited battlefield guide, who will retell the story of the battles at various sites. While in the area, there are opportunities to learn about Zulu history and culture, and also to buy local arts and crafts.

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Keywords: south africa, S.A, shaka zulu, shaka, natal province, south africa tour, zulu, people of heaven, heaven
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Nairobi, Kenya
travel@africapoint.com
Learn more at http://www.africapoint.com

Andrew Muigai is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.

Mauritius Vacation Guide

Mauritius has successfully managed to position itself as an exotic beach destination. With beach destinations so plentiful, this has been sustained not by mere hype, but by the substance there is to this claim. Visitors are drawn to Mauritius by the reputation of its 140 km of white sand beaches, and the superb opportunities for water sports. Swimming, beach combing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, diving and deep-sea fishing - there is a sport for almost everyone.

Arab traders discovered the then uninhabited island in the 10th century. But they were not charmed sufficiently to consider permanent settlement. The Portuguese early in the sixteenth century landed, but they too passed over the chance to lay claim for their king. But in 1598 the Dutch finally seized the opportunity. The island was grabbed for and named after Maurice, Prince of Orange and Count of Nassau -then ruler of the Netherlands.

In the century that followed, the Dutch established settlements and devised means to live off the land. They introduced sugar and tobacco, which they farmed using African slave labour. Sugar is today still an important part of the economy. The Dutch were insensitive to the extremely fragile ecosystem that makes up an isolated island such as Mauritius. On their watch, most of the islands' indigenous forests were felled, and lost. The bird known as dodo was also shot to extinction. Thus did the trigger-happy Dutch give life to the expression "as dead as a dodo".

The Dutch courage that had made them pioneers was however not to last. They were subjected to many trials by the forces of nature - cyclones, droughts and floods. And also by the forces of man, for pirates were a constant headache. In 1710, they fled to the more hospitable Cape of Good Hope, at Africa's southern tip. A short five years after the Dutch left, the French claimed the island, and renamed it Isle de France.

The French were much more successful than the Dutch in harnessing the potential of the island. They maintained law and order and laid the foundations for administration of society. Under the celebrated French Governor, Mahй de Labourdonnais, real nation building began. The French brought in more African slaves and expanded further sugar farming. They also laid out some social and economic infrastructure to support the settlers. Port Louis, named after King Louis XV, and today the capital of Mauritius, dates back to this period.

Though the French had introduced systems of law and order, Port Louis turned out to be a favourite of corsairs. Corsairs were mercenary marine who specialised in the plunder of ships on behalf of a client country. The British, a great sea power at the time, had a vested interest in terminating the power of these mercenaries. And that is how Mauritius, so far away from Europe, got involved in the Napoleonic wars. In 1810, the British backed by superior force of arms, persuaded the French to leave the island.

In the 1814 Treaty of Paris, the British - magnanimous victors indeed, allowed the French settlers to remain in Mauritius. They too were allowed to retain their property, language, religion and legal system. The British reverted to the name the Dutch had given the island, but Port Louis retained its name. But in the century and a half that the British ruled, they were never really as grounded as the French had been.

Franco-Mauritians prospered on an agrarian economy based on slave labour. But in 1835, they felt the capricious hand of a great power when slavery was abolished. This is perhaps the single most important measure carried out under British rule, and the consequences had a far-reaching effect on the evolving demographics of the nation. India, a British colony greatly abundant in human resources was the answer to the labour problem that arose. In the years that followed, the descendants of the Indian labourers who came to work the sugar fields greatly multiplied. The Chinese also came -as labourers and traders.

Today, Indo-Mauritians constitute close to 70% of the population. As in other colonies in that historic period, and upto the 1930's in Mauritius, non-whites had very limited say in the running of the country. And that is why Gandhi - that great liberator of men's minds, came to Mauritius in 1901, in particular to give heart to Indo-Mauritians. After years of protracted concessions to democratic rule, the British finally bowed out in 1968, when finally granted independence.
The events we talk about above are however very recent. About eight million years ago, the island emerged from the depths of the sea as result of volcanic activity. Occupying 1860 sq km, it is situated just above the Tropic of Capricorn, 890 km to the east of Madagascar. Rising from the sea, the central plateau formation is about 400 m above sea level. There are mountains scattered in the island, and a few peaks, the highest of which reaches 820 m.

As a country, Mauritius includes the islands of Rodrigues and Agalega, the Cargados Carajos Shoals and a few smaller mostly uninhabited islands. Mauritius is almost wholly ringed by a coral reef that is reputed to be the worlds third largest. Both the Dutch and the French were extremely reckless in allowing the uncontrolled invasion of indigenous forests. Today, less than 2% of these forests remain. Many of the nearly 700 species of indigenous plants are threatened with extinction. Starting from the late 1970's, a belated but systematic effort has been underway to conserve the unique flora of the island.

The wildlife faces similar dangers. In the first place, animal migration to this isolated island was by air or sea only, greatly limiting the diversity of species. The animals the Dutch found included out-of-size reptiles and flightless birds. But except for bats, there were no mammals and no amphibians at all. The animals brought aboard ships by man include monkeys and rats - thanks to the Portuguese, while the Dutch take credit for deer and wild boar. Some of these animals threaten to choke the life out of indigenous species - they eat their eggs, and even their young.
Mauritius is not all bad news for nature lovers' -there are plenty of birds and marine life is abundant. However, some of the endemic bird species, such as Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet and pink pigeon number not more than a few hundred. Such are now under some form of captive breeding program, with the hope of raising their numbers.

The island's maritime zone boasts more than 1,000 species of marine life- fishes, shells and mollusks, in numbers beyond count. The spectacular way to explore the spectacular underwater world is onboard a submarine. The sub also allows you to see some ship wrecks dating back to the Dutch period.

You can swim at various places at beaches, lagoons and inlets. Swimming beaches are best to the north, though there are other good sites to the southwest and to the west near Flic en Flac. The west coast offers good sites for surfing at Tamarin, and diving at Flic en Flac. At Grand Bay beach, you get good shopping, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants and the chance to interact with locals. In addition, the swimming, surfing, sailing and angling is good. From here, you can also make a boat excursion of the islands to the north.

In the islands' interior, there are good opportunities for hiking and trekking. Black River Gorges National Park has excellent walks, and at the same time you can see some endemic plants and birds. The Rйserve Forrestiиre Macchabйe and Riviиre Noire National Park are also good for hiking. In addition, captive breeding to raise the numbers of Mauritius endangered endemic birds is underway here. For trekkers, you will do well at the plateau at Curepipe and at the island of Rodrigues.
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses are very popular with visitors. The gardens date back to 1735, during the French period. Here you will see a large collection of exotic and indigenous plants in excellent surroundings. Among the most peculiar specimens are the giant Victoria regia water lilies, whose origins are in the Amazon, and the talipot palm- known to bloom once every 60 years before dying. At the Casela Bird Park, you can see some of its 140 bird species, including the rare Mauritian pink pigeon. Some of these excursions are included in the Mauritius tour packages offered by the various vendors.

Mauritius offers some excellent golf courses, and visitors are increasingly aware of it. There are at least three hotels with 18-hole courses and another five with 9-hole courses. The Ile aux Cerfs course, which sits on its own tiny island is the most spectacular. For honeymooners, the island is very welcoming. Almost all hotels offer a special honeymoon package. As a non-resident, you can easily tie the knot here. But a few formalities must be completed with officialdom; make sure you comply before arrival.

Mauritius is at the cultural cross roads of Europe, Africa and Asia. The Dutch, French, Africans, Indians, Chinese and British came under one guise or another and have today influenced the character and cultural life of the island. Though the island is closest to Africa geographically, culturally it is much closer to Asia.
The biggest racial groups are Indo-Mauritians who constitute about two thirds of the nations 1.2 million peoples, followed by Creoles - Afro- Mauritians who are just over a quarter of the population. Franco- Mauritians and peoples of Chinese origin combined make up about 5% of the population. While English is the official language, French, Creole, Bhojpuri and Urdu are widely spoken. Religion is the other factor defining the people of the island, with Hinduism (51%), Christianity (30%) and Islam (17%) leading.

The cuisine of the island reflects the diversity of its people. French, Creole, Chinese and Indian foods - with local variations are all found here. Wherever you stay, you will most likely be able to watch or even dance the Sega. This energetic and erotic Creole dance has origins in the sugar fields, in the days when African labour was captive. You may also be fortunate to encounter any of the various festivals celebrated in this multicultural country. Only the most widely traveled however, will be prepared for the Cavadi. On this Tamil festival, penitents pierce their bodies, tongues, and cheeks while some march on shoes of nails.

Tourism is one of the main pillars of the economy of Mauritius. The bulk of visitors come from South Africa, Germany, France, Australia and UK. Hotels in Mauritius are plenty, and they range from 5-star luxury to those with just basic amenities. Budget stay comes in the form of bungalows, guesthouses and self-catering apartments. The period June to September and around Christmas is the busy season and if you plan to travel then, you are advised to book your accommodation in advance. Mauritius is still relatively affordable, though there has been talk of turning it into an up market beach destination.

Mauritius is a year-round destination. The best times to visit however, are the periods April-June and September- November. These are the months when it rains least and the temperatures are moderate. January to April is hottest, and daytime temperatures can reach 35°C. Temperatures tend to be lower inland, away from the coast. The main rains come between December and April, though there are light rains year round. November to February is when cyclones are most likely to occur. But do not be deterred; chances of meeting cyclones are not very high, and it is estimated that they hit the island about once every 15 years.

If you are keen on water sports, beware that diving is best December to March, and surfing between June and August. For big game fishing, come between October and April. You should be comfortable with light clothing suitable for the tropical climate. But you need warmer clothing for evenings and the southern winter months between July and September. Whatever time of year you travel, do carry some rainwear. In the summer months between November and April, you are advised to bring along sunglasses, sun hats and sunscreen.

Copyright © Africa Point

Keywords: mauritius, mauritius vacation, beach destination, travel, white beaches, african islands, islands,

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Andrew Muigai
Nairobi, Kenya
travel@africapoint.com
Learn more at http://www.africapoint.com

Andrew Muigai is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.
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What you need to know about – Disney world

Have you ever marveled how will an evening be when you are dining with some of the interminably beloved stars (of young and the old) in the cosmos—Mickey Mouse, Alice, Uncle Scrooz, to name a few. The experience would be incredible and exceptional, so is the place- Disneyland. Walt Disney, the father of the Disneyland established the first Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California in 1954. The park was inimitable and thronged by visitors of all age groups from toddlers who had just learnt to walk to the grey haired men and women. The charisma of the place didn’t let it rest at one place. A replica of Disneyland was made by the name of Disney World in the eastern half of the United States in Orlando, Florida in 1971. Noticing the diaspora across the world for this place, Japan kicked off its own Disneyland in 1983 and christened it as Tokyo Disneyland. Lately, in 1992 another model of Disneyland was premiered in Paris, known as Euro Disney.

The premier Disneyland in California is planned around eight lands for instance Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and the like. The place is an all round entertainment for all the visitors. From live cartoon characters to exotic landscapes and scandalizing rides this Disneyland boosts your energy levels and mitigates all the worries and anxieties of life. The beguiling place can be best experienced during spring and winters. Summers should be shunned for California is hot, humid and stormy during this season.

During summers the pleasure can be taken at the Typhoon Lagoon waterparks and the Blizzard Beach in Disney World, Orlando, Florida. The place crammed by the tourists all round the year is bifurcated into five themed parks namely- The Magic Kingdom, Disney or MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom and the Epcot Center.

The Tokyo Disney Resort being the first Disney theme exterior to the United States periphery is also a delightful place to holiday at. The outstanding attractions of the place include ravishing Tokyo Disney Sea Park and Ispiari, a trendy and admired shopping zone. Disneyland Paris is more or less an amalgam of Florida and California Disney themeparks. Yet it lures countless tourists from Europe and across the globe.

The Exclusive set of Activities Life is different when you are at any of the Disneyland themeparks. The parks are not premeditated just to amuse and absorb the kids but also to make the adults take delight in their vacations. Those who are tired of rides and water games can take pleasure in some of the world’s best designed golf courses in Orlando. You can even go for sightseeing in Southeast and Southern California. Not to forget are the revitalizing spas that allow you to put your feet up and bathe in perfect tranquility. Some of the wonderful spas are nestled near the Disneyland of Florida and California.

When the adults have so much to explore, for kids the happiness is unparalleled. Moreover, it is a bumper bonanza if your birthday falls during your trip for every Disneyland has some special proviso for the birthdays. Apart from birthdays, Christmas season is the crowning time to celebrate in all the Disney parks especially for the Florida and California Disneyland. There are a horde of other activities like tea parties for kids with their favorite cartoon characters, camping with them and even cooking classes for the tiny hands to develop some skills and taste for cooking. The disabled children too can have their complete share of enjoyment for the Disney themeparks are equipped with disabled friendly devices like wheelchairs, Braille guides and so forth. The temptation of the place has also invited cruiseliners to it. This lends you an opportunity to visit your child’s dream destination along with the remarkable everlasting experience of a cruise. Special preparations are made for the couples and those who want to enjoy in isolation from the rest.

Once you make up your mind to holiday at any of the Disney theme parks, the entire information about it can be collected through the internet or traveling agencies. Although every Disney world, be it for Florida, California, Tokyo or Paris is surrounded by all range of hotels (budget friendly to expensive) yet it is prudent to get reservations beforehand. Get Ready to Discover the Child in You…Go Disney !

Keywords: disney world

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What you need to know about – germany travel

Germany has always one of the centers of attractions on the globe. The place is as beautiful as the fantasy of an artist and the imagination of a poet. It has a rich history that’s speaks through the archaic and bewitching architecture and monuments, the culture and the convivial attitude of the locals. There are royal castles, magnificent castles and handmade houses that take you to the roads of the country’s glorious past. The wonderful cities of Germany like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt etc. treat you with an ecstatic unity in diversity.

The best time to visit Germany is summer season. When the sun is shining above your head during the months of April to September, Germany is an ideal place with mild weather and sunshine. Once you reach Germany, it is a pleasure and delight to explore the place via a train. These trains take you from town to town providing you the best of all amenities and an opportunity not just to explore the interior but also the enthralling outskirts of each city.

A Little about the Cities- Berlin, the capital city of Germany is a city full of life and passion that never lets your spirits down. Besides the entertaining and unforgettable nightlife of Berlin there are other attractions too. The Brandenburg Gate and the remains of the Berlin Wall in Berlin sing the saga of the time of Second World War when Hitler reigned over Germany, are remarkable things to watch. While you are in Berlin be sure to visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum that throws more light on the history of Berlin Wall and has a collection of the relics related to unbeaten escape attempts across its borders. Apart from this you should also visit the Germaldegaleire or the traditional Picture Gallery that has an exotic collection of the 13th to 18th century art.

There are several good hotels to make your stay comfortable in Berlin. The archaic Adlon Hotel is quite a renowned hotel in Berlin. You can ask either ask your travel agency to reserve the lod