Travel Destinations Articles

Goharik

2006-10-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

np

2006-09-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

New York City - Without Breaking Your Budget

2006-03-30T12:16:00.000-08:00

New York City

It’s the Big Apple, baby, and all roads eventually lead – or cross – in its streets. But you won’t be doing your sightseeing there, because it’s too expensive…right? If you’re resourceful, there are many free and/or inexpensive tourist destinations in New York City. Below are but a few – including well-known sites, food, and New York’s art scene.

THE SITES

- Central Park – Stretch your legs and see the world’s most famous park without spending a dime. Enjoy just walking around the 800 + acres, or visit one of the park’s many famous sites for reasonable prices, including the Central Park Zoo, take your kids to one of the 21 playgrounds, or enjoy one of their many tours.

- Ground Zero – Many New York visitors want to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the terrible events of September 11, 2001. Today, you can take a guided tour of the site for around $20, or visit it on your own for less. While you’re there, you might want to visit St. Paul’s Chapel on Broadway and Fulton Streets near the area. An impromptu memorial has grown there, with messages from visitors in many languages.

- Many birds, one stone – A variety of tours exist for a variety of budgets, ranging from the all-day $75 tour including Ellis Island, the United Nations, and many others, to a few hours’ $35 tour including visits to famous New York neighborhoods and museums. For a mere $20, you can take a Harbor Cruise to the Statue of Liberty.

THE FOOD

- Ethnic Delights – While you’re in New York, don’t pass up the opportunity to sample the flavors in the world’s biggest melting pot. Whether you stop for a slice of pizza in Little Italy, or grab some Dim Sum in Chinatown, New York’s diverse residents have brought their recipes with them from their home countries and they are ready to share them with you. A unique dining experience in New York can be had for under $10.

- Union Square Greenmarket – At Union Square, vendors sell fresh produce, homemade breads, homemade drinks, and even homemade cheese – and they are willing to share. They often offer free samples. The Greenmarket is a project by the Council on the Environment of NYC, and they’ve managed the open-air farmers’ markets in New York since 1976.

THE ARTS

- Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway – So you want to see one of New York’s famous Broadway shows, but you don’t want to break your budget? Consider one of the Off-Broadway or even Off-Off-Broadway theatres, where you will pay only 25% - 50% of what you would pay to see it on Broadway. There are numerous sites advertising discounted Broadway and Off-Broadway tickets; if you plan in advance, you can easily budget a show into your trip.

- Museums – There’s MOMA, the Met, the Guggenheim, the Whitney, the Natural History Museum, and many other world-famous New York City museums. Visiting all of them would cost a fortune, right? Not necessarily. There are several options for the cash-poor here. First, you could arrange to take a tour – for around $50, you can visit most of New York’s most famous museums. But there are plenty of free museums, too – including the American Folk Art Museum, urban art particular to New York at the Urban Center Gallery, and the National Museum of the American Indian, which has the largest collection in the world devoted solely to Native American culture and history. But if you don’t feel a visit to New York is complete without a tour of some of the famous museums mentioned above, then go see them on a “pay what you wish” night – MOMA’s, the Whitney, and the Guggenheim are all “pay what you wish” Friday evenings, and although not everyone is aware of it, the Met and the Brookly!

n Museum of Art has a suggested admission, but is “pay what you wish” everyday!

Remember, you can find a vacation that matches your budget as long as you’re willing to be flexible and creative – even in New York. There are many online resources you can use to plan an exciting but realistic vacation to the Big Apple. Have fun, and good luck!

Rachel Medlock
www.MyVacationInfo.com.

Choosing The Right Bahamas Vacation Package For Your Family

2006-03-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

The Bahamas are a group of islands located west of Florida. It is for most people a perfect place, especially for newlyweds on their honeymoon, for those who just want to have a relaxing vacation, and for a fun filled and exciting family vacation. The Bahamas are famous for its beautiful beaches and exhilarating activities that suit diverse types of experience. People who often visit the Bahamas have their own favorite places that they visit again and again.

They feel like the Bahamas is their home away from home. With seven hundred islands and cays, countless activities, and millions of web pages referring to The Bahamas, it can be confusing to plan a vacation, especially for the first time visitor because there are so many places to see and so many activities to do and experience.

For a family vacation in The Bahamas, the first step is to plan ahead the places that you want to visit and the activities that you will do as a family. To ensure that your family really enjoys your planned family vacation it would be best to ask them what type of vacation they want to experience.

The Bahamas is a place that is full of exciting activities and fun things to do for people of all ages; it offers a wide range of vacation experiences. Here are some activities that you can experience in the Bahamas: boating, casinos and gambling, cruises, diving resources, golf courses, night life and entertainment, sailing and boat charters, best buy shopping and water sports.

For a fun-filled family vacation experience there’s dolphin encounters where your family can experience swimming with wild dolphins. These are guaranteed to give you endless joy. Then there’s Abaco National Park, Family Island Regatta, Harbour Island, Sport Fishing, Swimming with Sharks and so much more.

Once you have decided on what you and your family are interested in, you might want to make sure which island best offers those activities. There are island guides that contain most of the information regarding the islands; also individual maps are available to show the whereabouts of the major activities and attractions of each island in the Bahamas.

Second is choosing your family vacation accommodations to suit your family and the type of vacation they have decided on. The Bahamas offer a wide variety of accommodations to choose from; from the most exquisite villas to economy hotel rooms, major islands like Atlantis Paradise Island, Wyndham Nassau Resort, Four Seasons, and Nassau also known as New Providence Island, offer large family resorts. In case your family wants a more private vacation experience, consider a vacation rental home which is offered on almost every island.

The last thing you need in order to have that perfect family vacation is to find a great deal on airfare to the Bahamas Island of your choice. The best way for you to have flexible flight arrangements for the lowest airfare, is to make reservations directly with the airlines. Now you’re ready, the family is ready, may you have a happy and unforgettable vacation experience in the Bahamas.

Jeff Linaker
http://www.enbahamasvacation.com

Travel to Croatia: A Beginner's Guide

2006-03-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good reason. The rocky coastline continues for 1778 kilometres and includes pine-fringed coves, wide sandy beaches and cozy inlets. As if that weren't enough, there are a good 1185 islands that range from lush and wooded to stark and hilly. Yachties love the sailing opportunities, sunbathers have an incredible choice of beaches and scuba divers have a paradise of sea life to explore.

Beyond the pretty scenery, Croatia also boasts a fascinating history and cultural life.The walled city of Dubrovnik on its southern tip is a must-stop for Mediterranean cruises but the long coast is littered with remnants of Croatia's varied past.

The Romans swept through two thousand years ago, leaving an amphitheatre in Pula and Diocletian's Palace in Split. Long ruled by Venice, many ports along the coast bear the distinctive imprint of its former master. In southern Dalmatia, the towns of Hvar and Korcula resemble Little Venices without the canals. In Istria, the striking bell tower in Rovinj is modeled after that on St Mark's Square in Venice.

In contrast to the Italian-influenced coast, the Croatian interior was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and looks it. Zagreb, Croatia's capital, has the kind of stately architecture that wouldn't be out of place in Vienna or Budapest. Plus,it has a small medieval quarter that vaguely resembles Prague.To the north of Zagreb, in the middle of green, rolling hills, lies Varazdin, Croatia's most underrated city. Lying too far from the coast to attract much tourism, Varazdin nevertheless boasts a stunningly well-preserved baroque center.

So, what to see first? Following is my personal list of highlights for a Croatian visit:

Dubrovnik

Byron called it the "Pearl of the Adriatic" for the magnificent curtain of walls surrounding a city paved in marble and strewn with Renaissance sculpture.

Hvar Town
In addition to the splendid harbor promenade and sculptured facades, it's becoming known for the best nightlife on the Adriatic.

Korcula Town
It resembles Hvar in some ways, especially the narrow cluster of streets,but iit lies on a narrow peninsula and is quieter.

Rovinj
Istria's prettiest little town, it retains the flavor of a traditional fishing port despite the heavy influx of tourists in recent years.

Plitvice Lakes National Park
It has to be seen to be believed. The 16 turquose lakes seem to glow and there are waterfalls everywhere. It's a UNESCO world heritage site.

Brela Beach
The idyllic coves, bordered with pine trees, stretch out like a long necklace of beaches. Forbes magazine recently named it one of the top twenty beaches in the world.

No matter where you go in Croatia, you'll find people eager to welcome tourists after the grueling war of the early 1990s. English is widely spoken and costs are comparatively reasonable compared to the rest of the European coast. So what are you waiting for?

Jeanne Oliver
http://www.croatiatraveller.com.

Top Tips For Saving Money On Car Rental Rates

2006-03-29T13:33:00.000-08:00

Rental cars are leased to users who don't have access to their own automobiles, such as when travelling. They can be hired from rental car centres. Car hire in Britain & USA has become a highly competitive market with the arrival of online booking and bargain air tickets offering a car hire package deal. As a result prices are very keen. The big rental companies are having to look at their online strategies as a result. Another growth area is the decision many people have made to give up their private car and opt for renting when they need one. This has given rise to home deliveries and one way car hire in Britain, proving to be a very popular sector.

Top Tips For Saving Money On Car Rental Rates

· Compare car rental rates on the internet and find a bargain

· Comparison shop on any 'extras' such as damage waiver

· Check the companies mileage policy to avoid additional charges.

· Make your reservation as soon as you know what you want. A lot of car rental companies increase their reservation rates as fleets become booked.

· The best rates are found off season ( more cars available = more supply = lower prices ).

· Ask if there are any special upgrades available.

Renting a car should be relatively easy. Check the customer service record of the company you are booking with. Ask people who have used them what their experience was like.

Jack Grocott
http://www.car-rental-information-zone.com

How To Find Cheap Airfare Within Europe

2006-03-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Cheap Airfare

It is often tiresome to search for cheap airfare between European cities and has been near hopeless for a number of years. Travelers were told that Europeans didn't bother offering cheap airfare. Instead of by air, they traveled at a low cost within Europe using the railway system or rented cars to get around if required.

However, now there are situations where cheap airfares within Europe are in fact the only option, peculiarly when time is of the essence. Some travelers cannot afford to pay not-so-cheap prices to get from Point A to Point B using airfare within Europe, but they often require to get there faster than say, by car.

The primary point to consider when researching cheap airfares within Europe is to look and see if you can arrive and depart from cities different than your originals. Why? Because a different terminal may be cheaper to fly from, or to, when planning airfare within Europe. Restructuring a trip to admit for a little more travel isn't terribly bad, especially IF there are giant savings, yes?
The problem with really cheap airfares within Europe is that there can be strings attached. Perhaps your return trip will be almost twice the cost of the one that got you there in the first place. Or the dates you can choose to travel may be very restrictive. And don't forget that the tax on some of these cheap airfares within Europe is as a rule more than the flight itself.

Also, be sure to bear in mind that shopping for cheap European airfares isn't the same as in North America. There aren't many connecting flights in Europe and the majority of cheap airfares are straight, city to city runs.

Places to Look for Cheap Airfares within Europe

It may be important to note that we are not supporting any of the following airlines. It's a reasonable starting point for cheap European airfare, however. Here are some of the movers and shakers in the cheap European airfare game so you can get started with your cheap airfare within Europe research.

Basiq Air - Has a home base in Holland and flies to 20 cities, give or take. Flights from Amsterdam run anywhere between 30-60 EUR ($37-74 USD).

BMI Baby Airlines - Offers routes across Europe.

Simple Jet - A very large amount of routes across Europe. However, there is an extra burden if you book with a credit card, and there are no refunds, unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e. death of a family member).

Germania Express - Discount flights between Spain, Italy, Germany and Greece.
Sky Europe - Apparently the cardinal deduct airline in middle Europe.

Snowflake - Caters for the Mediterranean from Europe.

Continent Express - Taxes and fees at this locale are incomparably higher than the authentic fares.

Volare Airlines - An Italian based airline.

Wizz Air - A new airline, but quite prolific with it's customers. Travels between Warsaw and Athens.

Finding cheap airfares within Europe doesn't have to be an uphill battle. As long as you're armed with the correct facts and appropriate resources, you're on your way to finding that cheap airfare!

Zahid Saddique
http://www.GetCheapAirfares.info

Things To Do While Visiting Dublin

2006-03-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

With a population of almost half a million, Dublin is the capital and largest city on the island of Ireland. It was originated in 488AD as a shipping port while going through the Irish Sea and has progressively grown into a modern day city throughout the years.

Today Dublin is a mixture of the old and the new Metro and they merge nicely from the downtown area out into the suburbs.

Dublin has a sizable number of immigrants, coming from Great Britain, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and continental Europe. More recently, Nigerian, Indian, and Eastern European populations have also migrated into the city, largely attracted by Ireland's economic success since the mid-1990's. Old and once run-down streets have rapidly become busy 'ethnic districts', such as Moore Street's transformation into 'Little Africa' and Parnell Street East into the city's de-facto 'Chinatown' and 'Asian Village'. These villages are a great way for tourists to spend the afternoon, casually walking the cobblestone streets, shopping and having lunch!

There is plenty to do in Dublin if you are on vacation or sightseeing.

- The National Print Museum of Ireland
- The Irish Museum of Modern Art
- The National Gallery of Ireland
- The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery
- The Chester Beatty Library
- And three centers of the National Museum of Ireland are all located in Dublin.

These cultural museums would make an informative and beautiful tour around the city of Dublin. And Dublin has an excellent bus system that will carry you around the town with very little effort or expense. Or if you prefer a more energetic afternoon, renting a bicycle and touring on a bike is a popular way to see the city “up close and personal.”

The river Liffey separates Dublin, the North from the South, with typically the working class on the North and the middle and upper class on the South. In more recent years the city has also been divided socio-economically between East and Westside too. But not to worry! There are plenty of restaurants and nightlife anywhere you want to go, from the friendly outdoor pubs to the Temple Bar, which is "The Place" for nightlife and often people from Britain and beyond visit for the weekend.

Whatever you prefer, you are sure to find in Dublin. And don’t forget to catch a football or a rugby game at Croke Park, which seats 82,300 fans! There are other sports arenas scattered around the city for soccer, horse and greyhound racing, baseball, and other athletic events which are held at Morton Stadium in Santry.

So, from fine dining to eating in your hotel and the wonderful restaurants, to cultural exhibits around town, and seasonal sports events across the country to ending a wonderful day with a night of dancing or walking along the beach, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy while in Dublin.

And don't forget the week-long celebrations for St Patrick's Day, which culminate in the great parade on 17 March.

Niall Cinneide
http://www.St-Patricks.info

Flying High

2006-03-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

Traveling can be a wondrous experience that has the capacity to broaden one’s perspective about life through numerous new experiences and discoveries along the course of a journey. It can also be very taxing and costly which is why there are quite a number of people who just dream continuously about dream vacation they will never take.

A lonely planet

While the earth is essentially a lonely planet in it’s galaxy being the single planet that hosts the most diverse life forms and unique biodiversity, one need not be lonely in this lonely planet. Go out and explore the only world you’ve got, making the most out of life by seeing the bigger picture through extensive travels.

The book called Lonely Planet has a version for each country in the world that will help you, the adventurous traveler, a new world to explore at every turn-- inexpensively.

A lonely bank account

Although the lure of adventure and discovery is strong, the pull of the reality that you may not be able to afford destinations despite the help of travel guides such as the lonely planet tends to rain on one’s parade. One of the biggest spends in traveling is actually the price of an airline ticket. Not to mention that purchasing one may prove to be a hassle if you have to buy one on your own and not go through a travel agent to be able to cut costs.

Fortunately, this need not be the case. With a little prudence and some flexibility, you can finally reach that dreamed of destination without having to take out a second mortgage on your loan.

Be Alert

So you’ve researched extensively on your destination and found the proper accommodations and have all the off-beat trips written down. While doing that, you should’ve kept your eyes and ears peeled for airline ticket promotions and chances are, you have found them. There are usually limited-time promotions from airlines and they advertise these in the papers and send email blasts.

The wisdom of the bamboo

Learn to be as flexible as the bamboo and get that airline ticket dirt cheap because of it. Find out what are usually the cheapest days to fly and book your tickets then. Also consider taking late night or very early morning flights with at least one stop and you can be sure that these will be discounted.

Check the package

Sometimes airlines will have travel packages that include accommodations and transportation bundled into the air line ticket price and these allows you to be able to save up on other expenses so be sure to ask your air line for these promotions.

The early bird

In this case, the early bird will not catch the worm but will land a discounted air line ticket by booking early. There are advance ticket discounts available if you reserve twenty-one days in advance.

Fly!

So you have everything in tow and have landed the best deals for your travel destination which includes a great bargain on your airline ticket. Don’t forget to make a checklist so as not to forget anything and avoid inconveniences. Remember that all you need to bring are the essentials: passport; airline tickets; traveler’s checks; a sense of fun and adventure. And if things don’t go as smoothly as planned during your trip, remember that it’s the journey, more than the destination that counts.

Robert Thatcher
http://www.aboutairlinetickets.info.

Favourite British Scenic Drives: St Just To St Ives

2006-03-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

The barbed Atlantic winds screamed at me relentlessly, penetrating the bones and drowning the songs of seabirds. Cape Cornwall stood defiantly in the face of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, sculptured over time by driving currents, wind and rain.

Cape Cornwall lies in the far west of county Cornwall, deep in the south-westerly reaches of England. Standing sentry against the intensity of the Atlantic, Cape Cornwall guards the town of St Just from the worst of the elements.

St Just is the last major town in England before the shipping graveyard of Land’s End and its treacherous stretch of rugged coastline. A delightful little town, St Just is just minutes from the ancient monument site of Carn Gluze on the Penwith Heritage Coast.

Travelling north from St Just along the B3306, you soon descend a steep gradient before passing through the sleepy little village of Botallack. A little further is the enchanting Pendeen, home to the old Geevor Tin Mines, offering a glimpse of days gone by and unenviable working practises.

Pendeen Watch stands at the head of the shore, embedding you amongst the jagged Cornish coastline at the mercy of the elements and Atlantic Ocean. The South West Coast Path provides opportunity to explore more of the seacoast.

The coastal road continued northeast through Morvah village and the excellent coastal observation post Gurnards Head, before the panorama broadened to incorporate a vast expanse of land slowly descend as it approached the sea.

Vibrant coloured plants and shrubs blanketed the ground as they raced across the decline towards the towering cliff tops, stopping suddenly at the edge to observe the high seas. A fusion of scents emanated from the vast array of flowers swaying in the ocean breeze.

The narrow road continued to twist and turn slowly through the pretty Cornish countryside. The monopoly of fields and shrubs rescinded upon arrival of Zennor. Calm and peaceful, this serene village seemed the perfect antidote to the rigours of modern day city living.

A steep downhill gradient preceded the final approach to St Ives with its tight cobbled streets and busy harbour. The land began to rise again as the town neared. Tantalising glimpses of St Ives Bay and a glut of sailing vessels suddenly emerged between breaks in the houses.

The steep descent through cramped streets became a battle of wills with pedestrians; everybody fought for the same space. A fortunate place in the harbour car park left me gazing into the Atlantic. The wind had now relented; all was calm again.

About The Author

Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk.

Castles, Raisins and Paella – Denia, Spain

2006-03-28T11:03:00.000-08:00

I just love trips where I’m never bored. I mean, don’t you just hate to go to a destination where there’s really only one attraction? Only one type of architecture? One thing the place is known for? That’s why I love Denia, Spain, which sits on the Mediterranean Sea. It’s so… out of the ordinary. Denia can’t help but be out of the ordinary. Again, it does sit on the Mediterranean. And, take into account the many cultures that have dominated Denia in its history: the Roman, Greeks, Arabs, Moors. They all have had an impact on the culture, architecture and food of the region.

After taking in the beauty of the Mediterranean, it’s good to begin your trip to Denia with a visit to the hill-top castle which dominates over the city. The castle was once an Arab fortress, and now houses The Archaeological Museum, which has a great number of remains of all the different cultures which has invaded this area.

Then head on over to the Ethnological Museum on Cavallers Street for an exhibit on raisins. That’s right, raisins. Denia was once the premier raisin producer in the region. Though tourism now dominates Denia, raisins are still grown there and are quite the local delicacy.

Okay, now that you have gotten acquainted with Denia’s culture and raisins, it’s time for a little fun in the sun. If you’re a scuba-diving enthusiast, you must head south to a coastal area call Les Rotes, which is known for excellent scuba diving and fishing.

If you’re like me and you want to just relax in the sun, there are sandy beaches north of town. Els Palmars and Las Marinas are two wonderful beaches where the not-so-deep waters appeal to families with children (or, people who are just chicken of deep water, like me).

After a day of sunning, scuba diving and visiting museums, it’s time to eat. And when I think of Denia and food I think Paella, a rice dish with fish, meat and vegetables. Rice is very common in Denia kitchens. There are actually over 200 ways that Denia cooks have found to prepare rice. Someday I plan to try all 200 variations. So, for something very much out of the ordinary, plan a trip to Denia, Spain.

Shari Hearn
www.thetravelerscompanion.com

Fatima In Portugal Moves Mountains

2006-03-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

Fatima, Portugal is one of the few places on earth that everyone, be they christians or not, associates with the word miracle and deep faith. It was once a poor village in the Beira region where the economy was in a profound depression and there was just enough to get by on and life was a big struggle. But one day the appearance of the Virgen Mary or as others have called them the Marian Apparitions changed the life and fame and everyone referred to the Virgen as Our Lady of Fatima. It rapidly became a great sanctuary of pilgrimage, and today it is one of the most important ones in all of Europe.

Messages from Fatima

On May 13th 1917, at a time when one part of the world was in war with the other and when people needed spiritual guidance and something strong to believe in, the Virgen Mary made her appearance to three young children who were taking care of their sheep near their village called Aljustral. For the next five months, the Virgen Mary called upon these children in the same place called the Cova de Iria and on the same day. As it to be expected, who was going to believe Lucia who was 10, 9 year old Francisco Marto and his sister Jacinta who was 7. The messages that the Virgen had passed on to them seemed so unreal and far fetched, predictions that seemed so futuristic for these simple towns people. They probably expected religious advice and preaching, but the message that three children had to pass on was more of a political warning with a moral basis to it. The Virgen wanted to express the idea that if the Soviet Union converted to Catholism and opened its borders to the free world, all of which could probably avoid more wars which always produced horrible endings. She also indicated a strong desire that the Berlin wall be knocked down so that the poeple of the world could unite and become one, all under Catholism. She also warned that the highest representation of the Catholic church would be in danger. Everything she told the shepards seemed hard to understand but as we can see nowadays, everything has come true. For me the most shocking predictions that we have lived through is the terrorist attack on Pope John Paul II’s life. But back then it was a test of faith which we can see today has been passed quite well by the people.

Fatima’s Colossal Square

Soon after the appearances, many people gathered at the spot where the Virgin appeared and so a small chapel was built and a figure sculptured by Jose Ferreira Thedim of the Virgin. But in 1922 a bomb destroyed it and a new one was immediately built and in 1928 the Basilica del Rosario was finished. Ever since that glorious day, Fatima‘s history has taken on new dimensions and meaning for the whole world. It has become a study place for those wanting to follow a religious life as there are about seventy religious buildings and more than ten religious schools.

When you arrive in the immense plaza that surrounds the Basilica, other than contemplating the splendorous church, you will come across people who have decided to make their way to the Appearance Chapel‘ on their knees. There is a special path starting at the entrance and leading up to the chapel, going around the back part, where people light candles and ending up at the main altar in the front. In front of the chapel there is a column that shows you exactly where the Virgin appeared. To the right of the oratory there is the Big Oak tree ( having had to be replaced once ) where the three shepard children would wait for the miracles. In the centre of the square is a statue to the Sacred Heart, in the exact same place where a stream of water came forth during the period of the miracles. And inside the Basilica lay the tombs of the three shepards who have graced Fatima with their courage and continuing faith.

Room for all

I imagine that right from the beginning, the people of Fatima opened their homes to all wishing to share the religious experience that was happening at that time. Since then, many hotels, youth hostels and camp grounds have been built to accomodate the heavy influx of tourism. All hotels or pensions have restaurants and the majority of them are located on the Rua Jacinta Marto or Rua Francisco Marto. One excellent place to eat where I have personally been is the restaurant called Tia Alice. It is placed in an old wine cellar ( therefore the decoration is as if you were in a nicely decorated cave) and the food is exquisite. Be sure to reserve well in advance. In the town Cova de Iria, about 2 kilometres away, there are more accomodations which can be easily reached by rented car. Spend a few days in Lisbon too as it is the centre and capital of Portugal and offers interesting sights to see.

Ken Morris
http://www.lisbon-and-portugal.com

Italy: a Visit To Civita di Bagnoregio

2006-03-24T11:09:00.000-08:00

Between the Tevere River and Bolsena lake, in the green latium countryside, on the top of a clay hill, rises the small town "Civita di Bagnoregio".

Civita appears isolated on a cliff spur to dominate the around valley and, thanks to this isolation, the town shows intact its medieval architectonical structure.

Joined to Bagnoregio, and to the world, through only one bridge, Civita appears in an unreal isolation due to landslip series and downfall of argillaceous ground on which the entire town is built and that is still in danger.

The History of Civita and Bagnoregio links each to other and the legend wants that Longobardi's king Desiderio named the city Bagnoregium after he was there to cure serious disease with local thermal water (Bagnoregio is a word composed by bagno (means: bath) and regio (regal, king)).

The urban planning of the city is of Etruscan origin, constituted from ortogonal alleys as Etruscan and later roman use, while the entire architectonic has medioeval and rinascimentale styles. Several sculptures of medieval age, pertaining to buildings destroyed for continuous landslips are inglobated on the arc and in the wall to the sides of town access gate.

The heart of the village of Civita is constituted from San Donato square, on which the cathedral dome rises. The cathedral was built in centuries VII - VIII, over a more ancient pagan temple. The building was widened in the XI XII when a bell tower was built too. In origin the cathedral had to be faced from a porch, today destroyed, like us testifies the rests of two columns placed the facade. Inside, the building, has three naves splitted by columns of medieval origin.

Always in San Donato square, on the left of the bell tower, there is a passage that leads to the building of medieval jails, while on the southern side of the square we have "Via della Maestà" where we can see fragments of typical longobard sculptures. At the end of this road there were the gate of the Maestà, collapsed with the church of "Santa Maria della Maestà" after a landslip in 1695. From there, a narrow lane came down to the water sources of Civita, in particular to source

of the Columns and in the zone called "dell'Uncino" (hook), where, for the legend, was located the thermal source from which Bagnoregium name derived.

Davide Farace
d.farace@insonniateam.it

On the Texas Barbecue Trail

2006-03-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

Texas

Among polite society, a few subjects are invariably touchy, threatening to flare into heated debate. Politics. Religion.

And don't forget to add one more topic to that list if you’re in Texas: barbecue.

Whether you spell it barbecue, barbeque, bar-b-que, or just bbq, one thing's for sure: barbecue is more than just a meal, it's a mantra.

At last count, Texas boasted over 1,300 barbecue joints, ranging from side-of-the-road greasehouses with slamming screen doors to sit-down restaurants with beautiful vistas, air conditioning and even (gasp) wine lists. The business of barbecue rings up over a half-billion dollars annually, a cobweb of commerce that connects an otherwise diverse, sprawling state with a common mission: Go forth and seek out good barbecue.

Although you can find good barbecue throughout the South, the Texas variety is different from that in other barbecue capitals. Texas barbecue means beef brisket, basted meats, and tomato-based sauce, or sometimes no sauce at all. The selection varies from pit to pit but in most tradition reigns.

In each region, divided by hundreds of miles, the local barbecue is influenced by other culinary cultures, from Southern to Tex-Mex to Southwest. Cabrito or barbecued goat is often served in the western portion of the state while pork or lamb is a more common offering in East Texas. Cooking styles vary as well. Out on the West Texas plains, barbecue is usually cooked over a slow fire of mesquite wood while in Southern and Central Texas pecan and oak are more common. Farther east, barbecue pits are stoked with hickory. Throughout the state, meals are served with sides of cole slaw, pinto beans, and spongy white bread, often on plates of butcher paper. Dessert, if found at all, is usually a scoop of banana pudding with a dose of vanilla wafers.

Unlike Kansas City and Memphis, Texas has no clearly defined capital of ‘que. But Texas does have what’s sometimes nicknamed the “barbecue belt,” a smoky swath that runs through the central part of the state and includes:

Llano: On the westernmost edge of the barbecue belt lies the community of Llano. What makes Llano unique among the central Texas barbecue towns is its cooking style. Most pit masters in this town rely on indirect barbecuing. In a firebox, wood burns down to coals, then it's transferred to the main section of the pit beneath the meat to impart a delicate smoky taste subtler than ordinary smoking. Don’t miss Cooper's Old Time Pit Barbecue. From its huge rectangular pits located by the front door to the dining room lined with loaves of white bread and jars of jalapeño peppers, this is the real deal.

Taylor: Taylor calls itself "The Barbecue Capital of the World,” home of two legendary barbecue joints separated only by a parking lot and small road at their locations on Second Street. Louis Mueller's is housed in one of the most authentic barbecue joints in Texas, with an old-fashioned screen door, smoke-covered walls, and giant fans that provide the only cool breeze on a hot summer day. Next door, Rudy Mikeska's serves its equally fine offerings in a more citified atmosphere. During his lifetime, Rudy Mikeska was the dean of Texas pitmasters. If there was a political function to be held, Rudy Mikeska and his barbecue specialties were there.

Elgin: In Texas, the town of Elgin is synonymous with sausage. The small community, located about 25 miles east of Austin, produces the sausage sold by many barbecue joints through the state. The best known of Elgin's smokin' stops is the Southside Market, probably one of the most recognized names in Texas barbecue lore. In business since 1882, the market is known for its Elgin hot sausage, sometimes known as Elgin Hot Guts.

Lockhart: Twenty-three miles south of Austin lies another "Barbecue Capital of Texas," Lockhart. The test of a real Texan is to know the correct pronunciation of the town’s Kreuz Market. No, don't say "Cruise." It's "Krites," rhyming with "lights." Also in town, don’t miss Smitty’s, housed in the building where the original Kreuz Market was located, and Black's BBQ, which claims to be the oldest barbecue house in Texas continuously owned by the same family. Since 1932 the Black family has been firing up these brick pits every day for lunch and dinner.

Luling: Located east of Austin, Luling is the land of oil wells. No longer a boomtown, today the barbecue restaurants are the ones producing black gold. The best known spot in town is the City Market, a no-frills smoky meat market, with ambiance replaced by plenty of local atmosphere.

Paris Permenter and John Bigley
editors@texastripper.com

Slip Into Greece

2006-03-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Greece

If you're looking to travel, may I recommend Greece? Scanning through some picture on the internet today, I was amazed at just how much there is to see. The ruins, the culture, the landscape.... everything! It is a beautiful country, which fits well in beautiful Europe.
There is something like 15,000 kilometers of coastline to view in Greece, which also includes numerous islands such as Rhodes, Crete, and Kos. Although the edge is at sea level, approximately 80% of the land is made up of hills and mountains. Maybe this isn't a perfect destination for a walk, but what do the hills and mountains contain?!

And the culture of Ancient Greece, which is a period of about one thousand years, is really something to sink your energy into learning about. Their schooling, their housing, their cooking and food, and their arts are all very interesting to take a look at or to read about. Most historians believe Ancient Greece to be the foundation of western civilization. It heavily influenced our government, education, architecture, and language!

Greece has a little something in store for all of it's visitors, everything from history to the beach! Now for planning next years summer vacation...

Tyler Brooker
http://www.mygreecetravelguide.com

Uganda Hotels - The Boost For Tourism

2006-03-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

UGANDA

HISTORY

Hotel growth in Uganda started in the19th century, a decade after independence during the colonial period. This saw the growth of accommodation, transport and infrastructure in Uganda (tourism.) The political instability during the 1970’s and 1980’s led to the decline in the hotel industry as well as tourism. Hotels were closed, destroyed and made into police barracks like the Nile mansions.

The taking over of power in 1986 by the National Resistance movement (NRM) led to the revival of the tourism industry. Uganda has consistently worn foreign and international relations, support of large international organizations like World Tourism Organization, and has attracted internal and external investors. This has led to the rehabilitation of leisure and tourism facilities like hotels.

Visitor arrivals have grown due to the increase in tourism demand from the 512,000 in 2004 to about 700,000 in 2005.Uganda’s tourism sector has continued to grow and is expected to earn the country over $500m (about sh905b) this year from $360m (sh651.6b) last year.

HOTELS/ACCOMMODATION

Uganda has a wide range of excellent hotels and accommodation facilities located in all regions of the country. These are mainly located in the main towns of Kampala (Capital City), Jinja, Entebbe, Gulu, Mbarara, Mbale, Fortportal, Arua.

Uganda is well known for its hospitality and the welcoming nature of the local people, which has promoted the growth and development of hotels and other accommodation facilities.

Upmarket, low budget and more affordable hotels and accommodation include Sheraton Kampala hotel, Serena hotel (formerly Nile hotel), Speke hotel, Grand Imperial hotel, Emin pasha hotel, Hotel Equatoria, hotel Africana, Tourist hotel, Hotel Diplomate, Holiday Express hotel. Imperial Resort beach hotel, Botanical beach hotel, Hotel Triangle, Crested crane hotel, Windsor lake Victoria hotel, Mbale resort hotel, Mt.Elgon hotel, to mention but a few.

Other accommodation facilities include hostels, lodges, campsites, guesthouses and apartments, which are located in the city center, suburbs and in all regions of the country. Lodges include Mweya safari lodge, Speke resort Munyonyo, Red chili rest camp and hideaway, Gorilla forest camp, Volcanoes, Arra fishing lodge, Jacana safari lodge etc. Apartments include Acacia apartments, Windsor apartments, Kabira club, Dolphin suites, Mosa courts, golden leaves, Royal suites, Salama springs, Speke resort, etc. Campsites and hostels include Adrift/Nile high camp, Red chili hideaway, Backpackers, Bigodi wetland sanctuary, Bunyonyi overland camp, Ishasha wilderness camp, Sambiya river lodge Bandas, Hornbill, The crows nest, Lake Nabugabo campsite, etc. Guesthouses include Rwenzori guesthouse, Mamba point, palm tree guesthouse, 2 friends guesthouse, Palm tree guesthouse, etc and Islands like nature’s prime island, Ssese Island, Bulago island.

HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS IN UGANDA.

The latest hotel developments in Uganda are a sure indication of tourism growth in Uganda and EastAfrica as a whole.

The development of tourism has been enhanced by effective promotion, of both the destination and products offered by specific businesses. Establishment of awareness programes, qualified, trained and skilled human resources, improved and stronger tourism administration, investment in the tourism plant and associated products (attractions, entertainment, shopping, etc), enhancing marketing methods and development of basic facilities, social services and proper infrastructure.

The hotels and other accommodation facilities have developed to offer distinguished ambience, panoramic views, and tranquil surroundings. They are uniquely refurbished to offer comfortable accommodations for a relaxing business or holiday trip. Hotels are perfectly situated for visitors with a welcoming atmosphere, friendly and hospitable services, with excellent facilities as well as comfortable guestrooms and public areas.

Business centers with boardrooms and equipment, Bars and restaurants serving intercontinental cuisine with wines and cocktails, Services like massage, sauna, Internet facilities, private lounges, gyms, swimming pools, shopping malls, Recreation courtyards, open spaces, pergolas, terraces and entertainment centers are offered by Uganda’s hotels and accommodation facilities.

The hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for 2007 in Uganda has also enhanced hotel development and refurbishment, and Hotel Owners have put their facilities together necessary to host the summit in 2007.

Hotels are on the increase in the country like Emin pasha, which opened at the end of March 2004. Kampala Sheraton Hotel, Bwebajja on Entebbe Road, Garden City, Golf Course and Kampala Serena hotels are undergoing construction and refurbishment. Buhoma Homestead, mantana-tented camps and the Volcanoes lodges are undergoing upgrading and expanding, and the most luxurious hotels used by business travellers and upmarket tourists have prices set in dollars.

There are plenty of budget hotels and accommodation facilities in Uganda, and the accommodation sector is growing consistently, with remarkable staff offering hospitable décor in hotels and all accommodation facilities.

Jackie Kisibo
http://www.hotelsinuganda.com
Jackie@hotelsinuganda.com

The Seaside Village Of Aegiali

2006-03-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

Aegiali, in the Greek Cyclades, is a very beautiful seaside village full of outstanding beaches and picturesque landscapes. Besides this, Aegiali offers a wide variety of facilities and therefore tourists could be almost sure of finding practically anything they might need while being in this destination.

Aegiali's cuisine is very appealing too and there are several typical dishes that tourists should not miss, especially those containing Mediterranean fish. Night life at Aegiali is also very nice and those visitors who enjoying going out and partying until late would also be able to have a good time in this city.

It is also often easy to find a hotel or a room in Aegiali since there is several of them spread throughout the city. Despite of this, it is always advisable to ask in advance and count with a reservation whenever it is possible in order to make sure of finding a place where to stay after arriving.

Among the main attractions offered by Aegiali there are its beaches. Aegiali and its surroundings count with many attractive and several outstanding beaches spread throughout the coastline. This way, this destination is also ideal to all those who enjoy the sea, the sand, sunbathing, or practicing beach sports.

One of the most picturesque and peculiar beaches visitors could find in Aegiali and its surrounding area is what is known as Levrossos Beach. Levrossos Beach is a nudist beach which offers great sands and clear waters, although many time tourists who approach to it are driven by curiosity rather than by the natural beauty offered by this area of the coast line.

The seaside village of Aegiali is situated at about 24 kilometers from the main port of Amorgos and the city of Katapola. This spot also offers several amazing beaches and it is highly recommendable that tourists always try to visit it while being in Aegiali, especially those who enjoy being close to the sea. Aegiali can be a great destination to all those who are fond of the sea, the beach, and traditional Greek food, among several other aspects.

Jakob Jelling
http://www.eurotomic.com

Amorgos And Its History

2006-03-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

Amorgos is one of the most visited islands in the Cyclades of Greece. This island has a size of about 120 km2 and inhabited by around 1800 people can be found at the east of the Cyclades, next to Dodecanese. Anciently called Minoa, the origins of this city and its population can be found strongly attached to the Cretans who are believed to be the first inhabitants in this island.

The island of Amorgos counts with a very rich and interesting past, and therefore all those who enjoy historic spots would be able to have a great time while visiting it. Many centuries ago, Amorgos was used by the Ionians in order to go from their islands to mainland Greece. Many constructions and elements from such époque can be still observed nowadays since was important in shaping the island's culture and traditions.

Three of the main and most antique cities in Amorgos can also be still visited nowadays. These three cities are Militos, Efessos, and Alikarnasos and also are strongly attached to the époque in which the Ionians used to go through this island in order to reach mainland Greece in such a way that each one of them can tell a bit of the history of those days. These three cities count with the peculiarity of being autonomous although they share a same currency and have many other aspects in common as well.

The city of Arkesini, one of the main spots in Amorgos, contains several appealing and unique characteristics. One of these interesting characteristics tourists could find in Arkesini is the antique walls that surround it and which were part of many important historical events.

It is also interesting to know that the island of Amorgos has received many different names throughout its history, and still, nowadays, it receives a variety of denominations. Among the names tourists could find Amorgos is called nowadays, there is the name of Pagali, Psichia, Patagy, Yperia, and Karkisia. This way, tourists should not be surprised or confused when they hear, read or see any of those names in reference to the town of Amorgos.

Jakob Jelling
http://www.eurotomic.com

Visit West Palm Beach Florida

2006-03-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

Palm beach, Florida

Just accross the Lake Worth Lagoon from Palm Beach sits the city of West Palm Beach, Florida, a 55 square mile city with a population in excess of 82,000 situated on the Intercoastal Waterway.

Staying in West Palm Beach puts you right in the middle of things but costs less than staying in Palm Beach. You are right next door to Palm Beach with it's luxurious resorts and beaches, minutes from Boca Raton and just over a one and one half hour drive north of Miami Beach.

Stay at the West Palm Beach Marriott, 1001 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401, (561) 833-1234, or the Crowne Plaza West Palm Beach Hotel, 1601 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406, (561) 689-6400 (Note: At this time the Crown Plaza is closed due to damage from Hurricane Frances, but will be reopening soon.), or the Courtyard By Marriott West Palm Beach, 600 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407, (561) 640-9000, or the Hilton Palm Beach Airport (A 100% non smoking hotel.), 150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida, 33406, (561) 684-9400, or the Radisson Hotel Palm Beach Airport, 1808 S. Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, (561) 689-6888. There are also a large number of even less expensive hotels in and around the city.

Play tennis on one of the thirty six tennis courts throughout the city, play golf at some of the best golf courses in the country (There are dozens of clubs and courses in the area.), visit the Palm Beach Zoo, 1301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida 33405, (561) 547-9453 with it's Over 23 acres of lush, tropical landscaped habitats that are home to over 900 animals from Florida, Central and South America, Asia and Australia, visit the Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, (561) 832-5196 with it's distinguished permanent collection featuring 19th and 20th century European and American art, Chinese, contemporary art and photography, or visit the South Florida Science Museum, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405, (561) 832-1988 with its dozens of fun, hands-on interactive exhibits, natural history exhibits and it's Planetarium. Dine in one of West Palm Beach's or Palm Beach's fine dining establishments. Shop at West Palm Beach's trendy boutiques or shop in Palm Beach at some of the finest shops in the world. Cruise the Intercoastal Waterway or go saltwater or freshwater fishing. If you just want to laze around on the beach and soak up the sun or play in the warm clear waters, you will find miles of beautiful public beaches in the area. Take in the Clematis by Night, free fountainside concert series, where visitors and locals mingle among arts and crafts vendors while enjoying live entertainment. Check out SunFest, Florida's largest waterfront music and art festival, which takes place in West Palm Beach each May. If you like night life you will find numerous night clubs and dance clubs right in West Palm Beach.

West Palm Beach, Florida has everything you could want and more, except high prices.

For more information about the city of West Palm Beach, Florida see: http://westpalmbeachfl.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of West Palm Beach, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

David G. Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

Cruising with Children

2006-03-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Cruising with children

Up until a few years ago, the words "cruise vacation" and "children" were seldom uttered together, and if they were, it was usually during a discussion of who would babysit while the parents went on a cruise. Most people would not even consider taking their children on a cruise vacation, and those few brave souls who did were often viewed with disbelief.

Those days are gone. Family cruise vacations have exploded in popularity, with more and more cruise lines catering specially to the needs of families with children of all ages. Now when it comes to cruising with children, your choices are many and your biggest challenge will likely be choosing from the amazing selection of cruise options.

Getting started

The first step to successful cruising with children begins with the planning. Include your children in the planning process as much as possible; after all, it is a family vacation and the trip will go much better if everyone has had at least some input from the start. Set an expectation up front that adults will make the final decisions but that everyone in the family will have some input.

A child's input will be limited by their age, but even the youngest kids can have a role in cruise planning. You should do the initial homework to determine which cruises fit your budget and then sit down with your children to discuss the options. Research potential ports of call at the library or on the internet, and talk with a travel agent who specializes in cruising.

With research in hand, let each person in the family write down the two or three things that are most important to him or her. These things might be a specific port of call, an onboard activity, an onshore excursion, or some other attribute of the ship and its amenities. Once everyone has submitted their suggestions, work together to plan a cruise that combines as many of the ideas as possible so that each person gets at least one thing included that is important to them.

Expect the unexpected

No vacation ever unfolds completely as planned, and a family cruise vacation is no exception. Be flexible and allow for delayed airline flights, bad weather, long layovers, and the other common problems that can arise when traveling. Take along complete contact information for your travel agent, the cruise line, and the port agent, just in case you get lost, run late, or even miss the boat's departure from a port of call. The ship will not wait for you so it is critical that you know whom to contact in a pinch.

If you have to fly to your cruise departure point, avoid checking your baggage if at all possible. Opt for carry on luggage if you can, just to avoid the risk of you and your suitcase being separated somewhere along the way. If you must check baggage, be sure to pack a carry on bag for each person that contains one full change of clothes, toiletries, and any necessary medications.

Balance family time and adult time

Once you are onboard, strike a balance between family time spent together and adults-only time. Take advantage of shipboard activities and supervised children's centers to get away from the kids for a while. Chances are they will love getting away from you, too, and their vacation experience will be much more memorable if they can participate in the kid-focused activities that most cruise lines now offer. You get the benefit of adult time to take that moonlight stroll, have a romantic dinner, or just lounge on deck with a good book.

During your time together as a family, though, make it a priority to play with your kids and have fun. Do some shipboard activities together, play in the swimming pool, let yourself relax and let go of the "parent" role for just a little while. It will be refreshing for you, enjoyable for your kids, and make your vacation that much more memorable.

Bruce Pickett
www.fivestarcruising.net

Maui and Molokai by Air

2006-03-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

Maui is one of my favorite places in the world. I have been lucky enough to live here for about seven years, and have explored the island extensively. Recently, I was given the opportunity to take a ride on an a-star helicopter and see Maui and Molokai from the air. It was completely amazing to see the areas of both islands that I had never seen before. The only way to see many of these places is by helicopter, since dense foliage and steep mountains protect them, and they were certainly some of the most beautiful areas I have experienced in Maui.

The day started early, at about 6:30 am with a trip to Bad Ass coffee for the necessary wake-up ingredients. I love the coffee there, especially the 100% Kona dark roast, which is rich in flavor and not a bit bitter. An early morning start meant I would avoid the possibility of tradewinds making my flight bumpy, and avoid heavy morning traffic on the trip from Lahaina to Kahului. The drive went well, taking about forty minutes to arrive at the heliport, and we were lucky enough to see a couple of whales along the way.

Upon arrival at the heliport, I was shown to a waiting room where a video helped prep me for some of the sights I would see and some of the security procedures to expect. After about five minutes one of the crew came in and gathered our group for a quick safety briefing. The briefing covered all of the important things to know, interspersed with a bit of humor to keep things rolling along. I was pleased to learn that we would be outfitted with headphones which reduce the helicopter noise and give us an opportunity to talk with our pilot guide.

I have to admit I was a little nervous boarding the helicopter. I have never ridden a helicopter before and did not know what to expect. Lift off was a breeze and I hardly even noticed as we left the ground just how quickly we were gaining altitude. The first sights you notice are the airport, heliport and Kahului harbor. A large cruise ship was docked at the harbor, and it was really interesting to see how big those things actually are, as it dwarfed the cars and trucks parked in the harbor area.

Passing over Wailuku Town and Waiehu golf course, we headed into the mountains and valleys behind Iao valley. I have hiked through Iao many times, and the views are amazing, but they never could have prepared me for what I was about to see. We buzzed through a narrow valley with our pilot pointing out different plants and telling us stories about the history of the area. Passing over a mountain ridge, the next valley opened up ahead of us, revealing an amazing number of small and large waterfalls as we approached an area referred to as “the Wall of Tears”. This is a 4,000 foot tall wall that is literally covered with small waterfalls of every type and height imaginable.

Flying out of the West Maui mountains, the helicopter crosses over Honokahau Valley giving a magnificent view of Honolua and the Northern West Maui resorts. Crossing the ocean, the dark outlines of humpback whales could be seen just below the weater. On this trip I was not lucky enough to see any whales breaching or right on the surface, but I am sure it is not uncommon. The first area we visited on Molokai after crossing the channel were the towering sea cliffs along the north eastern coast. The pilot informed us that these were some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world, and showed us a couple of secluded homes built in the mountains, which were mostly only accessible by helicopter, what a way to live, at least you don’t have to worry about unexpected visitors.

After viewing the sea cliffs, we moved over to Kalaupapa where Father Damien once oversaw a community taking care of the victims of leprosy. The pilot was well versed in the history of this area and offered many interesting facts and stories. Molokai is not a highly populated island, and it was nice to see the vast wide-open spaces of this area. Leaving Kalaupapa, we flew up through another area, and just as we passed over the ridge, it looked like the bottom had dropped out of the world. It took my stomach away for a second, but once I regained my balance the view was gorgeous. Right below us, there was a pack of axis deer, which we startled and were now running across a great open field. It immediately reminded me of those old Marlin Perkins’ Mutual of Omaha shows I watched when I was a kid. I felt like I should be hanging out the window talking about the migratory habits of antelope in the Serengheti or something. It was pretty neat at any rate!

With the trip almost over, we headed back over the channel for a brief look at Lahaina town, and the West Maui mountains where we saw a few mountain goats grazing along the sheer cliffs that shifted from brown to a lush green the further in we went. It was time for my nerves to take over again as we made our approach to the heliport for landing. Again, I was amazed as the landing was featherlight, and offered absolutely no drama. Overall, I would have to say, I don’t remember a really bumpy moment on this trip at all.

I would have to say, that this trip was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have hiked and traveled all over Maui through my years living here, and I saw areas and sights that I had no idea existed. Some visitors may think that this is a really expensive activity, but at www.hawaiidiscountactivities.com I found trips starting at less than $100 per person. To pay a hundred dollars for a memory that will last a lifetime that doesn’t seem so bad at all. If you want to see the unexplored Maui that many will never have an opportunity to see, a helicopter tour is definitely the way to go.

Andrew Crawford
http://www.mauihawaiiluau.com
frogmanandy@yahoo.com

The Ancient Thiva

2006-03-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Thiva is an ancient name used to denominate part of Thebes, and is, without any doubt, one of the most interesting and appealing destinations in the entire country. The city of Thiva is situated on the northern area of the Cithaeron range, between Attica and Boeotia, in central Greece. There so many amazing antique spots and ancient areas to meet in Thiva that it is recommendable for tourists to count with as much time for visiting it as possible since this is an absolutely unique place which deserves as much attention and exploration as it can have.

The city of Thiva is related to many ancient legends and myths, a characteristic counted among its main attractions. These legends were not only important in ancient Greece times but also in the future since they have had a strong influence in areas such as literature and arts in general among others.

One of the main attractions in Thiva, as well as one of the most interesting places tourists could find in all Greece, is the citadel Cadmea. The ancient Cadmea was founded by Cadmus, a spot which was deeply explored in the year 1909 when many antique legends and myths became more clear after some discoveries produced in that place.

Several excavations in Thiva have brought to the light many amazing facts and elements from ancient Greece. These excavations have allowed historians, archeologists, and professionals from a variety of other disciplines to learn about ancient cultures and discover facts which are of major importance to not only Greece but the entire world as well. Among the elements and objects discovered in these excavations there are, per example, letters, cylinder seals, weapons, and many tablets with inscriptions of the type known as Linear B.

The main attraction offered by Thiva is its amazing antique history. This is a destination which those who like disciplines such as archeology, history, anthropology, art history, and architecture among others, should not miss while meeting Greece. This destination is one of the most amazing ones visitors could find in Greece and maybe the entire world, and therefore they should make sure of visiting it while being in this region.

Jakob Jelling
http://www.eurotomic.com

Historical Hotels in Prague, Czech Republic

2006-03-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

Prague

The history of Prague is reflected in its hotels. The city dating back to the 9th Century, has been historically, and is today, a crossroads between ancient and modern worlds. It’s a city that has throughout its existence continually reinvented itself. As a result, Prague offers an array of historical hotels representing each of its bygone eras.

Historical Sites Reinvented Into Hotels

Many of Prague’s hotels were once historical sites that have been refurbished to meet the increasing needs of international travelers. For example, a 14th Century building, dating from the time of Bohemian King, Charles IV, is now the Iron Gate Hotel Prague.

Another example is the Castle Steps Hotel that is actually three separate 16th Century buildings that set at the foot of the ancient Hradcany Castle. Especially interesting is the Pension U svateho Jana (Hotel on the Saint Johns) that is a former monastery and a historical monument that is now the Waldstein Annexe Hotel.

These hotels have been renovated to meet current need, but reflect the rich history of the area. From the time of the original Bohemians throughout the history of Prussian, German and Soviet Union occupation to the current day, a reshaping is constantly taking place in Prague that points the way to a new era. Historical sites being reinvented into hotels, is one way where the old world meets the new.

Late Nineteenth Century and Early Twentieth Century Hotels

Built during a time of increased travel to Prague, a number of hotels from this era reflect the Art Nouveau architectural style, then popular throughout Europe. With the coming of a new century, the city had reinvented itself again into a worldlier destination.

For example, in 1906, it was common to find European politicians meeting at the Hotel Palace Praha. By 1920, travelers could enjoy ultra modern facilities, including a casino, at the Ambassador Zlata Husa.

All of Prague’s historical hotels of this time, although reserved for the elite, were a response to the needs of a more sophisticated European traveler that demanded great luxuries. Sadly, this era ended with the coming of Communist occupation from 1918 until 1989. Today, many of these hotels, have been renovated and restored to their original glory.

Historical Prague

Prague is in a picturesque river valley that surrounds the Vltava River. Many ancient bridges connect the east and west banks of the river and provide valuable links for maneuvering about the city. Old Town Prague originates back to the 13th Century while New Town developed in the 14th Century.

Hradcany Castle, previously mentioned, was built in the late 9th Century. Historically, it was the residence of kings but now houses offices and is the official residence of the current President of the Czech Republic. Another way the old is preserved while room is made for the new.

Prague is known for the various architectural styles contributed by each culture and era that has influenced it. It’s known as an intersection in Central Europe where East meets West. Where innovation takes its shape from the foundation of the ancient.

Historical Hotels – 21st Century View

As many historic buildings have been turned into hotels and an array of century-old hotels have been remodeled in Prague, it’s interesting to note what shape newly built hotels are taking. Today, the contemporary architectural styles of these hotels beckon back to the past. Many of these hotels are lovely 19th Century-type structures with all the amenities. What else could be expected from versatile Prague.

Fionn Downhill
http://www.fourcornershotels.com

10 Must-Dos When In Monte Carlo

2006-03-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

Monte Carlo

Home to the rich and famous, Monte Carlo exudes style and panache. The locals walk the paths with a swagger; you can smell the affluence. The town is a charming blend of chic city living and wonderful sun-kissed beaches. Monte Carlo is a compact city; the best way to explore is by foot. The narrow streets and tight alleyways are home to a fascinating array of petite shops, bars and restaurants.

1. Monte Carlo Casino

Built in 1863, this architectural masterpiece overlooks the Mediterranean and must be a priority on your sightseeing list. It has a remarkable gold and marble atrium designed by the legendary architect Charles Garnier.

2. Walk the Grand Prix Racing Route

The Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually since 1929 and is considered one of the most prestigious races in motor sport. The roads are transformed from busy public highways into a Formula 1 circuit in an incredibly short space of time.

3. Prince’s Palace

The palace is open to the public from June to October. The courtyard is paved with over 3 million coloured pebbles, beautifully arranged in geometrical patterns. Built in 1215, the palace was originally a fortress before being transformed into a luxury home.

4. Monaco Cathedral

This magnificent cathedral was constructed in 1875 and is the final resting ground of Princess Grace. The cathedral’s fabulous organ was painstakingly restored to its former glory in 1988.

5. Monte-Carlo Thermes Marins

For over a century this luxury spa has pampered and delivered the ultimate in relaxation. Treat yourself to a day you will never forget.

6. Metropole Shopping Centre

Filled with designer stores to match those of Paris and Rome, the Metropole is a shopper’s paradise. A stroll around Casino Square will present you with precious stones of the highest quality.

7. The Old Town

An abundance of quality restaurants and bars present themselves in the more traditional parts of town. Here you can tuck into local specialities such as Monegasque cuisine.

8. Café de Paris

Located in Casino Square, Café de Paris is the place to be seen. The lively mix of locals and visitors generate a warm atmosphere, whether sitting outside or dining indoors. The menu has an international flavour and daily specials are always recommended.

9. The Grimaldi Forum

The stunning Grimaldi Forum is home to a host of cultural events. Watch concerts, opera, ballet, as well as festivals and exhibitions, including the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis.

10. Stade Louis II

What the home of AS Monaco Football Club lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in quality. Despite a capacity of only 18,500 (smaller than most top football clubs), the ground’s architecture make it one of the more memorable stadia.

Steven Cronin
http://www.sargas.co.uk

Bed & Breakfasts That Welcome Four Legged Guests

2006-03-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

Bed & Breakfasts

Beautiful antique furniture, big fluffy robes, extravagant breakfasts, and intimate settings are what most people bring to mind when thinking of bed and breakfast inns. Handmade doggie treats, however, is one luxurious amenity that one would not normally include. The truth is that more and more inns are accepting, as well as pampering four legged guests. Here is some information about how you and your pet can have a relaxing stay at a bed and breakfast.

If you decide to take your pet with you to stay at a bed and breakfast, it is important to plan your itinerary around them. It is key to book accommodations that are pet friendly. Visit www.BnBFinder.com/PetsWelcome, which lists more than 400 pet friendly inns in 300 cities around the country. With so many to choose from it is easy to find the perfect bed and breakfast for you and your pet.

When booking, tell the innkeeper that you want to bring your pet. Some inns have policies regarding the size, weight, and type of pet that they can accommodate. Make sure you find out if the innkeeper requires any special deposits or extra fees to cover your pet’s stay. Also, find out if there are animals that live at the inn to avoid any potential problems for your pet. Ask about designated rooms for people staying with their furry friends. These rooms are often located on the ground floor for easier access.

Upon arrival remind the innkeeper that you are traveling with a special guest. Some inns provide a goody bag for pets that include treats, pick up bags, and information on local veterinarians and pet friendly establishments. Ask if there are any restricted and/or designated places for pets both indoors and outdoors. Check with the innkeeper about walking your pet through the gardens, along the shore, or on trails. This way, you and your furry friend can take in the lovely atmospheres that help make bed and breakfasts so special.

As you will see when you get to your room, innkeepers put a great deal of effort in maintaining a beautiful, immaculate house, and it is your responsibility to keep it that way. Wipe your pet’s paws every time he comes in from outside. Discourage him from sleeping on the furniture and cover all furniture and the beds he might go on. Many inns provide special sheets, towels, and beds for your pet so that he too can relax in comfort. Put fresh water and food on a mat if you are feeding in the room and try to keep your pet on the same feeding schedule you would at home. Some inns will even provide him with fancy crystal dishes and homemade food and treats to let him know how pampered he truly is.

When you leave your room, refrain from leaving your pet behind. Most bed and breakfasts have policies against leaving your pet unattended. Crate your pet to avoid any unwanted situations if you are permitted to leave him in the room, and be sure that all employees of the inn know that your pet will be in there. Some inns offer in-room pet sitting services, as well as doggie daycare areas that allow your pet to socialize and play while you are off premises. When outdoors, keep your pet on a leash and always clean up after him. Respect all the guests at the inn and their feelings about animals.

At the end of your stay at the inn, inspect your room for any damage your pet may have caused. Notify the innkeeper and volunteer to pay for any repairs. Pet friendly inns know that sometimes an accident may happen and would prefer you to let them know right after it happens so they may deal with it accordingly.

Doesn’t it sound nice to be able to go on a relaxing, intimate vacation and be able to bring your pet along? Many bed and breakfast innkeepers have said that some of their most memorable guests are pets and their owners. Hopefully your visit at the bed and breakfast will be just as memorable!

Mary White
Mary@bnbfinder.com

Favorite Maui Luaus

2006-03-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

Maui, Luaos

For any visitor to Maui, taking in a luau is an absolute must. Luaus are the most popular activity in Maui, attracting several hundred thousand visitors every year. If you are traveling as a couple, as a group, as a family or as an individual, a Maui luau offers something for everyone to enjoy. A luau offers a full evening of fun, food, drinks and entertainment, all rolled into one fun activity.

A luau is a traditional Hawaiian feast, typically featuring kalua pork, poi, haupia and other local favorites. Historically, a luau celebrated special occasions such as a king’s birthday, visits from foreign dignitaries or to honor an important chieftain. These parties often lasted for three days featuring dancing, drinking, eating and singing. Today there are many commercial luaus to choose from, where you can be treated like a king yourself.

There is not a bad luau on Maui, so whatever luau you choose, you will have a good time. That said, there are three Maui luaus, which will be reviewed here. They are The Old Lahaina Luau, The Feast at Lele and The Ka’anapali Beach Luau. These three luaus represent the best a luau can offer, depending on what you are looking for.

If you are looking for a traditional Hawaiian experience, The Old Lahaina Luau is the way to go. Featuring only music and dance from Hawaii, this luau will take you on a tour of Hawaii from the times of mythology to the present. The goal of The Old Lahaina Luau is to provide the most authentic Hawaiian luau available on Maui. They achieve this without sacrificing any of the other great things you might expect from a luau. The food is abundant and very tasty as well. Sample from kalua pork, lau laus (steamed pork wrapped in tea leafs), poi (taro root pounded to a paste), ahi poke (marinated ahi tossed with seaweed and vegetables), sweet potato, steak, mahi mahi and much more. Be sure to try some of the excellent tropical drinks provided with your dinner or order your favorite standards from the bar. The Old Lahaina Luau is one of Maui’s most popular luaus and is often sold out up to a month or more in advance so it is best to book as soon as you know you will be coming to Maui. You can book this luau through Maui Luau Guide, which also provides more info at www.mauihawaiiluau.com/oldlahainaluau.html.

For the honeymooning couple or any couple looking for a more private and romantic evening, consider the Feast at Lele. The feast is the only Maui luau offering table service for dinner. The approach here is much different from any other Maui luau. A premium bar is featured, and the food is served in courses, and offers some of the finest food you may eat during your entire vacation. The meals are prepared by award winning I’o restaurant and each course represents a different culture of Polynesia. Dinner begins in Hawaii with kalua pork, fresh fish and a heart of palm salad. The second course is from New Zealand and features Maori fishcake, while the third course represents Tahiti and features steamed chicken in coconut milk. Closing out the night, is an amazing fire knife dance from Samoa performed right before you, as you are served Samoan steak with a bread fruit, shrimp and avocado accompaniment. You will be entertained as each course is served, by the dances and songs of the island culture the dish hails from. This luau is often booked to capacity as well, and it would be suggested to book as early as possible. Tickets and more info about The Feast at Lele Maui luau are available at www.mauihawaiiluau.com/feastatlele.html.

Families visiting Maui may find that the Ka’anapali Beach Luau is the perfect fit. In addition to the traditional luau buffet which serves kalua pork, mahi mahi, lomi lomi salmon, poi, island style chicken, sweet potato and much more, there is a children’s buffet featuring comfort foods such as chicken fingers, hot dogs and pizza for the finicky eater. The Kaanapali Beach Luau will feature all the dances you would expect, taking a tour through Polynesia, featuring Hawaiian hula, Maori stick fight dances, Tahitian war dances, a little Elvis and a little Don Ho, and of course a death defying fire knife dance to end out the nigh! This luau comes recommended not only based on the great food, drink and show, but also on value. At www.mauihawaiiluau.com/kaanapalibeachluau.html you can book this luau for $49.95 per adult with one free child (12 or under) per paying adult. This luau is also located very conveniently, right in the heart of Ka’anapali!

You can expect to pay between $50 and $110 per person depending on what luau you choose, but no matter which you choose you will be treated to a wonderful evening with plenty of food, an open bar and a great show to entertain you. Be sure to bring your camera or video to preserve the memories, as a Maui luau is an experience you will never forget. For more information on any of these luaus as well as every other luau on Maui, check out www.mauihawaiiluau.com a complete guide to luaus on Maui.

Andrew Crawford
http://www.mauihawaiiluau.com.
frogmanandy@yahoo.com

Discount Barbados Vacation

2006-03-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Barbados

The words Barbados and discount would not normally appear in the same sentence, however, if you are not incredibly wealthy or just don’t fancy spending several thousand per person on your next vacation, Barbados may still be within reach, and at a discount.

Your first consideration will be when to go… high season should obviously be avoided. If you are serious about saving money you will also want to try and pin down a deal on your flight to Barbados. Your saving here will probably be more significant the further you are traveling (sounds obvious). Someone flying from Europe may have more to gain than someone flying from Florida.

Going off-season will discount your vacation overall, but your largest single saving will probably be dependent on the hotel you choose. Staying at a cheaper hotel does not mean you have to have a miserable time, you can still wine and dine at the most fancy restaurants on the island (perhaps more so with the money you saved) and many of the luxury resort facilities will still be open to you.

Hello South Coast

Wave goodbye to the expensive west coast and head south. If you do your homework you will find a small selection of four-star hotels that can be booked on a B&B basis. Look for something with a small kitchenette (more money for you to save) you don’t have to eat out at every single meal.

Let’s face it, “budget” hotels can be pretty hit or miss, you may want to book into couple of different hotels, at least that way you can hedge your bets. The Bougainvillea Beach Resort may be worth considering.

So to sum-up on nailing down a discount Barbados vacation:

- Avoid high season - Pin down a deal on your Barbados flight - Save your biggest chunk of change on your hotel - Prepare food/picnics in your kitchenette - Try restaurants at $15 a head instead of $50

If you are diligent with your research and keep your eyes peeled for deals you should be able to slash the cost of your Barbados vacation in half. And if the hotel doesn’t work out you can always spend the money you saved having glitzy time somewhere else. Have a great time!

Noel Warnham
http://drholiday.blogspot.com/

Sydney Beaches for Fun in the Sun

2006-03-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Sydney

Whether you’re up for a Crocodile Dundee adventure or you’d just like a taste of the Australian sun, the beaches in and around Sydney can offer you all that and more. Being in the southern hemisphere, Australia’s seasons are reversed from those in Europe, North American, and much of Asia, so if you’re looking for good beach weather, make sure to travel some time from September to May – that is, spring to autumn. The Sydney shoreline encompasses over 200 miles of white sandy beaches, exhibiting a variety of atmospheres from cosmopolitan Bondi Beach to majestic Cronulla.

For one Sydney beach, the name says it all – located at Sydney's northernmost tip on an extension of land ending at Barrenjoey Head, Palm Beach lies with the Pacific Ocean to the east side and the Bay to the west. Before checking out the golden sand, take a quick tour of the opulent mansions of millionaires from the art and film industries – many live on this small spit of land.

Only about an hour from downtown Sydney, Palm Beach offers a long stretch of clean sand and water, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment at the southern end. With parking near the center of the beach, that leaves the rest of it as a sparsely populated, peaceful location from which you can surf or body board – but take care; without the huge crowds of other Sydney beaches, Palm Beach doesn’t afford quite the safety level to be found elsewhere; volunteer lifesavers are on duty only on weekends and holidays. And if surfing’s not your style, relax and take in the scenery, or amble up to Barrenjoey Head to see the lighthouse and catch the view across Broken Bay.

For the big name beach, Bondi has to be your choice. Parking is difficult to find even on slow days, so consider taking public transport to this world-renowned beach in the eastern Sydney suburbs. Easily accessible by taxi, bus, and rail, Bondi Beach offers sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling, and all sorts of water sports fun. If you’re in the mood for a bit of exercise, two scenic coastal walks will afford you great views and sights along the shore. The first, about 1 1/2 miles one way, starts at Bondi and heads south to Bronte Beach. Take in views from Mackenzie’s Point, but don’t try to swim in Mackenzie’s Bay – it holds dangers such as hidden rocks and is not patrolled. Farther on, admire the sandstone cliffs at Hawkesbury and see the aboriginal rock carvings in Marks Park. Next enjoy the quiet charm of Tamarama, a small beach, not as popular or widely known to tourists. You’ll finish your walk at North Bronte cliffs, where hopefully the Norfolk Island hibiscus will be in bloom, thrilling you with their exotic smell and colors.

Your second option for a scenic coastal walk covers a little under two miles and takes you from Bronte Beach to Waverly Cemetery. Highlights include the Bronte Baths and Waverly Cemetery where many notable Australians are buried, including poets Henry Kendall, Doreothea Mackellar, and Henry Lawson. A bit farther on you’ll find Bronte House, open to the public only once a year, but you can still see the waterfall at the top of Bronte park that feeds a charming stream winding its way through Coral trees, Eucalyptus, Norfolk Island Pines and Moreton Bay Fig trees.

Another popular Sydney beach is Cronulla, known for its excellent waves and shady trees, the waves seemingly Heaven-sent for surfers and body boarders. The waves allow for every level from beginner to expert, and the golden beach usually isn’t overflowing with packed, oiled bodies out for that heavy duty tan. Cronulla also offers sheltered waters for canoeing and kayaking, and jet boat tours will have you gasping for breath as adrenilin pours through your body at the speed with which you travel the seas! Cronulla is also one of the most popular beaches for scuba diving, offering clear waters in which to view marine life the likes of which you’ll probably never have the opportunity to see again.

Make sure to take a change of clothes, because after an adventurous day on the beach at Cronulla, you’ll want to take in the nightlife – restaurants, clubs, cafes, and a whole host of other attractions. Consider Paddy’s Irish Bar and Restaurant with its live bands and comedy nights, or just relax at an outdoor cafe and take in a movie at one of the cinemas.

Most of the more populated beaches offer a wide range of activities, from theater to festivals and food and wine parties. Restaurants and shops abound, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can charter a yacht, hire a kayak, parasail, hang-gliding, snorkel, scuba-dive...the list goes on and on. Surfing lessons are often available at stops right along the beaches, and you might even end up at Ocean World to watch sharks being fed by hand and applaud the antics of the seals as they perform.

Whether you’re making a day of it or taking a romantic walk along the sand, remember that Sydney’s beaches are each unique and draw different types of crowds. Some draw the tourists with their glorious views of the City Harbor, while others attract surfers and body boarders. Still others are dotted with family oriented picnic spots, and some draw nude sunbathers! No matter what type you are headed for, you’ll find enough beauty and tranquility or adventure and fun to dream of Aussie beaches for years to come!

Peter Watson
www.hotelssydney.com

Visit Boynton Beach Florida

2006-02-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

Boynton Beach, Florida, which calls itself "Florida’s Gateway to the Gulfstream", is a city of over 60,000 people and is situated on Intercoastal Waterway on the East Coast of Florida, approximately midway between Palm Beach and Boca Raton and is less than one and one half hour's drive north of Miami. It has an average temperature of 74.5 degrees.

Stay at a fairly inexpensive hotel like the Holiday Inn Boynton Beach Congress Street, 1601 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach, Ca. 33436, (561) 737-4600 or the Holiday Inn Express Hotel South Palm Beach County, 480 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach 33435, (561) 734-9100 or the Hampton Inn & Suites Boynton Beach, 1475 West Gateway Blvd, Boynton Beach 33426, (561) 369-0018. Play golf at The Links at Boynton Beach, 8020 Jog Road, Boynton Beach 33437, (561) 742-6500, a complete golf facility featuring an 18 Hole Par 71 Championship Course, challenging, but fun and interesting, from any of its four sets of tees, the 9 Hole Par 30 executive length Family Golf Course, with five sets of tees, is an opportunity for families and friends to share a day in Nature, the Links' also offers a complete Practice area with a grass tee driving range and free putting and chipping/bunker greens or at the Cypress Creek Golf Club, 9400 Military Trail, Boynton Beach 33436 (866)696-4541, a beautifully laid out course for both the novice and professional. Water comes into play in 14 holes, five of which force one to play to the approach shot over water to reach the green.. Play tennis at the Boynton Tennis Center, 3111 S. Congress Avenue, (561) 742-6575, with it's 17 Har-Tru courts and it's 4 composite courts.

Check out Alberts & Merkel Bros., Inc, Orchids and Tropical Gardens, 11580 Hagen Ranch Road, Boynton Beach 33437, (561) 732-2071, or the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach 33437, (407) 732-3684 or the Mangrove Nature Park, 700 Northeast Fourth St, Boynton Beach 33435, (561) 734-4800.

Go swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving at Oceanfront Park, Inlet Park or Gulfstream Park. Go saltwater fishing in the Gulf Stream for Bluefish, Sailfish, Marlin, Blackfin Tuna, Dolphin (known elsewhere as Mahi-Mahi), King Mackeral, Red Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Sheepshead, Pompano, Wahoo and more.

Take a scenic cruise up the Intercoastal Waterway to Palm Beach. Drive up to Palm Beach or down to Boca Raton (both are less than a one half hour's drive away), or take a beautiful one and one half hour's drive down to Miami and enjoy the nightlife.

David G. Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

Historic Hotels in Barcelona

2006-02-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

Barcelona

Among the many sights and tastes and sounds of the city of Barcelona in Spain, there are some luxurious historical hotels to compliment your stay. Your tour of Barcelona does not have to stop at the steps of your hotel. A historical hotel could make your vacation more complete.

Barcelona has been dubbed La Gran Encisera – the Great Enchantress. With its medieval romantic style, it’s hustle and bustle and the history and art; it’s a great destination spot for travelers.

Many of the historic hotels are located in the Gothic Quarter, a stretch of streets with a romantic gothic style, making the hotels’ locations convenient to sight seeing areas.

Tip to a Better Rate in a Historic Hotel in Barcelona

If you find yourself in Barcelona in a time that it is not busy and your hotel is not so full, you can usually bargain for a better rate. Business travelers can often get up to forty percent off the suggested price. Talk with the hotel attendants; don’t be afraid to ask for a discount.

Suggested Historic Hotels in Barcelona

While there are many beautiful historic hotels in Barcelona, one of the most convenient ones is the Hotels Condes De Barcelona. With over 150 guest rooms, each with an avant-garde style, the hotel is uniquely situated in a historic Nouveau building. The artistic beauty is astounding and each piece inside the hotel is customized specifically for the hotel. Located in the center of the city, it offers the convenience of public transportation for guests and is within walking distance to some of the city’s most popular destinations.

Another grand hotel is the Hotel Gotico. The deluxe hotel is a short distance from El Prat Airport, it is located in the heart of the city center and the Town Hall and the Palice of Autonomic Government. With it’s location right in the middle of the commercial district, a traveler will find everything they could want to see near by. With renovated soundproofed rooms, you’ll get a good night of sleep and the history of the hotel will keep the adventure of visiting Barcelona alive. Ask for a complimentary tour or ask about suggestions of sights to see in the city. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

For a moderate priced hotel, the Mesón Castilla offers a Castilian fascia. For the best atmosphere this small hotel offers a convenient position to shops. It offers attractive views of the city and modest sized rooms. Its antique filled interior offers a history of its own.

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Barcelona

When you travel to Barcelona, picking the right hotel for you may be important. If you are going to be in Barcelona for a short while, it would be better to select one that is closer to the areas of the city you plan to see. Having your hotel closer to your sightseeing destinations makes it convenient to get there and back from your hotel.

If you plan to stay longer and see much more of Barcelona, you might consider reservations at two hotels, one on one side of the city for the first part of your trip and another hotel on the latter part and on the other side of the city. This lets you enjoy two different hotels within the tourist areas of Barcelona, making it even more enjoyable.

For more historic hotel suggestions, contact your travel agent or visit Turisme de Barcelona.

Fionn Downhill
http://www.fourcornershotels.com

Historic Hotels in Rome

2006-02-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

Rome

Traveling to Rome on a holiday? Find a lovely historic hotel for a night of history and culture.

As a tourist, sometimes the best thing about a vacation is the comfortable hotel. So while you are visiting Rome, Italy, why not try one of the many historic hotels?

Between visiting beautiful historic fountains, the Coliseum, the Vatican Museum and enjoying the night life in Trastevere, you’ll need a cozy place to relax in the evening, but don’t let the vacation stop the moment you arrive at your hotel. There are plenty of exquisite hotels that only add to the experience of a true Roman holiday.

Suggested Historic Hotels in Rome

Amidst the city streets of Rome are lovely historic hotels like D’Inghilterra. Founded in 1845, the hotel’s guest list has included Hans Christian Anderson and Mark Twain. You understand why this is one of the most popular hotels when you first see the location, which sits close to the Spanish Steps. It’s unique interior style makes heads turn. With a delectable restaurant, Café Romano, this makes for a stunning all inclusive five star hotel.

Not far from the Vatican Museum is an historic district called “Prati”. Within the floors of an ancient palace, is the Les Chambres D’Or. The quiet atmosphere and sophisticated style and grace are revealed at every turn. You get some of the best views of the Eternal City when you stay at the Les Chambres D’Or.

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Rome

Rome has many culturally intoned historic hotels, and choosing the right one for your stay may be important.

First, figure out the tourist destinations you are interested in. Is there a certain museum you would like to see? Do you only have a short weekend to stay in Rome? Factors like these may be of some assistance if you want to get the most out of your vacation.

For example, if you are going to visit for a short while, you could pick out the museums and all the places you would like to see, and then pick a hotel that is center to everything you want to do. You would not want to pick a hotel that is on the other side of the city from the places you want to visit.

Benefits of a Historic Hotel

You could stay at one of the Hilton, Sheraton or Holiday Inn hotels. They are very luxurious and in convenient locations. However, why stay there, when there are thousands of those in cities around the world? You would get the same standard room from a standard hotel, but a trip to Rome shouldn’t be standard.

A cultural vacation shouldn’t end the moment you reach the hotel steps. The more historic hotels in the district offer fantastic views, traditional styles and more. You are swallowed up in Italian history at ever turn. With sleek marble baths and plush carpets and the opportunity to open you window up to an ancient structure or an exceptionally beautiful church, you simply can’t miss a chance to reserve a hotel in one of the finest cities in the world.

Fionn Downhill
http://www.fourcornershotels.com

Historic Hotels in Amsterdam

2006-02-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam

While vacationing in Amsterdam, try staying inside an historical hotel. The experience of Amsterdam does not have to stop at the footsteps of your hotel. Let the experience deepen with a hotel that is as striking and vibrant as the city, often known as “Venice of the North”.

Clustered together on about ninety islands and joined together by hundreds of intricate stone bridges, Amsterdam is home to miles of canals. The result is a quiet city… as far as traffic is concerned. However, don’t mistake the lack of cars for the lack of excitement. Amsterdam is home to hundreds of entertainment possibilities, both lively and cultural.

But where can a traveler stay in Amsterdam? Why not choose a luxury historic hotel?

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Amsterdam

When staying in Amsterdam, you’ll want to pick a hotel based on what your needs are. Different hotels may cater to different things. Are you more interested in heading out to the wild life of the Red Light District? You’ll want a hotel that’s nearby that location. Perhaps you prefer some of the museums or other cultural events and would prefer a hotel near there.

You’ll want a hotel that is close to the places you want to visit. This is especially true if you have planned only a weekend for visiting Amsterdam.

Suggestions of Historic Hotels in Amsterdam

Not far from Central Station in downtown Amsterdam is the famous historic Victoria Hotel. Located between the business district and shopping and Dam Square, it is an ideal location for business travelers and tourists alike.

Among it’s many features include not only its historical value, it has all the modern features you enjoy from a hotel; sauna, indoor pool and a real Turkish steam bath. They have spacious rooms and some even have their own personal entrances. Created in 1890, it is one of the best featured four star hotels in the city.

Another lovely historical hotel is the Swissotel Amsterdam. This historic building has been modernized on the inside to give it a contemporary feel. It also has a location near Dam Square.

Amid lively streets, the Swissotel Amsterdam stands at six stories and is a convenient distance from the Royal Palace and the Central Railway Station. All of the rooms have modern amenities, so this historic hotel doesn’t feel quite so back in time for those who do enjoy a modern lifestyle. A fashionable lounge offers light meals and drinks upon your request.

Benefits of a Historic Hotel in Amsterdam

After a day at the Museum Amstelkring, dancing at Seymour Likely Lounge or dinner at the Long Pura, you’ll want to put up your feet. Do you really want the culture to cut out the moment you enter the lobby? The culture of Amsterdam doesn’t have to end there. With a stay in an historic hotel, you can learn much more.

While at your hotel, ask for a tour. Many hotels in the area have a history and staffs love to show off the beautiful place that they work in.

Anyone can find a more modern hotel, a Holiday Inn or Sheridan is always available in most major cities, but then again, such hotels offer the same benefits you can get in your local area. Enrich your experience by choosing to stay in one of the more beautiful historic hotels of Amsterdam.

Fionn Downhill
http://www.fourcornershotels.com

Scuba Diving In Musandam - Oman

2006-02-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is the second largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, lying along its southeast corner. It has a total land area of 300,000 square kilometres and a population of over two million.

The Musandam, separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, is the northernmost part of the Sultanate.

Due to its geographical position and mountainous terrain it was isolated from the rest of Oman and the region developed at its own pace. Graded roads cut across the mountains have now made it more accessible. The grandeur of Musandam can best be explored by sea.

Musandam Peninsula has an abundance of sheltered fjords, some only connected to the mainland by narrow cliffs. Fjords, or khors, created by fragmented rock stretching claw-like into the sea and massive overshadowing cliffs towering above are magnificently reflected in the water below.

The coast juts into the Strait of Hormuz and extends some 600 kilometres. These spectacular fjords have given the area a second name “The Norway of Arabia” The Strait of Hormuz is only 60km wide and does not exceed 60m in depth and is of strategic importance to Oman as 90% of all the Gulf's oil trade passes through this area.

The only dive center is the Extra Divers Dive Center located in the "Golden Tulip Hotel" in Khasab, which is the capital of the most northerly province of Musandam.

It is the only dive center in the whole area...so lots of fish and few divers! Turtles, rays, nudibranches, dolphins, barracudas...name it - you´ see it.......maybe...! The dive center is brand new with new equipment, compressor, tanks, dive shop, dry room for our guests, multilingual instructors (german, english, french, italian & russian), a workshop... and a terrace for chill-out after diving. More infos at: http://www.scubasailing.de

The total population of Musandam is approximately 27,000 and the capital Khasab has 18,000 inhabitants. Dibba on the East coast of Musandam has a population of approximately 5,500. The Peninsula begins with Tibat, on the west coast in the Arabian Gulf to Daba (Dibba), on the east coast in the Gulf of Oman, this coastal zone, along with many offshore islands, offers a unique contact with nature. Small villages nestle along the tortuous shoreline, most of them only accessible by sea, like Lima and Kumzar.

Its rugged mountains rise up over 2,000 meters above sea level. In Arabic it is known as Ra's Musandam. The Ru'us al-Jibal (the Mountaintops), the northernmost extremity of the al-Gharbi al-Hajar (Western Hajar mountains), occupy the northern tip of the Musandam Peninsula. The peninsula is generally about 35 km wide.

The peninsula is mainly inhabited by the Shihuh, who are fishermen and herdsmen and are probably descended from the original inhabitants of northern Oman. Fishing is the peninsula's main industry with packing plants at al-Khasab and Bay'ah. Transportation is mostly by sea, since no roads cross the forbidding terrain.

Uli Mewes
http://www.scubasailing.de

South Africa - Basic Overview

2006-02-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

South Africa was once divided into two British Colonies, namely the Colony of Natal and the Cape Colony, and two “Boer” Afrikaner Republics, namely the Orange Free State and the Transvaal. The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 after 8 years of negotiations after the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 - 1902. The Republic of South Africa as it is today was form in 1961, which covers the southern tip of Africa and an area of 1,2 million square kilometers.

The country was divided into 9 provinces (states) in 1994 when we had our first democratic elections and Mr. Nelson Mandela became president. The provinces are: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, North West, Limpopo and Gauteng. Each province has its own capital and the country has three capital cities, namely Pretoria the administrative capital, Bloemfontein the judicial capital and Cape Town the legislative capital.

The population is about 45,3 million people and is made up of 13 different groups, namely the Zulu, Xhosa, Shangaan, Ndebele, Swazi, Pedi, South Sotho, Tswana, Venda, Khoisan, Coloured, Asian and White. To mix things up even more, we have 11 official languages of which English is the most commonly spoken. Afrikaans is mainly spoken between your white and coloured people and it is derived from Dutch, German and French.

South Africa has 6 neighbouring countries, namely Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho and unfortunately poor old Zimbabwe. Its 2700-kilometer coastline includes four of Africa's largest harbours - Durban and Richards Bay along the Indian Ocean and Cape Town and Saldanha Bay along the Atlantic Ocean.

South Africa has a moderate climate with three rainfall regions, the majority of the country has summer rainfall, the South Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with winter rain and a very small area along the south eastern coastline know as the “Garden Route” has all year round rainfall. Summer is basically from October to April and winter is June, July and August.

South Africa has a two tear government, a national government with a democratically elected president and each province has its own provincial legislature. Since the political change of 1994 the South African society has made great strides towards a democratic, socially more equitable and economically more globally competitive country. It has, in fact, become a leader in many spheres of international north-south relations. Recent growth of the South African economy is largely based on the tourism sector, a gradually diversifying and increasingly competitive manufacturing sector, value-adding beneficiation of mineral and agricultural raw materials and a sophisticated trading, financial and professional services sector. Internationally South Africa can be ranked amongst "upper middle income countries" like Chile, Portugal, Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, Brazil and Poland.

Food for thought:

Qualify for 5 % discount on your self-drive tour through Self – Drive Southern Africa, if you email me the correct answer before the answer appears in my next article.

Question:

If you thought of presidents of the world and you thought of a president that was an actor before he / she became president, who would you think of? Obviously - Ronald Reagan.

If you thought of presidents of the world and you thought of a president that was a prisoner before he / she became president, who would you think of? Obviously – Nelson Mandela .

But, if you thought of presidents of the world and you thought of a president that was an actor and a prisoner before he / she became president, who would you think of?

Laurence Marks
http://www.selfdrivesa.com
bush@lantic.net

Costal Kenya : Gedi Ruins

2006-02-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

Kenya

When travelling through Kenya, you can’t ignore the marvellous national parks and game reserves, inhabited by countless fascinating animals. The mosaic of wildlife inside Kenya’s borders is what makes this country a famous tourist destination. However, Kenya has another, equally enchanting side: the coast. Donned with paradise-like beaches, it’s a wonderful leisurely end to an active holiday. But if you look just a little bit beyond the beach, you will find a rich coastal culture that goes back a thousand years.

After enjoying a Safari in interior Kenya, the coastal town of Mombasa is a wonderful place to exhale with a cocktail in hand. But Mombasa also has a rich history where centuries of trade and all kinds of cultural influences have shaped the Swahili culture, including the national language of Kenya, appropriately called Swahili. The language reflects Kenya’s colourful history; it incorporates words from Arabic, Portuguese and even German origin. Swahili is now spoken all over East Africa, and even as far as the Congo.

A walk through Mombasa Old Town reveals the heart of the Swahili culture. The narrow streets can hardly accommodate cars, but all the more people and donkeys. The high houses provide shade from the scorching Mombasa sun; the heavy wooden doors are beautifully carved and inscribed with Arabic text from the Koran; Islam is the dominant religion alongside the Kenyan coast. On the veranda’s, old men in traditional Muslim attire chat the day away sharing a pot of spicy coffee.

At the edge of Old Town, facing Mombasa bay, stands Fort Jesus; built by the Portuguese who conquered the city in the 16th Century. They held on to the fort until the British colonialists turned it into a prison. The fort is open for viewing; inside is a museum narrating the history of the fort and its occupants. The canons used to keep attackers at bay still proudly stand facing the sea.

Travelling alongside the Kenyan coast, there are countless other reminders of the cultures that once ruled the entire coastline. A must-see is the ruins of Gedi, an Arab-African settlement built in the 14th Century. There are many such ruins on the North coast of Kenya, all the way into modern day Somalia, but Gedi is one of the very few that have been maintained as a public historical site open for viewing.

The town has fascinated archaeologists since its discovery. Gedi seemed to have been a wealthy, thriving town, given the precious artefacts that were dug up including Ming China porcelain and countless other objects indicating Gedi’s wealth. However, there is no official historical record of Gedi, which makes the place all the more intriguing.

The name Gedi is a Galla word meaning "precious". The Galla were a nomadic people from Somalia, who conquered all settlements on the Northern Kenyan coast in the 17th century and who baptised Gedi and ruled it until the late 19th century. They then lost their position of power to the Arabs, who reoccupied their original territories.

The historic site is on the Mombasa-Malindi road, sixty-five miles from Mombasa and ten miles from Malindi. Gedi is a fascinating place to visit, more so because the ruins are up to today shrouded in mystery; the actual reasons for its foundation, as well as its destruction, are not known. Surrounded by modern-day villages built of wood, mud and stone with all the hustle and bustle of the local inhabitants, Gedi is an oasis of peace; overgrown with all kinds of trees, plants and flowers. There are friendly and well-informed local guides available at a small fee, but the map of Gedi is self-explanatory, and you can easily discover the city by yourself.

The ruins are clearly indicated, identified by their architectural style, such as the mosques, or the artefacts that were found in or near the structures; names like ‘The house of the Iron Lamp’, ‘The house of the Ivory Box’, ‘The house of the Scissors’, ‘The house of the Venetian Bead’ fuel the imagination. In the silence that now enfolds the once thriving town, you can hear the echoes of the voices of centuries ago. While walking through the ruins, it takes only a little imagination to see the veiled women walking through the streets, hear the children play at the water well and sit with the Sultan while he receives trade delegations. In the museum built adjacent to the ruins, the found artefacts are exhibited alongside an overview of coastal Swahili culture.

The structures at Gedi include 8 mosques, more than a dozen houses, a palace and an Amfi-theatre-cum-law-court. Gedi was surrounded by a wall, and it seems like the city was deserted, then later reoccupied, because there is a second wall built at a later date that encircles a smaller part of the town. This wall incorporated some of the walls of existing houses. The artefacts that were found in the ruins, such as Chinese porcelain and Venetian glass, indicate that Gedi was a wealthy city that traded with Portugal, Italy, China, India and the Arab world; which makes its absence in official historic records all the more intriguing.

There are several theories to the downfall of Gedi. Some say the river changed its course, so the water wells dried up, forcing the inhabitants to move. Others theorize that the Portuguese brought the deadly Black Plague, with no known cure, wiping out the population. A dispute or invasion that caused the inhabitants to fled or evacuate is another theory. But whatever it may be that caused Gedi to fall, its ruins are strong reminders of how powerful it once was, and how it influenced a culture that exists to this day.

For more information on Gedi Ruins, call the museum in Watamu on telephone number 042-32065 or call the National Museums of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi: 020-374213 or go to their website: www.museums.or.ke. Entrance fee for tourists is 200 Kenya Shillings; Under 16’s pay only 100 Shillings. For locals and residents the price varies from 20 to 60 Shillings.

Yvonne Oerlemans
www.AfricanVoyages.com
articles@africanvoyages.com

The Great Smoky Mountains - America's Treasure

2006-02-25T13:44:00.000-08:00

America

Okay, everyone who’s visited the Great Smoky Mountains in the past year raise your hand. That’s right, all 9,000,000 of you! And, if you’re not one of the 9,000,000 who visited within the past year, you owe it to yourself to visit this year.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, part of the Appalachian

Mountains, is located along the border between Tennessee and North

Carolina, and covers 521,621.15 acres of land (both Federal and non-Federal lands).

Open all year round, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an incredible range of activities for visitors. Besides touring the area by car, you can take your pick of fishing, camping, hiking (over 800 miles of trails), horseback riding and nature viewing.

Five forest types dominate the Great Smoky Mountains, consisting of more than 130 species of trees, including red spruce, Frasier fir, yellow birch and mountain-ash. 4,000 other plant species live in the park. You’ll find wildflowers, mountain laurel, flame azalea and rhododendron, so be sure you take your camera everywhere.

If you’re lucky you may spot some of the parks numerous wildlife to photograph: bears, red and gray foxes, bison, elk, bobcats, woodchucks, rabbits, squirrels, and beavers.

Aside from camping, the only other lodging within the park boundaries is Le Conte Lodge, which is accessible by trail only. The lodge is located atop 6,593 foot Mount le Conte, the third highest peak in the park. Reservations must be made within a year in advance. Le Conte Lodge is opened from mid-March to mid-November. For reservations, write to:

Le Conte Lodge
250 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, TN 37862

If you can’t make reservations at Le Conte Lodge, don’t despair, other lodging is provided in nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Whether you just drive through the park, or plan an extended stay in or near the park, you’re sure to make memories to last a lifetime.

Shari Hearn
www.thetravelerscompanion.com

The Beaches of Portugal

2006-02-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

Portugal

I admit it – I’m a beach freak. I love traveling to beaches all over the world because, to me, every beach has its own personality, yet, all have that same quality I love – the ability to instill instant calm. That’s right, even those rocky, craggy beaches with the hard waves crashing on the rocks can instill instant calm.

Someone asked me the other day if I had to choose just one beach to visit, which one would it be? The Algarve in Portugal popped into my head. Okay, it’s not one beach, it’s an area (the southern most part of Portugal to be exact), but The Algarve is so diverse, it truly offers whatever beach is going to fit my mood.

First, a little geography. Heading west, the western tip of The Algarve is the end of continental Europe. In fact, in ancient times the area was felt to be the edge of the world. So, when you’re soaking up the sun on the beaches of The Algarve, it’s fun to just imagine yourself at the edge of the world.

There are over 100 miles of beaches in the Algarve! So, whatever type of beach-going experience you desire is sure to be found. Starting on the west coast there are the windward beaches with large dunes. That translates to some incredible surfing. If you desire cove-type beaches which are more secluded, try the southern coast.

One of my favorite beaches in The Algarve lies south of Lagos on the western coast - Dona Ana, which is a cluster of coves. Dona Ana is just the perfect place to get lost in the beauty of The Algarve. I can just sit and think for hours. And, when I’m through sitting, it’s fun to explore the many caves and grottos which grace the area.

If you’re contemplating a trip to unwind, I definitely recommend The Algarve, Portugal. Your soul will be glad you made the trip.

Diane McCalley
http://www.thetravelerscompanion.com

Cyprus - Discover The Amazing Holiday Island In The Mediterranean

2006-02-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, 113 km south of Turkey and 120 km west of the Syrian coast. The metal “copper” in English stems from the Latin work Cyprus. Large deposits of copper are found on the island. Geographically, Cyprus is in Western Asia.

Historically, Cyprus has been a bridgehead between Europe and Asia. It has interchanging periods of Levantine, Anatolian and Greek influences.

It was in 1960 that Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom. Still, U.K., Greece and Turkey retained limited rights to intervene in Cyprus’ internal affairs.

The Republic of Cyprus is the government of the island which is internationally recognized and controls the southern two-thirds of the island. Almost all foreign governments recognize the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus over all of Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriots, together with Turkey, oppose the Republic’s rule over Cyprus and call it the “Greek Authority of Southern Cyprus”. They control the northern part of the island followed by a military invasion by Turkey in the year 1974.

Since 1974, the Republic of Cyprus controls the southern two-thirds of the island and the Turkish-Cypriot controls the northern one-third. In reality the governments’ power extends only to the Greek Cypriot controlled areas though it is an internationally recognized authority.

Even economically, the island is divided into Cyprus government areas and northern Turkish Cypriot administered areas. The Greek Cypriot economy is prosperous, but is highly susceptible to external shocks. There were erratic growth rates in 1990s which reflect the economy’s vulnerability to swings in tourism, caused by political instability and economic conditions in Western Europe.

The Turkish Cypriot economy faces problems like arranging foreign financing because it is only recognized by Turkey. Foreign firms are also hesitant to invest there. It has one-fifth of the population and one-third of per capita GDP of the south. The economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture and government services, which together employs half of the work force.

To compensate for the economy’s weakness, Turkey provides direct and indirect aid to tourism, education, industry etc.

The Cypriots are among the most prosperous people in the Mediterranean region. The island promotes its image as a “bridge” between East and West, its educated English-speaking population, moderate local costs, good airline connections and telecommunications.

Greek is predominantly spoken in the south and Turkish in the north. Historically, Greek (its Cypriot dialect) was spoken by nearly 82% of the population of Cyprus. Along with Greek and Turkish, English is also widely used in Cyprus.

The climate of Cyprus is temperate with hot and dry summers, and cool and rainy winters.

Music in Cyprus has a variety of classical, folk and popular genres. Folk music in Cyprus is similar to the folk music of Greece and includes dances like sousta, syrtos, zeimbekikos, dachas, and the kartsilamdhes.

As Cyprus was an important outpost of Christianity and European civilization during the Crusades, a variety of styles, including music from Armenia, France, Greece and Arabs, got merged with the island’s own culture.

Cyprus has retained its grandeur through the years of turmoil and remains a great tourist destination in spite of political upheavals. It is a unique place to visit with a distinct history and culture.

Mark Minding
http://www.thailands.co.uk

Travel Phobia and Fear Of Driving

2006-02-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Travel phobia is a particular form of anxiety that may occur after a person has been involved in some kind of accident, maybe a road or rail crash. They may have escaped physically unscathed from the incident, however they might well have perceived it as a potential threat to their well being, physical health or indeed life.

Anyone suffering from travel phobia is likely to avoid travelling as much as is possible. If forced to travel by car, they are likely to prefer to be in control of the car, rather than be a passenger. During the journey they will be perpetually alert, scanning the road for potential accident causing situations. By the time they arrive at their destination, they are often irritable, tense and exhausted. This only serves to reinforce the phobic response.

Some individuals will refuse to even travel by car, bus or rail despite the drastic upheaval this will cause in their day-to-day lives. This avoidance is one of the reasons phobias are maintained as the sufferer is not exposed to the situations they fear and therefore cannot come to terms with their phobia.

Fear of driving or Hodophobia can be triggered by a variety of different factors and can manifest itself as anything from mild nervousness to an incapacitating full-blown panic attack. These responses are learned behaviours and they are all highly treatable.

Some people are simply terrified of even being in a car, whether driving themselves or being driven by others. Perhaps they once had a panic or anxiety attack while driving and suffer under the perpetual fear that it will happen again. On the other hand, they may fear that other drivers are going to lose control.

Many drivers feel comfortable driving on familiar roads, close to where they live for example, but grow scared that they might lose control in unfamiliar territory. Others may be happy to drive on ordinary roads but have a fear of driving on motorways or dual carriageways.

There are also those who are afraid of getting caught in heavy traffic, or driving at night or in difficult weather (sleet, snow or fog) or of driving down narrow lanes.

Steve
http://blog.phobias-help.com
info@stammering-stuttering.co.uk

Valencia And Wine

2006-02-24T12:43:00.000-08:00

Valencia is famous for its wine production; many of its wines are exported overseas for use in restaurants, or for personal use. Valencia’s weather climate and soil consistencies form the perfect conditions for wine production.

Wine is a delicacy to be served with meals and on special occasions. Valencia is well known for its fiestas and celebrations throughout the year, so wine is often a part Valencia’s lifestyle.

Knowing which type of wine to select with your meal, or to give as a present is important, as you will want to compliment your dinner with the right wine, or surprise your guest with a wine that suits their tastes.

Essentially, there are types of wine and all of some of these are more suitable to certain types of foods than others. White wines usually go well with white meat dishes, such as fish and chicken, while red wines traditionally go with red meat and pasta dishes.

Generally, there are sweet and dry wines, which can be found in both white and red wine varieties. If you are looking for a sweet white wine you might choose a Riesling. Leaving the grapes on the grape vines for a longer period of time makes sweet wines.

When looking for a sweet red wine you might try a merlot, or a cabernet sauvignon, both of which a delightful sweet red wine varieties. If looking for a dry white wine, you might try a Pinot Noir, or Sauvignon Blanc and if looking for a dry red wine you might try a Shiraz.

All wines should be chilled either in a fridge, or bucket of ice, prior to drinking, as this allows you to derive the most benefit from the wines flavors and experience. Also, most consumable wines are designed to be drunk within a few years from being made, so if you are buying wine for your cellar, keep this in mind.

Well, now that you know a little bit more about wines, you can enjoy Valencia’s wines by making the right choices. Valencia wines can be sampled in its many restaurants and also at the Spanish Wine Festival, known as the ‘La Rioja Wine Festival’.

The ‘La Rioja Wine Festival’ Wine Festival is a celebration of Spanish wines and, during this time, there are events and wine tasting, dinners and lots of merriment. Valencia also holds many fiestas throughout the year, which feature food and wine, such as the ‘La Tomatina’ Fiesta and the ‘Fiesta Fallas de San Jose’.

Peter Vermeeren
http://www.machine-and-tool.com/

Tofino, BC Canada: Beach Paradise on Canada's "Big Island"

2006-02-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

Canada

British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing tourism hotspots in North America. The reason, like so many other tourism Meccas, is landscape. In BC you will find high desert, mountains, long sandy beaches, lush rainforest, vast glaciers and everything in-between.

You've likely heard of BC, but there's a good chance that you haven't heard about the province's fastest growing tourism destination: Tofino (tofino-longbeach.com). Located on the west coast of "Canada's Big Island", Tofino is home to long sandy beaches, world-class hotels, restaurants, and some pretty good surfing too.

Tofino gained fame in the early 90's when logging in the region's old-growth forests turned many of the locals into action-taking environmentalists. The logging continued and the locals grew more and more upset, and before anyone knew what happened, the Clayoquot Sound Blockade was the largest non-violent act of civil disobedience in Canadian history.

All of this media attention brought visitors to Tofino - lots of visitors. Today more than 1 million tourists pass through Tofino in a year. All of these people are crammed into a town with a year-round population of about 1700.

These people are all coming to Tofino to experience the region’s breathtaking scenery and the long, sandy beaches. Tofino's visitors are usually the type of traveler that takes advantage of the amazing natural resources that abound in the Clayoquot Sound region. Sea kayaking is very popular, as is surfing, walking the long sandy beaches, and fishing for the huge salmon that abound in the near-shore waters.

Of all the places in BC to become a tourism Mecca, Tofino has to be one of the most unlikely. Situated at the end of a remote peninsula, it's almost comical that some many folks flock here on a yearly basis. But once you've arrived in Tofino and experienced the landscape, oceanscape and the relaxed coastal way of life, you'll probably be planning your next trip back before you leave.

Hector Fuente
www.tofino-longbeach.com

Galicia’s Beaches

2006-02-21T12:20:00.000-08:00

Galicia

Although not the most obvious of beach resort destinations, Galicia is actually in possession of more beaches and more miles of coastline than any other region in Spain. It also has every combination of sand and sea characteristic that you can think of, with one exception that is.

The exception is of course the sea temperature. Galicia faces the Atlantic Ocean and does not benefit from the warmer waters of the Mediterranean like so many of Spain’s southern resorts. There are however compensations and one of these is the ability to relax on a near deserted and sometimes totally abandoned stretch of sand. Other pluses are the cleanliness of the beaches, fewer people mean little if any litter and the lack of commercialisation means that all but the most popular beaches are devoid of “pedaloes”, jet ski’s and wind surfers.

The rambling coastline of Galicia results in there being two distinct types of beach. The first group lie in the protected bays or “rias”, whilst the second category occupy the more exposed positions looking out towards the open ocean. Beaches that nestle in the small bays tend to have calm seas that rapidly encompass the sand when the tide comes in and this, combined with the shallow waters of these bays, keeps the sea temperature higher than in the more exposed areas.

If you want waves, then the ocean facing beaches are ideal and Galicia has several surf clubs whose members are adequately challenged by the motion of the sea. Equally, if you would like a beach with lifeguards, showers and hospitality facilities, Galicia will have no difficulty meeting your requirements. Many of the region’s larger beaches, especially the ones close to the cities and bigger towns, are similar to those on Spain’s southern Costas and have all the amenities you are likely to require.

The location of Galicia’s beaches, whilst not a closely kept secret, may sometimes appear that way. The relative lack of English speaking tourists mean that you will not see beaches clearly sign posted. In fact you may not see any signs at all and those that you will see will be in the local language of gallego and not Spanish. This means that the word beach, or “playa” becomes “praia” and even then often appearing on nothing more than a wooden “T” bar a foot or two off the ground.

Finding the smaller and often more appealing beaches can become a mini task in itself, but it tends to be these “hard to find” beaches that you will want to go back to. It is also on beaches like these that you have the best chance of spotting dolphins. Many of the bays are visited by them and if you see a fishing boat collecting lobster pots there is a good chance that the dolphins will be somewhere nearby.

Finally if nothing here appeals remember that Galicia, unlike many other Spanish regions, does not stop at the end of the beach. This is an area rich in culture, history and gastronomy. Galicia does not have a parched landscape, in fact quite the reverse. If you want green meadows, dense forests or inland mountains, Galicia is the place and if you want to get off the regular Spanish holiday trail, then this region may be the next Spanish holiday destination for you.

Martin Lambert
http://www.galiciaguide.com

5 Reasons Why Cruising Is A Great Value

2006-02-21T12:18:00.000-08:00

For many years, taking a cruise for a family vacation was considered an expensive luxury that few people could afford. Most people never even considered a vacation cruise as an option for themselves. Times have changed, though, as more and more people are discovering that cruising is a great value for a family vacation.

1. What you get

The price you pay for your cruise includes a huge number of things. It covers your accommodations (cabin) for the duration of the cruise, all of the food you can eat, and a huge variety of shipboard amenities and activities. A good way to see the value of what you get for yourself is to compare the direct costs of a cruise with the direct costs of a typical vacation. Add up the cost of comparable travel, hotel, food, and activities, you will quickly see that the price of a cruise is indeed a bargain when you take into consideration everything that you get.

2. Shipboard amenities

Modern cruise ships have an amazing array of amenities. Nearly all ships have the expected swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and other common attractions. More and more, though, cruise ships offer other amenities that may surprise you. These may include:

· Wine, cigar and specialty bars
· Ice skating rink
· Rock climbing wall
· Luxury spa
· Modern fitness facility
· Jogging track
· Game room
· Broadway entertainment
· Multi-room staterooms
· Specialty facilities for special needs
· Miniature golf

Each ship is different, so find out the amenities on whatever ship you are considering and select the one that best matches your wants and needs.

3. Shipboard activities

Activities abound on a cruise ship, and it is the rare person indeed who can manage to take part in all of them. There is literally something for everyone to do on a cruise ship, so you can be assured you will never be bored.

The list of shipboard activities will vary, but here are some typical examples:

· Dance lessons
· Swimming pool games
· Shuffleboard
· Ping pong
· Skeet shooting
· Lectures and workshops
· History and culture of ports of call
· Arts and crafts
· Photography classes
· Sports and game competitions
· Scavenger hunts
· Discussion groups
· Mix and mingle hour
· Wine tasting
· Painting lessons
· Clay and pottery lessons

The list goes on and on, and changes regularly. Some cruises are even considered "theme" cruises, where activities are designed around a particular topic or special interest.

4. Ports of call

Being on a cruise ship is like being at a fine resort with great food, lots of fun, and exceptional facilities. In addition to all of this, though, a cruise also takes you to one or more ports of call. At each stop, you can experience the culture of a location, explore the area, go on a special excursion, and then return to the comfort of your floating hotel.

Some cruises visit only a handful of locations, while others stop at four, five, or even more places. You can choose a cruise that goes to as many or as few ports of call as you like. Many cruise aficionados say that cruising is a great way to see a wide variety of places and determine which ones they would like to go back and visit for a more extended stay.

5. Choices

A cruise is a great value because it offers so many choices. You can do as much or as little as you like, and be very spontaneous about participating in activities. You have the freedom to relax and do nothing or spend your time being busy - it's all up to you.

One thing is for certain - when you go on a cruise, you will never be bored. Some people return from their cruise saying they want to do it again because they didn't have time to do all of the activities they wanted, while others return and want to do it again because they had a great time doing absolutely nothing. Cruising truly does offer something for everyone.

Bruce Pickett
www.fivestarcruising.net

City of New York

2006-02-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

New York City, officially named the City of New York, is the most populous city in the United States, and the most densely populated major city in North America. The city is at the center of international finance, politics, entertainment, and culture, and is one of the world's major global cities (along with London, Tokyo and Paris) with a virtually unrivaled collection of museums, galleries, performance venues, media outlets, international corporations, and stock exchanges. The city is also home to the United Nations, along with all of the international missions associated with it.

History

Long before the arrival of European settlers, the New York City area was inhabited by the Lenape people, including such tribes as the Manahattoes, Canarsies and Raritan.

Major events in New York history include

¢ In 1524 the first European explorer enters New York Harbor

¢ European settlement begins with the following the 1609 voyage of Henry Hudson

¢ Founding of the Dutch fur trading settlement in Lower Manhattan in 1613 later called New Amsterdam

¢ English ships captured the city without struggle in 1664

¢ The Dutch formally ceded New York to the English in the Treaty of Breda at the conclusion of the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1667

¢ The city was renamed New York, after James, Duke of York, and became a royal colony in 1685

¢ After the Civil War, the rate of immigration from Europe grew steeply, and New York became the first stop for millions seeking a new and better life in the United States, a role acknowledged by the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in 1886

¢ In two separate actions in 1874 and 1895, New York City (and New York County) annexed sections of southern Westchester County known as the Bronx

¢ In 1898, New York City took the political form in which it exists to this day.

¢ 9/11 changed the political map of the world

Place of interest

Tourism is a major local industry, with hundreds of attractions and 39 million tourists visiting the city each year on average. Many visitors make it a point to visit Ground Zero, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Wall Street, United Nations Headquarters, the American Museum of Natural History, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, and the Brooklyn Bridge, among other attractions. There are over 28,000 acres (113 km²) of parkland found throughout New York City, comprising over 1,700 separate parks and playgrounds. The best known of these is Central Park, which is one of the finest examples of landscape architecture in the world, as well as a major source of recreation for New Yorkers and tourists alike. Other major parks in the city include Riverside Park, Battery Park, Bryant Park, Prospect Park, Flushing Meadow-Corona Park, Washington Square Park, and Forest Park.

Museums & Art Galleries

New York is a city of great museums with the Metropolitan Museum of Art's assemblage of historic art, the Museum of Modern Art and Guggenheim Museum's 20th century collection, and the American Museum of Natural History and its Hayden Planetarium focusing on the sciences. There are also many smaller specialty museums, from El Museo del Barrio with a focus on Latin American cultures to the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design. A number of the city's museums are located along the Museum Mile section of Fifth Avenue.

In addition to these museums, the city is also home to a vast array of spaces for opera, symphony, and dance performances. The largest of these is Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, which is actually a complex of buildings housing 12 separate companies, including the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Opera, the New York City Ballet, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Other notable performance halls include Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

New York City boasts a highly active and influential theater district, which is centered around Times Square in Manhattan. It serves both as the center of the American theater industry, and as a major attraction for visitors from around the world. Broadway theaters are considered to be of the highest quality in the world.

Shopping

Shopping is popular with many visitors, with Fifth Avenue being a famous shopping corridor for luxury items. Macy's, the nation's largest department store, and the surrounding area of Herald Square are a major destination for more moderately-priced goods. In recent years 23rd Street has become a major location for "big-box" retailers. In southern Manhattan, Greenwich Village is home to hundreds of independent music and book stores, while the East Village continues to prevail as purveyors of all things "strange" and unusual which you can't find anywhere else. The "diamond district" (located on 47th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues) is the city's main location for jewelry shopping, and SoHo, formerly the center of the New York art scene, is now famous for high-priced clothing boutiques, and the art galleries are now concentrated in Chelsea. There are also large shopping districts found in Downtown Brooklyn and along Queens Boulevard in Queens.

Food & Drink

New York is the best restaurant town in USA and one of the finest in the world. New York has literally thousands of restaurants to choose from (more than 25,000, in fact), encompassing nearly every cuisine in the world. Some of the big names are Eleven Madison Park, The River Café, Boat Basin Café, Veritas. Like restaurants, thousands of bars and cafes are there in the city. A few old noteworthy among those are: McSorleys Old Ale House, Revival, Push Café and White Horse Tavern.

Universities

New York City is served by the publicly run City University of New York (CUNY), the largest urban university in the United States, which has a number of campuses throughout the five boroughs. The city is also home to a number of other institutions of higher learning, some of national or even international reputation, including Columbia University, Fordham University, Manhattan College, New York University, the Juilliard School, The Cooper Union, Marymount Manhattan College and The New School. New York City is also a major center of academic medicine. Manhattan contains the campuses of the world-class Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, as well as Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center and NYU Medical Center and their medical schools. New York City is home to several of the nation's top schools of art and design, including Pratt Institute, the School of Visual Arts, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Parsons S!

chool of Design

Sports

Although in much of the rest of the country American football has become the most popular professional sport, in New York City baseball arguably still stirs the most passion and interest. A "Subway Series" between city teams is a time of great excitement, and any World Series championship by either the New York Yankees or the New York Mets is considered to be worthy of the highest celebration, including a ticker-tape parade for the victorious team.

Hotels & Accommodation

The City of New York is known as the "city that never sleeps", but its visitors have to. The city hosts a large number of accommodations options.

Luxury Hotels

New York has many "grand dames," classic elegant hotels that have been around for years and endured majestically. The St. Regis, the Waldorf, Tribeca Grand Hotel, Ritz-Carlton New York, Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers - are some to mention about.

Budget Hotels

Besides all those luxury hotels, a large number of budget hotels are available in New York City. They are comfortable, homely and light weight for the pocket. Some of them to mention are - The Whitehouse Hotel of New York, The Pioneer, Chelsea Center, Guesthouse and Harlem YMCA. Except these hotels and guesthouses, Skyline Hotel and Travel Inn are rare exception among affordable hotels for their services and facilities.

Tours and Sightseeing

To know and see the New York City with no tension way, a number of tour operators are there for travelers help. These tours contain city and outskirt of the city sightseeing. Tours may vary from its contents or theme. It may be a helicopter tour of Big Apple or may be a double-decker bus tour. Some fair tour agencies are there in the city. Tours can be booked from tour agencies or some hotels arrange them for its patrons. Another easy way to book any of these tours is online tour ticket booking. Some helpful websites for this purpose are: http://www.newyork.com/.

http://www.allnewyorktours.com/

http://www.thereservationcenter.com/

Transport

The airport authority owns and operates the four major airports in the New York City area, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Jamaica, Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey, La Guardia Airport in Flushing, and Teeterboard Airport in Teeterboard, New Jersey.

Taxicabs are operated by private companies and licensed by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission. Other than cabs, New York City has a mass transit system. Unlike most of America's car-oriented urban areas, public transportation is the common mode of travel for the majority of New York City residents. The city is served by an extensive network of parkways and expressways, including four primary Interstate Highways enter the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. The world-famous New York City Subway is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). It is the most extensive subway system in the world. The subway system connects all boroughs except Staten Island, which is served by the Staten Island Railway via the free Staten Island Ferry. In addition to these, city residents rely on hundreds of bus lines, both publicly and privately operated.

Many private ferries are run by NY Waterway, which provides several lines across the Hudson River, New York Water Taxi, with lines connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, and other operators

Nivedita Balamurugan
www.thereservationcenter.com

Under The Volcano

2006-02-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

Tungurahua

The town sits at the base or "under the volcano" named Tungurahua. We wanted to see it erupt, so we paid the $3 each for a two-hour trip to a hill overlooking the town. The top of the volcano was visible from there, and sure enough, it coughed up a bit of lava on cue. I had another rum drink and helped to push-start the vehicle that brought us there.

My wife Ana and I spent a week there in Baños, Ecuador, in June of 2004. The hotel, with cable TV, cost $6 per night. The usual rate was $12, but we're good negotiators. Lunch was just $1 each day, or $2.25 total for both, with tip. Typically, it was chicken, rice, beans, salad and juice. Every other day we splurged and paid $1.50 at a nicer place.

Hot Springs Of Baños

The town really is right under the volcano, which has caused problems for the residents over the years. The upside is that it also causes an abundance of hot water. Baños has two hot spring facilities, and two with cold water. They are some of the best mineral springs in Ecuador.

The most popular is at the base of a waterfall that tumbles from the mountain above. It is a short walk 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. Thre is a sign that documents the various minerals found in the water, and many come to alleviate their arthritis or other illnesses.

A trip to one of the hot springs became a daily ritual. Afternoons Ana shopped. I played chess in the open market in the center of town, with Manolo or Rene, or other locals. At all times, we enjoyed the scenery. Just look up and you see lush hills and classic colonial architecture all around.

Evenings are for dancing. Santo Pecado ("saint/sinner") was usually our first stop. The owner was always ready to trade stories. Tuparina was our favorite disco, perhaps due to the huayusa, a drink made of a psychadelic plant collected by the family of the owner.

Under The Volcano Tungurahua

Several of the dozens of volcanos in Ecuador are active. Tungurahua, which overlooks Banos, is one of the most active. You need to get out of town to see it, because Baños is set deep in the surrounding lush, green mountains, which block the view. A great way to get a good look is on a "volcano tour."

Several operations in Banos take you on tours to see an eruption. Just flag down 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.

Ana rode inside, and I had to try the roof. My advice? Watch out for branches! We toured the city with party music playing the whole time, then headed into the mountains. There were fire-juggling entertainers on top of the hill, and free hot rum drinks. We looked down on the lights of Banos, and even saw Tungurahua spit up some lava. A two-hour experience, drinks and the honor of helping push-start the chiva. Not bad for $3 each.

Other Activities in Banos

There is a great zoo (bears, birds, tortoises and more). You can 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. Banos is beautiful, with a perfect climate year-round.

The real name of the town is Baños de Agua Santa, but it is usually just called Baños. It is in the Andes Mountains, at the foot of the volcano Tungurahua, in Ecuador, South America. Any of the busses from Quito, eighty miles to the north, will cost you less than five dollars. Ready for a vacation under the volcano?

Steve Gillman
http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Congratulations Valencia Spain

2006-02-19T06:05:00.000-08:00

For many years, Valencia Spain has been struggling to be recognized as the third most important city after Madrid, its capital and Barcelona. It has long been notorious for its Valencia Fallas Festival but now, after having been chosen for the Americas Cup host city and having opened its latest building in the impressive ‘City of the Arts and Sciences’, Valencia is becoming well-known world-wide.

Sail along with Valencia Spain

On November 26th, 2003, Valencia was proclaimed the official welcoming city for the upcoming Americas Cup 2007. The Swiss team ‘ Alinghi’, the winner of the America’s Cup 2003, had the chance to choose the headquarters for the following competition because Switzerland was obviously at a loss without a sea or ocean and Valencia among others was a good option. The main priority was that the host city had to have excellent weather conditions not forgetting all the other services that would go along with size event. The weather in Valencia is quite warm in summer with mild winters and a nice long coast line with great sports ports in many of the neighbouring cities like Denia, Javea and Alicante. So, on January 23rd, 2003 the ACM ( America’s Cup Management ), the only organization responsible for this event, published its document ‘Terms of Challenge’ and on January 27th, 2003 it opened its door for inscription.

For the first time in 152 years, this encounter will be one lasting four years with various races, each one being called An Act, leading up to the climax race of Louis Vuitton Cup in 2007. The points that each team get in Act 1 being celebrated in Marseilles will count towards the lining up for the main race. This is the first time that these teams are going to use this format in this particular event. There is going to be an interesting mixture of fleet racing ( group of sailboats) and match-race ( one on one) to produce an exciting visual show, guaranteeing good entertainment.

Marseilles to Start Valencia to Continue

On September 5th, 2004, Act One of the America’s Cup started, exactly from pier J4, where large TV screens were set up so that the interested public could actively participate in this fantastic happening. The reason why Marseille was chosen was because it had a lot of places from where the race could be watched first hand. The new concept that the organizers want to push is the idea of getting the public as close to the competitors as possible so that every feels the warmth and emotion. In Act One there were only five teams signed up: The defender ‘Alinghi’, and the challengers BMW Oracle Racing, Le Defi from France, K-Challenge and the South African Shosoloza. Act Two and Three were held ‘at home’ in Valencia which let the teams get familiar with their new landscape and weather conditions such as the wind and waters of the Valencian coast. After Act Three was finalized in October, there was a champion for 2004 with the accumulation of the points from the three acts.

When the inscription date expired on April 29th, 2005 there were a total of eleven challenging teams signed up; BMW Oracle from U.S.A., +39 Challenge, Mascalzone Latino Capitalia Team and Luna Rossa all from Italy, Team Shosholoza from South Africa, Emirates Team from New Zealand, K-Challenge from France, Victory Challenge from Sweden, United Internet Team Germany from Germany, China Team from China and last but not least the Desafio Espanol from Spain. Now, after Nine Louis Vuitton Acts, it is time to slow the engines a little and get some strength back. We will see the beginning of three new Acts in May 2006 ( http://www.valencia-information.com/spain/americas-cup.html ).

Valencia, the Most Lively City

Thanks to all its innovative tourist attractions, and with the up coming Americas Cup, Valencia airport is busier than ever with new flight expansion plans for easier travel to and from this bubbling city. Some of the best hotels like the Silken Puerta Valencia, built right near the port area or the Posadas de Espana in the industrial and Fairgrounds area will make your stay quite pleasurable when in Valencia Spain.

Peter Wilson
http://www.valencia-information.com

Discover The Beauty Of Tuscany Italy

2006-02-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

Italy, Tuscany

Every time I write about Tuscany Italy, my heart and my whole body for that matter experiences an intense feeling of calmness. I know exactly that this feeling comes from the relaxed atmosphere that this part of Italy near Florence gives off. I have found a perfect balance of enjoying the fascinating city of Florence and its cultural activities at the same time I refurbish energy by either doing a farm holiday or staying in a luxury villa in the countryside of Tuscany.

Wallow in Luxury in Tuscany Italy

The words ‘luxury’ and ‘farm’ might scare you away, firstly because everyone associates luxury with expensive and farm with very little comfort. Let me tell you of some fantastic places where I have been and you will see how this is much more gratifying than staying at a hotel in the city centre.

The Fattoria il Lago farmhouse is found about 40 kilometres north-east of Florence, just outside the small town of Dicomano, hidden away in the olive tree covered Tuscan hillsides. The extensive property houses three areas which are referred to as villages, each having apartment accommodations and an entirely different landscape to admire. The main lodging building is called La Villa and has a pleasurable view of the Dicomano Valley. Just a short walk away you find Lago village with its corresponding pool accompanied by a beautiful garden. The third area is the most quaint sleeping quarters called Macerato, embedded among all the hues of green possible. This kind of vacation rental is as comfortable and reposeful as the luxury villas, only that you are sharing a common ground with other tourists. When you get your Tuscany car rental, you should ask for a good map and maybe even ask them if they can give more explicit directions towards Dicomano being as the farmhouse is found off other country roads. Usually any holiday home in Tuscany offers the option of giving full directions when booking and also being picked up at nearby train or bus stations. You just have to let them know beforehand.

The 11th c. medieval monastery of San Lorenzo a Linari in Sovicille, south of Siena is one of those vacation rental places in Tuscany where you can have it all and still have your own breathing space, having your freedom from stress. This magnificent lodging is individual apartments tempting you with Tuscany tours such as viewing the hillside and mountains seated in a four-wheel drive vehicle, horse-back riding or an aerial view from a hot-air balloon. And if you do not want to miss out on the lovely beaches, there are excursions to the Mediterranean seashore, too.

Staying in Tuscany in the Chiantii area in the luxury villa estate called Villa de Dievole near the old town of Vagliali. As all villas used to belong to the Italian noble class, the exclusiveness and privacy is incomparable. The decoration in many has been respected in the restoration process, therefore you are living among many centuries of history. This 16th century villa has rooms and suites with a private guesthouse, too.

Without overtaxing one’s strength, your Tuscany Italy holiday tours can be choked full of emotions and peacefulness.

Ciara McNamara
http://www.tuscany-italy-guide.com

2006-02-19T05:58:00.000-08:00

Bhutan

Many people have never heard of Bhutan, the country that values Gross National Happiness over Gross National Product! Bhutan is a landlocked little country roughly the size of Switzerland. It is bounded on the north and northwest by Tibet, with India touching its remaining borders and Nepal a bit to the west. Virtually the entire country is mountainous, peaking at 24,777ft. North to south it features three geographic regions; the high Himalaya of the north, the hills and valleys of the centre, and the foothills and plains of the south.

For centuries Bhutan has remained isolated from the rest of the world. Since its doors were opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerized by the beautiful and pristine country and the hospitable and charming people. The best time to visit is October and November and during major festivals. The climate is best in autumn, from late September to late November, when skies are clear and the high mountain peaks are visible. It’s not unusual to experience rain no matter what the season, but I recommend avoiding the monsoon season, June-August, when buckets of rain come down.

Buddhism was probably introduced in Bhutan around the 2nd century although, traditionally, its introduction is credited to the first visit of Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Before that the people followed a shamanistic tradition called Bon that still exists today, merged with their Buddhist traditions.

Guru Rinpoche is the most important figure in Bhutan's history, regarded as the second Buddha. His miraculous powers included the ability to subdue demons and evil spirits, and he preserved his teachings and wisdom by concealing them in the form of terma (hidden treasures) to be found later by enlightened treasure discoverers known as tertons. One of the best known of these tertons was Pema Lingpa; the texts and artifacts he found, the religious dances he composed, and the art he produced, are vital parts of Bhutan's living heritage.

The largest and most colorful festivals (tsechus) take place at Bhutan's dzongs and monasteries once a year, in honor of Guru Rinpoche. Tsechus consist of up to five days of spectacular pageantry, masked dances and religious allegorical plays. These festivals play a large part in the Buddhist teachings and are also social gatherings. The Bhutanese revel and rejoice together, dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, in an infectiously convivial atmosphere where humor and devotion go hand in hand. These festivals provide an ideal opportunity to appreciate the essence of the Bhutanese character. The temple of Jampa Lhakhang hosts one of the kingdom's most spectacular festivals, the Jampa Lhakhang Drup!

Because Bhutan has no domestic air service, possesses no helicopters, and does not include an inch of railway track, the only way to see the place is by foot or by road. This country is stunning, magnificent, and pictures do not do it justice. A spiritual journey to Bhutan will change your life. Please consider joining us in Bhutan!

Dr. Sheri Rosenthal
journeys@journeysofthespirit.com
http://www.journeysofthespirit.com.
info@sherirosenthal.com

3 Ways the France Riots Still Affect Foreigners in France

2006-02-19T05:54:00.000-08:00

The France riots in the suburbs of Paris, France spread throughout France and caused a curfew to be enforced for over two months from October 2005.

There were images of cars burning in the international newspapers and newscasts everyday for weeks.

It was an interesting and sometimes unnerving time to be living in France. My car wasn't burned, but I was very aware of the mounting frustrations and distrust between the French haves and have-nots.

As a foreigner in France, you need to know that for so many French people you will be resented as a presumed rich foreigner. This seems to be the okay for French people of all backgrounds (not just the angry poor people) to charge you a "special" higher price for goods (including houses) or services, cheat you, and pretend not to notice when others are cheating you.

So, what are the 3 ways the France riots still affect foreigners in France? You need to know that
1. France is a land of equality for all French men. Read: If you are not French, then it is not equal for you. This goes for rich foreigners and poor people who are not originally of French descent.

2. Cars are burned routinely everyday all over France - riots or none. Park accordingly.

3. Expect French people to treat you differently and for lots of them (more than you would like to think) to cheat you whenever possible.

Liesa Blond
http://www.France-Property-and-Life.com.

Vacation in Newcastle

2006-02-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

Newcastle upon Tyne, often shortened to Newcastle, is a city in the county of Tyne and Wear in North East England. Newcastle is the main city in North East England, and the 20th largest city in England. It is one of England's core cities.

History

Newcastle, known at the time as "Pons Aelius" was founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. After the Roman withdrawal from Britain, Newcastle became part of the powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria and was known throughout this period as Monkchester. After a series of conflicts with the Danes and the devastation that occurred north of the River Tyne as a result of Odo's rebellion against the Norman invasion of 1080, Monkchester had all but been destroyed. Throughout the middle Ages, Newcastle was England's northern fortress, and was an important stronghold in the Border war against Scotland. During the English Civil War, Newcastle supported King Charles and was stormed by Cromwell's Scots allies 'with roaring drummes' in 1644. Heavy industries in Newcastle declined in the second half of the twentieth century; office and retail employment are now the City's staples.

Place of interest

Newcastle has recently been voted the UK's best short break destination and the vibrant city is considered one of the world's new cultural Meccas, with many world-class, dynamic attractions. Full of history, Newcastle city centre actually has more listed classical buildings than any other city in the United Kingdom. Some of the famous places to visit are:

* Hancock Museum (Natural History)
* Military Vehicle Museum
* Discovery Museum (Science and Local History)
* Laing Art Gallery
* Centre for Life
* Museum of Antiquities
* Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books (Ouseburn Valley)
* Hatton Gallery
* Newcastle Castle Keep and Blackgate
* Blackfriars, Newcastle
* Bessie Surtees House (Quayside)
* Royal Grammar School, Newcastle
* Eldon Square shopping centre

Museums & Art Galleries

Newcastle has a number of excellent art galleries and museums in Newcastle city centre, providing interesting information on the history of Newcastle and many other exhibitions. Some of the major art galleries and museums in Newcastle include:

" Discovery Museum - recreating local Newcastle life from Roman, medieval and Georgian times to the 20th century,

" Museum of Antiquities - with an outstanding collection on Roman artefacts,

" Shefton Museum - Greek archaeology and art,

" Newcastle's Military Museum - historic wartime and post-war military vehicles,

" Hancock Museum - one of the most popular museums in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne area and the north's leading natural history museum,

" Life Science Centre, Stephenson Railway Museum - housing a large collection of important historic steam and electric locomotives and

" Newcastle's Trinity Maritime Centre - celebrating the history of the River Tyne with many detailed scale models of historic Newcastle ships.

Shopping

There are several major shopping areas in Newcastle city centre. The largest of these is the Eldon Square shopping centre, which incorporates the largest Fenwick department store in the UK and a John Lewis store.

The main shopping street in the city is Northumberland Street, which runs from the Haymarket metro station to the Monument. The wholly pedestrianised Northumberland Street is home to retailers such as Marks and Spencer, Primark and HMV.

Other shopping centres in Newcastle include the relatively modern Eldon Garden and Monument Mall complexes, the Newgate Centre, Leazes Arcade and the traditional Grainger Market. The largest indoor shopping centre in Europe, The MetroCentre in Gateshead is also nearby.

Food & Drink

Newcastle has a reputation of being a fun-loving city with many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It consistently features in lists of the top ten party cities in the world. The majority of clubs in Newcastle are located in three main areas. The oldest of these is the Bigg Market a favourite haunt for the more indigenous of the locals, followed by the trendy Quayside area, a spectacular mix of modern and classic architecture, which creates a fantastic backdrop for a sometimes-frantic Saturday night. The newest is "The Gate", which is a new indoor complex consisting of bars, upmarket clubs, restaurants and a 12-screen Odeon multiplex cinema.

Pubs and bars are located throughout the city, though there are more in the areas mentioned above. In addition the area around Central Station features a heavy concentration of pubs. Beyond the Quayside, towards Byker in the Ouseburn Valley there is a cluster of interesting pubs providing real ale and live music.

Over recent years, the suburb of Jesmond has become a drinking area, with a number of bars being set up along the area's main artery, Osborne Road. As well as bars this stretch of designer real estate is puncuated with top class restaurants and other fine cafe-bar/eateries.

Education

Newcastle is home to one of the most successful universities in the United Kingdom. The city has two universities, the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and the newer Northumbria University that was established in 1992 and was voted 'Best New University' by the Times Good University Guide 2005. The Newcastle Royal Grammar School is often claimed to be one of the foremost schools in the North of England.

Sports

The city of Newcastle has excellent sports facilities, including a wide range of popular Newcastle spectator sports, such as rugby and cricket. Newcastle United, Newcastle's premiership football club, plays regular home games at St. James's Park Stadium, which seat almost 40,000 people. Rugby is an increasingly popular spectator sport in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Newcastle's leading rugby team is the Newcastle Falcons - playing regular matches at Newcastle's impressive Kingston Park Stadium. The city's Metro Radio Arena is home to Newcastle Vipers ice hockey team, and Newcastle Eagles basketball team. The City's Speedway team Newcastle Diamonds are based at Brough Park in Byker. Newcastle also hosts the start of the annual BUPA Great North Run, the world's largest half marathon.

Hotels & Accommodation

Newcastle-upon-Tyne has a large and varied selection of hotels, with accommodation in both central Newcastle and the surrounding area of Newcastle. Budget hotel chains and large luxury Newcastle hotels are concentrated in Newcastle city centre, in Newcastle's trendy Quayside area, in the Jesmond district, along Osborne Road and in the Haymarket. The lively and historic city of Newcastle is an accessible holiday destination for every pocket. Hotels in Newcastle include many impressive five-star hotels in central Newcastle, town-house value hotels, award-winning bed and breakfast guest houses, cheap Newcastle lodging, inns and travelodges on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Some of the budget hotels in Newcastle are
Cairn Hotel
Whites Hotel
Carlton Hotel
Jesmond Hotel
Swallow Imperial Hotel
Caledonian Hotel
Royal Station Hotel

Some of the luxury and deluxe hotels in Newcastle are
Express by Holiday Inn Newcastle Metro Centre
Quality Hotel Newcastle Upon Tyne
Premier Apartments Newcastle
Holiday Inn Newcastle
Britannia Hotel Newcastle Airport
Best Western New Kent Hotel

Tours and Sightseeing

Newcastle's city centre is walkable and many of Newcastle's most popular tourist attractions are within easy reach of each other. There are a number of excellent Newcastle tourism and tourist information outlets in and around the centre of Newcastle. These Newcastle tourist information outlets provide invaluable tourist information, such as detailed information about Newcastle's countless tourist attractions, monuments, restaurants, nightclubs, Newcastle travel, maps of Newcastle and general Newcastle tourism and tourist information.

Transport

Newcastle International Airport located near Ponteland is the fastest growing airport in the UK. A journey from the city center to the Airport takes some 15 minutes by car or 20 minutes on the Tyne and Wear Metro service. Its railway station has a fine classical frontage and is a principal stop on the East Coast Main Line, providing a half-hourly frequency of trains to London as well as trains to Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Carlisle plus local services. Newcastle and the surrounding area have an extensive bus network that is coordinated by Nexus, the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive.

Maria Williams
www.sleepuk.com

What is the Real Value Hotel at Disney

2006-02-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Walt Disney

If you are planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World how do you decide which hotel to stay at? Any of the three hotels on the monorail are the most convenient, or are they? Depending on your agenda for the vacation your best bet might be to pick one of the hotels not on the monorail. This article will discuss the pros and cons of each, so if you are planning a trip and have never been there before you can make a more informed decision.

The three hotels on the monorail at Disney World in Orlando are the Contemporary, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian. They also happen to be three of the more highly priced hotels that Disney offers. The Grand Floridian is the most expensive of all Disney hotels. There are some other high end hotels offered by Disney that are pricey as well but the monorail usually commands premium rates. The reason for this is the convenience of staying on the monorail.

I have personally stayed at the Grand Floridian, on my honeymoon. Do not get me wrong, it is a beautiful hotel with exceptional service. That week was the best service I have received anywhere for anything. But, the fact is, unless you are planning to only spend your time at the Magic Kingdom and the Epcot Center, the hotels on the monorail are no more convenient than any of the others.

It is no secret that Disney World is huge. In addition to the two parks mentioned in the previous paragraph, Disney offers MGM Studios, Animal Kingdom, multiple water parks, Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island, and the ESPN Sports Complex. If you plan to visit most of the parks you will need to either drive a car or utilize Disney’s transportation anyway, so it does not really matter where you stay.

Also, if you think about it, you are not spending much time in the hotel because you are at the parks, or by the pool, or out eating someplace. You can save a lot of money on the trip by going with a cheaper hotel.

There are some advantages to staying on the monorail. If you are an older couple on a vacation, not bringing any kids, you may prefer to stay on the monorail. You may be looking for a more relaxing vacation spent by the pool, or on the beach, where you have access to the park as well as the spas and other luxuries that come with the higher end hotels. The Grand Floridian does offer many of these luxury features. They also have a very relaxing lobby where you can sit and listen to piano music being played. But, you also have quick and easy access to the main parks should you want to see the Main Street Parade or fireworks.

All Disney hotels are clean and give good service. You cannot go wrong with any of them. If you are older and have the money, or if you are younger and splurging on a nice vacation then the hotels on the monorail are a nice treat. If you are looking for the best value for your family vacation I feel the moderate or value level hotels are the best option.

Scott Bianchi
www.bestinternetbargains.com

How to Get the Lowest Cost Myrtle Beach Golf Package

2006-02-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

Myrtle Beach is a great place to play golf with over 100 courses available. It is also well known for being inexpensive. While this is true, there are always ways to bring the cost down even more.

Here are some tips for keeping costs down:

1. Include Mon, Tues, and Wed in your trip. You will be able to take advantage of midweek rates.

2. Do not book replays in advance. You will end up paying full price. If you just request a replay in the pro shop that day, you can save up to 50% on your greens fee. This does not apply to large groups or during the busy season when tee times are not as plentiful.

3. When playing 36 in a day at one property, play the less expensive course in the morning and get a replay rate on the expensive course in the afternoon. For example, play MBN - West in the AM and MBN - King's North in the afternoon.

4. Don't get a beachfront condo. We get a lot of feedback after trips that the extra money spent on the beachfront property wasn't worth it. You will be playing so much golf that the beach is not important.

5. Book through www.ForeCaddieGolf.com! (sorry, couldn't resist this one)

www.ForeCaddieGolf.com offers discount golf packages to Myrtle Beach. We offer all the top courses and properties in the area. If you are looking to make a trip to Myrtle Beach, give us a shot to help you plan your vacation.

Allan Johnston
http://www.forecaddiegolf.com
contact_us@forecaddiegolf.com

Weekend City Breaks In London – The Carlton Tower Hotel 5* (Knightsbridge)

2006-02-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

London

Boasting 220 sumptuous en suite bedrooms, many of which overlook the exquisite gardens of Cadogan Place, the Carlton Tower hotel effortlessly embodies panache and flair. Served by two excellent restaurants and accompanying bar, the Carlton Tower is the ideal base from which to explore London past and present. The hotel offers an accomplished Health Club, adorned with excellent facilities including a fully equipped gym and swimming pool.

Situated at the hub of Knightsbridge, the Carlton Tower is at the doorstep of many of the world’s most elite stores including Harrods and Harvey Nichols. The most highly concentrated area of fashionable boutiques can be found on Sloane Street, a shopper’s paradise. Beware though, credit cards have been known to receive some terrible abuse in these areas!

Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) can be yours for £105 (per person per night) during spring, rising to £145 throughout summer and winter. For those travelling alone, the single person supplement is a similar amount on top. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement is applicable at £15 (per person per night) in spring, dropping to just £4 for the duration of summer and winter.

London Marriott Grosvenor Square Hotel 5* (Grosvenor Square)

Featuring 236 luxurious en suite bedrooms, furnished with marble bathrooms and the latest wireless internet technology, the London Marriott Grosvenor Square hotel pampers your every need, providing unadulterated relaxation and a full recharge of the most run down batteries. The celebrated Cobalt restaurant offers a taste of the Mediterranean, as well as the more British traditional afternoon tea.

Positioned at the central point of London’s chic Mayfair, the shopping havens of Oxford, Regent and Bond Street are all within effortless proximity.

Bed and breakfast (based on two people sharing) is £99 (per person per night) during spring, increasing to £115 throughout summer and winter. The single person supplement is a similar amount again. If you are travelling mid-week (Monday to Thursday) an extra £55 is valid in spring, rising to £63 for the course of summer and winter. An executive room upgrade is available upon request for an additional £59 per room per night.

Please note all prices are correct at time of press (December 2005). For reservations call Superbreak on 0870 701 2200. Lines are open 8am – 11pm 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day).

Steven Cronin
http://www.sargas.co.uk.

The Spanish Costa Blanca - A Nature Lovers Paradise

2006-02-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

Spanish Costa Blanca

If you have chosen the Costa Blanca , Spain for your holiday travel, supposedly it is because it has been recommended to you by someone you trust, you have read about it and seems quite amazing and/or just love being in contact with nature, the natural environment that it offers, relaxation and fresh air. Wow! What a fantastic combination if you can get all that together. Just take out your map of the Iberian Peninsula which will show you Spain and Portugal, go to the Mediterranean Sea and look for Alicante. Now go down the coast to the south and find the villa of Pilar del Honradada, now start running your finger up to Torrevieja, going through Alicante city, to Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Moraira and Javea with the last point in Denia. Well, all of this is yours to explore when you say that you want some Costa Blanca holidays.

Now that you have an idea of what villas you can visit, let’s start making plans. Firstly, the majority of the people choose summer for their vacation time, which is great, but you will need to book your flight in advance. There are a lot of scheduled economy flights when flying in from another European destination. England is one of the countries which has the most amount of flights in as much as frequency year round, airport availability with a lot of open timetables and very low prices. Between Alicante and Valencia, both serving the Costa Blanca as they are almost the same distance away, your travel options will be plentiful. As far as getting around, if your budget permits, a rent a car would be quite nice, if not, then there are many buses, trains or taxis making trips to and from the airports and major bus and train stations, connecting all the villas along the Costa Blanca.

Nature Calls

Tradition, culture and landmarks is what differentiates one place from another even though they are neighbouring towns. Javea for example shares with Denia the Natural Park of Montgo, a solid massif right on the coastal line. Just the fact that the side facing the sea acts as a huge windsheild, blocking the marine winds and humidity, it does not have the same vegetation as the west side which is treated with warmer and drier breezes. Therefore, in order to appreciate the more than 600 different kinds of flora, you must make a complete circle round it. On doing this, you will also come across different fauna like the yellowed-legged seagull, eagles and royal owls. If that were not enough, there are also archaeological remains which are under study and that is probably one of the main reasons for this area to have been declared a World Heritage. But Javea is also curious because it has kept up many of its original tradition like the ball game, similiar to tennis but played in a very primitive way. There are no courts, just the streets, the ball is made with cloth, compactly held together with string and more cloth, their hands are used as paddles and the spectators are the judges or referees. At the weekends there are usually a few games going on so feel free to sit on the curb and participate. And if that is not thrilling enough, then plan your holiday when Javea is celebrating its patron saint in the summer. This is usually a week long festivity which includes bullfighting in the streets.

After this stay, it would be relaxing to just lay around on the beaches in Moraira or Calpe, sip some sangria made with good Spanish wine and feast out on fresh seafood, most of which you have never seen so close up or have probably ever tried. In Calpe, there is another treat for the nature lover’s- the Rock of Ifach, a small roky peninsula joined to land by an isthmus right in front of Calpe. Among the fauna you will see cormorants and hawks of all kinds and of course a completely different vegetation from other areas. The sea in Calpe is usually crystal clear, letting you see red corral, sea sponges and the sea anemone. Now onto Altea, an old fishing village which has grown considerably thanks to the amount of tourists and foreigners looking for a second residence. The villa of Altea is surrounded by various mountain ranges making the general view from almost anywhere nearby a special combination of a mountain backdrop and the sea. The waters are usually quite calm although the beaches are pebbly. They have a nice festive air when celebrating their Moorish tradition in April, a great firework display in early July and the local honouring of their patron Saint Ann in August. Cannot ever be bored there!

Other Kinds of Fun Parks around the Costa Blanca

Now your travel has taken you to Benidorm, which if we stretch our Spanish into English, it could mean ‘sleep well’. As that is what you will probably do after a long day of boat rides, skiing classes or theme park activities. You can go on all kinds of thrilling and daring rides, be they on dry land or going down long watershoots or hang out with the wildlife and then go for a splash in the same park or prfer completely dry land and smell the aromas in an area filled with exotic plants and birds. Alicante is just a stone’s throw away from Benidorm ( http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm.html ), and this city is where you can get a good dose of Spanish culture with its innumerous museums, cathedrals and castles. If you choose late June, you eyes will be amazed with when seeing the huge carton figures that are set up in the streets, beautiful girls elegantly dressed in the typical Alicantinian dresses and the partying in the streets until late hours of the night. ut then again, you can change atmospheres and sprawl out on the beaches in Torrevieja before ending you wonderful holiday in the Costa Blanca.

Ciara McNamara
http://www.alicante-spain.com

Be Mine: Wake up Someplace Special with the One You Love

2006-02-13T11:55:00.000-08:00

Valentine Day

The Most Memorable Valentine ever Made Quick and Simple...

Want to woo someone? Looking to rekindle or reconcile a stress-weary love? Need the perfect place to hide a ring, go down on your knees or even elope? Get your imaginations stirring by giving a quick, easy to purchase bed & breakfast gift certificate at www.BnBfinder.com. All you need is an internet connection and you can be on your way. B&Bs offer irresistible romance packages to get a new relationship off to the perfect start, or revive the passion in an old one. With www.BnBfinder.com's simple-to-use listings and exciting array of year-round offers, planning your get away may be half the fun. Since gift certificates never expire and are honored at over a thousand Bed and Breakfast Inns across America, you can purchase one today and start dreaming together of your ideal escape.

From chocolate and roses to Reiki: inns put together packages to entice every taste and personality. If it’s gourmet food and wine, couples massage, and your own private suite in a stunning location that most appeal, there is a Bed and Breakfast inn that can fulfill your every desire. You and your sweetheart can decide together whether you want to get out for a horse drawn carriage or sleigh ride or just or soak in a private in-room jacuzzi tub then snuggle under the covers with milk and freshly baked cookies. You may want to frolic in the colorful leaves around in a historic Northeastern manor house in the fall, burrow in a cozy, secluded mountain inn in winter, go baroque in a frilly Victorian to celebrate spring, or to venture to a beach side or waterfront inn for fun in the summer sun. Depending on your budget and time available, you may be delighted to discover a very special inn close to home offering you an affordable, but no less wonderful escape. Or, you may splurge and fly somewhere to explore a new area or different climate together. The possibilities are truly endless.

And who said Cupid only works on February 14? Give yourselves something to look forward to. Tuck a BnBfinder.com Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificate under that special someone's pillow tonight and enjoy making a dream get away come true. Bed & Breakfast romance packages can help you keep love in the air all year long. Nothing could be simpler. To order Bed & Breakfast Gift Certificates visit www.TravelGiftCertificate.com or call (888) 469-6663.

Mary White
www.BnBFinder.com

So You Want to Work in Italy: Some Practical Advice

2006-02-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

Michael P. Gerace

Though difficult, study abroad is a promising area for finding a job in Italy. There are over 100 American schools in Italy, all of which hire people to teach courses and administer their programs. Working in study abroad can be exiting, but it can also offer more stability and (possibly) better pay than other types of jobs open to foreigners in Italy.

How does one find such a job? Unfortunately, there is no standard road to follow. There are a few strategies that can lead to success, but persistence and patience are key.

1. First, know the outlets for job postings. While many openings are never advertised because they are filled quickly, the best place to look is Wanted in Rome (www.wantedinrome.com), which is an English-language magazine appealing to the ex-pat community in Italy. You can freely view job postings on their web site. Another good prospect is the NAFSA web site (the Association of International Educators) (www.nafsa.org), which posts many jobs in study abroad generally. The Chronicle of Higher Education’s (chronicle.com) job section occasionally posts something for Italy as well.

2. Mine the AACUPI web site (the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy) at www.aacupi.org. AACUPI represents American study abroad programs in Italy and is recognized by the Italian Government. It has about 90 members, most in Florence and Rome, though many American schools in Italy do not belong to AACUPI. The AACUPI web site lists all of its member schools and most of the names and email addresses of the directors of these schools. Write a cover letter explaining your interest in working at a school, attach a resume and email it to a director. You might be ignored, but you may also get some interesting responses.

3. You might get your foot in the door by starting as an intern, which could lead to a paying job. These positions may not pay, but could offer housing. The best way to find an internship is to email program directors and ask. Even if a school does not have an internship program, you could offer yourself as one. Study abroad programs in Italy are just coming around to the idea. It is free labor and it is legally easier to have an intern than to hire someone who may not yet have the legal right to work in Italy.

4. The single best strategy to land a job in study abroad in Italy is to take the risk and go there and seek a job after you have arrived. Once you are there you can visit schools in person. Why is this the best strategy? For one, it proves to a prospective employer that you are willing to leave the comforts of home and show up at a job site in a foreign country. Finding reliable people is often difficult for a school, especially for those located outside of Florence and Rome. Also by meeting people in study abroad, you will discover things that you cannot learn from afar—such as job openings that are not advertised or how to navigate the local bureaucracy. If you make yourself familiar and available to a school, you might get hired temporarily, which could lead to a full-time job.

Some Legal Considerations

Like all countries, Italy has legal requirements for foreigners who want to work and live there. Yet many articles on finding a job in Italy make no mention of this. To merely reside in Italy for any period of time longer than 7 days, foreigners are required to obtain official permission to stay (called a permesso di soggiorno). If you are traveling around the country as a tourist, you do not need a permesso. This is only for someone who will reside at a specific address for a period of time. The permesso is obtained from the local questura (police department) in the city that you will live in. If you are staying in Rome, for example, you will need to register with the questura there. A permesso can be granted to you as a tourist (the easiest), as a student (requires a study visa), or as a person allowed to work (requires a work visa).

Many Americans tend to stay in Italy without getting the permesso and Italian enforcement of this is sporadic-to-non-existent. Ignoring the law, however, might put you at a disadvantage. The rental agency or landlord who owns the apartment that you want may require that you get one. You will also need it if you go to the hospital or deal with the government or police for any reason. If it is your first time in Italy, then get a permesso as a tourist. You will only need your passport for this and, if you are an American, you will be granted an automatic 90 day stay in Italy. People from other EU countries also need permessi if they want to reside in Italy.

The biggest legal issue is the right to work in Italy as a foreigner, which requires a work visa. The hassle involved in getting one is a story in its own right, but the major hurdle is getting sponsored by the school that will hire you. It is an open secret in study abroad that many Americans work there “under-the-table” without a visa. The usual story is that you get hired first and then, sometime later, apply for a visa. The trick is finding a school that will hire you this way. It would be rare to find a school that would sponsor you for a visa without you first having a track record of employment there. There is already an army of people in Italy with the desire and ability to work in study abroad.

Useful Assets to Have

If you already have Italian language ability, this will help you. Programs in Italy always need people who can speak both Italian and English. If you are working in student services and have to escort a 20 year-old American student to a local hospital, you might have to assist the student in speaking to the doctors. If you do not have good Italian skills, then acquire them.

If you have an advanced degree, then you could teach courses. Courses offered at these schools span the disciplines and are mostly in English. While art history, Italian literature and Italian cinema are always in demand, there are also many people with these degrees who are seeking these jobs. If you have a degree in business, psychology, economics or writing, for example, you may find it easier to obtain a position. Visit the web sites of the schools listed in AACUPI and look at their course offerings to get an idea of their needs. It is less likely that a study abroad school would hire you to teach Italian, however, because there are countless Italians who fill these jobs. They have the home school advantage on language.

If you do land a teaching job in Italy, pay is by the course and can vary from $2500 to $5000, depending on where and what you teach. Once you learn the ropes, however, you can find additional opportunities. You could end up teaching 3 or more courses per term at one or more schools. This might be a lot of work, but it will allow you to survive.

If teaching is not an option, then there are administrative positions that do not require any special education. The upside to these jobs is that they are usually full time and offer a salary, though the pay can vary greatly. Most non-teaching jobs involve office work, housing and student services. There are the coveted directors positions, but these are much harder to get and usually require a Ph.D. and experience. Some of these jobs require significant language ability and a lot of local knowledge, but you can learn. You might get a job leading students on trips around Italy, for example. You would have to know how to charter buses, contact hotels and create itineraries for the students.

Any experience in American higher education is a plus. Programs need people who can function effectively in Italy, but also need people who understand American-style academic or student service standards. Italians who work for American study abroad programs, for example, frequently have to undergo a learning process because their understanding of higher education is dramatically different than that of an American.

Do you have dual citizenship or can you qualify for it? If so, you have a huge advantage over those who don’t or can‘t. If you can get Italian citizenship or citizenship with any other EU country, then you have no need of a visa (nor for a permesso if you have Italian citizenship). If you have Italian ancestors, you might want to visit www.myitaliancitizenship.com, which covers all of the cases where a person could qualify. If your ancestry is that of another EU country, visit their consulate and embassy web sites in the US for information on qualification.

Michael P. Gerace
www.michaelgerace.com

Discover The Boca Raton Resort And Club

2006-02-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

Florida

Situated in the city of Boca Raton, Florida, just 50 miles north of Miami and 26 miles south of Palm Beach, you will find the beautiful luxury resort hotel, The Boca Raton Resort And Club. This hotel sits on 356 acres of beautifully tended well manicured grounds with gorgous gardens, one half mile of private beach, thirty tennis courts, a full service marina, three fitness centers, two championship 18-hole golf courses and much, much more.

The famous Boca Raton Resort And Club, has five distinct styles of deluxe guestrooms and suites:

1. The Cloister which is the most classic of the Resort's five accommodation choices. Set within an intricate pattern of tropical gardens, tiled courtyards and sparkling fountains that seem suspended in another era.

2. The Tower which is a dramatic contrast, being a sleek and modern high-rise soaring 27 stories above the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Florida Gold Coast. The decor is contemporary, yet comfortably inviting and the views from the guest rooms and deluxe corner suites are truly inspiring.

3. The Boca Beach Club presents the irresistible lure of staying and playing on the Atlantic seashore. Lanais and guest rooms provide views that beckon guests to pursue their favorite water sports by simply stepping out the door. Recreation amenities include a half-mile of private ocean beach, two pools, private cabanas, a whirlpool, and a variety of watersports.

4. The Yacht Club, which is Reminiscent of a grand Venetian palace, commands the Resort's waterfront, with 112 of the country's most luxurious guestrooms and suites, the Yacht Club features custom-designed appointments and luxuries as well as private balconies with sweeping views of the Resort's marina, the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

5. The Boca Bungalows, casual and quiet, are available with one-and two-bedrooms, have an easygoing charm all their own. Many are conveniently equipped with kitchens for informal entertaining. They provide an opportunity for golfers to stay near the beauty of the rolling fairways and manicured greens.

The Boca Raton Resort & Club offers its guests an unmatched variety of sports and leisure activities. Boca Raton Resort & Club offers two championship 18-hole golf courses with fully-stocked pro shops and complete practice facilities. The Resort Course which is located directly on the resort grounds is a 6,253 yard, par 71 course highlighted with a variety of elevation changes and 12 surface acres of water including a signature water feature designed by Hugh Hughes. The Country Club Course is located at the Boca Country Club, just minutes from the Resort and is a 6,585 yard, par 72 course with an 18th hole island green.

The full-service marina features 30 slips and can accommodate vessels up to 170 feet and longer. The Resort also offer one of the widest varieties of water sport facilities in the United States. From fishing and sailing charters to cigarette boat rides and yacht rentals, the Resort delivers an ocean of good times.

The new tennis facilities include a tennis clubhouse with viewing deck and elaborate pro shop, as well as 18 Har-tru clay courts. These courts utilize the latest in HydroGrid technology to maintain a consistent level of moisture on the courts' surface. Tennis Magazine listed the Resorts in it's "The 50 Greatest Tennis Resorts in the United States", list.

There are 19 dining and entertainment venues housed in a variety of unique locations, these many eateries share several common themes - fantastic food, impeccable service and total exclusivity. Because every one of these establishments is open only to guests and members, the Resort can consistently provide access to great tables and personalized service.

Check out the Spa Palazzo, a perfect sanctuary of peace and tranquility, in a private, beautiful and unique environment. According to the Resort, "At Spa Palazzo your every desire will be met, and more importantly, your need to invigorate the body and restore the spirit will be fulfilled.".

Boca Raton Resort And Club isn't cheap, but it is definitely worth the price and more. Relax, be pampered and enjoy the beauty of the Resort and of the city. When you come home after your vacation you'll feel rested and wonderful.

David G. Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

Vacationing in the Hamptons

2006-02-12T13:30:00.000-08:00

Hampton

Located on the North and South Fork of Long Island the area known as the Hamptons is one of the most popular vacation spots in New York. The Hamptons has a deep rich history that goes back to the 1600’s. Like many other New England colonies it was originally farmland, over the years it port of trade, Revolutionary War staging point, refuge for artists and poets, and favorite vacation spot. There are even legends the infamous pirate Captain Kidd visited its shores and left buried treasure still waiting to be found.

If you’re looking for treasure in the Hamptons there’s no need to get out your shovel and start digging, just take stroll through any of its quaint towns and shops and you’ll be rewarded. Many of the towns in the Hamptons such as Amagansett, Bridgehampton, and Quogue are filled with historical landmarks, museums and other cultural centers. To get the most out of the Hamptons you’ll need to visit during peak season which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During this time every town and village will have artist’s exhibits, traveling museum exhibits, and photography and music concerts.

Many people who choose to vacation in the Hamptons choose to stay for two to three weeks and there is a wide range of lodging choices to choose from. The most basic will be the Bed & Breakfast Inn’s. Run by the owners and a small staff there is no way you can beat them on service and price. If you are looking for something a little more private there are many traditional motels and hotels all across the Hamptons that can accommodate you. When you want get the most out of a Hampton’s vacation consider renting a beachfront house or cottage. The styles range from small intimate cottages, to large palatial modern mansions. Beachfront properties are the most sought after locations. Nothing can quite compare to watching a sunrise from a private balcony every morning. The next time your looking for a place to get away from your daily stress unplug and recharge your batteries, a vacation to the Hamptons may be just the ticket.

Kathy Buyer
http://HamptonVacationRental.com

Culture Shock & English Teachers in Japan

2006-02-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

Japan

Moving halfway around the world, to a culture as foreign and difficult to penetrate as Japan's is difficult for anyone. If you become an English teacher here, you will probably have to deal with a Japanese boss and staff with different cultural values from your own. This can lead to a feeling of paranoia in some cases; isolation and disillusionment.

To a great extent, leaving your friends and family and going to Japan to teach English engenders some of the same feelings as that of teenagers rebelling from their parents in the West. Teenagers rely on their parents, yet resent and rebel against them. Of course they complain to their friends about them too.

Foreign English teachers in Japan must rely on their Japanese bosses for: their work visa, in some cases their apartment, and of course their salary. Some teachers come to Japan with virtually no knowledge of the country. Childlike, they ask questions about Japan that many six year old Japanese know the answers to. The new teacher can feel embarrassed at times having to ask such basic questions as how do I use the Japanese toilet in my apartment? Can you open a bank account for me tomorrow? How do I get home from the school? To someone used to being independant, it is an uncomfortable, flashback to the teenage years.

Japan is a beautiful, interesting, yet daunting country for the newcomer. Some people thrive in the adventure that is teaching English in Japan and others don't. For them it is the toughest thing they have ever done. The new arrival to Japan is faced with three alphabets to learn just to read her pay cheque! One comes to feel pretty helpless and childlike at times. Going to the doctor for your first cold can be intimidating. You don't understand her questions and she doesn't understand your answers.

Paranoia is common amongst immigrants the world over. Experts argue it is a symptom of not understanding what is going on around you-- linguistically and culturally. The isolation this can lead to, causes the paranoia.
Resentment can set in if you are not prepared for this kind of culture shock. The possible symptoms of culture shock are many, and of course different levels of culture shock can occur over many years. If you are not a member of the majority, culture shock can hit you at any time. One symptom we often see in Japan is that of foreigners lashing out by complaining. They complain about the food, they complain about Japanese people, if they work for a Japanese company, they complain about how they are mistreated, and if they work for an Eikaiwa school, (which comprises most Western foreigners in Japan), they complain about the Eikaiwa school they work for. Some complain about all Eikaiwa schools as if all of them are the same, and all are bad. Some expats in an attempt to beef up future sales for the book they are writing, even set up a whole website to complain about Eikaiwa.

While there are certainly problems in Eikaiwa, there are many great things happening too. You only have to open the pages of an ETJ magazine, ELT Journal, or read the latest article at ELT News to see that. No this prevalence of complaints is something more. Indeed culture shock is one aspect of this phenomenon.

At many of the big schools the working hours are about the same as they are at public schools in North America. Yet the teachers of GEOS and Nova complain about their 28 hours of teaching and 40 hour a week shifts. (They work a 9 hour shift, five days per week at GEOS, with a one hour lunch break which equals eight hours of preparation and teaching). One Canadian elementary school teacher said: " I don't know what they are complaining about. That is what I do every week. That is what we all do at the public schools in Canada."
At many schools though, the shifts are much shorter and they don't require you to be in the office. The work time of around 20- 25 hours per week, would be considered part-time work back home. At Kevin's English schools the teachers work between 20-25 hours per week with no requirements to be in the office when they are not teaching. Under the contract they can be asked to work as many as 28 hours per week but none are currently doing so. The current average is about 22 hours per week. They are not required to put in any office hours, so when they don't teach their time is their own.

Many of the Eikaiwa teachers miss their friends and family back home. Some were not happy in their home country and escaped to Japan to try to sort out their lives--only to find they are not happy here either. The old saying: "Where ever you go, there you are." springs to mind.

I assert that the rampant negativism on the internet about teaching at Eikaiwa schools is only in a very small part due to the schools, but is a symptom of culture shock and the difficulty adjusting to life in Japan for some teachers. It is a reaction to the sense of dependancy some teachers feel as they have to rely on their bosses and Japanese staff for many things.

The boss who is in some cases also the landlord, is cast by the teacher (unconsciously) in the role of parental figure, and the Eikaiwa teacher, the star of our show, is the rebellious teenager with a need to get it off his or her chest. The internet forums provide the perfect venue for that.

While most Eikaiwa teachers are well balanced and make the most of their time in Japan, it is the vocal minority we see on the internet complaining about how unfair their Eikaiwa school is. While some of these complaints are legitimate and the Eikaiwa school should be taken to task, others are merely venting a teenage like rage, as they rale against what they fail to understand is simply culture shock.

If the person is your friend, you need to listen to them and sympathize, but at some opportune moment, you may want to suggest to them, that couldn't their negative feelings about their boss or school be due to something else? If their complaint is legitimate then talking with their union, labour relations board or finding a new job with one of the many great Eikaiwa schools here, might be the answer.

Kevin Burns
www.eikaiwa1.com
kevinsenglishschools@hotmail.com

Is Disney Just For Kids ?

2006-02-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

Disney is great for anyone and for all ages, whether you’re a toddler or an old wrinkly !!! (I refuse to say which category I personally fall into, although it’s rapidly edging towards the latter !).

But I digress…

Undoubtedly it is every kids dream to visit Disney World® in Florida. And why not ? It is the best known theme park in the world, and according to Disney themselves “the most magical place on earth”.

Now whilst this may seem like a sweeping statement, there is an astonishing amount of truth in it. Because what Disney have done is to create a wonderland for all ages.

Of course, you would expect the children to be drawn to the larger than life characters who appear throughout the parks, and indeed there are ample opportunities for Meet & Greet sessions with their favourites, but amazingly, adults too are drawn into this world of glamour, fun and smiles, and as a result seemingly shed their inhibitions and return to a childlike state of awe and wonder.

And even if you are of that rare breed that never shed their cool adult exterior, I defy any parent not to be moved watching their children’s faces the first time their eyes fall upon Cinderella Castle at the heart of the Magic Kingdom. Indeed, I have heard many reports of mums and dads literally being moved to tears by the reaction of their children at Disney World®. For a child, their expectations and dreams are all contained within this magical place, and as Disney casts it’s spell over them, they as kids, and you, as parents, will not be disappointed.

Within the vast acreage of Disney World® there is something for everyone to enjoy. But the great thing about Disney is it’s ability to bring families closer together, to interact with each other, to share good times and create memories that will stay in your heart forever.

Walt’s original dream of a “family” park is, without doubt, an unrivalled success, thanks to the dedication of thousands of cast members who attend to your every need during your visit. You are made to feel special, wanted and appreciated all at the same time, and let’s face it, a little bit of pampering goes a long, long way !

So my advice would be to take the kids, take the teenagers, take grandma and grandpa, take auntie Ethel too… in fact take anyone you like, because at the end of the day, each of you will exit a Disney park, feeling fulfilled, happy and uplifted. And is it really “the most magical place on earth” ? As Mickey himself would say “You betcha !”

Chris Neilson
http://www.orlandovillas.com

Bali Travel: The Undying Balinese Arts

2006-02-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

Bali

The island of Bali is literally a very beautiful island situated under the equator in Indonesian Archipelago, is one of the most interesting and ultimate tourist destination in Asia. Since the first decade of the 20th century visitors have given to it several nicknames "Island of Gods" - "Island of thousand Temples" – "The Last Paradise" – and also often called "Island of Artist".

The spirit of creativity pervades everything in Balinese life, from the cultivation of the steeply-terraced rice field to the elaborate temple offerings of flowers and foods given to the gods at times of celebration. Dancing, playing the gamelan, painting and carving is as much a part of an ordinary day as working in the offices, in the fields or feeding livestock.

In ancient times, the people of the Indonesian Archipelago followed the ways of animism and ancestor worship. By around A.D. 600 however, Indian ideas and beliefs began to spread throughout Southeast Asia. Both Buddhism and Hinduism became active force on the islands of Sumatra and Java. When Islam gained control of Java in the 16th century, many Hindu princes, their followers and artisans fled to Bali. They established principalities on Bali.

The earliest art of Bali dates from this pre-Hindu era, including highly of decorative works of bronze, as well as skilled basketworks and weaving. During the Hindu era, the princes and their relatives were the patronage of the native arts of Bali, and also sustained by the guiding rituals of its religion. The palaces and temples, as political and religious center of the island, were also centers of the arts.

A prince would adorn his pavilions with the most exquisitely carved wood panels, paintings, silken materials, gilded umbrellas and would be entertained by gamelan music, dances and songs of poetical Kawi language. The opulence of the court – had its religious parallel in the lavish decoration and dances within the temples. So the courts and the temples have been receiving equal high performance in art.

This convergence of beauty and ritual explains why the arts have endured to such a great extent in Bali. Ritual demanded a continuous renewal of communion with the divine through temple celebrations. The people poured their artistic talents into preparations of these occasions. New offerings have to be made, new shrines constructed, new statues of stones and woods have to be carved, dances, music and dramas created and practiced. This kept carvers and masons constantly occupied creating new sculptures or retouching older ones.

The Balinese language has no words for “art” and “artist”. In former times there had been no need for such definitions. Art was never considered a conscious production for its own sake. Rather, it was regarded as a collective obligation to make thing beautiful. And this was always done with a definite purpose: to create beauty in service to society and religion. Thus a “figure-maker” or “picture-maker” as well as a farmer or merchant, he was called upon when his skills were needed. He neither signed his name to his work, nor received money for his labor. His prime aim was to serve his community. As was true in the olden days, the majority of Bali’s artists are highly skilled craftsmen who learned their trade by mastering the traditional forms inherited from their forefathers.

In the first decade of the 20th century, the Dutch took the island, and Bali entered a new era as a colony of the Netherlands. Western education, modern technology, magazines, and a steady tourist trade opened up a new world for many Balinese, and this widening of outlook was reflected in the arts. For the first time, craftsmen began to treat their work as art for art’s sake, experimenting in new style, themes and media. With the arrival of the Western influence, the rigid conventions of the traditional style were no longer binding. Instead of illustrating stories from the great Hindu epics, some Balinese artists began to depict scenes of everyday life and nature in their work. The present art community has two criteria: (a) a work of art is praiseworthy in the eyes of fellow Balinese, or (b) it appeals to the foreign market and is sold.

To day the traditional and modern arts can be viewed at various places: Museum Bali in Denpasar presents a commendable survey of Balinese art from prehistoric times to the early 20th century and modern arts. Werdi Budaya Arts Center in Denpasar offers exhibitions and sales of local handicrafts and hand loomed fabrics. Tohpati for fine batiks. Celuk for silver and gold works. Mas for excellent woodcarvings. Ubud is the heart of arts and cultures, home of the most talented painters. And Klungkung for the traditional paintings and silver works.

So if you are interested in arts, do not hesitate to choose this enchanting island for your Bali Vacation. It also has very nice beaches, hotels, fabulous nature’s views, friendly people and of course excellent foods. Go online and search your preferred Bali hotels or contact your reputable travel agent.

Ciao readers, my immense thank to you all.

Made Dertha
http://www.baliturismo.com

Bali Hotels Or Bali Villas

2006-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Bali

Dear Reader,

One says that traveling is not an exact science, to combine between their cultures, traditions, countries and different languages sometimes are not easy. Trust an expert, contact your reputable travel agent may be important.

Most people come to Bali want to see and enjoy its arts and cultures, its fabulous nature’s views, its nice beaches, its friendly people, for pure relaxation and some for business and stay on. Whatever is one’s aim, the accommodation is one of the most important aspects in order to get the comforts and memorable holiday.

There are a myriad of accommodations to choose from in Bali, from five-star luxury Bali hotels or Bali Villas to budget one just a few dollars a night. The main tourist hub is in the southern triangle formed by Sanur, Kuta and Dusa Dua. For those who prefer the comforts of home and the relaxation of the beach, this is a good starting place. Other beach areas are Lovina in the north, Candi Dasa in the east and Canggu and Yeh Gangga in the west.

If you are a sun’s lover, then stay at Kuta (a wild and crazy kind of place) or its quieter sister beaches Legian and Seminyak up the road, Candi Dasa on the east coast, Sanur and Nusa Dua in the south or Lovina in the north. If you are a culture’s lover, then stay in Ubud in central Bali.

Thus for your accommodation what do you prefer Bali Hotels or Bali Villas? Both hotels and villas shall give you some advantages. For those who want a hotel that has a nice beach front or hotel by the sea or a room that facing the ocean, Bali Hotel is an easier choice, because most of luxury Bali Hotels that line the coast of Bali. There are plentiful of hotels either in building style or in Balinese style bungalow, both offer modern comports and excellent service, but without maximum privacy. Most Bali Hotels have one or more restaurants and bars that offer a wide range of local and international cuisines. Also sports and Spa facilities are usually available like tennis, billiards, squash, fitness center, games room, and some with golf course.

For those who want to enjoy a total privacy and perhaps a perfect Balinese lifestyle, stay at a private villa is a right choice. One can enjoy the luxury of a beautiful private villa with air-conditioned bedrooms and tropical bathrooms to dream about, spacious living and dining areas and spacious terraces, a lush tropical garden with your own private swimming pool, and well-trained house staff to take care of everything around the clock. And you’ll appreciate the comfort and informality you can only experience in a private home.

Instead of staying in hotel rooms (bed, two chairs, dressing table, TV set and telephone, wardrobe, small bathroom), your family will enjoy this truly Balinese experience. And you have much more space, more informality, more privacy, and more personal service than even the best hotel can provide.

You can even save up to 50% - 70% of meals and drinks if you stay at a private villa with full furnished kitchen if you decide a self-service vacation. Order your groceries, favorite snacks and drinks to be brought for you at the local supermarket or wine wholesaler. You’ll be surprised at the low cost when you pay the same prices as locals do. Or just ask the villa manager to do so, and a trained cook (with reasonable extra cost) to prepare you delicious meals or any special diet. And also Bali’s 21% tax & service charge and airport transfer is included on villa rental.

There are numbers of luxury villas at Bali’s hotels & resorts. If you prefer a hotel environment and services and don’t mind to pay inflated prices for accommodation and food & beverages, you can also book some villa-like accommodation at one of luxury Bali’s hotels through a reliable travel agent and still enjoy savings and extra benefits.

So, do not hesitate to choose the island of Bali in Indonesia for your memorable holiday. Bali is the most enchanting travel destination in the world, its year-round pleasant climate, its friendly people; its fabulous nature’s views, its nice beach and the absence of major criminal activities guarantee a completely relaxing stay. Because of the physical beauty of the island and its wide variety of attractions, Bali has become for many experienced travelers the “ultimate island”.

Go online and search your preferred Bali hotels or Bali villas or contact your reliable travel agent. The wide choice can be confusing especially for first time visitors, and it’s sometimes difficult to select the right Bali Hotels or Bali Villas. So just let your travel agent knows your personal needs and preferences that he can recommend those hotels or villas it feels will suit you best.

Thanks you reader and have a nice day.

Made Dertha
http://www.baliturismo.com

Maui Vacation Resorts - Which Do You Choose?

2006-02-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

You've finally made that big decision on where you want to go for your next vacation! Mexico? Caribbean? Europe? Nope...you've decided to visit the number one rated vacation island in the world. Look out Maui, here we come!

Now that you have made that big decision to take a Maui vacation, it is time to decide where you are going to stay. Is there really a difference in the quality of resorts on Maui? Actually, there is a BIG difference between Maui resorts but it's not necessarily the quality of the resorts. Actually, the decision on which Maui resort you pick should be based more on what type of experience you want to have during your Maui vacation!
You need to ask yourself several important questions regarding the type of Maui resort where you want to stay. They are...

Do you want to stay in a hotel or a condo. If you are planning on doing some cooking while you are on your Maui vacation, you will probably want to rent a condo.

Are you going to spend all your time away from the condo and you just, basically, want a place to sleep or do you plan to spend time relaxing at the resort and taking it easy?

Do you want the Maui resort to be right on the ocean or is a short walk to the beach okay?

Do you want the Maui resort to be in a specific location such as Napili, Kahana, Lahaina, Kihei or Wailea?
What kind of view do you want from your Maui resort condo? Do you want ocean front, ocean view, garden view or mountain view?

What is your budget?

Those are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself before you go on your Maui vacation. Each one of those questions will have an effect how much you pay for your condo! There are other factors to be considered but that will give you somewhere to start.

Most people don't understand that careful planning prior to their Maui vacation can save them quite a bit of money. Depending on the length of time you are planning on staying on Maui, you could save $1,000 or more!

Which Maui resort is the best place to stay? I have been asked that question thousands of times and my answer is always the same. Tell me what kind of experience you want from your Maui vacation and I will tell you which resort would be the best!

Remember, careful planning can ensure you bring back wonderful memories from your Maui vacation. Take the time and effort to plan in advance and you certainly won't regret it!

Chris W. Sutton
http://www.savemoneyonmaui.com.

Las Vegas - A City Guide

2006-02-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas is the most populated city in Nevada, United States. The city was founded in the first decade of the 20th century, and is a major vacation, shopping, and gambling destination. The center of gambling in the US, Las Vegas is sometimes called Sin City due to the popularity of legalized gambling, availability of alcoholic beverages any time (like all of Nevada), various forms and degrees of adult entertainment. The nickname favored by local government and promoters of tourism is The Entertainment Capital of the World. The city's glamorous image has made it a popular setting for films and television programs.

History

Major events in Las Vegas' history include:

¢ Establishment of Las Vegas as a railroad town (May 15, 1905).
¢ Legalization of gambling (March 19, 1931).
¢ Completion of Hoover Dam (October 9, 1936).
¢ Opening of Bugsy Siegel's Flamingo Hotel on what would become the Las Vegas Strip (December 26, 1946).
¢ Above-ground testing of nuclear bombs (1951 to 1963).
¢ The floods of 1955, 1984, 1999, and 2003.
¢ MGM Grand Hotel fire (November 21, 1980), the worst disaster in Nevada history.
¢ Opening of the Mirage (November 22, 1989), this began the era of mega resort casinos.

Place of interest

The city and surrounding areas offer many attractions for both visitors and locals to enjoy. Just walking on the Strip and gazing at the gaudy, garish, absurd wonder of it all can occupy quite a lot of time. This is the number-one activity in Vegas; at night and there are shows and plenty of other nighttime entertainment.

There are also plenty of out-of-town sightseeing options, like Hoover Dam (a major tourist destination), Red Rock Canyon, and nexus-of-all-conspiracy-theories Area 51, along with excursions to the Grand Canyon.

The main attractions for the tourists are the casinos and their free shows. Free hotel attractions, such as Bellagio's water-fountain ballet, The Mirage's volcano and white-tiger exhibit, and the masquerade show at the Rio and the utter piece of hooey that replaced the pirate show at TI at the Mirage.

Museums & Art Galleries

Besides the casinos another attraction in Las Vegas is its museums. These museums are very much attached with the history of Las Vegas, better to say, with the history of America.

¢ Boulder City / Hoover Dam Museum,
¢ Bruno's Indian Museum,
¢ Central Nevada Museum,
¢ Clark County Heritage Museum,
¢ Guinness World of Records Museum and Gift Shop

are some of those museums. Other than these some art museums and auto museums are there in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Art Museum, George L. Sturman Museum of Fine Art, Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts are some of arts museums.

Shopping

Shopping in Vegas is endless and it's a shop-till-you-drop kind of city. Some extensive malls and many hotels have comprehensive, and sometimes highly themed, shopping arcades. The most notable of the arcades are in Caesars Palace, Aladdin, and The Venetian. In addition to the malls, outlets, and shops, it's a good idea to drive to Maryland Parkway, which runs parallel to the Strip on the east and has just about one of everything: Target, Toys "R" Us, several major department stores, Tower Records, major drugstores, some alternative-culture stores (tattoo parlors and hip clothing stores), and so forth. Las Vegas has a big factory-outlet center just a few miles past the southern end of the Strip. Vegas has quite a few antiques stores, nearly two dozen, of consistent quality and price, nearly all located within a few blocks of each other.

Food & Drink

Among the many images that come to mind when people think of Las Vegas are cheap food deals, bargains so good the food is practically free. Some of the big names are Pinot, Le Cirque, Alizé, Aqua, Aureole, Olives, Lutèce, Border Grill, Nobu and Rosemary's Restaurant. Las Vegas has some theme restaurants like The House of Blues, Harley Davidson Café, The Hard Rock Café, the Rainforest Café and Margaritaville.

Universities

University Of Nevada-Las Vegas is the main university located in Las Vegas. Among other universities and community colleges University Of Phoenix-Nevada, Community College Of Southern Nevada, Community College Of Southern Nevada, Southern Nevada University Of Cosmetology are some notable entities.

Sports

Las Vegas isn't known for its sports teams. Except for minor-league baseball and hockey, the only consistent spectator sports are those at UNLV. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a main venue for car racing and should draw major events to Las Vegas.

But since the city has several top-notch sporting arenas, there are important annual events that take place in Las Vegas. The PGA Tour's Las Vegas Senior Classic is held each April in nearby Summerlin, and the Las Vegas Invitational takes place in Las Vegas each October. The National Finals Rodeo is held in UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center each December.

Hotels & Accommodation

If there's one thing Vegas has, its hotels, big hotels and lots of them. The 10 largest hotels in the United States - 9 of the top 10 in the world - located in Vegas. There are lots to choose from according ones need and choice.

Luxury Hotels

Vegas have elegant and grand hotels in its possession. The MGM Grand, the Las Vegas Hilton, the Ritz-Carlton, the Hotel, the Mirage, Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower - are some of these big names.

Budget Hotels

If the visit to Vegas is in a particularly busy season and booking in prominent hotels are over, here's a list of moderate to very inexpensive alternatives - Budget Suites of America, Travelodge, Budget Inn, Motel 6 Boulder Highway etc.

Tours and Sightseeing

Just about every hotel in town has a sightseeing desk offering a seemingly infinite number of tours in and around Las Vegas. You're sure to find The Reservation Center, a tour company of international repute that will take you where you want to go a good choice for your sightseeing tours. The tours include Air Tours including Airplane, Helicopter Tours; Land tours including ATV Tours, Bicycle Tours, Bus Tours, Walking / Hiking and Horseback Riding; Water tours including Jet Ski Tours, Lake Cruises, River Rafting, Wakeboarding, etc. These tours contain destinations like Hoover Dam, Mount Charleston, and Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire and Lake Mead. The Reservation Center is one of the most comprehensive tour agencies and offers a wide variety of tours.

Transport

The CAT Bus is the popular means of public transportation among locals and tourists with 52 bus routes operating covering a large portion of the valley. The Las Vegas Monorail runs from the MGM Grand Hotel at the south end of the Strip to the Sahara Hotel at the north end of the Strip.

McCarran International Airport provides commercial flights into the Las Vegas valley. The airport also serves private aircraft, domestic and international passenger flights, and freight/cargo flights.

Intercity bus service to Las Vegas is provided by traditional intercity bus carriers, including Greyhound; many charter services, including Green Tortoise; and several Chinatown bus lines.

Union Pacific Railroad (UP) is the only class one railroad to provide rail freight service to the city.

Nivedita Balamurugan
www.thereservationcenter.com
Email: nivedita@thereservationcenter.com

Disney Dining In Florida

2006-02-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

Florida

All Walt Disney World Resorts are fabulous places to visit, but they are also amazing places to dine. Whether it be a quick snack or a full gourmet dinner, you will not be disappointed by the choice and quality of fare that Disney has to offer.

Each theme park, water park and resort area has a vast selection of eateries for you to sample and enjoy, and as you would expect, depending upon your budget, you can eat for just a few bucks, or really push the boat out and savour the delights of five star cuisine.

Many of Disney’s restaurants are “themed”, and these are incredibly popular with the kids. Likewise, character dining experiences (aimed at younger members of your party, but enjoyed by all) are often the highlight of a child’s day. Well what could be better when eating your meal than to be served by Mickey, Donald, Pluto, or maybe even a real life Disney princess ? Of course character dining also allows you to capture some magical photographic memories too.

All to often, people get the impression that theme park food is going to be unhealthy food. Admittedly, there is fast food available in the form of burgers, hot dogs and fries, but you will also be pleasantly surprised to discover that the alternatives are indeed exceedingly healthy, and downright tasty too.

Our vegetarian friends are also well catered for, along with guests who have special dietary requirements, or those who cannot eat certain foods because of religious beliefs. Full details of the contents of all meals served on Disney property can be found by simply asking the cast member who takes your order.

And whilst a lot of food served throughout Disney parks is essentially “American” cuisine, a visit to Epcot World Showcase for example, will give you the opportunity to experience a vast selection of foods from around the world, ranging from Chinese, to French and even little known Norwegian delicacies, to name but a few.

Each Disney park that you visit has it’s own map so that you can find your way around. Clearly marked on these maps, and divided into categories are the dining experiences offered to tempt your taste buds.

So whether it be a full service restaurant, character dining, a quick takeaway or a healthy fresh green salad, you will find it all at Disney. The service is, as with all things Disney, friendly and polite, and it’s great to know that when those hunger pangs strike, that you will be well catered for, in every sense of the word.

Chris Neilson
http://www.orlandovillas.com

Visiting the Iti National Park

2006-02-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

The Iti National Park in Greece is one of the main natural parks tourists could meet in this country. This park is situated towards the southern side of the valley of River Sperchios and counts with a wide variety of trees, plants and animals which provide it with a very unique and interesting environment.

Those tourists who enjoy green areas, trees and plants could be able to have a great time while visiting the Iti National Park. Within the park, visitors can meet some unique trees and plants such as, per example, oaks, cedars, oleanders, arbutus, and the Alpine lily lilium cholcedonium.

Besides its plants and trees, this park counts with a very special fauna that consists on a great amount and variety of animals of different species. The Iti National Park has wild goats, wild boars, deer, rodents, tortoises, reptiles, as well as an amazing variety of birds among which there are vultures, eagles, partridges, hoopoes, hawks, and owls.

There are many interesting things to do and spots to meet while being in the Iti National Park and its surroundings. Among these interesting spots there is the Monastery of Agathanos, the Museum of Natural History, the Archeological Museum of Lamia, the Byzantine Museum, the River Sperchios, and the River Gorgopotamos with its antique bridge among several others.

The Iti National Park is situated within Mount Iti, a spot which is famous by its birds and abundant forestation. This way, those who enjoy meeting interesting and unique birds, as well as those who like being out doors and breath fresh air, would be able to have a great time while visiting this park and its surroundings.
Mount Iti is characterized by having four main and deep gorges mixed with an amazing forestation and its fauna, and part of it is considered a wild life refuge protected by some organizations who are involved with the care for natural environments. This mount also offers some spots ideal to agriculture due to the richness of its lands, and as it can be noticed, it is a paradisiacal spot to all those who love nature.

Jakob Jelling
http://www.eurotomic.com

The Province Of Ontario

2006-02-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

sfqOntario

The name Ontario is said to come from the Iroquoian (first nation) word meaning "vast body of water". It is the second largest Province in Canada, spanning approximately one million square kilometers. It stretches all the way from the Great Lakes to the frozen shores of Hudson Bay in the North. Situated between the provinces of Manitoba to the west and Quebec to the East, the Province borders the USA to the South.

It is home to 6 National and 280 Provincial Parks which give the Province a virtually endless array of Recreational Possibilities. The largest and probably most famous is the Algonquin Park which is home to Black Bears and the trademark Canadian Beaver and has amazing scenery. Most of the Province is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is GMT -5 hours, however some of Western and Northern Ontario is in the Central time zone, which is GMT -6 hours. Between the months of April and October Daylight Saving is in effect. Ontario has very defined seasons, the summer months can be very hot and the winter months extremely cold with a lot of snow. Spring and fall tend to have a lot of rain.

The Southwestern part of Ontario is normally milder than the rest of Southern Ontario. Northern Ontario is generally a lot colder due to the winds blown in from the Artic.

Northern Ontario is mostly occupied by forests and rocky outcrops, part of the Canadian Shield. Four of the five Great lakes and the St. Lawrence River form the southern boundary of Ontario. One of the most famous landmarks of Ontario (and all of Canada) is the majestic Niagara Falls, which are located south of Toronto near the city of St.Catherines on the US – Canada border. Thousands of tourists from around the world flock to see the falls which can be viewed from the USA side as well.

Ontario's Cities

Ontario has one of the largest populations and is home to Canada's capital city, Ottawa, which is located in the South-East of the Province. The Greater Toronto Area is Canada's industrial, economic and population centre, home to the Provincial capital (Toronto) and is also located in the south. The vast majority of Ontario's population (11.4 million in 2001 census) lives in the South of the Province. The Lester Pearson International airport in Toronto is by far the largest airport in Canada and a major hub for airlines.

Also, the cities of Hamilton, London, Kingston and Windsor are large settlements with over a million residents between them and continue to grow. Auto manufacturing and aerospace have long been the largest employers in Ontario with several huge car plants in the region. The big 3 North American manufacturers Ford, GM and Dodge/Chrysler are represented in the region.

Thunder Bay is the largest port on Lake Superior and is a very commercial and industrial area.

Provincial Government

The Government of Ontario is administered by Premier Dalton McGuinty's Liberal party. As with all the Provinces and Territories, the Provincial Government is responsible for Healthcare, all aspects of vehicle registration and Driver Licensing, Education and Welfare assistance.

The Province has a Sales Tax (PST) rate of 8% on top of the 7% Federal GST, Hotel room tax at 5% and also collects Provincial Income Tax.

As one of the main entry points along the St.Lawrence River, Ontario has a full history, especially since the Western settlers arrived with Confederation taking place in 1867. The Algonquian and Iroquoian native peoples lived off the land in Southern Ontario for generations prior to the arrival of the westerners – with the French explorers being the first. Ontario was originally known as Upper Canada and was settled extensively by English, Scottish and Irish immigrants along with the loyalists from the USA who arrived after the war of independence there.

The initial source of prosperity was the fur trading which was eventually surpassed by the discovery of massive mineral deposits such as gold, nickel and iron ore.

Dave Lympany
http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com

Car Sickness - 15 Ways to Prevent Car Sickness

2006-02-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

I have been travelling on long car trips ever since I was a young kid, mostly because it was cheaper for our family of 6 than flying but also because I happen to live in, what I believe to be, the most wonderful place in the world, Western Australia. We didn't need to fly because we usually stayed within our own state (even though for those of you that dont know it is an absolutely enormous state!)

Anyway, back to the point. Nothing makes a holiday or long trip worse than car sickness. Contrary to "popular" belief, babies suffer from car sickness less than the average person and the elderly rarely experience car sickness. However children between the ages of 5 and 15 are most susceptible to car sickness.

By operating an adventure tour in WA and taking many people on long trips all year round I have seen a lot of car (or bus) sickness. What follows are my top ten tips, from experience ;) to prevent car sickness.

TOP 15 TIPS TO PREVENT CAR SICKNESS

1. Get a good nights sleep before the trip

2. Seek medical advice about travel sickness pills

3. Remove dangling ornaments from the car

4. Avoid rich food and alcohol before the trip (obviously kids wont be having any alcohol, right?!)

5. Fasten seat belts correctly (ie not too tight around the waist)

6. Do not read or write while travelling

7. Start the journey without delays or last minute panic

8. Ensure each passenger has forward vision

9. Support children so they can see out of the front window

10. Stop the car frequently - stroll and get some fresh air

11. Drive smoothly, corner slowly, brake gently

12. Watch for symptoms such as yawning, coldness, pallor, loss of alertness

13. If vomiting occurs, stop and let the person walk a little and have a sip of water

14. Let a sickness-prone person sit in the front seat, where the ride is smoother

15. Maintain good ventilation. A sick person should sit near an open window or air vent

I hope you will find these tips as useful as I have and remember; excitement or energetic activity before a journey can make matters worse!

Todd Molloy
http://www.crikey-adventure-tours.com

How We Experienced The Passions of Roman Life.

2006-02-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

We haven't met... yet, and until now you wouldn't know that I make part of my living by writing about the city of Rome, its people, passions, food, sport, history and culture. In fact, I own a web site called Lets-Travel-Rome.com, which kinda happened by happy accident after I visited this great city with my Wife - one anniversary,some time ago.

If you've ever had the opportunity to travel to Rome, you'll probably already know about the fervour and passion of its people, who can get themselves into a convincing frenzy over virtually anything that happens in daily life.

I had the chance to be in the city during the 2004 European Football Championships, at a time when the national team were heavily dependant on the form and talent of one Francesco Totti, Rome's favorite footballing son, whose image cannot be avoided wherever you look!

Here is a God-Like figure, who Romans pin their hearts and hopes upon, every time he appears for the "Azzuri" (the national squad) or their beloved Roma (the capitals leading team for many years). It's almost impossible to purchase a Roma team shirt without the "Totti" name emblazoned on its back, and his power over advertising media can clearly be appreciated by the range of products he is able to endorse succesfully around the cities poster sites.

You can probably imagine the atmosphere found in the streets during these crucial championship matches. The whole place draped with flags and banners, windows thrown open, filling the roads with the sounds of urgent cheering and disappointed groans.

Suddenly, we were taken by surprise, and Italy had scored a goal! A massive uprising was taking place all around us, and the waiter at our streetside cafe was off... running in triumphant circles around the middle of the road. Cars were hooting, people were leaning out of their windows to cheer and share in the chaos, and normal life was suspended for several minutes whilst the Romans celebrated their modern day gladiators success.

About half an hour later we became aware of an eary silence, and the unthinkable had happened without our realisation. The opposing team had scored an equalising goal, putting Italy out of the final stages of the competition, and a grave period of mourning was about to begin. Our waiter leaned listlessly against the side wall of our cafe, all interest in activity drained from his body... best get the bill and get out of here, we thought.

The next days papers carried furious reviews of the nights failings, and we couldn't find anyone who wanted to discuss their dashed pride with mere tourists like us. Mr Totti still smiled down on us, as we continued to stroll around the deflated city, but we suspected his "pulling power" was sharply dimished that day.

But, this was Rome, and before our break was spent, the old passions were rising to the surface once more. Roma were to open the new season with a derby match against the Old Enemy, Lazio, and the rivalry between the two sets of fans is intense. The two teams share the Stadio Olimpico, which has a capacity of 100,000 screaming fans... the modern version of The Coloseum, or The Circus Maximus, we thought!

That's all for now. In my next article, I'll explain more of my travel tips for your time in Rome

Best wishes for a great vacation,

Les Sheppard
www.lets-Travel-Rome.com

Why not Rent an Apartment in Rome for your next Vacation?

2006-02-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Rome, Italy

When I tell people that they can get easily and cheaply rent an apartment in Rome for their city vacation, they sometimes look at me like I'm nuts. It's not that they've never thought of the idea. It's that they think its too hard to arrange, or heard some strange things about it, like:

1. Its far too expensive for any reasonable budget.

Price is probably the most common misconception. I've even heard this from good friends who have seen me take this option just about any time I want.

The only thing that price and these apartments have in common is that both can give you a huge choice. The big difference is that when you know how to find the perfect place, and you understand how much freedom you can gain, you can win with this game just about every time you play.

Finding a great apartment has nothing to do with luck. It has everything to do with knowing where to look, and getting a huge choice that fits a given budget.

2. You'll Struggle to get a good location, and be nowehere near the action.

When I first started to travel to Rome, I thought the same thing. But, you know what, its just not true. The resource I'll recommend to you at the end of this article can put you right next to The Spanish Steps, in a glorious apartment with balcony views. They can also find you a family villa, tucked away in the hills outside the City - and pretty much everything in between.

I've rented apartments in Rome plenty of times since my early stays in the cities Hotels, both on business and pleasure, and not a single one of these places has let me down . In fact, they were all perfectly sited for my needs on each trip, sometimes bustling and convenient, sometimes peaceful and secluded.

And the fact is, you don't need to spend hours of research to find just the right thing. These days you can simply go to one website and find a choice of apartments to match your requirements.

With my partners at Venere.com, that's a breeze.

3. Isn't it just less hassle to book a package deal?

Renting an apartment in Rome is cool for two reasons. First, you get an unbelievable amount of freedom and flexibility that most city centre hotels just can't offer. Just come and go as you please. Drop in for a quick shower after a hard days sightseeing, and freshen up before you go out to the Opera House. Use as a base to entertain friends and family into the early hours, there's no-one to complain about the noise! Sleep in till lunchtime if you want, there's nobody clamouring to clean the room.

The second reason is that you get much closer to the people. You can easily find a rental property that's tucked in with the locals... say, just off the Piazza Navona near the city centre, and really get a feel for Roman life close up. I promise you it takes a short vacation to another level of experience, and you could find you're visitng the Eternal City more and more often.

For both reasons, I believe that the minor hassle of making slightly more detailed plans before you travel is well worth the effort. Most people don't understand that, and that's why they miss out.

4. You'd Need A Top Quality Agent You Can Trust with your Money

And at this point I tend to agree with them. Business and leisure travellers have been using the Agent I recommend for many years, and they specialise in renting apartments in Rome. It's one of their biggest sources of revenue, and therefore a line of business that they guard carefully. If you're ready to have a look at the huge choice and value on offer, here's a link for you:

http://www.lets-travel-rome.com/venere

The truth is, I needed to have an ultra reliable resource to back up my travel plans, and I wanted to deal with people that had strong contacts on the ground in Rome. And that's all they do!

It can take me less than fifteen minutes to find and book my exact requirements every time I click through to their site.

So, You don't need to search for hours when you want to rent an apartment in Rome. You just have to look in the right place.

That's all for now. In my next article, I'll explain more of my travel tips for your time in Rome

Best wishes for a great vacation,

Les Sheppard
www.lets-Travel-Rome.com.

The Beautiful Agios Konstantinos

2006-02-08T11:42:00.000-08:00

Agios Konstantinos, Greece

Agios Konstantinos is a destination situated within central Greece, within the region of Attica, to the north of Cape Sounion, and at about 50 kilometers from the southern side of Athens. This spot, also known as Konstandinos or Ayios Konstandino, was formerly called Kamariza and then Maronia in ancient times. Those tourists who visit this region of Greece should try to stop at this place and enjoy its beautiful environment since it would allow them to relax and renew their energies.

Agios Konstantinos has a very small amount of inhabitants spread throughout its territory. This destination is very appealing and interesting due to its general characteristics, the landscapes it offers, the life style of its inhabitants, the natural elements it has, the amazing landscapes surrounded by mountains, and several other reasons which cause it to be a unique spot.

The municipality of Agios Konstantinos counts with an important amount of mountains in such a way that it is surrounded by mountainous landscapes at each one of its borders. Besides these mountains and rocks, this spot also counts with important extensions of grasslands and beautiful green areas in which tourists can breathe amazing fresh air and observe beautiful landscapes.

The economy of Agios Konstantinos is mainly based on agriculture, mineral rock derivates and farm products. This spot shows many agricultural plantations and farms spread throughout its entire territory and which provide it with a very special and charming appearance. Traditions and country side life style predominate in this area in such a way that visitors could meet many of the same cultural aspects it had centuries ago.

The municipality of Agios Konstantinos is also famous by the mineral rocks that can be found in it. This area is rich in mineral rocks such as chalcoalumite, austinite, adamite, and azurite among others. These minerals can be found at some points in Agios Konstantinos as well as towards Lavrio, an interesting neighboring town. Those tourists whovisit Lavrio should always try to meet Agios Konstantinos as well and relax surrounded by a very attractive natural environment which combines mountains, green areas, and traditions in a very peculiar way.

Jakob Jelling
http://www.eurotomic.com

Turn Your International Travels Into Lasting Memories

2006-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

International Travel

No matter how many times you experience international travel, the excitement never fades. But one thing that will fade is your memory of all the exciting experiences and pleasures from your travels.

Why not develop several ways to keep your "vacation of a lifetime" alive in your memory for the rest of your life? Here's how:

Keep a journal. If the idea of writing everything down bores you, keep an audio journal with an inexpensive tape recorder. But I recommend both a written and an audio journal. When you return home, transcribing your experiences into a more coherent form will help you relive the entire experience.

Take pictures. You don't have to buy expensive equipment to accomplish this (and in fact, I would urge you to economize on such equipment). Be sure to use your journal to keep track of where your pictures were taken, what the subject matters were, when and where you were there and why you found it so interesting.

Shop for bargains. Every country will offer unique (maybe even exotic) items you can buy for very reasonable prices that will become real treasures when they later sit on your mantel at home.

Compile items for a scrapbook. Keep your menus, postcards, boarding passes, rail passes, left over foreign currency, receipts, and ticket stubs to special events. You might even like to cut out pages from travel books and brochures you have picked up. When you transcribe your travel journal, type in small vignettes and anecdotes amidst these visual items of your trip to make a truly wonderful scrapbook of your journey.

One thing I should point out. You may be tempted to procrastinate assembling your scrapbook or transcribing your journal. I'm not here to say don't do it, but I think you will find that once started, this will become an enormously entertaining activity. Besides, the sooner you do this, the fresher your memories will be. International travel is meant to be fun. But why let this fun recede into the dim past. If you follow these ideas, you will enjoy and "re-enjoy" your travels again and again.

C.H. Brown
www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com

Venice: A City With A Sinking Feeling

2006-02-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

Venice, Italy

Travel to beautiful Venice this winter and chances are you may hear the screeching of the 16 city sirens that signal the return of the "acque alte", or flood waters. Especially felt during the winter seasons between November and April these waters engulf several low-lying areas of the city including the magnificent St Mark's Square, rise up over the canal borders and bubble up through the drains.

The city's best defense for pedestrians thus far has been the erection of 1.

5 metre high elevated walkways which themselves offer little assistance in the event of a very serious flood.

Proper defensive action, it seems, is not far away. After a lengthy debate over the effectiveness of large mobile flood barriers at the lagoons entrance, plans to expedite them into place are at last under way. The first to benefit will be the main shipping entrance at the Malamocco lagoon mouth. It will have installed a semi-circular breakwater to knock back the high Adriatic seas from southerly winds and a ship's lock to hold ships whilst the movable barriers are in place.

The other big issue is that the canal water is so filthy. Before the 1960s the natural flow of the Adriatic tidal current saw to it that the waste was flushed quickly out of these narrow canalways. However, after this time the canal was dredged as part of a large operation to allow tanker access resulted in a 14-m deep canal that effectively reversed the currents, trapping the waste of the city within the lagoons now very murky waters.

More problems abound as a result of the high level of salt in these waters which is constantly eroding the city from its foundations, and despite the public outcry of several prominent figures little is being done about this looming problem.

As a result of subsidience and rising sea levels worldwide Venice has sunk by 23cms since 1900. The most alarming aspect is that by 2100 sea levels are expected to rise by a whopping 60cms which would leave Venice almost completely submerged.

Unless more action is taken by the central government in Rome to combat all these problems, Venice could end up another lost Italian beauty of the likes of Pompeii.

Jacob Fiennes
www.travelbx.com

Visit Delray Beach Florida

2006-02-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Palm Beach, Florida

Just south of Palm Beach and less than an hour's drive north of Miami, Florida, you will find the resort city of Delray Beach, Florida, with it's over two miles of clean well maintained sandy beaches, historic downtown shopping area, beautiful gardens and parks, world class tennis center, golf courses and it's large variety of hotels and motels.

Looking for a place to stay? Try the Breakers-On-The-Ocean, (561) 278-4501, with it's picture perfect beach setting and it's 200 feet of private beach, complimentary beach cabanas, putting green, ocean front suites and ocean view apartments, the recently renovated and restored Colony Hotel And Cabana Club, (800) 552-2363, with it's 70 guestrooms, all with vinage tropical furniture, fabrics and colors, hardwood floors, unique appointments and Florida works of art, personal air conditioning and operable windows or the Delray Beach Marriott, (561) 274-3200, with it's soft sandy beach, heated pool, on site spa and fitness center, rooms with private balconys and it's Marriott service. If you don't like these hotels there are numerous others to choose from.

Feel like some golf? Check out the Delray Beach Golf Club, (561) 243-7380, a 1923 Donald Ross Design located off of Atlantic Avenue just three miles west of the historic Downtown Delray Beach area. This jewel is a meticulously manicured championship track, and features 6,907 yards and a par-72 or the Lakeview Golf Club, (561) 498-3229, a 3,006 yard, par 60 executive golf course, built in 1972. There are also over 100 other golf courses surrounding the Delray Beach area.

Spend your days, sunning, swimming and playing on the two miles of, clean well maintained, beach. Go scuba diving or snorkeling in the clear warm Atlantic waters. Cruise the calm protected waters of the Intercoastal Waterway. Visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, (561) 495-0233, with it's two museum buildings which house 5,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, including a 500-piece collection of tea ceremony items, more than 200 textile pieces and recent fine art acquisitions, and it's 200 acres of expansive Japanese gardens with strolling paths, resting areas, tropical bonsai collection, small lakes teeming with koi and other wildlife, nature trails, pine forests and park and picnic areas. Visit the American Orchid Society, (561) 404-2000, a botanical paradise with thousands of orchids on it's 3.5 acres of themed gardens and a magnificent display greenhouse. Play tennis at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, 561-243-7360, with it's 14 clay courts and 7 hard courts, an upstairs pavilion and conference room, and a pro shop with a locker room, racquet stringing and merchandise. Go shopping in downtown Delray Beach, with it's brick sidewalks, historic architecture, antique shoppes, gift shoppes, boutiques, art galleries and more.

If you want more to do, take a scenic drive down to Miami, stop in Fort Lauderdale on the way, or go up to Palm Beach and go shopping on Worth Avenue. Take a tour of the everglades or go sport fishing. There are enough activities in or near Delray Beach to keep you occupied for a day, a week, a month or even longer.

David G. Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

Travel to Denmark During the "Year of the Renaissance

2006-02-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

Denmark

These days, just about every town or hamlet in the United States boasts of an "authentic" renaissance festival. Invariably, these festivals feature such attractions as "authentic" renaissance maidens sporting authentic renaissance-era, biker chick tattoos and renaissance cuisine like Ye Olde hotdogs or Ye Olde pizza slices.

So most Americans know all about Renaissance festivals from their experiences stateside. However, just for fun, let's consider the counterpart festivals in European countries where the Renaissance actually took place.

Denmark, for example, the country that brought us those ubiquitous plastic toys, Legos; has designated the entire year of 2006 to be "The Year of the Renaissance."

Imagine my surprise, a father who has stepped on many a Lego in the dark with bare feet, to learn that Legos have nothing to do with the Renaissance, and were not in fact invented until much later. All along, I had assumed that I was enduring those pesky little toys because it was good for my children's education. Shows what I know.

OK, back to Denmark. The entire country is open for business to celebrate the Renaissance. Check out these excerpts from Europe Travel News on some of the exciting things you can do and see when you travel to Denmark during the year 2006:

"2006 has been designated the year of the Renaissance in Denmark. To mark the occasion, an exciting array of cultural events is scheduled to take place throughout the year in the capital region. Exhibitions, concerts, walking tours and many other special activities, both indoors and out, have been planned to spotlight this extraordinary period in Copenhagen?s history."

"History lovers, among others, will have all the more reason to visit Copenhagen in 2006, when the city pays tribute to the great achievements of the Renaissance. A wide variety of special events, celebrating that remarkable period of its history, will be held throughout the capital region."

"Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, at the seaward approach to the Øresund Sound, is one of Northern Europe's most important Renaissance castles. It is also the most famous castle in Denmark, known all over the world as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet."

"In 2006, Hillerød will host a large Renaissance Festival with participants from home and abroad. There will be stands with food, beverages, handicrafts and entertainment - just as there were during the time of Christian IV. In September a parade through town to Frederiksborg Castle will cap the event followed by dancing, concerts and displays of knightly swordsmanship and horsemanship".

So enjoy your travels to Denmark and take in all these wonderful experiences. I'm not sure if they will offer hotdogs and pizza slices at these festivals; but if they do, I'm certain they'll have some Ye Olde Alka Seltzer available.

Oh, and watch your step. Especially when you are barefoot...in the dark.

C.H. Brown
www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com

Ice Fishing Tips For Beginners

2006-02-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

Ice fishing

Did you hear the one about the guy who went ice fishing and came back with 50 lbs. of ice?

Well, if you found yourself here your at least one step ahead of this fella, that is unless you intended to bring home some ice. Ice fishing is actually a very simple sport but must be practiced with some caution.

WHAT you say?

Seriously before you set out to catch any fish on "hard" water there a couple of things you should be concerned about. Firstly, make sure you are equipped with the proper attire. Setting out from home on a nice sunny day is fine but once you approach your destination things may have drastically changed or may change without notice. This would also be a good time to check the weather channel or newspaper for the up to date weather forecast.

Secondly, remember to check the ice conditions wherever you go, there are local ice hut operators or locals who are willing to help make your trip safe.

A friend of mine told me once, "You can always take it off, but its pretty hard to put it on if you haven't got it!" My advice, purchase a good floatation suit. They are warm and if you happen to break thru the ice it will probably save your life.

A warm dry set of gloves, preferably without fingers is a must. This way all the fingers share the warmth. A full face belaclava is also required as well as sunglasses. Scarfs can help but be cautionary of the vehicle you are using to get you out to your favorite spot. You don't want to have it get tangled up in a chain or track.

Several layers of clothes are a benefit for when you have the luxury of taking them off. Another good idea is to have a fishing buddy. They are not only there to enjoy the day with you and help make the fishing story a real tale but if an emergency arises they are the only support you've got.

We still have a few small things to do before setting out. Make sure your transportation is trustworthy, a general maintenance check will do, tell someone where your going and how long you expect to be gone and last but not least, a simple thing like a compass, so you don't get lost.

Okay, are we having fun yet. Now that we have got all the scary stuff done, its time to leave, right .... WRONG ! You forgot the gear.

A general rule of thumb regarding gear is to choose the equipment you will need to match the fish you are seeking (e.g. the larger the fish, the heavier the tackle).

Of course you won't be able to get to them if you don't have a hole. So depending on the ice and your wallet or both, you are going to need an ice spud or handgas auger. You can purchase both but if you just happen to have a friend that welds you can get him to make the spud up for you out of a 6' x 2" piece of flat steel and round bar. Don't forget to weld a "T" on the top and grind the flat bar down to a chisel point.

If you are in good shape and have the time the hand auger is great but if you intend to fish several spots and don't want to tire yourself out making holes get a gas auger. Look for an auger with at least a 6" cut just so you can get the big ones thru the hole.

Next, you'll need an ice skimmer. I suggest the aluminum one because if you are in a hut with a stove just warm it up a little and touch it to the hole and voila ... instant skim! Also, tie a light chain or rope on it just in case it falls down the hole.

Well, your almost there. You can't catch anything without some type of jigging rod. They come in all types, sizes and styles but look for one with which you will be comfortable with. This may take a few outings to discover, so see if you have a buddy who will lend you his or hers. Another general rule of thumb, a light rod for perch and panfish using 2 to 4 lb. test, medium action for trout, walleye, whitefish, etc. and 6 to 10 lb. test.

If you are energetic an have a second hole you can also use a tip-up. They range in price from several dollars to around twenty-five bucks. Well, this should get you started. The rest you can learn from patience and experience. Good Luck and Good Fishing!

P.S. One last thing... remember to take a light lunch with you, just in case they decide not to bite or your fishing technique is off for the day. I can remember a few times when we had to have "fish lip soup", it wasn't very filling.

Well, seeing as you have made it this far. I guess an obvious question would be "When is the best time to go ice Fishing ?" Everyone I know wants to get out there as soon as possible. It is probably because the fishing seems to be a little better or more likely they just want to be the first one to haul one out of the hole.

It is true that the fish are relaxed and in the best feeding spots because they haven't been hassled for several months. Trout in particular spawn in the fall and can be found in deep water at this time. You can find them on bars, shoals, rocks and fingers. Perch, pike and walleye tend to look for shallow , weedy lakes because the oxygen level tends to be a lot higher.

Once the little villages spring up and the anglers take their toll the catches tend to decrease but don't despair they are still out there. You just have to work a little harder.

So you need a few pointers because your just not catching your limit.

Well what is it that you do in the summer time, whether you are fishing from shore or boat if your not getting the bites ?... You move.

I do it all the time, it's not hard if you've got your own sled and make sure you've got a power auger, you'll need it. In order to be mobile you really need to be prepared. This includes a portable shelter, flotation suit, auger, sled or 4x4, fish finder and GPS. Give yourself about 10 to 20 minutes per hole. That's enough time to find your depth, scratch the bottom for debris, rocks, sand, etc., set up your fish finder and locate fish and at what depth. It also allows you to try your technique to see if they are interested. If you happen to have the hydrographic map of the lake or fished it before it helps. Try making calculated moves, such as holes, shoals, weedbeds.

If you can afford it, get yourself several rods and rig them up with different presentations. Not only do you become a quick change artist but it saves tying on different lures when the weather isn't friendly.

Jigging is really an art form. Not to fast and not to slow, kind of a rhythm thing. Keep in mind it is okay to jig hard at first, you want to attract them, get them interested. Once you've done that slow down to a twitch by using only your wrist or trolling from one side of the hole to the other. Alternatively you can raise the rod tip a few inches and lower. Stir up the bottom a little.

Make sure your rod is short, stiff and with big eyelets. It's hard to fish in a hut that's only 4 x 6 with a 3' rod. You only get one chance to set the hook, so if it moves you don't want the rod to bend. Having your line get frozen because of clogged eyelets just isn't any fun.

PAY ATTENTION! No, I'm not trying to wake you up from your daydream but feeling a hit is not the only way to get fish out of the hole. If you see the slightest movement, either side to side or up or down, set your hook! Remember, if your sending your lure down and it stops and your not where your suppose to be, you probably have one on the line.

Now, if you want to get them up the hole your going to need to hook 'em, so keep your hooks sharp. The easiest way to test is when you push the point thru the minnow, if the point doesn't go in easily either sharpen it or replace it. Speaking of hooks, size is important. The smaller the bait the smaller the hook. Also, If your using a large hook on a small bait you restrict it's movements and could possible even spook your game.

Timing the hook set is crucial when using minnowbait. It is well known that most fish attack from the side, so don't try to set the hook at the first sign of movement or tug. Allow the fish time to swallow the minnow. Okay, so you lost your patience, had him and lost him. Don't be in a hurry to change your bait, put the line back down the hole. Remember, he just lost supper and if he's hungry he'll be back. Wait a couple of minutes and if you don't get a response your welcome to change your bait.

Iain Loveman
at http://notjustfishing.com

The Province of Alberta

2006-02-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Province of Alberta is approximately 255,200 square miles in size and boasts incredible scenery and abundant natural resources. It is situated between the provinces of Saskatchewan to the East and British Columbia to the west, with Northwest Territories to the North and the state of Montana, USA bordering the south.

Alberta is in the Mountain Time Zone which is Greenwich Meantime -7 hours. Between the months of April and October Daylight Saving is in effect and the difference is GMT -6 hours.

There are two main cities, Edmonton (The Provincial Capital) in the north and Calgary in the south. Edmonton is located approximately 300 kilometers north of Calgary, with a healthy rivalry between the sports teams and the populations in general. There are several other Towns and Cities that have a lot to offer including Lethbridge, Red Deer, Brooks, Medicine Hat and Fort McMurray to the far north.

The Provinces landscape is extremely varied and provides a multitude of Recreational Possibilities. From flat open prairies, raging rivers, turquoise lakes and majestic glaciers to the awesome beauty of the magnificent Canadian Rockies.

Not surprisingly, the most prized assets of the province are the Banff and Jasper National Parks, coupled with the pristine Kananaskis Country. Banff is by far the more commercial with the Mount Norquay, Sunshine and Lake Louise ski hills close by. The town is a beautiful place but becomes fairly crowded during the summer and winter with tourist/skiers flocking to the town. Bears are a fairly common sight all around the area and there are often deer roaming around.

The world famous Ice field Parkway offers one of the most breathtaking drives in the world as it winds through mountain passes and past enormous Glaciers and emerald blue lakes. Be warned, photographs and video’s do not do justice to the scenery as to appreciate the enormity of the area you have to stand there and take it all in. Once you complete the drive, you will have passed the Columbia ice field where snow coaches will take you for tours on the Glacier. The Town site of Jasper awaits at the end of the parkway and offers a less commercialised mountain town experience. The stunning Maligne Lake and Maligne Canyon are a must see and there are sight seeing tours up the Jasper Tramway to the Whistlers summit (2470m high). Please note that you will need a valid park pass to stop in any national park or to drive on the Ice Field Parkway.

Alberta has the lowest overall taxes in Canada (Provincial tax rate is 10%) and is the only province that doesn't have a provincial sales tax. It boasts one of the worlds most vibrant and competitive economies that thrives on the back of massive oil and gas resources with the massive Oil sands projects in the far north promising more Oil than Saudi Arabia! The recent mad cow crisis has damaged the famous Beef industry though this will hopefully be resolved soon. The Provincial Government actively encourages Business Development and investment; this in turn fosters the economic growth and performance that is leading Canada's economic recovery. Alberta is now debt free as a Province after paying off over $20 Billion mainly due to the massive oil and gas revenues.

As with all the Provinces, Alberta regulates its own Education System. Currently, the education budget is receiving a great deal of attention from Albertans who are pushing hard for more investment. Also, the money previously used for debt servicing will now be made available for infrastructure investment – billions of dollars have been allocated to this.

The Provincial agency for assessment of foreign qualifications is The Edmonton based International Qualification Assessment Service (IQAS). This service is critical to enable Canadian employers assess your education and was also a requirement for the visa application when we applied.

Also on the self regulation list are Driver Licensing, Workers Compensation Board, Social Welfare Program and a Provincial Nominee Immigration Program. Professional regulation is also governed at a Provincial level - all the information can be found through our "Job search" pages.

The major political concern for the Alberta Government (headed by long serving Premier Ralph Klein and his conservative party) is the Provincial Healthcare system. All Canadians want extra funding to forestall what is perceived as a deteriorating service. I must admit that it is definitely better funded per capita than the UK for instance. The Federal Government is paying out several billion dollars to help out over the next few years and the Provincial Government is making it a priority as well.

Alberta has a rich history from the prehistoric days of the dinosaurs, the time of the first nations ruling the land, through western settlement and the journey towards independence. There are several world heritage sites in Alberta with the main two being the very impressive Royal Tyrell Paleontology museum near Drumheller and the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump site near Lethbridge.

The Tyrell museum is a world leader on Dinosaurs with some fantastic displays that are a treat for any family. The Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump is an amazing interpretive centre that demonstrates how the native Indians joined together at certain times of the year for the big buffalo jump where they skillfully drove herds of buffalo over a cliff. When successful enough food was gathered for the participants to get them through the winter and all parts of the buffalo were used. Unfortunately, the arrival of the western settlers destroyed this way of life with the buffalo hunted to near extinction.

Alberta is a fantastic place to live or visit and the sheer number of Canadian s moving to the Province is testimony to the lifestyles on offer. With the future promising increasing revenue’s from the Oil and Gas industry and massive investment Alberta is the place to be. The majestic rockie mountains provide fantastic recreational possibilities that are virtually unsurpassed anywhere else in the world.

Dave Lympany
http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com

Travel to New York City and See The City From the Air

2006-02-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

New York

Normally the theme for Guerrilla Traveler is adventure on a budget, but sometimes the adventure possibilities are so great I will pass on great adventures that are worth the extra cost. If you are planning to travel to New York City anytime soon, consider seeing the Big Apple from the air.

For example, New York Helicopter Charter offers three tour packages to choose from. The Liberty Tour allows you to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis and Governors Island, the South Street Seaport, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the Wall Street Financial Center.

The Central Park Tour takes you over the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum.

And finally, The Grand Tour takes you over all of the above sights - plus Yankee Stadium, the United Nations Building, the Queensboro and Brooklyn Bridges, and Battery Park

New York is an exciting city, so make sure you plan your trip well so you can fit everything you want to see while you are there. And seeing it from the sky is a sight you will never forget.

C.H. Brown
www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com

Teutonic Paradise

2006-02-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

It was the last place I thought I'd see a palm tree ...

After all, I was in Konstanz (or, as it's more commonly spelled in English, 'Constance'), situated on the German-Swiss border and the banks of the majestic Bodensee (aka 'Lake Constance').

I discovered this wonderful region on the way to Zurich from Holland a number of years ago. The history, atmosphere and activities there quickly made it one of my favorite stops in Europe.

Three countries share the Bodensee's shores --- Austria is the other one --- and the size of the lake is such that it is the horizon. I believe it's one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Europe; I know that small craft should find shelter if a storm arises. It's also one of the most pristine, which makes even the most jaded traveler want to hop one of the tour boats that calls on ports in each nation.

Konstanz was spared the destruction of World War II because the Allies didn't want to have any collateral damage affect Switzerland. The result is that Konstanz has an altstadt ('old town') which has stood the test of time. Fortunately, not only have the basic structures of medieval buildings been preserved, so have much of the artwork on their exteriors. Painted images have been preserved and sculpted accoutrements are meticulously kept, so a stroll along the cobblestone streets there gives you an air of a thousand years' history.

It's a rich history, too. Legendary King Barbarossa spent time in Konstanz. The papacy was united there during the Council of 1414-1418, which gives you an idea as to just how fractured the Catholic church was back then. The Graf von Zeppelin was born in Konstanz, which is why the first dirigible's flight in 1900 was above the Bodensee.

Then there's the Insel Mainau ('Mainau Island'). It's a botannical garden that dates back to 1740 and actually supports live palm trees year-round. Archaeologists have found traces of human settlements there that date back to 3000 BC and it's easy to see why. The region's climate is surprisingly mild, even in winter. Thus, I'm not surprised to learn that someone long ago deduced that a tropical icon like a palm tree could not only survive, but thrive there. The island has been in royal hands for centuries, with the current Count and Countess Bernadotte residing there as part of maintaining its environs in a protective foundation.

The University of Konstanz raises the level of life and living there. Its academic influence facilitates a palette of events that cater to tastes from the fine arts to sports to pure rollicking good times. Festivals occur on a monthly basis, from the universal Carnival that precedes Lent to the local weinfests (you're right in the middle of German wine country) and dorffests that feature local products and crafts as only Germans can present them.

You've got to be invited to the Konstanz Golf Club, but if you spend a few late nights frequenting the right watering holes, that's very possible. The course is surprisingly challenging, so have your game in form before trying it. The fairways are narrow, channeled between tall timbers and roaming rolling hills. Their clubhouse is reminiscent of a distinct and not-too-distant age in Germany, and its terraces are an excellent spot to quaff one of the region's local lagers.

Konstanz is only an hour-and-a-half by train from Zurich and two hours by train from Stuttgart. The local airport is a boat ride away in Friedrichshafen. You do not need a car once you arrive, either. Virtually everything is within walking distance from the town center, and that includes the boat terminals. Given the celebrations, scenery, unique shops, numerous restaurants featuring local fare and sidewalk gelati cafes, Konstanz is worth a weekend for both the business traveler and the tourist.

There is only one caveat. You'll have to enjoy the palm trees there with an ale in hand instead of coconut milk. Given the German proficiency in brewing, that will not be hard to do.

J Square Humboldt
http://longerlifegroup.com

Valentines: Spoil Your Special Someone Without Breaking the Bank!

2006-02-05T12:38:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s day is almost here, the big day continues to creep upon us and of course as always … we all scramble for the perfect gift but there’s always a problem –money! The big problem with this holiday is that it comes right after Christmas and just around the time all of us have paid those dreaded credit card bills or right after we splurged on a big extravagant gift for our special someone for Christmas.

Don’t stress!

If money is the problem or you’ve spent thousands on a big gift at Christmas time, you can still pull out a great gift because Valentine’s is all about love and romance, here’s some ideas that can help redeem you just when you need it.

The 14-Day Countdown

Just like the twelve days of Christmas slightly altered! Beginning on the first day of February start leaving coupons for a free full body massage, a bubble bath or how about a manicure! Little extras can be thrown in for steamy lovers like a midnight meeting at your favorite spot or a night out at a real hotspot or something as simple as a shared burger down at the drive-in on the corner.

The sky is the limit and this builds intrigue, not to mention how creative it truly is.

The Valentine Dream Box

This is a unique idea that can start off on the first day of January and can be used a million different ways

Lisa Gonzalez
www.keywordprincess.com

Traveling in Wheelchair

2006-02-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Traveling always give a person the feeling of excitement and fulfillment. Visiting new places, eating at a great restaurant or watching your favorite football game at the stadium is a great way to spend a free time. But for disabled individuals, especially for those in a wheelchair, these activities can be overwhelming and difficult. But there are things disabled people can do before traveling to make the experience more relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable.

Say for instance you are thinking of having a meal at restaurant that you saw in the advertisement offering great foods. You can call ahead to make a reservation and to make sure that they have facilities that accommodates disabled individuals. You would not want to arrive at the restaurant and find out that they don’t have ramps and as a result they have to carry you to get inside the restaurant. Nor is it amazing to find out that their bathrooms can accommodate average sized people only but not you and your wheelchair. It is, thus, good to call ahead to make sure that you have a great dining experience.

Here are several questions you can ask when calling for a reservation in a hotel or restaurant. First, ask if they have elevators or stairs. Do they have ramps or elevators in all floors of the building? You can also ask how wide their doors are and what kind of knobs, latches or handles they have. How big their bathroom is? And some other questions that you think you need to know. If the restaurant or hotel has problems with accommodating disabled individuals, you can try talking to the management for the necessary adjustments.

Most business places today are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to have facilities appropriate to disabled individuals or make adjustments in order to accommodate them. But of course, every disabled person’s need is unique. Hence, your needs will really depend on your environment. If you are in a rural hotel you cannot expect them to offer you the same services given by those in urban places. But still, they have to provide adjustments in order to accommodate you.

So before you get on on with your travel it is important to make the necessary preparations to make sure that you have a great experience. You need not regret anymore that you have chosen the hotel or restaurant because they did not provide you the necessary accommodation. When you come prepared you can be sure to make the most of your traveling experience.

Viojieley Gurrobat
http://www.wheelchairspower.com
viojieley@rushprintingservices.com

Visit Palm Beach Florida

2006-02-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

Palm Beach, Florida, a barrier island, is approximately one hour's drive north of Miami, Florida. Palm Beach is a beautiful city, filled with lush colorful gardens, palm tree lined streets, large beautiful homes, clean well maintained beaches, luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, high end shopping and a safe, virtually crime free environment.

If you are searching for a safe, beautiful, luxurious, destination for a vacation or getaway, it's hard to beat Palm Beach. Be pampered and spoiled at great hotel resorts and spas like the Breakers, a Five Diamond hotel resort on 140 acres of oceanfront land, with a 36 hole championship golf course, 10 tennis courts, a luxury oceanfront spa, a Mediterranean-style beach club, a broad selection of distinctive restaurants and an array of on-site high end boutiques, the Four Seasons Hotel And Resort, another Five Diamond luxury hotel, with it's beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, spacious sitting area, comfortable, well-equipped work space (with two-line telephones and high speed internet access) and luxurious marble bathroom featuring L'Occitane bath amenities, it's award-winning fitness center and spa offering a full range of massages and body treatments and it's three Har-Tru tennis courts or the Ritz-Carlton, again, a Five Diamond luxury hotel and resort, with it's rooms and suites which have have private balconies, marbled baths and Frette bed linens, it's extensive spa services and onsite tennis.

Play on the beautiful beaches and swim in the clear warm Atlantic water. Dine in one of the many fine dining establishments like The Restaurant At The Four Seasons, the Cafe Boulud, L'escalier, the Leopard Lounge And Supper Club, the Palm Beach Grill, the Polo Restaurant, the Trevini and more. Play golf at The Palm Beach Golf Course or one of the many top rated golf courses surrounding Palm Beach, go big game or sport fishing or go shopping on Worth Avenue, one of the world most prestigious shopping districts filled with some of the best designer shops anywhere, like Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo, Cartier, Escada and more. Note: Surrounding Worth Avenue you will find many additional prestigious shops.

Palm Beach is a place to relax, wind down and live elegantly, and if you want more, remember, Miami Beach is just a short gorgeous, scenic drive down the highway.

For more information about the city of Palm Beach, Florida see: http://palmbeachfl.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to the city of Palm Beach, Florida guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, real estate brokers, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.

David G. Hallstrom
http://www.usacitydirectories.com

Italian Hotel Reservations: Enjoy Your Trip!

2006-02-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Italian Tourism

According to the Italian Tourism board, there are about 40,000 hotels in Italy. That's a lot to choose from when you're traveling from overseas. Whether you're planning to stay in a hotel in Venice or a hotel in Rome, here's what you should know when you make your Italian hotel reservations:

1. Pay your deposit - According to law, a hotel booking is valid upon payment of a deposit. Your deposit is refundable upon cancellation of your reservation at least 14 days in advance of your stay, or 30 days in advance if you are going during tourist season.

2. Time your trip - In cities and resorts, the off-season is considered November through March. April, May, September, and November are considered the off-season for ski resorts. Rates for a hotel in Venezia or Roma will be less during the off season.

3. Hotel ratings - The tourism bureau gives hotels ratings from one to five stars, with five stars signifying deluxe accommodations. Bed and breakfast accommodations are available throughout Italy, but they are not given ratings.

4. Day hotels - If you're on the move and simply need a place to freshen up, Italy offers day hotels. With baths, showers, beauty salons, baggage checking, and private rooms, day hotels are often found in cities and near train stations.

After you've made your Italian hotel reservations, paid your deposit, and arrive at your hotel in Venice, your hotel in Rome, or another Italian destination, it's time to enjoy your vacation. The Italian Tourism Board provides these tips to help ensure that your vacation is the memorable experience you deserve:

* Avoid counterfeit goods - A new 2005 law imposes heavy fines on those who purchase counterfeit goods. If you're looking for knockoffs with luxury labels, you may want to think twice. Purchasing such goods carries a fine of up to 10,000 Euros.

* Know the duty-free limits - The U.S. allows citizens returning from Italy to bring in up to $400 worth of products duty free. A duty charge of ten percent of the next $1,000 worth of goods will be assessed.

* No visa required - U.S. citizens staying in Italy fewer than 90 days do not need a visa.

* Registration required - Tourists are required to register with the police within three days of arrival. Hotels generally do this on behalf of their guests, but it's wise to double check when making your Italian hotel reservations. If you're staying in a private home or with friends, you should go to the nearest police station to register.

Chris Robertson
http://www.majon.com

The Smarter Way To Experience The Great Pyramids

2006-02-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

Pyramids

From their construction throughout the centuries the Pyramids of Giza have represented mystery, wonder and awe to all. They are perhaps the only great architecture of the ancients to have survived more or less completely intact.

The oldest pyramid at Giza is the Great Pyramid of Cheops, also known as Khufu, and is the largest known pyramid in existence. It was built around 2500 BC of over two million limestone blocks, each almost three tons in weight. An astonishing achievement and is believed to be the work of around twenty thousand slave workers.

Nearby are the smaller pyramids belonging to Cheops’s son and grandson as well as the Great Sphinx, known as Abu ‘l-Hol, a half-lion, half-man figure of majestic proportions.

Each evening at dusk an enormous sound and light show is played out and, despite its rather tacky touristy nature, is a real fast-track introduction to Egyptian history. Scout through the many persistent camel drivers around the site for a decent tour of the pyramids on humpback, with the best time of day being at daybreak or sundown as these times are quieter and offer the most breathtaking atmosphere to view the pyramids in.

As perhaps the best possible example of real estate location the forty acre Mena House offers rolling views of lush parkland and beautiful gardens right on the Saharan doorstep with the pyramids as a backdrop. Before 1870 the Mena House was King Khedive Ismail’s official hunting lodge, yet today it offers serene escape from the heady tourist areas that surround the Pyramids. Featuring and eighteen hole golf course, a gorgeous swimming pool set right in the lush gardens, and a certain aire of colonial grandeur felt perhaps most on the breakfast terrace, which Evelyn Waugh described best as being “like having the Prince of Wales at the next table”. To enjoy the Mena best choose a room in the old yet beautifully restored suites for a grand view of the Pyramids.

Jacob Fiennes
http://www.travelbx.com

Festival of Light

2006-02-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Sweden

The coming of light is often cause for celebration ...

In Sweden, that's why there's joy and frivolity every 13 December. It's Luciafest --- the Festival of Lights --- that marks the unofficial beginning of their Christmas season.

Luciafest --- also known as 'St Lucia Day' or, simply, 'Lucia' --- didn't have its origins in the Christian tradition, but like a number of unique Christian festivals in Europe, it was used to 'meld' their religious message into the lore of a revered pagan legend for the purpose of increasing its own popularity. Easter, for example, arose from the Germanic fertility rituals of each year's new Spring season --- ergo, the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs --- and their calendaric proximity to the Resurrection. Christian missionaries were very clever at utilizing this tactic for the purpose of assimilating their faith into regional cultures and, as we see today, the results were most effective. In this instance, nobody remembers pagan rights of Spring anymore; Easter has totally overtaken the occasion.

Meanwhile, back in the north, long arctic nights in pre-Viking times coaxed fireside tales from elders of even harsher times before, when famine spread throughout south central Sweden. It is said that, as the darkest day of the year personnified the foreboding fate of mass starvation, a glow grew on the horizon of the great Lake Vaettern. Rays of light pierced the darkness as precursors of hope, eventually revealing a longship, laden with foodstuffs and guided by a blonde maiden in a flowing white gown. This spirit of mercy arrived not a moment too soon, and frigid devastation gave way to enlightened renewal.

Before the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in the 1300s, the longest night/shortest day of the year was 13 December. Thus, this Maiden of Mercy became symbolic for the gradual lengthening of daylight that followed each successive new dawn.

Coincidentally, a similar legend was told in the Sicilian city of Syracuse. There, during the sixth century, forlorn locals gathered in their cathedral for prayers to St Lucia --- a nun who was martyred in 304 AD and whose very name meant 'light' --- when a miracle occurred in the form of a ship entering their harbor, carrying a cargo of food. Some scholars believe that the Goths --- forerunners to the Vikings who originated in western Sweden --- imparted that tale to southern Europe, where the local folk put a 'Christian' spin on it to accommodate their beliefs. However it happened, another melding of pagan lore and Christian ritual had begun its germination.

Meanwhile, back in Sweden, the western province of Halland saw this fable take iconic life in a tradition of young girls in white robes who traversed the snow and ice, torches in hand, carrying baked goods and warm greetings to homesteads throughout the countryside during the darkness of each 13 December. Other provinces took note and adopted the practice. Ultimately, these girls became festooned with crowns of lingonberry leaves and candles to further symbolize the coming of light. Somewhere else along the way, a red sash was added as an adornment, and the full costume of the 'Lucia bride' was complete.

Christianity first came to Sweden during the final throes of the Viking era in the eleventh century. As generations passed, the saintly image of Lucia became intertwined into the Swedish fable and further ebbed into their wintry custom. The local churches had noted the legend's popularity and welcomed its theme of giving which underscored the Lucia celebration. They ultimately incorporated it into their annual rota, which in turn increased their recognition and acceptance by more and more local souls. Finally, in 1927, Luciafest was acknowledged in the royal halls of Stockholm and a national tradition was cemented.

Today, electric lights have replaced candles in the maiden's crown and entourages of younger handmaidens (taernor) and starboys (stjaerngossar) now assist her. Each home may have its own Lucia celebration, but the event's highlight is when each village and city neighborhood 'elects' a Lucia, who then leads her procession to a common service, accompanied by song and a buffet of pastries. These include the traditional 'lussekatter' --- saffron-flavored buns shaped like curled-up cats, with raisins for eyes --- and pepparkakor (ginger snaps) which are accompanied by refreshments such as 'gloegg' --- a hot spiced wine --- or coffee.

Needless to say, Luciafest remains as a uniquely Swedish national holiday. The household celebration takes place before dawn, the civic galas and church services occupy the abbreviated daylight hours, and for those who want to make the most of the occasion, the 'Lucia wake' takes the most party-hardy of souls well into the long Swedish night.

It's quite possible that, during the latter part of that program, another Swedish spirit may appear. This is a high-octane grain- or potato-based libation that can well and truly addle a mind, even to the point where vestiges of other pagan-era Lucia apparitions may be conjured. As late as the Middle Ages, a prevalent belief was that Lucia Night hosted the ravages of ghosts and goblins, with animals becoming enchanted so as to speak to them.

In those instances, given enough aquavit, what the church tooketh away, the spirit broughteth back.

J Square Humboldt
http://longerlifegroup.com

Tucson, Arizona: A Natural Destination

2006-02-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Tuscon, Arizona

Today, Tucson, Arizona is the home to 800,000 residents and is an attractive destination to visitors. However, its warm, inviting weather and busy event calendar belie its colorful past. Tucson's history dates back to the time of Christ's birth, and it is among the oldest continually inhabited areas in the United States. According to the Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, in 1884 there were 25 saloons in the city. Still on the books is an old law forbidding women to wear pants. John Dillinger was arrested in Tucson, while Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday made a stop at the train depot before going on to Tombstone.

Although its Wild West days may be behind it, Tucson, Arizona, still holds its residents and visitors captive. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Saguaro National Park, home to the giant cactus, as well as hiking in the Sonoran Desert. Baseball aficionados show up to watch three major league teams - the Arizona Razorbacks, the Colorado Rockies, and the Chicago White Sox - during spring training each year. Duffers enjoy world-class golf courses while cyclists ride to their heart's content throughout the area. Amateur ornithologists are delighted by the area's large number of hummingbird species.

Tucson also attracts many events and conventions. Foremost on the event calendar is the gem show, officially known as the Tucson Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Showcase. Drawing everyone from mineralogists to buyers of fine jewelry, the January and February shows represent the largest gathering of gem show exhibitors in the world. For those whose interests lie in the heavens rather than the earth, Tucson offers unparalleled opportunities for amateur astronomers to stargaze.

Tucson, Arizona's rich heritage of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences is evident in both the area's cuisine and entertainment. Its event calendar is filled with such gatherings as La Fiesta de los Vaqueros and the Annual Waila Festival.

Those who appreciate art can find a variety of venues in which to enjoy creativity. A street fair will draw local artists and artisans, while art museums - such as Ansel Adams' Center for Creative Photography and the University of Arizona Museum of Art - abound.

Whatever activity residents and visitors choose to engage in, it's almost certain that the sun will be out. According to the Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tucson enjoys 300 sunny days each year, with summer temperatures averaging in the high 90s and winter temperatures averaging about 70 degrees.

About The Author

Chris Robertson
http://www.majon.com

Bali Vacation: Discover A Breathtaking Panorama Of Jatiluwih

2006-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

Most people come to Bali to experience the marvelously rich culture heritage; some come for the beaches and the waves; some come for meeting and convention; others for pure relaxation. But if you are a nature lover don’t miss Jatiluwih, is a breathtaking panorama of genuine and fertile rice fields stretch from the foothills of Batukaru volcano to the south coast.

It is located at the western district of Tabanan. This western uplands of Batukaru are famed for magnificent landscapes. The view from the mountain village, Jatiluwih, takes in the whole of South Bali. Perched on a high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name, which means “Truly Marvelous”. A wonder of the world. It’s worth a venture.

You can initiate your trip in the morning leaving the hotel at 09.00. A.M. There are many ways to see Bali and each serves its own purpose well. Motorcycles are a pleasant (but extremely risky) way to see the countryside and cooler than ride in a car. Jeep and minivans are also available for hire – with or without a driver. It is advisable to settle the price with the driver before starting on a journey.

After passing the town of Tabanan the road takes you to the north through the villages of Wanasari, Jegu, Buruan and Wangaya Gede. On the route you will be amazed by the wonderful rural ambience; farmhouses, characteristically, a little shrine to place offerings dedicated to Dewi Sri the Goddess of rice, plowing, flocks of ducks that are brought to bathe and feed all day in the flooded paddies, and harvesting, that one pictures when remembering Bali. The cascading terraces of rice fields are the most striking features of the landscape.

If you see farmers are working the rice, planting or harvesting, and if you are interested in experience it, you can stop and joint them, you will be welcomed gladly. “Alo turis, alo turis!” followed by giggles is the standard greeting from children everywhere on Bali. Older people will be more sedate but their curious eyes will follow you, as will their more modest greeting of “mau kemana” (where are you going). Traveling in Bali can be exhilarating and getting off the beaten track can take you right to the heart of Balinese life, although you don’t have to stray far to feel it.

On the route at the village of Wanasari there is a butterflies park, you can stop and watch various kinds of colorful tropical butterflies. And then nearby the temple Pura Luhur is the holy spring of Air Panas, where hot water surges from the river bank. All strange, natural phenomena are believed to be frequented by spirits. Thus, Air Panas is graced by a small temple where people make their prayers with offerings.

The journey continues up the road until it dead ends at Pura Luhur Batukaru (2,278 m / 7,474 ft). Being one of Bali’s most venerated temples, every West Balinese temple has a shrine dedicated to it; it is isolated within its solitary clearing far above the populated farmlands. The dense rainforest of this upland would invite every adventurer to explore it. Wild orchids, healing herbs, fragrant spices and exotic trees could be discovered in this mystical heart and soul of this amazing island.

Then, the last destination (the goal of the journey) is the mountain village Jatiluwih, a breathtaking panorama of genuine and the most fertile terraces rice fields on the island. It is said as the granary of the whole Bali. Perched on a high terraced slope, Jatiluwih deserves its name, which means “Truly Marvelous”. The cascading terraces of rice fields are the most striking features of the landscape. Stretch from the foothill of Batukaru volcano to the south coast. The cool western uplands, overlooking half the island, offer magnificent views.

On the route to Jatiluwih you can observe many kinds of tropical vegetation; coffee, coconuts, cacaos, cloves, jack fruits, bananas, papayas, sirsaks, an extremely juicy fruit, rambutans, mangoes, durians the smelly fruit, etc. The western upland is the most interesting area to hike. If you love hiking (don’t forget your picnic basket). A true journey to the secret soul of Bali. But if you want to have your meals at a restaurant, continue your travel to the east till you arrive at Pacung, there is a good restaurant offers delicious buffet lunch – with its wonderful sight of terraces rice field and the sacred volcano Batukaru in the distance.

Waka Land Cruise a reputable company has been organizing a sacred adventure to the secret soul of Bali. Travel by legendary luxury Land Rover, on tiny country roads and tracks, through terraced rice fields and untouched rainforest to the real heart of Bali.

So keep in mind the beautiful Bali for your holiday, because it would be worth to venture there.

Thank you readers and have a nice day.

Made Dertha
http://www.baliturismo.com

London Hotel Breaks – Grange Holborn Hotel 5* (Holborn)

2006-02-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Contemporary design reflecting one of the world’s most fashionable cities – the Grange Holborn Hotel contrasts some of London’s more traditional accommodations. The modern architecture and décor mirror a city eager to keep its standards, striving to remain the benchmark. Your stay at the Grange Holborn Hotel will be one of luxury. Service is exquisite and obliges your every need.

Situated where West End greets the city, the hotel is ideally placed for shopping adventures in Oxford Street, or maybe you prefer the surreal experiences of Covent Garden. The Holborn tube station is barely 400 metres walk and offers easy access to the city’s financial district.

Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you £89 (per person per night) during spring, and £92.50 throughout summer and winter. For those travelling alone a supplement of a similar amount will incur. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement valid for summer and winter will cost a further £32.50.

Royal Garden Hotel 5* (Kensington)

The 5 AA red star Royal Garden Hotel parades elegance and panache to very high standards. The Royal Garden sets the yardstick others strive for, and invariably fail. Boasting a total of 396 sizeable rooms, many have magnificent views over the majestic Kensington Palace and its beautiful gardens. The hotel features two marvellous restaurants and serves three stylish bars. For the more health conscious a health club is on site and also a spa.

Based in up-to-the-minute Kensington, the hotel resides just 4 minutes walk from High Street Kensington tube station, presenting easy access to most of the city and London’s vast library of attractions.

Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you £102 (per person per night) during spring. Through summer and winter the price drops slightly to £87.50. The single person’s supplement is £93 in spring, falling to £87.50 in the course of summer and winter. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement of £7 is valid during spring. This rises to £32.50 throughout summer and winter. A deluxe room upgrade is available from an extra £40 per room per night.

Please note all prices are correct at time of press (December 2005). For reservations call Superbreak on 0870 701 2200. Lines are open 8am – 11pm 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day).

Steven Cronin
http://www.sargas.co.uk

Vacation in Liverpool

2006-02-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

Liverpool

Introduction

Liverpool is a city and metropolitan borough in the North West of England. Liverpool is one of England's core cities, situated along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary, with the city centre located about 5 miles inland from the Irish Sea. Liverpool has a varied topography being built across a ridge of hills rising up to a height of around 70 metres above sea-level at Everton Hill.

History

In 1190 the place was known as 'Liuerpul', meaning a pool or creek with muddy water. Other origins of the name have been suggested, including 'elverpool', a reference to the large number of eels in the Mersey. The origins of the city date back from August 1207 when patent letters were issued by King John advertising the establishment of a the new borough of Liverpool, and inviting settlers to come and take up holdings. In the 18th century, as trade from the West Indies grew on top of that from Ireland and Europe, Liverpool began to grow.

The first wet dock in Britain was built in Liverpool in 1715. Liverpool expanded significantly in the 19th century and a number of major buildings were constructed. In the 1960s Liverpool became a centre of youth culture. The city produced the distinctive Merseybeat sound, and, most famously, The Beatles. In recent years, the city has emphasised its cultural attractions, winning the accolade of European City of Culture for 2008.

Place of interest

The infrastructure of Liverpool contains over 2,500 listed buildings. It is the inheritance of high-minded public spirit since the later 18th century, largely with Dissenter impetus, that has resulted in more public sculptures created than in any UK city besides Westminster in London.

The Anglican Cathedral has the longest nave, largest organ and heaviest and highest peal of bells in the world.
Architects well represented in Liverpool:

" Giles Gilbert Scott, " Peter Ellis, " Harvey Lonsdale Elmes, and " John Foster

Sir Edwin Lutyens is represented by the completed crypt of his projected Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built to a simpler design by Frederick Gibberd.

Some of the famous places to visit are:

" Albert Dock " Bluecoat Arts Centre " Cast Iron Shore " Cunard Building " Lime Street Station " Royal Liver Building " Oriel Chambers design by Peter Ellis. " The Philharmonic Dining Rooms " Pier Head " Quiggins " St George's Hall " The Beatles Story " Town-Hall " Williamson's tunnels

Museums & Art Galleries

Liverpool has some greatest museum and art galleries. Bluecoat Arts Centre, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool Life, the Beatles Story, and Walker Art Gallery are some of them. Besides museum and art galleries Liverpool possesses some famous theatres. They represent Liverpool and its culture, and also a good tourist attraction in Liverpool. Among all the theaters Empire, Everyman, Neptune, Philharmonic Hall, The Playhouse, Royal Court, Unity are big names to mention about.

Shopping

Pedestrian shopping areas with boutiques, specialty shops, and department stores include Church Street, Lord Street, Bold Street, Whitechapel, and Paradise Street. On the river, Albert Dock also houses a collection of small shops. For shopping centers Cavern Walks on Mathew Street, the heart of Beatleland, or Quiggins Centre.

To buy that special piece of Beatles memorabilia, wander through the Beatles Shop, or the Heritage Shop. For a huge selection of British crafts, famous places are Bluecoat Display Centre, with its gallery of metal, ceramics, glass, jewelry, and wood pieces by some 350 British craftspeople.

Frank Green's is where one can find prints by this famous local artist who has been capturing the Liverpool scene on canvas since the 1960s. These art works includes city secular buildings, churches, and street life.

Food & Drink

For such a world-famous city, Liverpool has yet to host a world-class restaurant. Listed are the best non-hotel restaurants it has to offer: 60 Hope St., Bar Italia, Far East, Shangri-La, Simply Heathcote's, Tate Café.

Education

Primary education is available in various forms supported by the state including Secular, Church of England, Islamic, Jewish and Roman Catholic. Currently no specific Islamic secondary education is provided.

Liverpool has three universities:

" The University of Liverpool " Liverpool John Moores University " Liverpool Hope University
It also has a university college, Edge Hill College of Higher Education. Liverpool John Moores University is one of the polytechnics given university status in 1992 and is named after the owner of the Littlewoods retail group. The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine was founded to address some of the problems created by trade; today it continues as a post graduate school and is one of only two institutions on world that house the de facto standard anti-venom repository.

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, which was set up by Sir Paul McCartney in 1996, is famous for training the artistes and technicians.

Sports

In sporting terms, it boasts two internationally known football clubs, Everton F.C. and Liverpool FC. Liverpool Football Club (often known simply as Liverpool), an English football club based in the North-West of England, are the current champions of Europe (2004-2005) and the most successful English football team. Liverpool has won five European Cups, and 18 Football League titles on top of being the English club to have won the most number of UEFA Cups, European Supercups and English League Cups.
Liverpool Football Club is not to be confused with Liverpool (Rugby) Football Club, which was formed in 1858 and is now known as Liverpool St. Helens.

Hotels & Accommodation

The dedicated team at SleepUK can assist and advise on all your Liverpool hotel requirements. Online and offline access to Liverpool's accommodation network ensures travelers will be offered the best possible deal at the time of your visit whether you require luxury hotels in Liverpool or budget hotels in Liverpool.
Hotels in all categories are opening in Liverpool all the time, reflecting the city's renewed prosperity and popularity as a short-break destination.

Or travelers may choose one of the fine hotels in Wirral, the attractive peninsula between the River Mersey and the River Dee. As well as some fine hotels, Wirral also boast large areas of National Trust land, country parks and spectacular coastal scenery. To the north of Liverpool, in the graceful resort of Southport, famed for the splendour of its Victorian shopping arcades and promenade, there's a great choice of hotels to suit every visitor.

Accommodation in the area frequently sells out so be sure to guarantee your stay by booking online today. Some other hotels, listed here, vary from affordable to luxury hotels - Hanover Hotel, Park Lodge, The Suites Hotel, Regent Maritime Hotel, The Dolby Hotel, Radisson SAS Liverpool, Hope Street Hotel, Aachen Hotel, Campanile Hotel Liverpool, The Feathers Hotel, Thistle Liverpool, Days Serviced Apartments Liverpool, Liverpool City Centre Premier Travel Inn, The Sir Thomas Hotel, Throstles Nest Hotel.

Tours and Sightseeing

Organised tours in Liverpool have variety in their theme and according to the theme the contents also changes. The most widely chosen tours are based on Sports or on The Beatles. These tours contains place of interests, famous buildings, museums etc. Cavern City Tours is the most comprehensive tour operator in the city.

Transport

There are three tunnels under the River Mersey: one railway tunnel, the Mersey Railway Tunnel, and two road tunnels, Queensway Tunnel and Kingsway Tunnel. There is also the Mersey Ferry, made famous by the song Ferry Cross the Mersey by Gerry and the Pacemakers. In fact the song is now played on the ferryboats themselves every time they prepare to dock at Liverpool.

Speke Airport was renamed Liverpool John Lennon Airport, in honour of the late Beatle John Lennon.
Liverpool has a train system called Merseyrail, the sections in the city centre are mostly underground. The lines terminate at Southport, Ormskirk, Kirkby, Hunts Cross, Ellesmere Port, West Kirby, New Brighton and Chester.

Maria Williams
Website: www.sleepuk.com

Bulgaria – Some Interesting Statistics

2006-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Bulgaria

111

The number of thousands of square kilometres of Bulgarian territory (making it half the size of the UK)

9

Thousand feet high – that’s Mount Musala, the highest point in the country (just under 3 thousand metres, as lofty as all but the biggest Alps, and dwarfing Britain’s Ben Nevis (1,340 m).

nine also represents the number of cities in Bulgaria with a population greater than 100,000 (Sofia, the capital, has a little over a million residents).

40

The percentage of Bulgaria under the plough: it is very much a farming nation (compare Britain’s 23%)

7.5

Million people – that’s Bulgaria’s population: looking at it another way, Bulgaria has 68 people per square kilometre, compared with Britain’s 250 – and the Bulgarian population is falling!

38

The number of British pence which equal one Bulgarian lev (so there are just under three leva to the pound)

It is also the percentage of Bulgaria’s land which is covered in forest

37

Thousands of kilometres of motorway, the same amount in both Britain and Bulgaria – and Bulgaria, remember, is half the size!

1,600

The number of natural hot springs in Bulgaria.

2

Bulgaria is two hours ahead of Greenwich meantime (three in summer).

15

Professional soccer clubs in Bulgaria’s premier division

512

The number of years that Bulgaria was ruled by the Turks (1396-1908).

4,000

The number of known caves in Bulgaria’s mountains: there are plenty waiting to be discovered.

4

The number of Bulgarian kings (in the modern era, anyhow): they started with Alexander in 1879, and ended with Simeon II in 1946 (he was deposed by the Russians when he was ten years old, but lived on in exile, returning to Bulgaria to become prime minister of his country – he won the 2001 elections)

90

The number of days an EU citizen can spend in Bulgaria without requiring any visa or special travel documents.

10

Percentage of the Bulgarian population which is ethnically Turkish.

380

The number of kilometres (240 miles) of Black Sea coastline enjoyed by Bulgaria.

5

The countries which have land borders with Bulgaria: Rumania, Greece, Turkey, Serbia

Michael Coy
(www.sunseekerhomes.com
info@sunseekerhomes.com

How Costa Blanca is Putting the Spa in Spain

2006-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Bea Geenen can recommend a great way to start the day. It involves covering herself - and her husband, if he's handy - in mud, then steam-blasting it off. A close second is wrapping herself in algae and sweating it out beneath a hot blanket. Then she heads off to work.

"It's a fantastic way to get going in the morning or to relax on your day off. It's great for couples too," says Bea, a house doctor (she advises people on how to spruce up their property to sell it) who lives in Alfas del Pi near Benidorm.

Bea is a spa junkie. It's an addiction she feeds at least once a month, or whenever a new spa emerges on the coast. And she's not alone as the Costa Blanca is fast developing a reputation for being the spa capital of Spain - the region that puts the spa in Spain.

In the 400km stretch between the vast Marina d'Or holiday village two hours north of Alicante airport, which boasts the Europe's largest 'scientific spa', and the new spa at La Manga Club, the famous sports resort two hours south of Alicante, luxury spas are sprouting up by the handful to satisfy the demands of the growing numbers of tourists visiting this popular eastern Spanish coastline.

In 2002-2003, passengers numbers at Alicante airport rose by 56.4%, compared with 26.5% at Malaga airport. Given a perfect year-round climate, and cheaper property prices than on the Costa del Sol, more British and Irish people than ever before want to spend holidays, and own holiday homes, in the Costa Blanca.

Combine this with our general increasing awareness of the need to keep healthy, and the fact that certain areas of the Costa Blanca, particularly around Torrevieja's natural salt lakes, are deemed by the World Health Organisation to be the healthiest places to live in the world, and you can see why spas on this coast are big business.

"We are seeing a big increase in the number of luxury spas opening on the Costa Blanca, mainly due to the huge numbers of tourists who come here and because people are far more aware of the need for 'wellness' and stress-relief," says Inés Terrón, director of the Health And Beauty Centre at the five-star Hesperia Alicante Golf

Zoe Dare Hall
http://www.lighthouse-spain.com
info@lighthouse-spain.com

Bulgaria: Hiring A Car

2006-02-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

Bulgaria

The following guide to car rental in Bulgaria offers information on six large rental firms. It’s worth bearing in mind that:

• Bulgarian provision for visitors is growing rapidly, and there are many local car hire firms

• The data included here refers to winter 2005-6, and seasonal variations are inevitable

• Though Bulgaria uses the cyrillic alphabet (it’s like Russian lettering), street signs in the major cities are also printed in Roman letters (ie, using our alphabet)

This guide gives a brief overview of the big international hire franchises, and introduces one or two of the smaller operators. It will be a matter of personal choice for you: staying with the big boys is probably safer and more reliable – you know what you’re getting. On the other hand, the smaller outfits are generally cheaper, and can provide many more service points – certainly inland.

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR HIRE CAR

1. Airports

Bulgaria has three sizeable international airports, SOFIA, the capital city, VARNA and BOURGAS, which both serve the Black Sea Coast. All three are obvious and convenient pick-up points. Hertz and Europcar have rental desks at all three airports, Avis does not offer Bourgas. Moto Roads and Sixt have pick up/drop off facilities at Sofia and Bourgas.

2. Downtown or Resort Locations

SOFIA

Hertz offers two collection and drop-off points in downtown Sofia: the Boulevard Vasil Levski and Rakovski Street. Europcar has rental desks at the Central Hotel and Kozloduy Street. Avis does not provide downtown locations.

BOURGAS

Europcar has rental desks at the Mirage Hotel, and at its “Bourgas Downtown” location

HOLIDAY RESORTS CLOSE TO BOURGAS

Sveti Vlas

Europcar has two pick up/drop off points in the resort village of Sveti Vlas, near Nessebar. These are the Briz Complex Resort and the Laguna Hotel.

Sozopol

Hertz offers the Duni Holiday Club as a rental point.

Sunny Beach

The Iberostar Sunny Beach Hotel is the Hertz pick up/drop off point.

THE MAJOR CAR HIRE OPERATORS

Hertz (www.hertz.com/rentacar)

Hertz provides an online booking service for the three smallest vehicles on its list – the Daewoo Matiz (0.8), the Seat Ibiza (1.0) and the Seat Cordoba (1.4). Daily hire prices for these three are (in euros) as of December 2005: 85.40 for the Matiz, 93.40 for the Ibiza and 110.40 for the Cordoba. The six more expensive models, all with air conditioning, do not have online prices quoted. Vehicle types include Audi A4 and A6, Seat Alhambra and Kia Sportage.

Avis (www.avis.com)

The Avis fleet is organised into eight categories. Prices quoted here are for daily hire (in euros), as of December 2005:

A (Opel Corsa 1.0) 93.60
B (Opel Corsa 1.2) 98.40
C (Ford Focus 1.6) 123.60
D (Opel Astra 1.6) price not available
E (Toyota Avensis 1.6) 135.60
F (Opel Vectra 1.8) 147.60
G (Opel Sintra minibus) 159.60
H Landrover Freelander 166.80

Europcar (www.europcar.co.uk)

This huge hire franchise offers nine classes of vehicle, ranging from “mini” up to “luxury”. Readers are recommended to explore the website for fuller details.

Moto Roads

Contact: (www.motoroads.com)

This American-owned firm provides a bewildering choice of car models – three Opels, three Chevrolets, no less than twelve Renaults, three Mazdas, as well as Fords, Mercedes and 4X4 jeeps. It has contact points in nine Bulgarian cities, including Plovdiv, Bansko and Borovets, and provides a free transfer service from Sofia Airport to the car hire office. Moto Roads can also offer guided tours and themed vacations. Its per-day rental prices start at 15 euros!

Sara Tours (www.rentacarbulgaria.info)

This new Bulgarian company (launched 2001) provides accommodation and tours, with car rental as just one of its services. Sara permits you to drop off at various points in Sofia free of charge – but prefers you to phone to arrange pick up.

Hire vehicles (almost exclusively Opels) are divided into six classes: Class A has a 1.2 engine size, rising to 1.8 in Class F. Hire periods are also rigidly defined, consisting of 1-3 days, 4-6 days, 7 days. Weekend and monthly hire.

Prices given here (in euros) are daily hire rates as of December 2005:

A (Corsa) 32
B (Astra) 41
C (Meriva) 43
D (Astra 1.6) 46
E (Vectra) 50
F (Zafira) 58

Sixt (www.e-sixt.com)
Operating out of both major airports and several other cities such as Duni, Eleni and Plovdiv, Sixt also offers a pick up/drop off facility at five Sofia hotels (the Gurko, the Rila, the Kempinski, the Oborishte and the Princess).

Daily hire prices, in euros (as of December 2005):

VW Polo 60
Renault Clio 67
Renault Megane 78
Renault Megane 90
Opel Vectra 96
Ford Mondeo 102
Chrysler Sebring 108
Audi A6 114
Mercedes E 120
Mercedes Vito 126

Michael Coy
www.sunseekerhomes.com
info@sunseekerhomes.com

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa

2006-01-31T11:47:00.000-08:00

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa, or Ordesa National Park, is a beautiful natural place full of unique elements and characteristics. This destination is paradisiacal to all those travelers who enjoy being close to the nature and meet amazing plants, trees, and animals. There is a very wide variety of animals to meet as well as many possibilities to spend energies by climbing, hiking and walking while meeting this park.

The best time to visit the Parque Nacional de Ordesa is between May and November, since it actually might be closed during the remaining months. Within the months of July and August, during holidays’ season, the park receives a great amount of visitors and therefore it is advisable to try to visit it before or after that in order to avoid crowds.

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa is situated next to three valleys among which the Ordesa Valley is the most known. The park itself is situated in part of this valley and is characterized by counting with important amounts of limestone as well as wide extensions of forests.

Ordesa National Park was founded in 1918 by request of the Spanish royalty. The main purpose which causes the creation of this park was in order to protect and take care of a wild coat traditional to this region known as the ibex. But, besides than protecting the ibex, this park also takes care of many other animals and plants, in such a way that it is home of around 170 different species of birds, 5 amphibians, 8 types of reptiles, and 32 mammals.

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa is also a great destination to those who enjoy open air sports, and specially climbing. This spot is renowned as a climbing area, as well as it is ideal to those who like walking and hiking since there are many routes through which visitors can explore the different towns and valleys spread through the region. This is, as it can be appreciated, one of the main spots which tourists who enjoy the nature should meet while being in this region of Spain.

Jakob Jelling
http://www.eurotomic.com

Residential Tourism in Costa Blanca

2006-01-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

Costa Blamca, Spain

We are flocking to Spain for our holidays in greater numbers than ever before. But forget the old annual fortnight's package holiday. Now we want to hop on a low-cost flight to our own home in Spain - preferably, for two thirds of us, on the Costa Blanca or Costa del Sol - and we want to visit it at least four times a year with friends and family. These are the findings of a new report by Lighthouse Spain, which caters for 'residential tourists': people who have shifted from spending package holidays to buying a holiday home there instead.

While the Spanish property and construction markets boom, along with local services catering for residential tourists such as furniture shops, supermarkets and restaurants, many hoteliers are hanging up their room keys in despair as they watch 14 million Brits each year head to Spain, only to see 4.1 million of them last year stay in a property belonging to friends or relatives instead of in a hotel.

"Spain is by far the number one destination for residential tourists and the Costa Blanca is particularly popular because of its excellent year-round climate, good infrastructure and extensive expat communities," says Shaun Powell, Managing Director of Lighthouse Spain, which works with a network of ethical Spanish estate agents to sell holiday homes to British and other Northern European buyers.

"In Costa Blanca, especially in the south of the region, you still have a large choice of properties available from 100,000 euros, so people who have been priced out of the Costa del Sol can still afford a Spanish holiday home on a popular coastline," adds Powell. "Home owners have the added benefit of being able to rent out their home to other holidaymakers so their property is a source of enjoyment and investment."

The Costa Blanca has been a bastion of package tourism since the 1960s. But now it has become a hub of residential tourism, with Alicante airport witnessing passenger numbers from the UK rise by 30% in 2003.

Colin Pinfold from Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire, is a typical residential tourist. Having spent many package holidays on the Costa Blanca in the past, he and his wife now want to retire there permanently and have just bought a 140,000 euro townhouse in Torrevieja through Lighthouse Spain.

"I've been looking at the Costa Blanca since the children left home and when we went out there recently the agent was brilliant. He drove us everywhere for five days, took us for meals, sorted out a lawyer and opened a bank account," says Pinfold. "We're moving out there as soon as we've sold our house in England and we'll see our kids and grandkids far more. It takes them five hours to drive to see us in Sutton on Sea. It'll be quicker for them to fly to Alicante."

Jackie Gulliford, who works at Oxford University, and her husband, a teacher, are looking at properties with Lighthouse Spain in southern Costa Blanca with good rental potential. "We used to own a property near Cadiz with another couple, but after 23 years we sold our share as they wanted to let it out and I felt there weren't enough visitors to that area to make it worthwhile. So now we're buying on our own in the Costa Blanca as prices are reasonable and it should be easy to let out. It would also be a good place to spend winters when we retire."

While Benidorm, with its long sandy beaches and year-round entertainment, remains a thriving resort for foreign and Spanish tourists, surrounding coastal and inland towns which have been little-known to the average British holidaymaker are starting to figure on the residential tourist's map.

As prices in prime coastal locations such as Calpe and Javea approach those on the Costa del Sol - with seaview villas from 600,000 euros and apartments from 350,000 euros - inland towns and villages within easy access of the coast's facilities are growing in appeal for foreign buyers.

"Hotels are becoming non-existent in some places as more foreigners buy properties as a holiday base instead," says Tomás Mazón, Professor in the Sociology of Tourism at Alicante University. "There is a shift inland among foreign second home buyers who want to live in small, less developed villages with a higher quality of life, but which are well connected to the coast by motorways," says Mazón.

Funded by the Valencian Government to research the impact of residential tourism in the Alicante province, Mazón recently interviewed 1,000 foreign home owners who spend at least six months a year in the province

Zoe Dare Hall
http://www.lighthouse-spain.com
info@lighthouse-spain.com

The Beautiful Andorra la Vella

2006-01-31T11:38:00.000-08:00

Andorra la Vella is a very attractive destination situated in the east side of the Pyrenees, next to Spain and France. This city is the capital of what is known as the Principality of Andorra and counts with a very peculiar and diverse population since about 45% of its inhabitants are Spanish, 11% are Portuguese, 33% are Andorra, and 7% are French.

The main language spoken in Andorra la Vella is Catalan, but many of its inhabitants also speak Castilian, French and Portuguese. It is also interesting to know that the name of this town, Andorra la Vella, means Andorra the Old, and this is due to the fact that it is a very ancient spot which was inhabited since the Christian times.

Andorra la Vella has a very picturesque and antique old town, which was were the first settlements of this destination were established. This old town is called Barri Antic, and is characterized by having stoned streets and antique houses mostly constructed with stone as well. This spot can be found between the Placeta del Puial and the Esglesia de Sant Esteve, and is without any doubt one of the main spots tourists should visit while being in Andorra la Vella.

The Esglesia de Sant Esteve is a very antique construction and one of the main attractions in Andorra la Vella. This church was built in the 11th century in Romanesque style, and by visiting, tourists could observe some peculiar paintings exhibited in its interior. Most of these paintings are even more antique than the construction itself since they date from the 13th century.

One of the most interesting constructions visitors can meet in Andorra la Vella is the Casa de la Vall, or House of the Valley. The Casa de la Vall is the house of the Andorran parliament, and has received them since the year 1703. Before that, this construction which dates from 1580 was inhabited by a family. This building is very interesting for a variety of reasons, among which we can remark its antiquity, its architecture, its interior design, and its history.

Jakob Jelling
http://www.eurotomic.com

10 Tips For Planning Your European Trip

2006-01-31T11:35:00.000-08:00

Europe is the most popular destination for tourists. There are several important things to keep in mind before calling your travel agent and booking your next vacation:

1. Your Budget: Set your budget. This includes transportation cost and souvenir/s. If your budget is smaller, you should visit Eastern Europe, looking for packaged tours, or, if you're flexible, book a "last-minute" trip, which can often save you 30% or more. Check out the current exchange rate between your currency and that of the country you'll be visiting, to have a better idea of what your vacation is going to actually cost you. Whenever possible, travel during an off-peak season to save even more.

2. Time of year: You may not want to spend many days indoors, because the weather can be cold and rainy. You may miss a wonderful trip just because you have not checked with your travel agent or weather forecast first. This is what I recommend you if you're not sure of weather patterns, check with your travel agent who can advise you on rainy seasons or other weather-related issues for traveling to a specific spot.

3. Political Climate: While most countries that rely on tourism make every effort to ensure the safety of tourists, these days it's always a good idea to keep up on the current political climate of the country you're planning to visit, especially if there have been problems in the past.

4. Your waking time: If you usually wake up late in the morning, then a guided tour is probably not for you. Most guided tours start early in the morning, and you're on the go until evening. You may visit several cities in a country or countries within a specified amount of time, and you're required to stay with the group.

However, if you don't like traveling alone, you enjoy the companionship of others and getting to see as much as possible in the time you've got, a guided tour or cruise may be just the thing for you.

5. Your dream and personal desire: This vacation is something special and you save the whole year for. So if you have always wanted to visit somewhere or do something special -- why wait? Include it in your next vacation plans.

6. Plan your day: Take a little time to think about what you like doing before planning your trip. Do you prefer the water, or the mountains? Lying on the beach, or rock-climbing? Adrenaline rushes or visiting an art museum?

Once you know what you want to do, figure out what you'll have time to do. Many times, in an effort to get the "most bang for our buck" we tend to over plan the vacation, and end up needing a vacation from the vacation when we get home! Prioritize your list, and be willing to save some activities or attractions for another trip.

7. Use the resources that are available to make your trip special and save money: Today's travelers have numerous options when planning their vacation. You can use the Internet to find out more about the cities or countries you want to visit, check out prices, even book your flight or hotel room. Here is a useful website you can visit http://www.heping-hotel.com If you're visiting a place for the first time, check with a travel agent, talk to someone who's "been there, done that" on an Internet Forum, or contact local chambers or commerce or travel councils to get more information about where to go, what to see and what to do.

8. Pack lightly: Do not bring items that you will not use and unnecessary because the word “Just In Case”. When planning your trip, look at your wardrobe and pack as lightly as you can. Take only what you'll really need, and remember that if you forget or end up needing something, chances are you can get it once you reach your destination.

9. Get organized: You can use trip-planning software, or your own favorite organizing system to organize and plan your trip. Don't forget things like making sure your passport and picture ID are up-to-date, finding out if travel insurance is something you need, and how and where to exchange your money. The more organized you are in the beginning, the better vacation you'll have.

10. Have fun!: Get organized, have a plan before going anywhere. That way, once you're on your way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But remember, there are very few "perfect" vacations, so if something does go wrong, try to relax and "go with the flow" as much as possible.

Dr. Drew Henry
http://www.natrohotels.com

Six Reasons to Choose a Nudist Vacation

2006-01-31T11:32:00.000-08:00

Nudist vacation

If you’re looking for a completely different vacation idea this year, why not try a nudist holiday? It may seem outrageous at first, but read on. It might change your life!

It’s that time of year when my loved one and myself set aside an evening to open a bottle of wine and discuss one of the most significant events in the Egger family calendar, to whit, the Great Annual Holiday.

As always, the first decision we have to make is whether we choose nude or not. As confirmed nudists, we naturally favour a naturist vacation, or at least a vacation during which we can get naked for part of the time. However it’s not an automatic choice and this year there is a particularly tempting selection of textile holidays on offer. There’s a Mediterranean cruise that looks appealing, and the Rocky Mountain Rail Adventure takes my eye. Maybe we should support one of the Indian Ocean countries devastated by the Boxing Day Tsunami, or stay at home and redecorate (ugh!) However, we’ll probably choose nude, and here’s six reasons why.

Reason # 1

Getting naked, even for a short time, can help save your life!

I’m not being overly dramatic here. It really seems that divesting yourself of tight, restrictive clothing that impedes the natural flow of blood and lymphatic fluid may be a real life-saver.

According to researchers, wearing a bra can cause all manner of unpleasantness, including soreness and even breast cancer. The (admittedly preliminary) research suggests that ladies who wear bras for more than twelve hours each day except for bed, are 21 times more likely to get breast cancer than those who wear bras less than twelve hours per day. And listen to this— those who wear bras even in bed are125 times more likely to get breast cancer than those who don't wear bras at all! In cultures where ladies don’t wear bras, the incidence of breast cancer is about the same as it is for men – virtually zero!

And it's not only the ladies who are at risk. The same research suggests that testicular cancer in men may be caused by tight briefs.

So, divesting yourself of bra and briefs, even for the short period of your vacation, could keep you much healthier.

Reason # 2

Less clothes = less luggage = less hassle.

Have you ever noticed how when you’re packing for a holiday you can never seem to have enough clothes? And how you’ll then spend the equivalent of the cost of the vacation on essential garments brought especially for the holiday? Yet, during your stay you find you’ve ended up with twice the clothes you need? It’s spooky isn’t it? Don’t ask me why it works that way – probably some unexplained Law of Nature - but it happens EVERY TIME.

Except on a nudist holiday.

It’s as if nudist holidays turn natural laws on their head. The scramble to cover every eventuality clothes-wise is replaced by a disdain for apparel bordering on the obsessive. My normal textile two page-packing list is reduced to just four lines, viz:

· Suitable clothing for travelling.

· ufficient smart slinky dresses for evening wear.

· Shorts/skirt/tee-shirt for any non-nudist (referred to in nude-speak as “textile”) excursions.

· And, ummm… well that’s about it really.

The immediate effect of this textile trimming is that my luggage, which is normally equal in volume to a medium-sized car, consists of just one small suitcase. (OK, two, if you count the other one which contains life-saving items such as hairdryer, make-up, skin creams, lipsticks, jewellery etc – gosh, a girl has to look her best, even in the buff hasn’t she?) Not only does this make for easier carrying and a swifter get-away from the luggage carousel, it also saves on tips. The largesse I would otherwise have to distribute just to transport my baggage train to the hotel would feed a family of five for a month. A spin off from this is that less clothing also means less packing and unpacking, leaving more time for drinking wine and dozing by the pool, which is the whole idea of a holiday in the first place.

Well it’s mine, anyway

Reason # 3

Skin doesn’t stain.

Our skin is wonderful. Not only is it the largest organ of our body, but it always fits perfectly (OK. Sometimes some of us may have a just a little more than is necessary, but you know what I mean.)

Happily, it’s also easier to keep clean than fabric. My husband has a particular fondness for crépes – you know, those pancake things with fillings you can buy from roadside kiosks around the Med? He'd eat 'em all day if I let him. Unfortunately he also has a tendency to lose the syrup filling down his front, which has led to more ruined shirts than would fill a steamer trunk.

A nudist holiday neatly sidesteps this problem. Whilst maple syrup may not be particularly easy to remove from a naked chest – especially a hirsute male one – it ‘s a whole lot easier than washing it out of a silk or cotton shirt. Nor does it leave a stain, except for a livid red mark across the torso after the treacle has been scrubbed from the chest hair, but that’s the price men pay for being so clumsy. (In the interests of equality, I have to concede that this is not just a male quirk. After a bottle or two I have been known to distribute red wine down my bosom with something approaching gay abandon, rendering any affected clothing null and void in the process. However I insist that this is not clumsiness on my part, but merely the result of my being tired and emotional. So there.)

Reason # 4

It makes more sense to be naked on a beach than to wear a bathing costume.

Let’s face it. A bathing costume serves no useful purpose. It doesn’t keep us dry, or warm, and doesn’t even help us to swim: studies by the West German Olympic swim team showed that swimsuits actually hamper a swimmer. They're not even healthy. Ticks and sea lice that bite or sting and which find nowhere to hide on a nude body are easily trapped in a bathing suit.

So why do we wear ‘em

To preserve one’s modesty? Hardly. These days mens' costumes are brief enough but ladies bathers are positively miniscule, containing less fabric than a small handkerchief. Bikini tops afford less coverage than two postage stamps on a string, and in any case are rarely worn on European beaches. Bikini bottoms just cover the genitals but often leave the bottom exposed.

Which also means they don't protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Yet according to a survey carried out by the Ladies’ Home Journal Americans spend $900,000,000 each year on bathing costumes, although eighty-five percent of all swimsuits purchased never touch the water.

Doesn't make a lot of sense does it?

Reason 5

Nudist resorts are nice places with nice people

Every nudist knows that genuine nudists are very nice people. What makes nudist especially nice remains a mystery. Perhaps nudism attracts the pleasantest individuals in the first place, or maybe the practice of nudism somehow improves people. Who knows? And really, who cares? Let’s just enjoy the situation. You can leave an unlocked car at a nudist resort and nothing will be taken. Nudist resorts and beaches tend to be orderly, well behaved places. Even at a nudist holiday city such as Cap d'Agde, containing some 40000 people at the height of the season, there is none of the threatening atmosphere, violence and general loutishness that disfigures other holiday hot-spots. Any sort of crime is almost non-existent, and most large complexes, even Cap d’Agde, need no more than minimal security.

You don’t get that at Benidorm or Palm Springs!

Reason #6

Nudist entrepreneurs need our support.

Despite estimates that the world nude travel business is worth some four hundred million USD annually and growing fast, the nudist holiday industry is still a fragile plant that needs encouragement and support. The fine nudist resorts that cater to the nudist holidaymaker today are a far cry from the primitive camps that were available in the not too distant past, and by attracting the new generation of vacationers who demand a certain standard of comfort, are in a large part responsible for the growth of the nude leisure industry. However, quality costs money, and these resorts are businesses, not charities. Unless we continue to support them they’ll close, and we’ll return to the old clapped out, run down, make-do-and-mend compounds of yesteryear. As the old saying goes, you have to use ‘em or lose ‘em

So, it looks as if we’ll choose nude again this year. All we have to do is to decide where. Wait a minute. I’ve just had a wonderful idea. Perhaps we can support the Tsunami appeal and please ourselves at the same time by going nude in Thailand. That’s it! Brilliant. Now, then, where are those brochures…?

Liz Egger
www.thenudecafe.com

Plan Weddings In India With Cheap Flights And Hotels In India!

2006-01-30T13:13:00.000-08:00

India

Located just a short drive from the capital city, New Delhi and close to Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), the royal city of Jaipur (also known as ‘The Pink City’ due to the predominant colour of its buildings), is well established as one of the most romantic places on earth to get married. From the rich history of its palaces to the gorgeous landscaped gardens of the luxury hotels to the serenity of the floating palace on Ramgarh Lake…everywhere you look there is pink…the colour of romance.

Jaipur is the throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city’s numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enter this mystical city through a narrow, cobbled street where street vendors selling everything from sweetmeats to silver trinkets and leather slippers call out to passing trade. Pass the huge hill on the right with its stunning royal residence where decorated elephants obediently transport delighted tourists to the top for its amazing vistas of the city spread out below. Follow the winding road until you begin to see the glittering lights of the city’s numerous palaces begin to emerge on the left hand side across the glistening waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Stop to take pictures or simply gaze in stunned silence at the beauty of the floating palace of Ramgarh – perfectly illuminated by golden lights strategically placed on all four corners of the palace.

And then comes the main city…surprisingly wide, clean roads with some of the most well known brand names dotted on each side…from the newly opened Hilton Trident to the Sheraton and Le Meridien…you will find a massive choice of premium accommodation in Jaipur. Each hotel has retained the city’s former glory and By Annie Jones

December 22, 2005

Located just a short drive from the capital city, New Delhi and close to Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), the royal city of Jaipur (also known as ‘The Pink City’ due to the predominant colour of its buildings), is well established as one of the most romantic places on earth to get married. From the rich history of its palaces to the gorgeous landscaped gardens of the luxury hotels to the serenity of the floating palace on Ramgarh Lake…everywhere you look there is pink…the colour of romance.

Jaipur is the throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city’s numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enter this mystical city through a narrow, cobbled street where street vendors selling everything from sweetmeats to silver trinkets and leather slippers call out to passing trade. Pass the huge hill on the right with its stunning royal residence where decorated elephants obediently transport delighted tourists to the top for its amazing vistas of the city spread out below. Follow the winding road until you begin to see the glittering lights of the city’s numerous palaces begin to emerge on the left hand side across the glistening waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Stop to take pictures or simply gaze in stunned silence at the beauty of the floating palace of Ramgarh – perfectly illuminated by golden lights strategically placed on all four corners of the palace.

And then comes the main city…surprisingly wide, clean roads with some of the most well known brand names dotted on each side…from the newly opened Hilton Trident to the Sheraton and Le Meridien…you will find a massive choice of premium accommodation in Jaipur. Each hotel has retained the city’s former glory and royal demeanour and the service excels itself. Just remember to book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment, as it is busy year round in this city of royal romance. Some of the most highly recommended hotels to stay in whilst visiting Jaipur include the Taj Group’s Rambagh Palace and the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel. The opulence of both hotels will literally take your breath away and many a wedding takes place in the perfectly landscaped grounds of these hotels with their backdrop of lush palms and fountains.

A quick tip: whether staying at the Rambagh Palace or not, do take time to enjoy the delicious al-fresco breakfast buffet where the smart Jodhpur & waistcoat clad staff will treat you like royalty. With eggs made to order and succulent sausages and bacon following plates of the freshest, sweetest fruits, the plump muffins and Danish pastries are hard to refuse especially when accompanied with a choice of teas, coffee and piping hot chocolate. And all served in the finest china and silver.

Drive further down the main boulevards of Jaipur city and you come to a set of intricately carved arches, which divide the Old City from the New City. Once through the arches, your senses are immediately assaulted by the noisy onslaught of rickshaws, buffalo carts, taxis, bicycles, scooters, elephants and cars all jostling for space on the same road. Whistle blowing policemen, horn blowing cars, mooing cows and convincing street peddlars create a melodious harmony of ethnic sounds, which to the first time visitor to Jaipur, can be quite startling!

In addition to booking your flights and accommodation, we can also arrange:

Meet & Greet at Airport
Assistance of a Wedding Planner
Wedding Day schedule
A beauty treatment for the bride (manicure /pedicure /hair styling etc)
A professional wedding photographer to record memories of your special day.
Assistance with all legal paperwork
Appointment at the Registrar’s Office the day before the Wedding

With the romantic hues of pink all round you, this romantic city of Jaipur never fails to satisfy all your touristic senses. It is no wonder then that Jaipur has fast become one of the most popular places on earth in which to tie the knot? Yes, more and more couples are choosing to get married Maharajah-style at one of the opulent palaces in a style reminiscent of the British Raj. For more information on wedding & holiday packages to Jaipur, check out www.ticketstoindia.co.uk for great deals on air fares and discounted hotel rates. Do not even try and book a hotel in Jaipur directly yourself…unless you have just won the lottery! Prices are sky high and it is only through a specialist tour operator like Tickets To India that you can be assured of excellent quality combined with low prices.

Plan your wedding in the romantic pink city of Jaipur. Log on to www.ticketstoindia.co.uk and get connected to your very own Wedding Planner who will take you through all the options available to make your special day all that more special!

Annie Jones
www.ticketstoindia.co.uk

How To Save Your Traveling Cost

2006-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

Have you ever dreamt of sampling local wines in Tuscany in September? Will it be a wonderful time to visit Paris in the spring? Enjoy the English countryside in the summer? You may think this is just a dream and cannot reach. It doesn't have to be.

You can travel to some of the world's most interesting and beautiful locations and you will only pay for airfare, dining out and tourist attractions!

Now, you may have questions whether how this can be? The concept is so easy you just use a housing exchange service. You may not know that this service is widely used in Europe, Asia and Australia.

It is so simple like this. You just choose a country you want to visit, duration, and the exact time you want to go. Arrangements are made, and you exchange homes with someone else.

This is how it works and you can cut your costs up to 75 percent. By staying in a home, you're not paying the high cost of hotels (which can run upwards of $125 a night) or dining in restaurants, saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars!

In addition, this is a big chance for you to live like the locals do. You can also enjoy total immersion into the culture, and rather than being treated like a tourist, you have the opportunity to make new friends and participate in your surroundings as a member of the community.

Many of you may be worry while being away from your home. With this service, you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your home is being carefully looked after, your plants are being watered, and your pets are taken care of.

What you have to do is start searching through the Internet and find a company that you're comfortable with. Sign up and join the housing exchange list. (Some companies have over 10,000 members!) Then, with a click of your mouse, you can find information of other, like-minded travelers, who want to visit your area.

Most of companies provide you pictures of the houses and the description about the houses as well. You can directly contact the owners to reach an agreement.

Here are some of the things you'll want to agree on:

Total number of adults and children staying in the home
Use of the vehicle and it's maintenance
What linen will be provided in house, and how will it be cleaned?
Care of pets
Long distance phone calls

Don't worry though. Your housing exchange company can help you put together a list, and give you ideas for preparing for your guests.

Instead of going to a cold, impersonal hotel room, you go "home" and are welcomed by your next door neighbor, who gives you the house keys and invites you to dinner the next evening, telling you to call them if you have any questions.

You can have the vacation you've always dreamed about, and save thousands of dollars at the same time! Bon voyage!

Susan Wong
http://www.anaheim-hotel-reservation-online.com

How To Create Your Own Travel Discounts!

2006-01-30T13:03:00.000-08:00

Travel discounts

Why not take the initiative and find your own ways to cheap travel by making your own discount? As you know, hotel and rental car owners don’t just offer you discounts at random. Usually, they offer discounts during off-peak seasons. As a savvy traveller, do you know that you can take the initiative and create your own travel discounts easily? Below are some quick and easy methods for doing so:

- If you’re planning to stay for more than a week, call the hotel that you’d want to stay in and ask for week long stay discounts, these can range for percentages off your room price or even a “free day.”

- Check detour flights other than the straight one you’re bound to get when you inquire. You can get cheaper overall prices if you choose to book two flights instead of one. Some people have been able to save as much as $2000 by doing this.

- Find web-only discounts or coupons which some hotels and airline owners provide especially for those willing to reserve online. You can save as much as 50% on your travel costs by going this way.

- It is always better to buy food at the grocery and cook it yourself rather than eating everyday at a restaurant. You won’t want to spend all of your pocket money on food. Restaurants tend to have cheap and sometimes unhealthy food, ensure your own health as well as your pockets health by cooking your own, that is, after all, the reason why there’s a stove in your hotel room.

- Travel to places which boast of natural beauty but have lower costs of living, prices here tend to be lower. Take the Philippines or Malaysia for example, both have great views and tourist spots but come without the hassle of overpricing, English speaking natives are also a plus for these countries.

- Package deals usually save a lot, airfare and lodgings combined into one are usually cheaper compared to paying for them separately. Some travel agencies even provide trio packages which include airfare, hotel and car rental, you can save a lot if you have the industriousness to canvass.

Now you have no reason not to plan your next trip this holiday... and you can now do it cheaper for a change!

Susan Wong
http://www.2-discount-hotels.com