Vacation Travel

Thinking of Norway? Here are 10 Reasons to Think Some More!

2008-12-20T15:45:00.000-08:00

Thinking of Norway? Here are 10 Reasons to Think Some More!

Norway is a place of awe-inspiring beauty, where many people's lives are dominated by the sea as in the days of the Vikings. The smaller cities are undiscovered gems.

Here are Ten reasons to visit, to help start your holiday planning and further research

Cruising: The best way of experiencing the coast and fjords is on a cruise ship. Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) operates departures up and down the coast on every day of the year, with cruise ship standards.

Fjords: Deep inlets from the sea give the coast its character, and you'll enjoy walking, cycling and scenic tours if you base yourself at Hardangerfjord or Geirangerfjord.

Arctic Adventure: The north of Norway lies above the Arctic Circle, experiencing the midnight sun in June/July and weeks of almost constant darkness in December/January. Go whale watching in summer or snowmobiling in winter.

The Northern Lights: This meteorological phenomenon occurs in winter when the night sky is lit up in a dazzling display. Your best chance of observing them is on a cruise ship or far from civilisation.

Winter sports: The leading ski resorts of Hemsedal, Lillehammer, Geilo and Voss have a reliable snow record and good facilities for beginners. March and April are the ideal months.

Glacial attractions: Even in summer, you can experience the majesty of ice. Jostedalsbreen glacier is easily reached from the fjord country north of Bergen.

Food and drink: Prices might be high but you'll dine well on breakfast and dinner buffets where fish, seafood and maybe reindeer take pride of place. It's best to take your own drinks however!

Vibrant cities: Oslo has all you might expect from a capital city, but Bergen has the advantage of a real maritime feel and fascinating medieval history.

Island life: A trip to the remote Lofoten Islands is unforgettable. Fishing is still the main industry and they are served by Hurtigruten coastal ships.

Furthest north: The visitor centre at the North Cape tells you this is the furthest point north on the European mainland, but another promontory nearby claims the same distinction.

Norway has got to be one of the most scenic countries in the world, and one that is increasingly easy to reach as more air links open up - now is most certainly the time to think about a holiday in Norway - it's easy to arrange an independent trip, or of course you will find many specialist tour operators who feature city breaks, cruises and special interest holiday packages.

Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church, writes for the map-based holiday destination and flight finder Travelwhere ( http://www.travelwhere.co.uk ) . With Travelwhere, you can find cheap flights to Norway along with a wealth of additional information - including the brochures of specialist tour operators to Norway.

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Northern Sardinia

2008-12-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Northern Sardinia

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the island of Sardinia, a region of southern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. Some parts of Sardinia remain undiscovered by tourists, while other sites are favorites of Italian and international jet setters and are priced accordingly. This article presents northern Sardinia. Companion articles present central Sardinia and southern Sardinia.

Spanish in Sardinia? Alghero's nickname is little Barcelona. A quarter of the population speaks a sort of Catalan, related to Spanish as their native tongue. The street signs are in Catalan. The Sixteenth Century Cathedral of St. Mary is one of many older buildings clearly influenced by Catalan architecture. Climb its bell tower for a great view of this city, especially at sunset. You'll find the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in the former (Thirteenth Century) Rosario church next to the Cathedral. The museum hosts a unique collection of Catalan silverware.

Neptune's Caves is an unforgettable geological marvel deep inside the limestone promontory of Capo Caccia. It is a long, long array of caverns, wide passages, clear lakes, deep wells, and narrow tunnels. Visits are by guide only when the weather permits.

The ancient university town Sassari is Sardinia's second largest city. Its Thirteenth Century Cathedral exemplifies multiple styles, Romanesque, Baroque, and Catalan-Gothic. Other churches to tour include the Thirteenth Century Church of Santa Maria di Bètlem, the Twelfth Century Church of St. Peter in Silki, and the Church of the Most Blessed Trinity. Make sure to visit the Eighteenth-Nineteenth Century Duke's Palace, now the Town Hall and the Nineteenth Century Palazzo Giordano.

According to legend the famous jet-setter Aga Khan discovered Porto Cervo when seeking shelter from a storm. He liked the location and developed an upscale resort, a favorite of the yachting crowd. If you don't have a yacht there are rental agencies.

One Sardinian specialty is roasting large animals in a wood-lined pit. I'm told that Porceddu (Roast Suckling Pig) works best. Vermentino di Gallura DOCG is produced in northeastern Sardinia from the local white Vermentino grape with up to 5% of other local white grapes. It may be dry or sweet. As you might guess, the Alghero DOC wine is produced near the city of Alghero. It is made in a wide variety of styles from white or red local grapes or from several international grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com/ which focuses on local wine and food.

Island Christmas Vacation: An Alternative to Winter Wonderlands

2008-12-20T15:41:00.000-08:00

Island Christmas Vacation: An Alternative to Winter Wonderlands

If you are planning an island Christmas vacation, there are several things to consider. From your destination to your Christmas celebration, you will have to make several choices. It's best to be prepared.

Here then are some tips to help you pull off the ideal Christmas vacation.

Plan Your Vacation Dates Early- Many island resorts will fill up quickly, as will means of travel. You can also save a lot of money when you book your vacation well in advance.

Pick Your Destination- There are many wonderful island Christmas vacation destinations. You can do some quick research online or speak with a travel agent. Friends and family members who have traveled to some of the islands you are interested in can be a great source of information as well.

Choose Your Means of Travel- Airfare is, of course, the most common means to travel to an island destination. However, you might also consider a cruise. Many of today's cruise ships will travel to an island and allow you a few days for exploring. Depending upon the cruise package you choose, you might also be able to see several islands over the course of your vacation. This can be a great way to combine two vacations into one.

Plan Your Christmas Celebration-You don't want to travel to an exotic island over Christmas and forget to celebrate the holiday. Many of the more popular resorts now offer Christmas packages, including airfare, lodging, and an exclusive Christmas celebration. Many of these resorts will offer terrific deals to those who want to stay over to celebrate New Year's as well.

Look for All Inclusive Deals-You can save a ton of money with an all inclusive deal. These hotel packages include all of your meals, snacks, and some water sports as well. More often than not, alcohol is not included, and neither are service tips or some taxes.

Consider a Condo-You might consider traveling with another couple. Many of the islands have multiple bedroom condos. If you travel with another couple, this can be a terrific way to save some cash, while enjoying a beautiful condo, with all the amenities of home.

When you are looking for the best island Christmas vacation, you might also consider somewhere outside of the normal destinations. Most people immediately think of the Caribbean for island vacations, but there are also some beautiful Mediterranean islands as well. These exotic locales can be a unique and special place for you to spend the holidays. You're sure to have a terrific time relaxing on the sand. Imagine returning from your vacation with a tan most would envy! An island Christmas vacation would be a great alternative to traditional Christmas festivities. While you may miss some of the hustle and bustle of the season, you'll be surprised at how much fun you can have while you are soaking up the rays on the beach. The 'fun in the sun' factor is one of the biggest attractions of any island Christmas vacation!

Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to get dirt cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

Brisbane, Australia Guide

2008-12-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

Brisbane, Australia Guide

Brisbane is located on Australia's east coast and is the capital of Queensland. With a population of around 1.9 million people it is the country's third largest city after Sydney and Melbourne. There is a good rivalry between cities in Australia and residents of the southern cities of Sydney and Melbourne often joke of Brisbane being a big country town and not as happening as their cities. Brisbane may be a more relaxed city which is no bad thing but this city can compete in other ways with excellent cafes and restaurants, an excellent music and nightlife scene and plenty to see and do. You can't help but enjoy the sub-tropical climate and are bound to enjoy many days of sunshine in Brisbane.

Getting there: From within Australia you can easily reach Brisbane by air or road. Brisbane airport is well served by all the major domestic airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar. It's about a ninety minute flight from Sydney to Brisbane and around two hours from Melbourne. If you're travelling by road then it's a good ten hours on the road from Sydney so best to break it up if possible and explore some of the coast on the way up such as Byron Bay or Coffs Harbour. If you're coming to Brisbane from overseas then the airport is well served with direct flights from Asia and connections from other parts of the world such as Europe and the US. Airlines that fly into Brisbane include Singapore airlines, Emirates, Qantas and Cathay Pacific. Once you land you can either get the Air train into the city or catch a taxi which will take around 20-25 minutes to get into the city.

Getting Around: Once you in Brisbane the central areas can be accessed easily by foot or public transport. The public transport is operated under the name of TransLink and allows the use of a single ticket for bus, rail and ferry. Make sure you explore the river using the fast and smooth City Cat catamaran ferries. If you're staying in the CBD itself or near the river precinct of Southbank then you will be able to explore much of the centre easily by foot. The city centre is quite compact. However, if you need to get further away from the centre then Brisbane sprawls out a long way and you may find car rental a good option. There are many Brisbane car rental companies to choose from including all the big names and a number of local low cost operators. A word of warning. If you choose a low cost car rental firm then read the small print in detail. A couple of the firms charge admin and other fees in the event you cause damage to the car and hide this in reams of small print on the contract.

What to do: Brisbane has plenty to do but here are a few suggestions to get you started. * Explore the river via the Citycat ferries. Check out the luxury houses along the way and make stops to see New Farm Park or get off at Bretts Wharf to visit the new cruise ship terminal called Portside Wharf with riverside shops and restaurants. * Visit Southbank Parklands on the other side of the river to the city. Stretching along the river for over a kilometre this area is home to great cafes and restaurants, Streets beach which is an artificial beach and lagoon which is free all year round and is home to the cultural heart of Brisbane with the performing arts centre, galleries and museums. * Visit the eat street areas of the inner city suburbs of West End, Paddington and Oxford Street in Bulimba. * Shop on the Queen Street Mall in the CBD which features a great range of stores including department stores Myer and David Jones. * Play a game of bare foot bowls at Merthyr Bowls Club on Oxlade Drive in New Farm. Access is easy via the Citycat ferry using the New Farm Parklands stop. * Head east to Moreton Bay and take a ferry over to North Stradbroke Island, one of the largest sand islands in the world and home to some great beaches. * Use Brisbane as a base for nearby destinations such as the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Australia Zoo which is one hour north of Brisbane by road.

Where to stay: There is a wide range of Brisbane accommodation on offer. The good news is that much of the Brisbane accommodation on offer is of a very good standard and good value.

At the more expensive end of the spectrum are the big hotel chains in the city centre such as the Hilton, Marriot and Sofitel. These have the advantages of good location and facilities though value for money is sometimes not as good as the alternatives.

One of the best Brisbane accommodation options is the use of self contained holiday accommodation such as holiday apartments for rent. There are a good number of serviced apartments available in the city centre and nearby areas such as South bank parklands. The serviced apartments tend to be great value for money, especially for families who might otherwise need two hotel rooms. The apartments offer bedrooms, separate living areas with a full kitchen. As well as getting much more space than a hotel room you can also save money by cooking some of your meals in the kitchen rather than having to east every meal out.

When to go: Almost any time of the year is good for a visit to Brisbane as it has a warm sub-tropical climate and over three hundred days of sunshine per year. If you are used to colder climates then you may find the summer months of December to February a little hot. The temperatures during these months often range between 28c and 34c as well as being humid. These summer months are also the wettest. You don't tend to get many dull and dreary days with rain though. Typically they come in the form of thunderstorms that build up during the day and are short but sharp!

Personally my favourite times of the year for Brisbane are the in between seasons of Spring and Autumn which are still nice and warm but not too hot or humid. Winter in Brisbane is not exactly cold either. Winter is the driest time in Brisbane so expect a good number of sunny days. Temperatures drop to single digits at night in winter but still often reach the low twenties by the middle of the day.

Brisbane is increaslingly a popular destination for Australian and international travellers so make sure you make it part of your trip.

Richard Greenwood heads up the team at Australian holiday accommodation website:
http://www.makemystay.com.au
The site connects travellers seeking quality accommodation directly with the owners of independent self contains holiday apartments, cottages and homes.

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Western Liguria

2008-12-18T14:48:00.000-08:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Western Liguria

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Liguria region of northern Italy, commonly known as the Italian Riviera. This thin strip of land lies on the Ligurian Sea, not far from Monaco and the French Riviera. While Liguria is by no means undiscovered, its crowds are much smaller than those next door. There are many little towns or villages and one international port city almost smack dab in the center of the coast. This article explores Liguria west of Genoa, or as the locals call it, Riviera di Ponente (The Riviera of the Setting Sun.) Be sure to read the other articles in this series: eastern Liguria, Genoa, and Cinque Terre, five little seaside villages that just might steal your heart.

Little Pegli hosts the Sixteenth Century Villa Doria, now home to the Genoa Naval and Maritime Museum honoring the world's most famous sailor, Christopher Columbus. The Nineteenth Century Villa Durazzo Pallavicini houses the Ligurian Civic Archeological Museum with a beautiful park, lakes, grottoes, and a medieval-style castle.

San Remo is western Liguria's largest resort. Perched between the Mediterranean Sea and the Maritime Alps it enjoys an excellent climate, but I'm told that royalty no longer stops by. See the relatively new Russian Orthodox Church of San Basilio built by expatriate Russians. You may want to hit the tables at the Art Nouveau San Remo Casino. Its historic center, La Pigna, maintains its unique character. Start with the Fourteenth Century Gothic Saint Stefano's Gate and tour neighboring churches, villas, and palaces. Maybe royalty and their hangers on just don't know what they are missing.

Bordighera has long been a popular winter resort, especially for the English. It's well known for flowers and palms, proudly used in Rome's St. Peter's Basilica on Palm Sunday. Bordighera was the first city in Europe to grow date palms; legend says from Egyptian pits planted in the Fifth Century. The Argentina Promenade has an excellent view of the French Riviera and other churches. The Seventeenth Century parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena holds the relics of Sant'Ampelio, the town's patron saint. He's the one who planted those Egyptian date pits.

In spite of such a long seacoast, the regional cooking isn't very seafood intensive. Its specialties include a vegetable pie favored by sailors, surely a change from that same old fish. We'll conclude with a quick look at Liguria wine. Liguria doesn't have a lot of room for wine grapes. Its best-known wine is Rossese di Dolceacqua/Dolceacqua produced in a small area at the western tip of the region from a local red grape.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com/ which focuses on local wine and food.

Seattle shines as Christmas shopping getaway

2008-12-11T14:37:00.000-08:00

Seattle shines as Christmas shopping getaway

Given the fact that Seattle may be lucky to get a week of snow each year, this Northwest city might not be an obvious choice for a Winter Wonderland to experience the joys of Christmas. But what it lacks in snow, it makes up for in festive spirit and Northwest residents discovered long ago that a trip to the city for Christmas shopping can be rewarding indeed.

From Seattle Center to Westlake Center to the Pike Place Market, the usual visitor attractions become just a little more special on a chilly winter's day. Throngs of excited, bundled-up families and couples sample the seasonal offerings at Westlake such as Quest carousel rides, or the kettle corn and elephant ears nearby. Vendors make balloon animals for the kids while loud Christmas music blares in the background making sure no one misses out on Seattle's holiday spirit.

Make it an overnight trip and it's even better. First, you'll be sure to see the numerous Christmas lights along downtown streets including the famous star on Macy's, the Space Needle lights and many other special seasonal touches. And, by staying overnight, you can turn a shopping trip into a true getaway.

Our base of operations was a Seattle landmark, the Edgewater Hotel. If you're old enough, you'll remember that the Edgewater was made famous in the mid-60's when the Beatles stayed in one of the waterfront rooms and caught fish out their window. In fact, it became the obvious choice for many famous rock groups that came into town during that period to play for one of Pat O'Dea's spectacular rock concerts.

Today the Edgewater has a classic elegance that combines the best location in Seattle with an updated interior design that evokes the Northwest's rich Native American heritage. The first thing we saw when entering our waterfront room was a Washington State Ferry - just out the window and across the waters of Elliott Bay. Our view made us feel like we were traveling on a cruise ship with nothing but water between us and the ferry. This, of course, is the major attraction of the aptly-named Edgewater - a location literally out on the water with incredible views of Puget Sound and nearby islands.

Our room featured many Northwest accents such as a log headboard on our comfortable king-size bed, bark trim and a wood panel above the corner fireplace, Native American designs on the carpets with knotty pine baseboards, and Indian characters and designs on the wood-frame entertainment center. In the bathroom, a large claw-style bathtub looked awfully inviting, while the modern colors and fixtures made the room look like something you would see in a magazine on interior design. The floors were amber quartz slate, while the room also included a glass-enclosed European spa shower.

With a room at the Edgewater - which features a constant parade of boats just outside your window -- there is the temptation to just stay there and enjoy the endless sights and sounds. But we came to Seattle to check out the city's Christmas activities so first stop was the Pike Place Market, a few blocks and easy walking distance from the Edgewater.

The market is one of Seattle's most recognizable symbols - right up there with the Space Needle. That probably has something to do with the way TV sports announcers always make a point of showing footage of the market while broadcasting Seattle Seahawks or Washington Huskies sports telecasts. Typically the shot is one of the fish handlers throwing King salmon - thus we were pleased that, upon our arrival, the fish were indeed flying. Just like the 50 or so other visitors standing around watching, we had seen for ourselves the famous Pike Place Market fish throw.

Those fish handlers in their sweat suits, hoodies and aprons aren't the only reason to stop by the market at Christmas time. The market goes all out in its decorations and, in fact, has Christmas trees available - not that we wanted to cart one back to the Edgewater. Take a walk just north of the first fish market and you enter a beehive of activity where it seems like just about anything you want is for sale - fresh fruits and produce, honey, herbs, dried flower bouquets, jams and jellies, nuts, fruits, chocolates, tee-shirts, purses, you name it. There actually are several fish markets in the same building, as well as restaurants where you can dine on fresh fish before you even leave the market..

Just across the street from the market, in front of the Starbucks, a musical group called Slimpickens was warming up the crowds with lively 1930's style music played in a four-piece configuration: guitar, stand-up bass, violin and washboard. Dressed in 30's garb, the group also seemed to be getting a Depression-era response to their music: lots of smiles and toe-tapping, but not many coins dropping into their prominently placed cup.

Along about here we encountered Piroshky, Piroshky, a tiny take-out restaurant serving up fresh Russian piroshkies for just under $5. These were just baked and, if you're wondering, the piroshky is a little like a flakey turnover filled with meat, cheese or other fillings. They're delicious and, for us, provided a quick and inexpensive lunch.

Some friends of ours went instead to Von's Grand City Café, just a few blocks from the market on Pine Street where the meal was fine but they reported back that this was the first time they had encountered canned champagne. They ordered a split of champagne and the can that was delivered to their table had a straw attached - which our friends said reminded them of the fruit drink boxes they get for their kids. Of course that's what visiting the "Big City" is all about - experiencing new things.

A few blocks from the market is Westlake Center, a modern, multi-story shopping center with upscale stores and - because of its location near Macy's and Nordstrom -- the epicenter of retail activity downtown. It's here that, for just $2 each way, you can hop on board the Monorail - originally built for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair - and zip over to Seattle Center where their Winterfest celebration has continual holiday entertainment and one of the coolest model railroads and miniature Christmas towns your kids will ever see.

Soon it was time to head back to the Edgewater, where we watched the fog roll in and marveled at how the few sailboats that were out on this wintery day were able to dodge the Washington State ferries. Thank goodness for foghorns and radar, we would guess. We took a short, brisk walk over to the Spaghetti Factory for an inexpensive but tasty dinner.

The night was restful and, when the sun came up the next day, the skies were blue and the views from our room were like a picture postcard. No need to lose that view while having breakfast -- downstairs at the Edgewater we stopped in for a hearty meal with the best views in town at the hotel's award-winning Six Seven restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised at the reasonable prices, given the restaurant's prime location and upscale reputation.

More downtown exploration was on tap for our second day, with no shortage of merchandise available at unusually good prices. Soon it was time to go home, but it wasn't like a trip home from the mall in which you're exhausted and swear never to go shopping with the multitudes again. Yes, we'd accomplished our Christmas shopping all right -- but we also felt invigorated by an unforgettable holiday trip to Seattle's Winter Wonderland.

For more information on Seattle, go to www.visitseattle.org or phone 206-461-5840. For more information on the Edgewater Hotel, please visit www.edgewaterhotel.com or phone 1-800-624-0670.

Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .

Colorado, USA - A Brief Narrative

2008-12-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Colorado, USA - A Brief Narrative

Before Columbus, Colorado was inhabited by the Anasazi Indians.

The first Europeans to land in Colorado were the Spanish. In 1540-41 Coronado led an expedition to North America in search of the seven cities of Cibola, "where the streets were carved out of Gold" and years later the Spanish got to Colorado. Traders followed soon and started selling local goods eg. the beaver fur which was considered to be of excellent quality and thus expensive.

By 1830 both the sale and demand of fur nose dived forcing the traders to hunt buffaloes instead. They also used to barter with Indians and many tribes wandered nomadically also and hunted the buffaloes and deer for their clothing and other needs.

When Gold was discovered in this area in 1849 many regions started developing. Historians believe that approximately 50,000 came to Colorado in search for Gold in 1858-59. By 1860 more Gold was discovered helping some other town's existence including Denver.

San Luis is considered to be the oldest Colorado city. A bill was very soon passed to fix the boundary of Colorado. In the coming years many attempts were made to declare Colorado as a state. But it was only after 30 long years that Colorado was declared as the 38th state of the US in 1876.

Colorado was called the "Centennial State" in honor of 100th year of independence.

The original Brent's Old Fort National Historic Site was built in 1833 to trade with the plains Indians and trappers. The first trade was with Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians for buffalo robes. For most of its 16 year period this was the first white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and Mexican settlements.

The Fort was used by explorers, adventurous and US Army to stock their food, weapons, livestock, wagon repairs, water, company's rest and protection rooms in the vast desert. In 1849 the fort was abandoned due to disease and disasters.

When it was reconstructed in 1976 many archeological excavations, original sketches and paintings and diaries were used.

Action of water and rocks sliding down through hard Proterozoic crystalline rock formed the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Monument. No other canyon in North America presents sheer walls, narrow opening and startling depths like the Black Canyon.

On May 24, 1911 a 20,453.93 acres of land was established as Colorado National Monument. It includes deep, sheer walls of canyon, towering red sandstone monoliths and lots of different wildlife like golden eagles, mule deer, bighorn sheep and mountain lions.

Dinosaur National Monument is a echo park established in 1869 when the first expedition to the Colorado Plateau was undertaken. Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center exhibits the Jurassic Dinosaurs that used to live here.

Dev Patel says why not visit Colorado next holidays.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk

How To Get Cheap flights To Nigeria

2008-12-09T14:49:00.001-08:00

How To Get Cheap flights To Nigeria

Africa is a popular destination for many people who wish to go on an exotic vacation. The big outdoors with the remarkable wildlife and thrilling safaris are big attractions. So too is the attraction for people of African origin to check out the continent of their ancestors. Whatever the reason for your travel to Africa; cheap flights to Nigeria can be a great starting point for an exciting journey ahead.

Why Choose Cheap Flights to Nigeria?

Nigeria's economy is one of the fastest growing in Africa. Compared to the rest of the continent, its population is well travelled and well educated. Its capital, Lagos, has various tourist attractions, not least the Black Heritage Museum, situated in nearby Badagry, which is a repository of Middle Passage documentation and artifacts.

Where to Book Cheap Flights to Nigeria

Setting up a travel itinerary with a travel agent may cut overall costs of your trip to make cheap flights to Nigeria and elsewhere, a more attractive possibility. Accommodation costs may also come down considerably if booked with the agent. Travelling as part of a package will also provide you with tips and advice on the best places to visit, and the places it would be better to avoid.

Unfortunately, the continent of Africa is so massive that even cheap flights from Nigeria across the vast landmass to various other cities can be almost as expensive as the transatlantic flights themselves! Again, setting up a travel itinerary with a booking agent before you commit to making a trip from Nigeria to elsewhere on the continent is an ideal opportunity to cut down costs. Travel agents work on commission, but they also get good deals from airlines and other partners, and they're eager for your business. So explore all of your options before booking your trip, whether it is for a short stay at a safari lodge or a longer trip back home to the land of your ancestors.

Cheap flights to Nigeria after a Brief Trip to Europe?

Typically, it is often quite difficult to source cheap flights to Nigeria as it is too far distant to make it worth the costs of many of the no frills, low cost airliners to set up flights and sell tickets. However, if you have got your heart set on travelling to Nigeria, one of the best ways of doing this is by going via Europe. A flight from Madrid to Lagos, for example, may cost half of what a ticket from New York to Lagos would be. Take time to enjoy the sights and nightlife of the Mediterranean, for example, before taking a relatively cheap flight onwards to Nigeria.

Flights from Europe to Nigeria are a little cheaper. A trip to Dublin, London or to Madrid, provided you get a good deal, could be used as a stopover before flying out to Lagos, Nigeria's capital. A short stay in culture rich Europe might be just as cost effective as a direct flight to Nigeria.

Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more tips on how to get cheap airline flights at his website. Get travel destination tips and fun vacation ideas by visiting http://funvacationideas.com/

Arkansas Facts and Sights, USA

2008-12-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

Arkansas Facts and Sights, USA

The ancestors of the Indians were the first to inhabit Arkansas due to its fertile lands and vast wild life. These Indians came out of caves and started living permanently in these lands and started hunting and harvesting crops.

In 1541 a Spanish explorer, Hernando De Soto became the first European to set foot on this soil. The first European settlement was set in 1686 by Henry De Tonti with six persons. He is thus called the "Father of Arkansas."

Population increased considerably in the 19th Century. Arkansas was drawn into the civil War in May 1861 and the reason for this War was to get out of the control of the US and start its own Government.

The next 25 years saw a lot of development ie. Telephone, Electricity and Water was provided to its residents. The City Sewer System made life easier for its people. 500 miles of Rail Track was laid. Many Schools and Colleges also started coming up. In early 1875 Arkansas was unofficially called the 'Land of Opportunities.'

The 20th century saw more developments in all fields e.g. Radio, Airplanes, Talking movies and life changed dramatically after TVs came. Then the Government found Oil and Gas reserves in Arkansas. Taxes were levied on them and the income generated was used to promote the condition of paved roads. The whole Infrastructure was improved.

In 1904 the Farmers learnt that they could grow rice too and this led to a huge increase in their income. The Livestock and Dairy also increased a lot. In the last 90 years there has been a delicate balance between the Farmers and Industrialists.

In the last 500 years Arkansas has come from a Wild West to a more sophisticated State of Farming, Lumbering, Manufacturing and Tourism.

Herman Davis State Park is a one acre small Park surrounding the monument of Herman Davis, a World War I hero. He received many gallantry awards after the War from both the American and French Governments.

Louisiana Purchase State Park is the Center point for purchasing property in the States of Lee, Monroe and Philips Counties. These 36 acres Farm have a Head Water Swamp, something that is ecologically disappearing fast.

Old Davidsonville State Park was made in 1815. Arkansas's first Post-Office, Courthouse and Land office is there and Fishing is a major activity in this area as the Site borders with the Black River and a 12 acre Fishing Lake. Offering Boat Docks, Fishing and Pedal Boats and Barrier free Fishing pier. Facilities include a Camping Site, Picnic Areas, Hiking, Playgrounds and two standard Pavilions.

Tours may include a visit to the local Print Museum, Steam Powered Cotton-Gin and dining at Williams Tavern Restaurant. If you want to explore Arkansas historically and genealogically then go to South West Arkansas Regional Archives.

Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the top 10 best in North America and is the only Cave System operated and maintained by the Government. It's open the year around and offers two tours to the Massive Underground Spectacle.

In Aerospace Education Center a Theater provides great entertainment to people of all ages. Exhibition of American/Russian space hardware, Antique Aircraft, Aerospace Library and a gift Shop awaits you.

In Little Rock Zoo you will find over 600 different Birds, Reptiles, Mammals and Amphibians. They are enclosed in open areas and Wild Protection Area building.

Many things to do in Arkansas as you can see - so visit soon.

Dev P. offers London transfer airport services in the UK and would love to hear from you
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk

California, USA Is Ideal For Tourists

2008-12-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

California, USA Is Ideal For Tourists

California today is considered by many to be one the best and richest states in the USA. The first inhabitants of California developed a good way of living in the Mountains and also in the Eastern Seaboard and the Desert in the South.

Spain originally grabbed California to increase it's influence, but their dictatorship failed to inspire the local Indians and also failed to attract many new Spanish settlers. Then after Mexico obtained it's independence, California's citizens spent three decades and appeared to have a poor future so people from all over the world were invited to come there, until America took control of the state.

There was a subsequent influx of miners, thanks to the Gold Rush and others were redirected towards farming, trade and business. Thus the population kept increasing, even when the Gold Rush was over. There is no lack of opportunities and it is now a mix of ethnicity and incomes, hopes and desires and fulfilling multiple aims in life.

Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, was the third seat of Government (1853-54) of California. The whole building has been refurbished and restored, but some of the things there like a long pine tree, the desks (three of which originally belonged to the Benicia) are furnished with candlesticks, a 19th century Newspapers, hollow pens and top hats etc.

The second oldest building in California is in El Presideo De Santa Barbara State Historic Park. It was here that the Spanish Presidents used to reside. Built in 1782, now it is surrounded by modern buildings. It served as Military HQ for the lands between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo. Soil bricks were used to reconstruct the Padres' Quarters and Presidio Chapel.

Very close to the South of Sonora, in Jamestown is the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. The Railway Company began locomotives here in 1897 with steam engines, which were later replaced by Diesel engines in 1950.

In summer times old steam engine rides are still available for the tourists in the Sierra foothills of Gold Country and blacksmith shops (weekends only), a gift shop, picnic areas and a slide program.

At this place a battle between Californios and Dragoons, was fought. In its memory stands, 50 acres, San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park. The Californios took over the California State. Its Museum still shows the video of that historic battle.

Oldest continuously used Chinese Temple in California is in Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park. The Temple was built in 1874 and the armory used in the 1854, Tong War is displayed here.

This Taoist Temple displays a beautiful look. The State Government started looking after it from 1956. The "Chinese Lion Dancer's Headdress" was brought back and is now on display at the visitor center.

Napa Valley Wine Train is a lavishly restored 1915 Pullman lounge and dining car. Enjoy the journey by going through the spectacular Napa Valley.

Well you just have to go to California to see all that.

Devinder is UK based and working in association with us and we will love to help all UK tourists when they get here.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk

Walking in the volcanoes

2008-12-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Walking in the volcanoes

The Auvergne region in the heart of France covers an area of 26,015 square kilometres and is located approximately 4 hours south of Paris and 3 hours from the south coast.

The Auvergne is an ancient landscape, originally used to describe the territory of a Gaulish tribe, the Averni. In fact 'Vercingatorix', the leader of the Averni led the Gauls to a great victory over the Romans at 'Gergovia' in 52 BC. The 'Plain de Gergovia' is located to the south of the Auvergne's modern capital, Clermont Ferrand and is a popular tourist attraction with a memorial to Vercingatorix, a visitor centre and fine views over the city. The modern Auvergne is comprised of 4 separate departments - the Allier in the north, the Puy de Dome in the centre, the Haute-Loire to the east and the Cantal in the south.

It is a region of plains, deep cut river gorges, crater lakes, plateaux, exceptional flora and fauna and extinct volcanic mountains, and the stunning beauty and variety of its landscapes is one of its greatest attractions.

This makes the Auvergne not only one of the best places in Europe for walking but also an excellent area for ski-ing, cycling (on and off road), orienteering, fishing, ballooning, rock climbing, hang gliding, canoeing, quad biking - the list is seemingly endless!

The area is home to hundreds of marked paths and trails ranging in difficulty from simple low level walks to more demanding trails for the experienced walker. Local groups work hard to ensure that the paths are well maintained and clearly signposted.

Many Grand Randonée (GR) paths cross the Auvergne. These are long distance paths often arising in other departments of France. One of the most famous and ancient of these is GR65 part of which passes through the Massif Central and onto Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the starting points for one of the four the pilgrim routes leading to the Shrine of St. James at Santiago de Compostella in North West Spain. Designated GR routes are waymarked in red and white stripes. Shorter walks are often designated as Petite Randonée (PR) and are invariably circular and are waymarked with single stripes in either blue, yellow, black or green.

The unique volcanic landscape of the Auvergne is a paradise for hill and mountain walkers. Often overlooked by the serious walker in favour of the Alps or Pyrenees the Auvergne offers some stunning scenery with many unspoilt trails, some lovely towns and villages and some great value accommodation.

Many of the best walks are found within the areas two regional nature parks. Created in 1977 the 'Parc Naturel Regional des Volcans d'Auvergne' covering over 395,000 ha along a north south axis of about 120km/75miles and it's smaller neighbour the 'Parc Naturel Régional des Livradois-Forez' covering 300,000 ha along the line of the Dore valley - make this the largest environmentally protected area in France.

The nutritional volcanic soils support a rich diversity of flora and many plants, rare in other parts of Europe, can be found growing very successfully. Spring meadows of 'narcissi' and 'alpine daffodils' can be seen on many walks. Other common plants include 'gentians', 'sundews' and 'Martagon lilies'. The Auvergne has over 4,500 common and rare species of plants and flower including some forty protected plants.

The climate of the Auvergne ranges from hot, dry summers to harsh, cold winters often with snow on the higher plateaus and peaks. The average annual temperature is 12 degrees Celsius. The winter is best avoided as a time for walking, unless you are prepared to don a pair of snow shoes and trek across the snow covered plains. The rest of the year is ideal for hiking, with the spring and autumn perhaps offering the best conditions for the serious enthusiasts. The stunning autumn colours of the deciduous forests reward the visitor at this time of year.

Almost anywhere in the Auvergne is a good place to walk but some of the principal walking centres of the region are Murat, Saint-Flour, Vic-sur-Cere and Thiézac in the Cantal department and Le Mont Dore, La Bourboule, St. Nectaire and Besse-en-Chandesse in the de Puy de Dome department.

So if you are an enthusiastic walker and want to discover a relatively unspoilt region of France, head for the Auvergne.

Mary Smith has lived in the Auvergne for 4 years and would love you to come and discover this hidden gem in the heart of France for yourself. Mary runs a holiday lettings agency, Auvergne France Homes, providing a large choice of comfortable, reasonably priced accommodation. Come and discover the Auvergne for yourselves
=> http://www.afhomes.biz

Enjoy A Holiday In Arizona, USA

2008-12-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Enjoy A Holiday In Arizona, USA

Arizona is of course a large State in the USA which was originally inhabited by farmers who used to irrigate their Farmlands with water from the Gila & Salt Rivers. After a great drought, they all vanished.

The Spanish were the first ones here (after the natives that is!) and started spreading Christianity among the Indians. After the Spanish, Kino's death there was a War between the US Forces and Mexican Forces which ended in 1848 and the area divided.

Different people came to this area to seek fortunes, but fearing the attacks by the fierce Indians they made Forts.

When the development of Arizona State started, great deposits of Gold, Silver, Copper and other minerals were found. All this helped Arizona develop at a fast rate.

Many struck fortunes and most people who bought farmlands and started harvesting the Crops and keeping Sheep and Cattle.

Law & Order did not catch up quickly at the same pace. Many fights used to take place between the cattle grazers & sheep grazers for acquiring land for grazing. Eventually, a Marshall was made in every Territory who used to control the fighting.

In 1912, Arizona became the 48th State of USA and the more development began.

There are many Historic Sites in Arizona for tourists.

Fort Verde Historic State Park is where the base of Captain Cook's forces was used to fight the Apaches. The old quarters of soldiers are still there. The Fort's Museum, which is in the Old Headquarters, exhibits the exploits of the frontline Soldiering.

The old home of James Douglas, Jerome State Historical Park used to be a house of all Copper Miners before the Great Depression and was closed thereafter. In it you can see the 'Douglas' Family's aristocratic style of living. It is in the Town of Jerome off the State Route 89A.

Built in 1904, Riordan Historic Park, tells about Arizona's Timber Merchants, Timothy & Michael Riordan. They were the leading logging experts in 1900. You can see their riches from the exterior craftsman ship done to all wooden furniture. It is located in the heart of Flagstaff.

Located near the Community of Tubac is the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park that served as a Spanish defense against the Apache Indians. It was built as a Fort in 1752. It has a Picnic area, an 1885 School House and a visitor Center exhibiting the glorious Tubac Past.

Having a prison life of 33 years stands Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. Seeing it you will start believing that the West was really wild. The Prison cells, the Guard Tower and its Gate are still there. Very near to it there is South West's richest historical site, The Yuma States Historical Park.

A giant Green House called Biosphere 2 was made in 1991. It is an airtight, glass container in which eight people could live on their own was experimented. It is now a tourist destination.

Grand Canyon is a place which every visitor to Arizona must see.

It is 1 mile deep and 277 miles long valley. Mostly visitors choose the South Rim to explore this Natural World Wonder.

Grand Canyon Railway is a spectacular way of seeing the Grand Canyon while traveling by train and not worrying about parking. This 1920-vintage Coach joins Williams with the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Dev P. feels that a Holiday in Arizona, USA is a great idea for all Tourists.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk/index.html

Europe Holiday by Car by Michiel Van Kets

2008-12-05T11:52:00.000-08:00

Europe Holiday by Car by Michiel Van Kets

There are lots of reasons why people decide to travel through Europe for their annual holiday. In Paris they hope for romance, in Rome they are fascinated by its ancient history and in Germany there is the famous Black Forest to explore, and in France the countryside and wine is just too tempting to miss.

However you decide to travel, fly from city to city, take a train trip or travel the roads there are plenty of city hotels in France, Germany and Italy that will offer you comfort at sound prices.

Renting a car to travel the roads will make your journey exciting and give you the chance to explore anywhere you choose. It gives you the opportunity of deciding your own schedule and timetable completely, stop off at a small village for a few days or see the city in a day, you are totally dependent only on yourself.

If this would be the first time for you to drive in Europe, then it’s advisable that you research the countries which you are planning on driving through as each country has its own traffic-rules and regulations.

Driving anywhere apart from your own country necessitates you having an International driving permit. You have to have a full current driver’s license; a tip would be to look online for where you can obtain an IDP in your own country. Once you received your international driver’s license, you are allowed you to drive in most European countries.

If your country of residence is Australia or the UK then driving in Europe will be quite a change as they drive on the opposite side of the road there. This will be important to remember especially as you come up to a roundabout. Consider which way you need to look, who has the right of way and how to maneuver in such a situation.

Check out the rules of the road for each country you are planning on driving in. In some countries flashing your headlights means you are allowing the other driver to go, whereas in others it means ‘watch out I’m coming through’! Possible differences can include when flashing your lights, when you should sound your horn, and how to use the motorway lanes correctly.

Always take out insurance for travel, if you are hiring a car then make sure you get liability insurance. It’s better to be on the safe side after all.

When you arrive in Europe everywhere is new and you really need to know where you are going. This involves the main motorways, small village roads and finding your way through the busy cities. Invest in a comprehensive and detailed recent map or even a GPS that is programmed for Europe. Getting lost in the middle of Paris or finding yourself lost on a lone country road in Germany will be frustrating, so a good efficient system should be set up to avoid these situations. By obtaining a good map or GPS can help you to avoid all of this. If you don’t already have a GPS programmed for Europe you can have one installed. If you are a good map reader this should suffice.

Driving in most countries these days requires by law that you wear a seat belt, and if you have children they must be in seats, even if they sit in the back seats. Don’t forget that nowadays it’s against the law to talk on your mobile while you are driving.

If you are searching for a cheap hotel in France, Germany or Italy you will easily find something suitable for your needs online. Booking your hotel before you travel will save you a lot of time and trouble once you are away and give you time to find a hotel that has the facilities and amenities you require.

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Richard James who works for Cheaper Than Hotels which is a company operating in association with or on behalf of key hotel chains who are part of Orbitz Worldwide. The site offers accommodation in countries worldwide including hotels in France and in Rome. For cheap hotels in France visit the website.
hotels in France and in Rome. For cheap hotels in France visit the website.

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com

Places to Visit in Bangkok by Michiel Van Kets

2008-12-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

Places to Visit in Bangkok by Michiel Van Kets

Thailand is an exciting and thrilling destination to visit and Bangkok is a challenge to anyone who has never been to Asia before. There is no lack of hotels in Bangkok and you will find something to suit your needs, whether it is a budget type hostel or a first class hotel. On your arrival in the city you will be overwhelmed by the noises, busy highways and amount of traffic flowing through the urban sprawl that is Bangkok. Give the city a chance and stay for a couple of days, you will find hidden treasures in its web of streets. In the middle of the charming chaos you will find Thai temples, spectacular palaces and traditional wooden houses. You will be pleased you took the time to get to know this breathtaking and captivating city a little better.

The Grand Palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city and visitors flock here from all over. Built in 1782, it used to be the royal residence. There are many palaces and Wats (temples) within the complex, Make your trip early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and the crowds.

Wat Phra Kaew is also called The Temple of the Emerald Buddha as that is what you will find within its walls, a reclining Buddha sculpted from a gigantic piece of jade and more than a century old. Wat Arun, otherwise known as The Temple of Dawn, has a tall Khmer-style tower, called a prang, and is covered in tiny pieces of porcelain. King Rama I built Wat Pho and apparently it is the oldest temple in Bangkok, otherwise known as The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it is more than 200 years old and an impressive 46 meters long and 15 meters high.

You can always take a trip along the Chao Phraya River in a long-tail boat or aboard the local ferry that runs up and down the river many times every day. Get off at various famous landmarks and then embark again at the next stop. This is a relaxing and leisurely way to avoid the traffic and see some great sights.

Jim Thompson’s House is in fact a museum. The place is named after the American man who opened and established it to keep the practice of Thailand's silk industry alive. Within the museum a visitor will find an alluring and impressive collection of Thai and Asian art, pottery and antiques.

Bangkok is fun city for shopping. You will find street markets all over the city as well as air conditioned department stores and local designer boutiques. Everyone who has ever been to Thailand knows of Chatuchak Weekend Market, it has more than 15000 shops and stalls to peruse and you can find absolutely everything here whether you are looking for local handiworks, paintings, antiques, cheap clothes, books, or some delicious local cuisine at basement prices. China Town is street after street of stalls with gold, fabric, traditional Chinese medicines and jewellery. In Patpong there is a night market and if you are looking for presents to take home, there are heaps of souvenirs, fake brand names and cheap clothes to be found here.

If you have plenty of time and money then why not take a tour around some of the neighboring countries? Bangkok is the ideal location to visit Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam from and all these destinations are unique and fascinating places to explore. Trains run daily between Bangkok and Singapore, making stops along the way in Malaysia. The trains are reasonably comfortable and not expensive.

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in the cities at reasonable prices. In the main tourist destinations you can choose a simple room with a fan, or a luxurious suite at an international hotel chain or anything in between. Choice will be more limited in less popular destinations, but you should always be able to find clean, comfortable accommodation. If you are taking a trip to Asia in the near future then look online for hotels in Thailand and Bangkok as well as cheap Singapore hotels.

Michiel Van Kets provides article services for Alina Richards who works for Cheaper Than Hotels.com which is a company operating in association with or on behalf of key hotel chains who are part of Orbitz Worldwide. The site offers Thailand hotels and accommodations worldwide. Cheap hotels in Thailand and in other Asian countries are found on this site.
Thailand hotels and accommodations worldwide. Cheap hotels in Thailand and in other Asian countries are found on this site.

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Eastern Liguria

2008-12-04T14:53:00.001-08:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Eastern Liguria

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Liguria region of northern Italy, commonly known as the Italian Riviera. This thin strip of land lies on the Ligurian Sea, not far from Monaco and the French Riviera. While Liguria is by no means undiscovered, its crowds are much smaller than those next door. There are many little towns or villages, and one international port city almost smack dab in the center of the coast. This article explores Liguria east of Genoa, or as the locals call it, Riviera di Levante (The Riviera of the Rising Sun.) Be sure to read the other articles in this series: western Liguria, Genoa, and Cinque Terre, five little seaside villages that just might steal your heart.

Little Nervi near Genoa has been a resort for over one hundred years. In July it hosts the International Ballet Festival. Nervi's highlight is the rock-hewn mile-long (1.5 kilometer) Anita Garibaldi Promenade honoring the wife and comrade-in-arms of Giuseppe Garibaldi, founder of the modern Italian state. Don't miss the Parco Villa Grimaldi with its magnificent rose collection.

Portofino, considered one the most beautiful Mediterranean ports, has been recreated after a fashion in Japan and in Orlando, Florida. Be sure to see the Saint George Castle already restored in the Sixteenth Century, with its lovely gardens, views, and exhibits of famous visitors including Marilyn Monroe and Prince Rainier. Don't miss the neighboring Regional Natural Park of Portofino and the Protected Marine Area of Portofino with their collection of flora and fauna.

Rapallo hosted the Russian-German Treaty in 1922. We all know how well that worked out. The Eleventh Century Cathedral of Santi Gervasio e Protasio has a great bell tower and interesting paintings. Visit the local castles that defended the city against pirates. For a different view of life visit its Bobbin Lace Museum.

Portovenere is home to the Romanesque Eleventh Century Basilica of Saint Lawrence, named for a Saint burned alive for not surrendering the church's treasures. The Gothic Church of Saint Peter, built over a pre-existing Fifth Century Palaeo-Christian Church, was consecrated towards the end of the Twelfth Century. At the Grotto Arpaia, known as Byron's Grotto, the English poet Lord Byron swam across the Gulf of La Spezia to visit his friend and fellow poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Liguria has quite a seacoast and you are always near a seafood restaurant. Anchovies are eaten as antipasto or as a main dish. Liguria exports very little wine to North America so you may have to go there to taste the wines. There are better reasons for visiting this lovely area.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.

Two Great Pastimes In The English Lake District

2008-11-30T15:49:00.000-08:00

Two Great Pastimes In The English Lake District

You can now ascend the dizzying route to the top of Honister Slate Mine, going up the oen and only via ferrata ("iron road") in England. This is an Italian-inspired cable system, coomon in the Dolomites for dangerous acents, to which you are securely attached by a rope and harness.

For the inveterate thrill-seeker, this offers a new dare-devil activity. You go up ladders, cross a narrow bridge made of a couple of old railway lines, bend double in old mineshafts and gaze at the soaring Lake District mountains, all the while ascending 1800 feet of old mine workings to the top of Fleetwith Pike.

Opened a couple of years ago, the Lake District via ferrata has been an amazing success with adventure seeking trippers and the more adventurous tourist. All expeditions from Honister are fully guided, and you have to wear life-preserving miner's helmet with head torch.

Mark Weir, the owner, end product of a long line of Honister miners, says: "I just wanted to get the man on the street from the comfort zone out into something different. It's definitely adrenaline-fuelled with added natural beauty.....and it's proven popular with both walkers and families looking for lifelong memories." Well, there's no danger of forgetting your trip, with views you'd normally get only in a plane!

The acsent goes slowly, but the thrills come quickly - ranging from sheer drops and stunning views to a sense of achievement and awe at the engineering feats from Victoria days. At one point, you clamber along the cliff face and find yourself hanging over the edge. And to complete the thrill, a narrow bridge spans a drop of 300 metres!

There's no better way to see the tarns and streams of the Lake District than the via ferrata. Children from 10 years and over 4ft 7in tall can go along, with adults who are resonably fit. See the website at www.honister-slate-mine.co.uk/via_ferrata.asp

Another super activity in the Lake District is mountain biking. For mountain-bikers there is currently a very special, purpose-built trail in Grizedale Forest, run by the forestry commission: it has lots of singletrack, boardwalks and beams.

Grizedale also has very smooth and easy fire breaks along with some older tracks, with a bouldery and technical aspect. There's one track which comes out of the forest onto the splendours of Bethecar Moor. If you take this route you'll see some really fantastic views before you have to focus on a speedy descent where spiky slickrock lies in wait.

Biking is permitted on any walk path or trail classed as a byway or bridleway, which abound in the Lakes, though it's helpful to pick out the best and most suitable. Fortunately, websites like Mountain Bike Cumbria provide all the information you need.

One of the best centres fro Lakes mountain biking is Staveley in the south-east Lakes; a great benefit is that it's on the railway line to Windermere and has a big bike shop and a great cafe. Some great bike trails start here, with moderate loops around the Kentmere valley and the extreme Garburn Pass - only recommended for the true expert!

Some Lakes mountains have trails over the highest summits, a skill called bike-mountaineering. You need to prepare for big climbs and long pushes, but the rewards are immense! There are long "top-of-the-world" bike trails which traverse miles along the majestic ridges of the Helvellyn range as well as a truly awesome descent along the flank of Skiddaw - voted the best downhill route in Britain.

Back o'Skiddaw, as it's known round here, has lonely wilderness trails, but even around the gentler edges of the Lake District the trails can be just as steep and entertaining. But however challenging mountain biking gets in the lake District, you're never far from away from the local cosy pub or relaxing bed and breakfast.

The Lake District Guide contains hundreds of pages of information on Lakes hotels and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, walks, places to go and things to do. In fact, we have all the information you'll need for a great holiday in the Lakes. Find us at http://www.lake-district-guides.co.uk

Do I need a NIE number to work in Spain ?

2008-11-29T15:20:00.001-08:00

Do I need a NIE number to work in Spain ?

So you have a dream of moving to Spain and working over there? It seems like a lot of people are doing this. Moving from Europe or other countries and going to Spain to start a new life.

You already know that if you live in Europe you have little problems traveling back and forth to Spain. In fact to see how many different nationalities are over there working, just stop and look around for a bit. When you get to Spain, if you are a European citizen you do need to get a NIE number in order to work.

This is what will put you into the Spanish tax system. But it seems that you need to either purchase property or a car in order to get a NIE number in Spain. It used to be that when you would get into Spain, you could simply go to the local police with your passport and fill out some forms quickly, and you would be applying for your NIE number.

But now you will need to have a reason for why you are seeking a NIE number. What's really cool is that most employers will arrange for you to get your NIE number if you get hired. One thing you will find out about getting a position in Spain is that it will be very hard for you to get a full time job.

Employers don't really like to do this in Spain, because it gives the employees too many rights. An employee can take time off work for a month or two because of a doctor's visit, and the employer is unable to replace the person.

Or you could look for "autonomo" work in Spain. Basically it's like you are your own employer, or self-employed. Many jobs like to hire people who will work under this basis. In order to set this type of work up, you will have to get the services of an accountant. They will take care of registering you at the tax office, stating that you are self employed, and in being so you will hand in quarterly and annual accounts.

Try and make sure that the person you pick speaks good English, because you will be relying on them to do your tax returns. If you are self-employed in Spain, each month you will have to deposit money into your social security. The minimum at present you can put into that account is 235 Euros each month. With doing this it will open up the "national health" system to you and also make sure you have a pension when you retire.

If you want to you can pay more into social security, which will give you higher benefits and pensions. When taking a job that is self-employed in Spain, make sure that you take into account any other fees you may require such as social security and accountant fees. You will also need to make an invoice for what you earn each month.

You can either have your accountant do this or do it yourself. Just make sure you keep the records properly. If you are working autonomo, on the invoice you will also need to include Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Fisicas (IRPF) You as an autonomo will also pay your taxes (VAT) every quarter, and at the end of the year it will be audited to make sure you paid the right amount.

It's very difficult to understand all the laws perfectly for this type of work, that's why it is important that you hire an accountant to help out.

At last! For People who need quick, simple
http://www.nienumberanswers.com/video/
and effective Spanish NIE Number help ....
http://www.nienumberanswers.com

Two Fabulous Attractions In The English Lake District

2008-11-29T15:16:00.000-08:00

Two Fabulous Attractions In The English Lake District

Gondola is a reconstructed steam yacht which offers a wonderful, nostalgic sailing experience on Coniston Water in the amazing scenery of the ENglish Lake Distroct.

The original Gondola was launched in 1859 and is perefectly recreated in today's Gondola which certainly reflects the elegance and splendour of the Victorian era. Passengers can relax as they watch the stunning scenery of the Coniston Fells glide past the windows of the opulently upholstered saloon. While evoking memories of a distant era, Gondola glides almost silently along, powered by a very modern eco-fuel: wonderfully clean burning logs made from waste wood chips.

Although a reconstruction, Gondola is part and parcel of the history and heritage of Coniston and the Lake. She plies the lake every year between the months of April and October. The service operates seven days a week, running from Coniston Pier to Brantwood jetty. The round trip takes about 45 minutes and up to 86 passengers can be accommodated comfortably.

In 2008, Gondola's route was extended to call at Monk Coniston Jetty at the far northern tip of Coniston Water. This gives passengers the opportunity to combine a cruise on Gondola with a gentle walk to Tarn Hows.

The route takes you through the grounds of the Monk Coniston estate, famed for its arboretum and beautiful woodlands, to Tarn Hows and back to Coniston village. This walks enables you to see Pier Cottage, Gondola's home and Donald Campbell's base for his world speed record attempts in "Bluebird" in the 1950s and 1960s.

All sailings in Gondola are weather dependent. If the weather looks doubtful, please call 015394 41288 to check whether Gondola is sailing.

A wonderful christmas treat for all the family is on offer at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, at the Southern end of Lake Windermere. This superbly preserved steam railway is part of the old branch line from Ulverston to Lakeside, where Victorian travellers would embark on the steamers to sail along to Bowness and Ambleside.

Nowadyas, the steam trains chug along from Haverthwaite to lakeside, offering a magical spectacle for youngsters and the young-at-heart alike! And at Christmas, the volunteers who run the railway ensure the trains are extra special, with Father Christmas and his helpers offering seasonal joy and goodwill! There are presents for the children, christmas cake and seasonal drinks for the adults, and carols and a good time for everyone!

All Santa specials depart from Haverthwaite Station, at 10.30am, 12.30pm, and 2.30pm. The round trip takes one and a half hours and tickets are £13.00 per person for both adults and children. Father Christmas and all his helpers board the train at Haverthwaite, where the seasonal fun begins. Each carriage is a hive of activity, as the chief elf and helpers lead the festivities with Christmas songs. There's a live band to welcome Santa and plenty of Christmas spirit as Father Christmas visits each family in their seats, where he gives a specially chosen present to each child (it even has their name on it).

If you're a grown-up, you might want to enjoy the ride with alcoholic or soft drinks and a large slab of Christmas cake. Then, to complete the day, you can dine in the station restaurant and have a delicious two course Christmas meal.

Many families make this a special part of their Christmas, bringing all the family, both young and old - all you have to be is ready for a good time!

Contact the railway at Haverthwaite Station, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8AL, Phone: 015395 31594

The Lake District Guide contains hundreds of pages of information on Lakes hotels and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, walks, places to go and things to do. In fact, we have all the information you'll need for a great holiday in the Lakes. Find us at http://www.lake-district-guides.co.uk

Sunseeker

2008-11-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

Sunseeker

Sunseeker is the principle seller of Sunseeker boats around the world. Offering customers the prestige of their products along with award-winning customer service, Sunseeker are a major influence in the world of luxury yachts and motorboats and their quest for perfection puts their brand in a league of its own.

Individuality - Individuality is the ethos of this company, and Sunseeker prides itself on creating a boat that is unique to each and every customer. Far beyond the finishing of each boat; woods and fabrics, each boat reflects the personality and lifestyle of the customer. Throughout the building process, Sunseeker's craftsmen take on board the customer's preferences, with an aim to exceed all expectations.

Pre-owned boats - Sunseeker has a wide-reaching sales network for used Sunseeker boats with sales offices all over the world, offering a real benefit for buyers and sellers alike.

Charter - As well as boat sales, Sunseeker also offer a world-class charter experience. If you're thinking of investing in your own Sunseeker boat, or if you simply want the ultimate luxury holiday, chartering with Sunseeker is an unforgettable experience.

Sunseeker 37M Trideck Yacht - The 37M Trideck Yacht offers four decks of unrivalled luxury. In respect of design, performance and refinement, the Trideck Yacht has scope to be customised to every individual taste. On board there is accommodation for ten people and quarters for eight crew.

Flybridge - The Flybridge range epitomises the elegance and sophistication for which Sunseeker is known. They are the essence of Sunseeker's spirit and possess a combination of beauty and stature. With luxury accommodation and top class performance across the range, the Flybridge is the jewel in Sunseeker's crown.

High Performance - The Sunseeker High Performance ranges offers enhanced performance without sacrificing luxury and style. The most up to date engine technology and pioneering propulsion systems, ensure efficient distribution of power, exhilarating top speeds, and amazing ease of handling.

The Predator 108 is in a class of its own. This craft offers lavish accommodation, and entertainment spaces are complemented by a range of leisure options.

Offshore Cruisers - Epitomising versatility, this is an impressive collection, conceived with entertainment in mind. Ideal as a spacious family day boat, Sunseeker offshore cruisers are just as comfortable with extended cruising.

Sports Boats - The Sunseeker sports craft are designed around a deep V, twin-stepped hull, offering power without compromising handling.

Stylish and comfortable below deck, there are a host of practical features above, allowing you to get you to your destination quickly and safely.

More boating articles are available from http://www.theyachtmarket.com
TheYachtMarket also lists thousands of boats for sale and charter by both private sellers and brokers all over the world.

Great Winter Road Trip Destinations

2008-11-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Great Winter Road Trip Destinations

Oddly enough, Winter Travel is a good time to learn how to "go with the flow" because even though you have to do additional ROAD TRIP PLANNING to have the extras on hand before you embark on the trip, traffic delays may require you to "stop and smell the roses" even when those roses have you stalled in bumper-to-bumper traffic waiting for the road to clear up ahead.

This is where your ROAD TRIP PLAN B comes into play. If you're a couple, this is a nice time to pull out a CD, kick back and rest your eyes while enjoying the music. If you're a family, pull out those car games, watch a DVD together, or simply start a round robin conversation (What I'm most looking forward to on this trip is...?). Keeping everyone comfortable and in good spirits will be the order of the day, and if you've planned for such things, it can actually be a fun time, albeit cramped.

While you're planning your itinerary, pay extra attention to towns or cities near roads you think may pose traffic delays or closures. Add activities to your itinerary that could keep you and your passengers occupied if delayed for more than four hours. That way, you can pull off and go shopping, take in a movie, enjoy a long lunch or early dinner, or stroll through a museum. Add a couple of nearby hotels to the unscheduled section of your trip planner just so you'll have the information on hand should the traffic delay be more than 8 hours.

ROAD TRIP PLANNING SAFETY TIPS
* If you are traveling with your family by car, get your vehicle inspected and check the weather conditions immediately before the trip.
* Cancel the trip if you are traveling to winter destinations and the weather forecast predicts a snowstorm.
* Some roads are not recommended unless you have a 4x4 vehicle.
* Carry snow chains
* Include a Delay of Game kit filled with snacks, car games, energy drinks, portable DVDs, portable games, blankets.
* Stow an emergency kit in your trunk holding batteries, blankets, flashlights, food, water, and more for those times when you may be stuck in your car for 8 hours or more.
* ALWAYS keep your gas tank topped off. Do not drive that last quarter tank assuming you will get to the next service station.

The above precautions aside, WINTER ROAD TRIPS ARE FUN! Just getting to your destination is more exciting because snow transforms the landscape from the ordinary to the extraordinary. And once you get to your destination, there's toasty fireplaces, snow boots creating puddles by the front door, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Not to mention activities you can only do during Winter like sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and sleigh rides!

So what are some PRIME WINTER DESTINATIONS? Here are some to get you started on your Road Trip Planning.

FOR THE WHITE WINTER WONDERLAND EXPERIENCE:
* Alaska Experience with All Alaska Tours (this Road Trip can give you the Winter touch even in the Spring)
* Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario
* Banff & Jasper National Parks in Canada
* Lake Tahoe in California & on the Nevada side
* Mount Rainier in Washington
* Pigeon Forge Winterfest in Tennessee
* Salt Lake City in Utah

However, Winter does not always mean knee-deep in Snow: Here are some grand Winter Road Trips where you'll be hard-put to find snow (other than possibly some frosting atop distant mountains).
* Sedona Arizona - Red rocks, jeep tours, hot air balloon tours, shopping, spas, dining, festivals...great for a couple needing some time away from the kids.
* Las Vegas , Nevada - Vegas isn't just about gambling & night-life, though it certainly carries both in abundance. Vegas offers winter visitors a plethora of daytime activities to enjoy.
* Virginia Beach, Virginia - Go whale watching.

Winter getaways offer activities you won't get to experience any other time of the year so maximize your fun by planning a winter road trip now!

Tripwiser is a free social trip planning service that leverages the collective wisdom of users and makes trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
http://www.TripWiser.com

How to Keep your Kids Happy at Dreamworld

2008-11-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

How to Keep your Kids Happy at Dreamworld

Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia - What a wonderful place to take your family and keep your kids happy.

However, having been there with my husband,and our 6yr old and 8yr old nephews, I learnt quite a lot that I wished I had known beforehand and during our visit. We chose a day when it was extremely hot and humid, knew nothing much about what we would find there or how to attack it. Here are some tips on making your day run smoother than ours did. Seven Control Procedures to put in place to make cranky kids happy again.

No 1. Make sure that you tell the small child that the Wiggles group will not be there at Dreamworld, unless you know for sure that they will be. Our 6 yr old nephew spent all of his time looking for them and not really enjoying the entertainment, except his ride in the Wiggles Big Red Car. Even then, he was sure that the Wiggles would pop out of a door at any moment.

No 2. Take big hats, sunglasses, face wipes, sunscreen, cold water (purchase on your entry),a large carry bag and camera.

If you have a partner, consider taking two mobile phones. If you have children who are old enough to wander off, place your phone number and name in your kids' pockets, so they can give it to a Dreamworld staff member.

Maybe you should place your phone number on your sun glasses,too. I left mine in the ladies rest room, but after a hot and frustrating walk to the information centre, which was right back at the entrance, I was fortunate to have had them handed in. Lucky for me, as they were on loan from my sister.

No 3. If there are two adults and different aged children, the adventurous adult should take the older children straight to the fast rides. After all, you will have to get on with them unless you have an older teenager, who is willing.

The other adult can take the small child or children to The Wiggles World. This area is fantastic. Don't forget to take your camera to collect great memories for your family.

No 4. Introduce your small children gently to the Wiggles friends - Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Optopus and Captain Feathersword, as they can be a bit daunting seeing them in the real world and not on TV. My nephew would only approach Wags the Dog, but not the others. I still haven't worked out why. He is enraptured with them at home and sings all the Wiggles songs and watches their movies. He was terrified that Captain Feathersword would approach our table, but I was laughing most of the time at the Captain's antics.

No 5. Give each other about 2 hours or more with each child or children and meet back at Wiggle World in front of the 'Yummy Yummy'shop, or an agreed venue, where you can buy lunch, icecream and drinks. Perhaps have lunch a little earlier so as to miss the long, long queues. Believe me, littlies will not like this wait. Or one partner could take the children on the train while the other lines up in the queue for food. All of the food venues are close to the railway station. It takes about 15 - 30 minutes to complete a train ride. It depends how busy Dreamworld is at the time.

No 6. It could be a good idea to give the kids icecream or cold drinks before departing on the train, as it can be a little boring for the older kids. It is a great train ride, but continually stops at stations, letting Dreamworld visitors jump off at other entertainment areas or the restaurant, which you might choose to do, too.

No 7. When you and your partner have had enough of the walking, riding, waiting in queues, or tired complaining children, jump on Captain Sturt's paddle wheel boat for a wonderfully refreshing 30 minute cruise. Sit back and listen to the happy Australian songs and rest your aching feet. Your kids will probably sing along as my nephew and I did. This can be a calming end to your day or just a rest before hitting all the other entertainment areas, such as Nickelodeon Central, Tiger Island, The Australian Wildlife Experience, Big Brother and The FlowRider and lots more.

So, you may have to schedule another visit to Dreamworld. It's a great incentive to get better behaviour from the kids, isn't it.

Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia is the business Patricia Lilly has developed using her extensive experience in the Hospitality industry. Patricia ensures safe and secure accommodation and tour bookings online. At the Gold Coast, Qld, if you want the tallest, fastest and most exciting theme park rides, visit Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. So click here to check it out
=> http://www.australia-accommodation.info/gold-coast-dreamworld.php

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Bergamo And Lake Como

2008-11-24T16:32:00.001-08:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Bergamo And Lake Como

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Bergamo and Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn't stop you from going. With a little effort you should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Garda district with its interesting political past.

Bergamo was founded by the Celts over two thousand years ago. This medieval city tucked behind ancient walls overlooks the Alps. It is divided into two sectors connected by cable cars; the older Upper Bergamo and the modern Lower Bergamo. Can you guess which Bergamo I prefer?

The large Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was started in the Twelfth Century and finished centuries later. The church sits on the old city's Piazza Vecchia. Bergamo was home to the composer Donizetti, buried in this church. If you like opera visit the Donizetti Museum. The Cathedral of San Vincenzo and Battistero are situated on Piazza Duomo, the heart of the medieval city. Their beautiful neighbor is the Fifteenth Century Renaissance Colleoni Chapel.

Lake Como, a glacial lake shaped like an upside down Y, is Italy's third largest lake. The village of Varenna is home to Italy's shortest river, the Fiumelatte and the magnificent Thirteenth Century Villa Monestero convent. Situated in a magnificent park half a mile long, it is now an international cultural and scientific center. Bellagio lies at the center of Lake Como's Y. It was a tourist center even in Roman times. Las Vegas has a hotel with the same name, but definitely not in the same league. Make sure to see the early Seventeenth Century Villa Serbelloni surrounded by acres of gardens. The villa is now an international conference center. Tremezzo is a resort town highlighted by Villa Carlotta, built over fifty years starting towards the end of the Seventeenth Century. Its spectacular grounds include over 150 varieties of azelias and rhododendrons. While you can't stay at Villa Carlotta, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is quite classy.

Mountain cuisine is based on polenta, a type of corn bread. Other mountain specialties include free-range chickens, kid, and game. The best Italian sparkling wine Franciacorta is made near Bergamo.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.

Luxury Travel Packages for Gleneagles

2008-11-23T16:26:00.001-08:00

Luxury Travel Packages for Gleneagles

If you are seeking luxury travel packages for Gleneagles, one thing to keep in mind is that if you are traveling to Scotland, you should also take in some of the other delights that this magnificent country has to offer. It would be shame if you restricted yourself to just the one area, and missed all of the wonderful scenery and the ancient and sometimes bloody history that Scotland is steeped in.

Gleneagles itself is a beautiful traditional hotel set in its own 850 acre estate in Perthshire, Scotland, and hosted the G8 summit a couple of years ago. It is a 5 Star hotel with superb cuisine that is renowned the world over, and also boasts three top championship golf courses. You can't spend a night at Gleneagles without testing yourself against one of these, and also trying out its award winning spa. The surrounding countryside is magnificent and even a walk round the estate gives you plenty to explore as you work up an appetite. Gleneagles is the hotel of choice of the stars of screen, stage and the sports fields the world over.

The hotel offers not only golf, but falconry, fly fishing and horse riding among many other sports, and is only an hour drive away from the beautiful capital city of Edinburgh, and the metropolis of Glasgow, and even less from the famed St. Andrews, with its seven links golf courses, including the famed Old Course, favorite venue of many international golfers for the British Open Championship. Tours to St. Andrews frequently offer a round of golf at the Old Course.

Apart from London, Glasgow is the largest retail center in the UK, and offers lots of great shopping opportunities for both men and women, and is an architectural masterpiece of Sir Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who designed many of the buildings in this expansive city. After a visit to Glasgow, why not head over to the east side of Scotland to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, where the magnificent castle overlooks Princes Street, with its high quality retail outlets on the north of the road and the beautiful park on the south, running the entire length of this mile long street with a five star hotel at each end. Admire the famed floral clock and gilded fountain, or perhaps even try a game of putting before visiting the Edinburgh Woolen Mill or the Edinburgh Tartan Shop, or even paying a visit to Edinburgh Castle that is open to the public.

Edinburgh has a lot to interest the tourist in addition to Princes Street, including the castle itself, the Royal Mile, with a whole town of old houses discovered beneath the city, many said to be haunted. It also boasts Holyrood House, home to Mary Queen of Scots, and lies close to the Scottish Parliament. You don't leave Edinburgh without taking in the sense of history that just oozes from this magnificent city, home to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Robert Louis Stevenson, who based his character Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on Deacon Brodie, a local worthy who frequented the Royal Mile.

Luxury travel packages for Gleneagles can easily fit tours to these two great cities, and some packages are available to make the best of your time by also fitting in trips to St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife, as it calls itself. Fife is an ancient county of Scotland where the kings were once crowned. In fact Charles 1 was born in Dunfermline Palace, the same town also being the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie.

Another famous location in Fife is St. Andrews, with the ruins of its cathedral and it's famous university, attended by Prince William. All of this within an hour's drive of each other. However, in order to enjoy such luxury tours to the fullest, you also expect luxury accommodation and travel, and the planners of such vacations should make sure that your flights are at least business class and your road travel is by limousine.

Your hotels should be of four or five star luxury, and your food out of this world. In fact if you can find vacation packages that offers trips for just two people: you and your partner, then that would be the ideal. You don't really want to share with others, and luxury packages for Gleneagles designed just for you would enable you to get the best value for your money, and to live better than you do at home. After all, isn't that the purpose of a vacation?

Genuine luxury packages to Gleneagles are available from http://www.ultitude.com , where you are offered a five star vacation package to Gleneagles, Edinburgh, St. Andrews and Glasgow including business class travel and an individual limousine service for you and your partner.

Reasons To Visit Kent, England

2008-11-22T16:48:00.001-08:00

Reasons To Visit Kent, England

If you want to go see 14th century England then you must visit Canterbury in Kent.

Travel to St Becket's shrine in Canterbury and then hear the tales of chivalry, romance and horror from the colouful pilgrims of Chaucer's period. It has a multi-lingual show and special commentary just for kids is also available. They are open daily but check the details before going by telephoning them in advance.

Canterbury Cathedral had a tradition during the medieval era to welcome every visitor. It was founded in 597 AD and houses the Mother Church of the Anglican community and it has a Romanesque crypt, 12th century quire and some of ancient and best glass windows in the country. In 1170 Thomas Becket was murdered here so it attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is closed or restricted on special occasions and events otherwise its open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

Goodnestone Park Gardens are set in 14 acres of garden which also includes two arboretums, woodlands area, walled garden with roses, clematis and many herbaceous plants. A small part was extended in 2000 and a new gravel garden in 2003. Better check its timings before leaving and they do open by appointments also by charging you a little extra.

When England created the Eurotunnel, it excavated 4.9 million cubic meters of chalk marl from the Channel tunnel. This site of 30 hectare is located at the feet of the Dover Cliffs and has breathtaking beauty. It is a popular place for walking, fishing and for those who enjoy the countryside of Great Britain. It is signposted from the A20 west of Dover. and open from 7am till dusk.

Kent's first premier railway ran from Hythe to Dungeness lighthouse via Dymchurch and New Romney running for just 13.5 miles. It is a superb one third full size steam locomotive with comfortable carriages and cafes at Dungeness and New Romney makes your journey a pleasant one that you will never forget. The Model Railway Exhibition at New Romney has gift shops at most of the prime stations and an adventure playground which makes it an exciting holiday for the whole of family. Hythe station is quite close to M20 junction 11.

The Old Lighthouse is a historic Grade II building, recently having celebrated its centenary. It was opened by His Royal Majesty the Prince of Wales in 1904 and it was got ready in 3 years and survived the two world wars before being decommissioned in 1960. For so many years it had guided the various vessels sailing in the English Channel. Access to it is very easy either by A 259 or RH&D Railway to Dungeness.

If you are looking for an out & out adventure then come to The Rare Breeds Farm Park where you can encounter the friendly farm animals, two giant play barns, woodland adventure course, Quiz/Sculpture Trail, summer butterfly gardens and tunnels, aerial runaways and play fort, trailor rides, animal encounter paddocks, countryside interpretation lodge and a walkthrough aviary. M20 J10 on B2067 between Hamstreet and Woodchurch. It is open the whole of the year from 10:30am except on all Mondays from October to March.

There is something for all ages to see in Kent, so visit soon.

Devinder offers London transfers on the following site
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk

You Must Visit Wales, UK

2008-11-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

You Must Visit Wales, UK

The Wales Coastline is a beautiful landscape that stretches 170 miles from North to South and 60 miles from East to West and is of course on the West of Great Britain surrounded on three sides by the Sea.

Gower, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardin Bay are really beautiful with wonderful clean beaches to visit. In Wales you are never far away from both the Mountains and the Sea. Visitors to these shores include Dolphins, Basking Sharks, Porpoises, Atlantic Grey Seals and Leather Back Turtles.

The Gower peninsula was the first to be acknowledged by the British Government as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.

There are many islands off the Welsh mainland, Ynys Mon (Anglesey) is the largest. The highest peak in Wales is 3,560 ft high and called Snowdon and the highest mountains are dark and craggy.

If you travel down South, as you move along the land starts becoming softer, but is still very hilly. The South of Wales is the place where industrial revolution did take place. It has a totally different feel than the rest of Wales. Here are steep sided valleys, once home to the coal-mines crafted by the three rivers of Rhymney, Rhondda Taff and Cynon.

It is said Welsh people like talking, and of course love telling stories and singing. To celebrate their proud Literature they organize a Literature Festival each year in Hay-on Wey. It attracts lots of big shots from the Literary world from all over the planet.

In Wales everybody sings to celebrate victory. During the Rugby matches you can see the people chanting the National Anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nadhau (Land of my Fathers). The Harp and pibgorn (wooden pipe).can be heard at many places. Many new rock bands have also come up recently like Manic Street Preachers, Frizbee and some of the oldies like Bryn Fon, Meic Stevens and Dafydd Iwan are still going strong.

If you are a foodie or just looking for a hearty meal then Wales will please you in all these ways and more. Give your taste-buds a treat and be adventurous and visit the various eateries around offering the locally prepared dishes fresh. You will find many Restaurants boasting Michelin-starred perfection here.

World renowned Welsh Lamb and the Welsh Black Beef are not the only good things to taste, but others like Laverbread (a seaweed) often fried into crisp patties with eggs, bacon and fresh cockles for a traditional Welsh breakfast.

If you love cheese, Wales is a place that makes 600 different types of cheese dishes. For those who love cooking, a visit to one of the farmer's market or farmer shops is a must.

You can also go to a Food Festivals, which happen all throughout the year, and you can meet the actual food producers, meet top chefs and watch them prepare exquisite dishes and sample some right yummy treats.

Wales will be a perfect destination for all you food buffs and Tourists with tantalizing tastes.

Fred Williams invites all readers and UK Visitors to take a London transfer to Wales soon.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk

Unique CA getaways are trips to remember

2008-11-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

Unique CA getaways are trips to remember

With hard-earned vacation time often in short supply, travelers want to make the most of every weekend or vacation they get. Sometimes that means trying something completely different - a getaway so unique that it will become Topic A around the Monday morning water cooler.

California is blessed with many such unique vacation adventures, and here are three of our favorites:

Luxury tent camping

If your memories of tent camping are crawling into a pup tent, zipping yourself into a sleeping bag, and then writhing all night on a hard piece of ground, we have good news: You can now get the back-to-nature tent camping experience but with a twist that is sure to appeal to all those who swore off tents back in their early 20's.

About 17 miles west of Santa Barbara a place called El Capitan Canyon offers safari-style tents that have been outfitted with real beds, electricity and other conveniences you would expect in a hotel room. The tents are real tents, all right, and zip up just like the ones from your younger years, but they're set up on a permanent wood deck that makes them feel more cabin-like, except that this still is a canvas tent.

There are 26 such tents at El Capitan Canyon - along with dozens of small cabins and yurts - and each one measures 12 feet by 14 feet and is furnished with either one queen bed or two double beds. You'll get bed linens and towels, a small desk, chairs, a bedside table, heating, lights - in other words, considerably more amenities than you probably remember taking with you on that backpacking trip into the Sierra Nevada.

The setting at El Capitan is quite woodsy with groves of sycamore and oak trees, although there are large open areas of grass where the kids can play as well as barbecue pits and picnic tables for each of the tents, cabins or yurts. Just a mile or so down the road is the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and El Capitan State Beach where you can picnic and swim. There are also scenic hiking trails nearby including the Bill Wallace Trail.

We should note the word "luxury" here is a relative term - compared with your every-day garden-variety campground, El Capitan is definitely a couple of notches better and the tents are much more comfortable than any tent you would set up on your own. The cabins and yurts looked cozy as well. But this is still a campground experience and reminded us in some ways of the feel you might have in one of the better RV resorts, with modern, clean bathrooms in a separate facility about a two-minute walk from most lodging units. A heated swimming pool also is available.

Besides the comfortable accommodations, a big plus for El Capitan Canyon is the on-site Canyon Market that includes an excellent sandwich shop, light groceries and other provisions for your stay. The market has "barbecue kits" available for purchase that include all the meat and fixings for hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish or even tri-tip. If you do decide to do your own cooking, you'll need to pack kitchen supplies from home.

We found El Capitan Canyon to be quite enjoyable and quite different from many of the hotels and resorts we often visit. It was a way to return to our roots - that is, enjoy an outdoors experience but do it in a more civilized way with no sore backs in the morning and shower facilities close at hand to freshen up after a night in the "wilderness."

For more information, go to www.elcapitancanyon.com or phone 866-352-2729.

Fire lookout

If you're the type of traveler who truly likes to get away from people - who puts a high premium on quiet, uninterrupted peace, and who will not go into withdrawal if you have to go a night without television - then have we got the place. The Morton Peak Fire Lookout books overnight stays for people just like you.

The U.S. Forest Service views the lookout rental program as a way to generate a little good PR at a time when they have to keep telling people that services may be more limited or more expensive due to tight budgets.

We reserved our night by calling the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, which handles bookings for the Morton Peak Lookout, the only such facility in Southern California that is available for rentals. The lookout actually is just at the edge of the San Bernardino Forest and, if you're coming from the Los Angeles area, it will save you about 45 minutes off the normal two-hour drive to Big Bear.

We noted that the last three miles are on a steep, rutted road but it wasn't long before we came to a small clearing on a mountain top with, as advertised, a 30-foot tower and a 14X14 "cabin" on the top. Maybe a more apt description would be an aircraft control tower on stilts, as the cabin had windows running the length of every wall, offering views in every direction.

This particular tower, elevation 4624 feet, was built in the 1930's, then burned down and rebuilt in 1960. It eventually went out of service and into disrepair as the Forest Service cut back on its paid lookout program, but was rebuilt in 2001 with a $5,000 government grant and a volunteer work force.

Soon we were ready for our night at the edge of the world. As the sun dipped slowly, the nearby mountains darkened while, at the same time, the city lights below us came alive. The juxtaposition seemed unusual - here we were perched on a mountainside all by ourselves, yet below us were the lights of nearly the entire Los Angeles basin.

The lookout is small, but comfortable for a couple or perhaps a couple with one or two small children. There are just two twin beds, but space enough to roll some blankets out onto the floor if you need to. There's no running water in the cabin, no refrigeration, no power. Cooking is restricted to the picnic table outside and you must haul in your own gas stove because fires and charcoal briquettes are not allowed.

For more information on reservations at Morton Peak Lookout, call the Big Bear Resort Association at 1-800-4-BIG-BEAR or visit www.bigbear.com.

Historic paddle-wheeler

Who can resist the charm of an early 20th-century riverboat - a true paddle-wheeler that once offered prohibition-era drinking, jazz bands and gambling for its fun-loving passengers? Fortunately there's no need to travel to the Mississippi - and no, we're not talking Disneyland. The Delta King awaits your exploration dockside in Old Sacramento.

Just like passengers back in the 1920s, today's guests enjoy enchanting river views, great food and drink and a cozy stateroom unlike any other accommodation you may have experienced. But unlike those early passengers, you will have to be content with scenery that remains pretty constant. The Delta King isn't going anyplace anytime soon.

But then it doesn't need to. This historic 285-foot boat is docked along the Old Sacramento riverfront which, today, has been turned into a hip collection of good restaurants, eclectic shops and trendy night spots that draw millions of tourists and local residents alike.

The Delta King and her identical twin, the Delta Queen, were christened in 1927, the same year that the vessels began voyages between San Francisco and Sacramento. The elegance and craftsmanship are apparent the moment one enters the lobby area where the rich red oak paneling and fixtures create an impression of opulence. The dining room, too, has that feeling of classic comfort, and a wide stairway and oak banisters bring to mind those images of the grand stairway in the Titanic.

We found the rooms to be small, but no smaller than expected for a stateroom on board an authentic riverboat. Our room had a queen bed on one side, a single bed on the other, and a tiny bathroom - with an unusual six-foot high toilet tank -- in the middle. Color TV with cable was available on the queen bed side.

For history buffs, Old Sacramento also has a number of museums including the California State Railroad Museum, the California Military Museum, Discovery Museum History Center, the Old Sacramento Interpretive Center, the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum.

For more information on the Delta King, phone 1-800-825-5464 or go to www.deltaking.com.

Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer specializing in California and the Pacific Northwest. He maintains two websites, http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .

Discovering the hidden Tuscany: Lunigiana and the Magra Valley

2008-11-21T14:35:00.000-08:00

Discovering the hidden Tuscany: Lunigiana and the Magra Valley

A delightfully undiscovered and unspoiled area in the hills of northern Tuscany, Lunigiana extends along the course of the Magra River at the borders with Emilia Romagna and Liguria. Due to its geographic position, Lunigiana is in many ways distinct from the rest of Tuscany and the locals still talk of "going to Tuscany." when they have to travel off the valley to reach Florence or other areas of the region

The Lunigiana gets its name from the port of Luni, established by the Romans at the mouth of the Magra River as a trading place for the marble coming from the nearby Apuan Alps quarries. The remains of this settlement can still be seen near the city of Sarzana but historic sites are not restricted to Roman ruins as the Lunigiana is scattered with castles, parish churches and walled villages built in medieval times all along the pilgrim route known as Via Francigena.

Pontremoli is the principal town and northern gateway of Lunigiana. It is a well-preserved medieval town in a scenic setting. Above the town is a restored castle with a museum of prehistoric stele statues. Pontremoli is known as the "City of the Books" because it has been housing a book market since 1458, at the very beginning of the printing industry.

Located halfway between Pontremoli and Villafranca. Filattiera is the ancient capital of the Malaspina, the family that ruled the area starting from High Middle Ages. The church of St. George and the defence tower of the 15th century castle are worth a visit. At the foot of the village, the Parish Church of Sorano is an important example of Romanesque architecture. The Pieve hosts a pre-Christian idol, while recent restoration works have brought back to the light traces of medieval frescoes.

Unlike the other villages of the region, Filetto is based on a squared Roman castrum plan with entry to the Byzantine village only possible through its two fortified doors at the opposite sides. Every summer Filetto relives the magic of ancient times with its Medieval Market which brings the whole village to life in the first two weeks of August. During the market one can experience the taste of 'a Medieval Banquet' accompanied with performances in the cloister of the old monastery.

Found in the lower course of the Magra River, Fosdinovo is the last village of Lunigiana before reaching the sea. Its imposing castle, perhaps the best preserved of Lunigiana, welcomes the visitors at their arrival. The fortress is still owned by the heirs of the Malaspina family that built it between the XIII and XIV century. The atmosphere is one of borderlands: you can almost smell the sea without forgetting the mountains behind.

Located on the south-western slopes of Appennines not far from the Cerreto Pass, Fivizzano was considered the "Florence of Lunigiana", because it was the locality where the Medici family was mostly present. Sitting along the Rosaro River, Fivizzano is rich with baroque palaces, churches and fortified walls. On a nerby hill the castle of the Verrucola, with its great tower and the medieval suburb at its feet. is certainly worth a visit.

Each summer Fivizzano celebrates the traditional gastronomy of the region with the Sapori festival. Since Lunigiana is famous for its dishes and the quality of its food, this is your best chance to enjoy some of the local specialties. You simply can't leave before having tried the "torta d'erbi" (a savoury wild herbs and vegetables flan) or the testaroli, an unusual type of fresh pasta made from an eggless dough that is first cooked like a crepe and then briefly plunged into boiling water before serving (usually topped with pesto sauce).

This article is part of a series meant to describe some travel itineraries in the lesser known areas of Tuscany. You can find similar articles covering the Casentino Valley, Lower Maremma and the smaller islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Born in the USA, but happily ensconced in the Island of Elba since 2001, Bob McCormack is a freelance writer with a very special passion for food and wine. His Elba travel articles and Tuscany hotels and restaurants reviews have appeared in numerous national and international publications.
http://www.visitelba.com

Furnace Creek Inn brings luxury to Death Valley

2008-11-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

Furnace Creek Inn brings luxury to Death Valley

It is said that Death Valley gets 1.8 inches of rainfall each year and, in our fist visit to this "parched" landscape, it felt like we got it all on our first day. It was enough, anyway, to wash out a bridge and require us to take a 40-mile detour just to get to Furnace Creek.

So much for the image. We don't remember Ronald Reagan saying anything about rain when he hosted the Death Valley Days TV show all those years.

Of course, the timing of our trip was just luck of the draw, and there's no doubt that most people will enjoy a "normal" Death Valley adventure in which they'll experience hot, sunny weather most of the time. In summer, the operative word is hot - as hot as the record high of 134 degrees - which is why winter is an ideal time to enjoy a near-Death Valley experience in the 70's or 80's.

For our November visit, we drove to Death Valley by heading north from Las Vegas and, as best as we could tell, this seemed to be the easiest route into the Valley. In theory, Furnace Creek is just 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. But the bridge washout changed all that and sent us further north and then back down into the Valley on a different, longer route.

And so our first exposure to Death Valley was a little disconcerting as we traveled in darkness and rain, making our way along a stretch of narrow, sometimes winding, two-lane roadway that certainly seemed like a road less traveled - hardly another car in sight for 40 miles. Eventually we arrived at Furnace Creek where water was standing on many of the roadways and rain continued to fall from the heavens.

With great relief, we at last found our destination: the Furnace Creek Inn. Just like the desert oasis that the Furnace Creek area is reputed to be, the inn became our "oasis" from the downpour and a long afternoon of driving.

The Furnace Creek Inn is an upscale, historic hotel was opened in 1927. Originally just a small resort, the adobe bricks were hand-made by local Native Americans, and the resort was built on a hill with panoramic views of Death Valley and the 11,000-foot mountains nearby. By 1935, the hotel had 66 rooms altogether and was on its way to attracting larger numbers of tourists to this unusual destination.

After a restful sleep in our well-appointed suite, we awakened to a different Death Valley. Gone were the storm clouds and rain, and taking their place were rays of peek-a-boo sunshine which added warm colors and sparkle to what clearly was a magnificent desert landscape. It was as if Nature was illuminating the desert, the rock formations and the surrounding mountains with a set of stage lights that changed the coloration with each passing cloud.

Experiencing this for the first time, we could understand why Death Valley has captured the hearts of so many visitors who sense an almost spiritual connection with this land. If someone suggests you should get your head examined for going to a place called "Death" Valley, the truth is this just might be a place to get your head straight. It's completely unique.

We hopped in the car and drove into Furnace Creek to look around a bit. The Borax Museum does a great job of telling the story of those early miners who found large deposits of borax - used in fiberglass, detergents and other products - which were hauled to Mojave on huge wagons pulled by teams of 20 mules. For us baby boomers, the old Death Valley Days television show will forever link Death Valley with Borax and those darned mule teams.

The museum is located in the Furnace Creek Ranch, where you'll find accommodations that are less expensive than the inn and a little more family-oriented. The ranch includes 224 recently refurbished rooms as well as several restaurants. A large RV park is located in the area and, nearby is an 18-hole golf course where it is said golf balls don't react the way they usually do to gravity - believe it or not, the valley's elevation 200 feet below sea level affects gravity and barometric pressure.

There is a lot to see up and down the valley - after all, Death Valley National Park consists of 3.3 million acres. Just in case you wondered, there are 900 species of plants, six types of fish, five amphibians, 36 reptiles and 51 mammals that are native to the region. And that's not counting the 346 species of birds that migrate through the area.

Just south of the Furnace Creek Inn is the "Artist's Drive," an eight-mile stretch of road that takes you through washes and mud hills with fascinating colors and natural rock formations. A little further south is Badwater, one of the most visited spots in Death Valley and the area's lowest elevation - 282 feet below sea level. This pool of water is said to have a salt content five times what you find in most seawater.

North from Furnace Creek are the sand dunes, which can raise up to 85 feet in height and are forever changing. If you walk on the dunes today, your footprint will be gone tomorrow.

One of the most popular stops in Death Valley is Scotty's Castle, about 55 miles north from Furnace Creek. The story goes that Walter "Scotty" Scott convinced Chicago millionaire Albert Johnson to build a Moorish castle - although some wonder if Scotty discovered a secret gold mine that financed the construction. In any event, the result you see today is a castle with more than eight buildings, all housing beautiful furnishings and spectacular tile work created by a variety of artisans. In fact, many of the rooms at Scotty's Castle include the original décor. Among the items still on display is the Welte pipe organ with its more than 1,221 pipes, some up to 16 feet in length.

About 25 miles north of Furnace Creek is Stovepipe Wells where you can explore many historic trails. This became an important stopping point for settlers in the Old West because the well here provided water for these travelers to continue their journey.

Throughout Death Valley you'll find spectacular salt formations. The Devil's Golf Course is one particular area to see these unusual shapes - the salt formations there are shaped like pyramids pointing toward the sky.

In between drives to explore the valley, we made time to just relax and enjoy the Furnace Creek Inn. With spectacular, carefully manicured grounds and an expansive swimming pool that is heated year-round, the inn could be located anywhere and be an attraction unto itself. We enjoyed the many meandering pathways through the groves of palm trees, as well as the many different viewpoints the property has of Death Valley. Tennis courts were at the ready. Horseback riding was nearby.

The rooms and suites at the Furnace Creek Inn include high quality furnishings and antiques that seem to mirror the historic and ornate hotel lobby. A fine dining room and restaurant are on property and the feeling you take away from the resort is one of elegance and charm - quite frankly, not exactly the image we had of Death Valley.

But then again, no one talks much about the rain at Death Valley, either.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Death Valley is in the southeastern part of California, about 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Driving to the Valley eastward from Highway 395 can be an arduous journey, but there are other options. We recommend that you visit the Furnace Creek Inn website at www.furnacecreekresort.com for specific driving directions from several different starting points.

WHAT: Death Valley is famous for its extremely hot weather and low elevation, and also for the hardships early settlers endured while traveling through the valley. Today, Death Valley National Park showcases much of the area's unique natural beauty.

WHEN: Any time of year, but to avoid super-hot temperatures, visit during the winter months.

WHY: Great beauty, unusual land formations, surprisingly good accommodations.

HOW: For more information on Furnace Creek Inn and Ranch, phone (760) 786-2345 or visit www.furnacecreekresort.com.

Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer specializing in California and the Pacific Northwest. He maintains two websites, http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .

Come Visit Alabama Soon

2008-11-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

Come Visit Alabama Soon

If you are traveling in a group then come to Elk River resort in Alabama USA.

It has everything from a full Kitchen, Linen and Towels making it an ideal place for big treats, reunions and other group outings. Fishing Boats are also available on rent.

Wheeler Dam is a fisherman's delight with rustic Cabins. Motor along the Lake and grab a luxury lunch in the luxury surroundings. Dock your Boat right next to the Resort Lodge or glide along the River with the help of Wind only. You can enjoy Fishing, play Tennis, go Swimming or play Golf. Just stroll along the banks of Wheeler Lake and discover paradise.

If you just have a day time outing then come to Bladon Springs State Park where you can see Sulfur Water Springs and with some basic facilities.

Located in Huntsville is the Monte Sano State Park established in 1935. This 2140 acres land combines the history of Civilian Conservation Corps with the latest technology of Space. Just stroll along the Japanese garden or visit Space & Rocket Centre and ride a Space Station in the afternoon.

Desoto State Park is a lush 5067 acres along the River Little. It has great waterfalls fragrance of lots of wildflowers and spectacular Green range of Mountains.

In Spring time the moment you come out of your Cabin and stroll along the River banks you get a fresh aroma of the new growth of hot Pink Rhododendrons. During the summer mornings tie a Canoe to the roof of your car and head straight into the Little River and watch its falls.

In winter the light snow turns your early morning hike to a walk through a beautiful & magical Kingdom. You can also ski down the slopes.

In October the air turns crisp and you can enjoy the fire in your Lodge room. Pick up a Camera and stroll along the beautiful trails that have fully Green and Natural surroundings.

The highest peak in the State is on Cheaha Mountain and on its peak is Cheaha State Park exhibiting stunning scenery the year around. You can see a spectacular Sunset while enjoying your drinks from your room in the Lodge. You also hear the gurgling sound of a Stream from your front porch. The late afternoon Sun sets everything ablaze, even the water.

You head for rocks that are perched on the Mountain's edge. You get perched on a cushion with your back against a huge Grey boulder. A perfect view for watching the Sunset.

If you want to explore the underground wealth of Nature, come to Rickwood Caverns State Park, a miracle mile of underground beauty. The millions years old Limestone formations, underground pools and Blind Cave Fish is one of the best underground Natural beauty in the world. Camping areas and an Olympic size pool is also there.

Lake Lurleen State Park, named after the only Lady State Governor, Lurleen B. Wallace, is a 1625 acre Park is a scenic Lakeside resort. You can bring or rent a Boat and go to this beautiful 250 acre Lake.

To the North of Linden, the Chicksaw State Park's 520 acres provides a good Campsite, good Barbeque grilling pavilion, Hiking trails, perfect Picnic areas and a very shallow pool for kids. A great area for group outings.

Just two miles North of Grove Oak is the Buck's Pocket State Park is located in the pocket of the Appalachian Mountains. These 2000 acres of Park has lots of hiking trails. This naturalist's dream Park offers Fishing & Boating, just a few miles away at Morgan Cove on Lake Guntersville. A Campsite is also provided.

Blue Spring State Park is a few miles East of Clio with Crystal clear underground Spring. Its swimming pool is the Centre of attraction of this 103 acre Park. Picnic shelters, tables, Tennis Grounds, Playgrounds, Comfort Stations and Grills are also available.

At Guntersville State Park the Sun shines through the tree's leaves and a gentle breeze brushes past your face. Early in the morning you can try to find the American Bald Eagles, which spend winters in the Park. With its 5900 acres of ridge tops and meadows, its raw nature at its best. The Park's reservoir is a spectacular view from the little Mountain. The Lake is wonderful for Fishing, Swimming and other Water Sports activities.

Some miles towards South from Birmingham Oak Mountain State Park which is spread over 9940 acres is full of Pine-studded ridges and lush Green Valleys. The Park offers Cottages, improved Camping, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Backpacking, Horse Riding and Boarding facilities. With such a large outdoor area it provides lots of activities for the whole family.

Paul M. Grist State Park is just some miles from Selma on the Northern side. It is 1080 acre Park with Camping, Boat launch, Fishing and Swimming on its 100 acre Lake.

If you want to spend some time near the water, angle for large-mouth bass on Lake Eufaula, the largest in the world, come to Lakepoint Resort State Park. In this Green Park you can drive an 18 hole Golf Course, a hot Tennis match or cool off with a dip in the Swimming Pool. The kids can enjoy killing the aliens in the Video Games room.

Right next to it is the National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy the Wildlife in a jungle like Refuge.

Visit Alabama soon !

Dev P. thinks a Visit to the USA is money well spent for UK Tourists.
http://www.london-airport-shuttle.co.uk/index.html

You Must Visit Wales, UK

2008-11-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Lake Garda

2008-11-19T17:22:00.000-08:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Lake Garda

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider Lake Garda located mostly in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn't stop you from going. With a little effort you should be able to find some relatively untouched spots. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Como district. While people often think of Lake Garda as being part of Lombardy that is not entirely true. This beautiful lake spills over into the neighboring regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto.

Riva del Garda is the area's best-known resort and is less expensive than many competitors. You'll find a castle with a moat. Its Civic Museum is part of a medieval fortress on the lake. The Thirteenth Century Apponale Tower defended the city from invaders and held prisoners. Look for Riva del Garda's symbol, Anzolin, the little angel on the top of the tower.

Gargnano, population about three thousand, is great for fishing, snorkeling, and sailing. The town's major attraction is the Cloister of Saint Francis and its bell tower.

Gardone Riviera, population twenty-five hundred, is best known for the mansion The Shrine of Italian Victories and the major Fascist Italian writer Gabriele d'Annunzio who lived there from 1922 until 1938. Be sure to visit the relatively small Botanical Garden Andre Heller with thousands of exotic Alpine, Mediterranean, and subtropical plants.

The little town of Salo, population ten thousand, was the capital of Mussolini's Nazi-backed puppet state, the Italian Social Republic. Its main sights include a Fifteenth Century Cathedral, the Sixteenth Century Palace of the Magnificent Fatherland with a historical museum, and a Palace hosting an archeological museum. Every Saturday morning there is a great outdoor market.

Bardolino, population about six thousand, sits on Lake Garda's eastern shore. It's the biggest resort on the lake with numerous shops and historical sights. Bardolino's main claim to fame is its wine. Every fall it hosts a Grape Cure Festival.

Fish forms a major part of the local cuisine. Indigenous fish include the rare Lake Garda carp, whitefish, and lake trout. Increase your dining pleasure by including local wines with your meal. The best-known wine comes from east of the lake near Bardolino, part of Veneto. Wines are produced all along Lake Garda. See which one you like best.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.

Luxury Tours to Paris and the Riviera

2008-11-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

Luxury Tours to Paris and the Riviera

If you are looking for the best luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera, it is important that know what to look for, and to be certain that you will be visiting the right places. Everybody knows about the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysées, even if they can't pronounce it, but how about Saint Chapelle, which Louis IX had built to hold a piece of the true cross and Jesus' crown of thorns? Or the busy open street market on the Rue Mouffetard, known locally as La Mouffe, where just about every house and shop number on the street has a story to tell?

It is places like that which can easily be missed, and with them many of the real attractions of Paris, including the Latin Quarter, the artistic Left Bank and Montmartre (named after the hill it surrounds), the only real village left in Paris. You have to be careful with your choice of tour company if you are not be stuck with nothing more than the popular tourist attractions in Paris and miss the real city.

Most people don't get the opportunity to visit France very often, so not only is it important to visit the right places in Paris, but also to check out some of the other delights that France has to offer, and there are luxury tours available to Paris and the Riviera available that enable you to make the best of your visit to Europe. The French Riviera, known to the French as the Côte d'Azure, is the playground of Europe, where the jet set spend much of their time (and their money).

You should visit Cannes, famous for its film festival, and also pay a trip to Golfe Juan, situated between Cannes and Juan les Pins, where Napoleon stayed when he escaped from Elba, prior to raising an army and marching off to meet his Waterloo and eventual imprisonment on St. Helena. Nice is also on the French Riviera, and you can't possibly visit that part of the world without a visit to Monaco, driving round the famous Grand Prix street circuit and chancing your luck on the tables at Monte Carlo.

There is a lot more to Monaco than just the world-famous beaches and casinos, however. There is the Prince's Palace, home of the royal family, and where Grace Kelly used to reside when she was Princess here. If you like architecture, the Grand Casino and Paris Opera House are sheer architectural wonders, and for the historically minded there are Monaco Cathedral and the Napoleon Museum, while the Oceanographic Museum is also worth visiting.

Such a vacation is the holiday of a lifetime, and you don't want your luxury tour to Paris and the Riviera spoiled by poor accommodation and travel, or by unexpected costs for which you might not have budgeted. It is important, therefore, that you make sure that your vacation is all inclusive, even down to free baggage handling at your hotels.

Air travel should be at least business class, and TGV rail travel first class. Your hotels should also be of superior quality, as should your transfers to and from the hotels. A trip to Paris should be one of the highlights of your life, and by including the Riviera on your itinerary, you will make sure that this is the case. Many vacation packages leave you a little disappointed at the end, but if you plan properly and choose the right tours and resorts, organized by some of the most experienced vacation planners in the world, you should have a trip to remember.

However, for the ultimate in luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera, you want personal attention. Not just the attention that a tour guide gives to you and the rest in your group, but to you and your partner personally. You want luxury tours that are designed for two people, and that offer personal limousine travel. You want your own car, your own driver and your own guide, your own tour round Paris, Cannes and Monte Carlo, and your own dinner table with the flexibility to rearrange timings to meet your personal needs, not those of the majority.

That is true luxury, and if you can't live better while away from home, then why bother leaving? That's the type of vacation you should be looking around for, so keep that in mind when searching for luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera.

If you are seeking luxury tours to Paris and the Riviera that offer you personal service, business class flights and first class rail travel, try http://www.ultitude.com , where you will find tours to Paris that are designed just for you and your partner, offering the highest quality accommodation and cuisine in addition to trips to Cannes, Nice and Monte Carlo.

Croatia - A Mediterranean Jewel for Active Holidays

2008-11-19T17:19:00.000-08:00

Croatia - A Mediterranean Jewel for Active Holidays

The Croatian National Tourist Office is reporting that many visitors are now choosing the country for a really authentic Mediterranean experience on the fine Adriatic Coast. These visitors are also discovering the medieval hilltop villages in the country's Istria region, and the green hinterland of Dalmatia as well as the country's established National Parks. Everywhere, the country offers a variety of holiday ideas for those looking for a beach, but also want to be active on holiday. Here are a few of the highlights of a holiday in Croatia.

A popular option for visitors who want an all-round introduction to the culture of the country, is a two-centre holiday starting in the capital Zagreb. Zagreb is a great cultural centre with a fine mix of museums, theatres, shops and parkland, and with less than 2 hours flying time from southern UK airports, is a popular arrival point.

A few days here can be combined with a longer stay at the well-known Kvarner Riviera, but also for example at the upcoming north-eastern region of Slavonia which has the Kopa ki Rit nature reserve (ideal bird-watching territory) and acres of wine-producing landscape where excellent local wines match heartily with local cuisine. Exciting to see also are the Lipizzaner horses of Djakovo.

For hikers and cyclists, the mountains of Gorski Kotar in the north offer great opportunities. Europe's last great mammal - the brown bear - can be seen here. Also in this region are the islands of Losinj, Krk, Rab and Cres where the rare griffon vulture flies in beautiful unspoilt scenes.

The Dalmatian coast is probably the best-known area of Croatia, but now for UK visitors, new direct flights to Zodar mean that the northern areas of the Dalmatian coast are more accessible, including the amazing Kornati archipelago which is a National Park with all amenities, and is a gateway to five of Coatia's eight such parks.

Many special interest operators are now offering new inland programmes, including food and wine tours, bird watching trips as well as historical and cultural tours to all such regions.

With new motorways completed, and with regular year-round flights from Gatwick and Heathrow to Zagreb by Croatia Airlines amongst others, those with a few days to spare and an independent spirit can easily hire a car and be in Croatia's Kvarner Riviera resorts less than 2 hours from landing. Indeed hiring a car and enjoying a leisurely, independent view of Croatia's varied landscapes is a choice which is growing in acceptance as the country opens up once again to its new waves of visitors.

Meantime, as Croatia is outside the Eurozone, UK holidaymakers are likely to find excellent self-catering deals, and excellent value in restaurants and bars, where spending-money goes a lot further than in Eurozone Mediterranean areas.

Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church writes for several Travel Companies in the UK, including Airport parking specialist AIrport Parking Offers UK who offer a wide variety of airport parking and hotel arrangements for UK travellers. Airport Parking at discount prices can be found at http://www.airport-parking-offers.com

Popular Vacation Spots

2008-11-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

Popular Vacation Spots
By Ronald W. Firquain

As one of the top popular vacation spots, Atlantis Beach is a place where adults can enjoy golfing, snorkeling, and other outdoor activities. There is a little out of the ordinary. Finding top travel resorts can be even more difficult since there are so many offers. If you want to combine both fun activities and education consider Williamsburg, Virginia. Any of these would be a great choice for your next getaway. This is one of the family places pretentious travelers will love. This resort, offers both golf and tennis courses as well as a marina. You can get a help guide you can choose from. Choosing the right destination from among all the available traveling places is undoubtedly the most important decision of all. Choose to visit Snowbird Resort in Snowbird Utah of the many ones you are offered if you are a winter vacation lover.

And there are a lot of factors to take into consideration if you really want everyone to have a tremendous time. Disney World Florida including all of its fun family entertainment and it is open year round too. And each one of them offering the perfect view to take pictures of. They have something to offer to every tourist who comes here. Like in any other country famous for its vacations, there are a lot of places to visit and see in this country. This landlocked country, being surrounded by Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile, has come to know its own shares of tourists and vacationers who want to experience what Bolivia has to offer.

There really is something for everyone, and it has one of the very top island Vacations, but if you arrive by yacht there are restaurants and bars to suit all pockets and tastes. Outlined here are some of the best Acapulco inclusive Mexico resorts you can find in this resort city of dramatic sunsets. And in the Caribbean they accept US dollars. Discover vacations that are closer to home when you want to get away from the cold weather. Parents drop their children of at an amusement park for hours at a time. But there are some tips for Disney World that can save you hundreds of dollars. Some of the most beautiful vacationing spot in the world are in Spanish speaking countries, Barcelona, Argentina and hundreds of other spots make a great destination. Going on a trip that can be secluded and quiet. And you do not know of that may be just what the family ordered.

There are a number of resorts that are very popular for singles, or those who just want to make a few new friends. How it can cater to each and every member of the family interest. Looking for romantic travel to spend some quality and romantic time with your loved one? Sometimes people will not rent out their vacationers spot for various reasons, but do not mind doing so if the tenant is a trusted acquaintance of a friend. There are a lot of beautiful places that you will want to go in order to share it will someone special. The islands are popular all year, but are year round attractions for bird watchers and nature lovers. Due to varied nature of human tastes and widely scattered across the globe, Internet may be the only and the fastest medium to book rentals, airline tickets or hotels in real time. Since Disney Land and Disney World are so hot, there is always a good deal to be found for a bargain hunter whether you travel during peak seasons or not.

You will find that you can have the comfort of home and the comfort of being in paradise. Even though the US has some hot trips it is worth checking out some new culture now and again. There are well over fifty distinctive islands to choose from with some of them, like the Bahamas, having dozens of islands themselves. Barony Beach is one of the most choice in the world with many leisure activities and great weather for most of the year. One of my favorite is Toronto, Canada. Nevada is a place unlike many other in that there is something going on at all times. While it is certainly unfortunate, are either designed and built for children or for adults almost never for both. Maui is one of the world most famous travel because of its beautiful beaches and landscapes. These hits are products or services, entertainment locales or vacation spots, shopping malls or specialty stores that enjoy puzzling immediate popularity.

The only problem with choosing is that everyone else does as well. Since it offers year round great weather, fishing has really caught on around the world. More often than not, prices are higher than what you will find in your local grocer. Do you recommend that Directors visit the referenced in order to make personal recommendations? Restaurants, movies, music, news, the weather, traffic, favorite for the tourist and other things that you can use as small talk topics of conversation. One of my favorite is sunny Florida. These days, Greenland is one of the favorite for nature lovers of the world. Aruba in Aruba is one of the ten popular islands for cruise passengers. American Express Vacations affirms one of the most popular for adventure travelers is Mammoth, California. Tips and ideas to have a perfect tourist trips choosing the right Location not all vacation spots can offer the types of entertainment that your kids would be interested in.

Ronald W. Firquain is a auto mechanic, musician, Arabian horse owner for 20 years, writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 18 years of computer experience. travel tips

Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com

Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free, Low Cost Airport Parking

2008-11-18T13:37:00.001-08:00

Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free, Low Cost Airport Parking

These days of low costs flights offer fantastic savings for those able or willing to book in advance. Tickets to European destinations are now regularly available for less than the price of a meal out. And so it becomes increasing bizarre to find that the costs of parking at the departure airport for a few days or a couple of weeks can be actually much more expensive than the cost of the flight itself. But there are ways to keep these costs in check.

On-site parking at the airport is usually the most expensive option: so do you really have to park on-site? If so (and the convenience cannot be denied) then the best option is to book well in advance. In the same way as booking the flight in advance saves money, so also with car parking. Companies such as Airport Parking Offers or Holiday Parking UK actually have specific advance booking options for many onsite airport car parks.

However, if early booking is not possible, and you are looking for the best price, then off-site airport car parks are most definitely the best option. Most UK airports now have a proliferation of choice - and there are many online airport parking websites to cater for this demand, as well as several airport parking price comparison sites. Search on "compare airport parking" in any search engine will yield a number of these.

But of course, price isn't everything. It is important to have the peace of mind that your car will be properly looked after. The best advice therefore is to look for a company that has Park Mark accreditation. Park Mark is run by the British Parking Association and shows that a company has met all the standards required of its Safer Parking Scheme, which operates throughout Britain. The "Park Mark" logo ( a blue sign with a large white tick). This award and endorsement is given to safe, well-lit areas which have been inspected by the police as secure against trespassers.

An ideal way to save money on parking, as well as making the whole experience of getting to the check-in desk on time, is to consider an Airport Hotel. Again, these can be booked via many airport parking websites, with prices which include special bulk-buying discounts which these operators enjoy and can pass on, and which also include free car parking for the duration of the holiday. This can often work out at the same or similar prices to airport parking alone, with the added benefit of a good nights rest before the holiday.

Also, of course, this option is very useful for those late return flights. A great idea is to leave the car with the hotel, and pick it up on your return from holiday, after a nights rest at the hotel, a good breakfast and a relaxed drive home.

Jimi St. Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church writes for several Travel Companies in the UK, including Airport parking specialist http://www.airport-parking-offers.com who offer a wide variety of airport parking and hotel arrangements for UK travellers.

Catalina is ideal daytrip from Southern California mainland

2008-11-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Catalina is ideal daytrip from Southern California mainland

Boarding the Catalina Express at Dana Point, we have the feeling we're going to escape Southern California traffic and congestion in VERY short order. We are right. Within minutes, we're "at sea" in the channel between Los Angeles and Catalina Island - no horns honking, no crawling along the freeway and no worries.

We're on our way to Avalon, the picturesque little town built near the southern tip of Catalina Island. It's just a 75-minute ride from the dock at Dana Point, and even a shorter distance from other points closer to L.A. Our slight trepidation about potential seasickness quickly evaporates as we see how well our sleek craft cuts through the moderate waves on what will become a perfect sunny Southern California day.

Along the way we see merchant vessels as well as a half-dozen or so 30-odd-foot pleasure craft obviously rigged for fishing and congregating at what must be a prime fishing ground. Later, to the port side we run a race with dozens of dolphins who seem intent on showing that anything man can do, they can do better.

Arriving in Avalon, the colorful, ornate - and, yes, expensive -- homes arrayed on hillsides and mountain tops combine with the myriad of boats and other sea-going vessels to create the impression we have just been transported to the French Riviera. Not bad considering a roundtrip ticket on the Express was only about 45 bucks and when all is said and done, we'll be home tonight for dinner.

But it's obvious from the gear being packed off the Express that there are many more overnighters than daytrippers. On this particular voyage, the hold is chock-full of suitcases, packs, tents, coolers and everything that would allow one to wander off and get to know the island upclose and personal.

For us it's a quick diversion from the rat race. We soon get our bearings on Crescent Street, the aptly-named street that follows the contour of the harbor. About six streets intersect with Crescent, all heading mauka (island-speak for "toward the mountains"). It's in this tiny little grid that you find most of the shops, restaurants and other tourist services.

We're traveling as a family today - mom, dad and three-year-old - so it's a burger joint for lunch. But the burgers are tasty and quite reasonably priced. Those looking for finer dining and significantly higher prices will not be disappointed, judging from the menus posted as several fine restaurants.

On this warm summer day there is an abundance of families visiting with kids of all ages. But it's also not difficult to find couples holding hands or checking into one of several boutique inns, or frolicking in the unusually warm ocean. In fact, Catalina is one of those places that can pull off being a destination for both families and romantic couples. They peacefully co-exist on this little island, and neither experience seems negatively impacted by the other.

As Gwen Bronson explains, there are many opportunities for a couple to slip away on the island and do what romantics do. The many hotels and inns, just by themselves, are pretty darn romantic and, as Communications Director for the Catalina Chamber of Commerce, Gwen's doing her job to point that out. But she also suggests several romantic activities such as a sea kayaking up the coast. In a very short distance you will find a beach that is not accessible by anyone who does not have a boat.

"Just visit the market and pick up your picnic lunch first and go about a half hour up the coast," she says. "Ninety-nine percent of the time, you'll have the whole beach to yourself."

Or rent a golf cart and drive the many roads around Avalon - just $40 an hour. Horseback riding is always good for a romantic mood, as long as it doesn't create any physical limitations. Botanical gardens are here for communing with Nature.

Like most visitors to Catalina, we find plenty to keep us occupied for the day. We enjoy people-watching in the outdoor cafes and exploring the winding roadways that climb out of Avalon to spectacular views of the harbor. In general, we just soak up this island atmosphere, recognizing it may be a while longer before we get back to the real French Riviera or anywhere else in the world with such island charm.

Our day on the island goes by quickly and the trip back to Dana Point is a relaxing end to a perfect Southern California daytrip. We arrive home in the San Diego area refreshed, ready to tackle the work week -- ready to share stories about our daytrip to the "Riviera" and resolved to put "to sea" much more often.

AT A GLANCE

Where: Catalina Island is about 26 miles west of the L.A. area. There are four boat companies that service Catalina from seven ports in Orange and Los Angeles counties.

What: Catalina Island offers many recreational activities ranging from deep-sea fishing to horseback riding to hiking to snorkeling. There are also many attractions such as submarine rides and golf cart rentals.

When: Catalina is a great destination year-round, although the lowest prices are in the shoulder season, April-May and September-October. Most hotels offer lower prices then, but combo packages help reduce the overall cost of lodging and transportation any time of year. Several events are offered throughout the year, so check with the Chamber of Commerce for a listing.

Why: Catalina is close, easy to reach, incredibly picturesque and the perfect daytrip or getaway weekend for any living in or visiting Southern California.

How: Call the Catalina Chamber for a complete list of transportation and lodging options. Phone (310) 510-1520.

Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, publisher of http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .

Luxury Adventure Travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands

2008-11-16T11:10:00.001-08:00

Luxury Adventure Travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands

Nothing sounds more exotic or exciting than luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Let's take these one at a time and see what you would be getting if you indulged yourself with luxury adventure travel of this kind.

First the Galapagos Islands. Luxury adventure travel to the Galapagos Islands is following the footsteps of Charles Darwin and the Beagle, as he formulated his theory of evolution by studying the life forms on these islands, untainted by human hand for thousands of years. You can try to spot the blue-footed boobies waddling among the hundred year old 600 pound tortoises, or seek out the Amblyrhynchus, a three-foot long, iguana resembling a dinosaur that lives only on these islands.

You could make your initial stop to tour Quito, and have a look around one of the Indian markets nearby, such as the Saquisili Indian market, and buy a hand-made Panama hat - these are made in Ecuador, not Panama! Quito itself offers a great deal to the adventurer, and you will be able to straddle the equator - one foot in the northern and another in the southern hemisphere. Quito was destroyed by the Indians to prevent it being taken by Pissarro, and rebuilt by the Spanish colonialists.

Then take a business class flight on your first stage to tour the Galapagos Islands, and transfer to a luxury cruiser to visit Espanol Island, the first of the Galapagos Islands you will visit. Don't forget that this is luxury adventure travel to the Galapagos Islands, and that you should want for nothing: the best accommodations and personal attention.

After admiring the iguanas, which swim only at this island, cruise over to Santa Cruz, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station at Academy Bay, where you will check out the captive tortoise and iguana breeding centers. After crossing the equator, Genovesa Island can be very deceiving. The quietness of this volcanic area lulls you into a false sense of security, because you will shortly enter Darwin Bay and be assaulted by the sound of thousands of birds of many different types: boobies (both blue and red footed), Audubon's shearwaters, noddies and red billed tropicbirds among many others. This is an ornithologist's heaven.

Wreck Bay (I wonder how it got that name) on San Cristobal is the administrative capital of the Galapagos and you can fly from there back to Ecuador, connecting in Guayaquil for your flight to Lima. This is the start on the second part of your vacation: Luxury Adventure Travel to Machu Picchu. However, why rush it? Why not first have a look around some of the other places that Peru has to offer?

Take a trip to Cuzco: at three miles high, one of the highest cities in the world. Imagine your 100 meters time here! When you get this high, you have to take it easy or you could become ill, so let yourself acclimatize after your sea-level trip to the Galapagos Islands. Give it a day and then head off for a tour to Chincero in the Urubamba Sacred Valley, to learn something about the old ways of the Incas. Keep in mind that is a luxury vacation, and in keeping with that you should also visit La Cicciolina, which one of the best restaurants in this part of the world. Now you are ready for your luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu!

What better than a luxury train ride on the Hiram Bingham train to the lost city, enjoying champagne and a top class brunch on the way. It was Yale historian, Hiram Bingham, who brought Machu Picchu to the attention of the civilized world in 1911, and wrote his first book on his finding under the title "The Lost City of the Incas". In fact the city had been constructed around 1460, when the Inca Empire was at its peak, and it is believed that it was abandoned less than 100 years later due to an outbreak of smallpox killing most of the inhabitants.

Although many think it had ceremonial origins, current belief is that it was an estate of the Incan emperor, Pachacuti, and it is certainly not mentioned in any of the writings of the Spanish conquistadores. Whatever its purpose, this is an extraordinary city, totally invisible from below, and completely self-contained with its own springs and terraces devised to produce enough food to feed a large population. It also possesses baths, storage rooms, temples and around 150 houses.

It is not enough to travel this far and simply walk around the ruins, or those of them that you are permitted to visit. The ecosystem around the area is fascinating, and luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu would be incomplete without learning more about this cloud forest. For the botanist there are more than 372 species of orchid to enjoy, from the lady's slipper to tiny specimens needing a magnifying glass to appreciate.

Finally, when you return to Lima why not complete your luxury vacation and visit the Larco Herrera Museum, then take a private tour of the city, visiting both the modern and the old colonial areas of Lima.

You don't get to enjoy luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Island very often, and you want it to be a wonderful experience, so find a tour company that can offer you personal attention, and with planners that can offer you a personal vacation just for you and a partner. That is far better than joining 48 others, and enables you to enjoy true luxury vacation with luxury travel, accommodation and cuisine that you will remember forever.

If this itinerary excites you, then check out how to arrange your own luxury adventure travel to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands, with travel and accommodation for two only, at http://www.ultitude.com and enjoy the luxury vacation of a lifetime.

Car Rental Charges - Know Exactly What You Are Paying For

2008-11-15T13:34:00.001-08:00

Car Rental Charges - Know Exactly What You Are Paying For
Copyright © 2008 John Nolan

When planning a vacation car rental is the most convenient option of getting around, especially so if you are able to research and secure a good deal in advance. However, always make sure that there are no hidden costs and bear these points in mind when booking your car. As long as you know exactly how much your car is going to cost you can make sure you get the very best from your holiday.

Airport Fees - Many rental cars will allow you to pick up the car straight from the airport. However, it is also common to charge a fee for the convenience and you should be careful to make sure that your car rental quote includes this cost.

Additional Drivers - If there will be more than one driver, including your partner, then you may pay a small daily fee, though some companies will provide this for free.

Young or Mature Drivers - If you would like a young driver or a mature one to drive on holiday you should note that many car rental companies will charge extra for the privilege. It is common to charge for those under 24 or above 70 due to insurance costs. Not all companies will charge you more, however, so do some research beforehand and factor this in.

Fuel - There are various policies when it comes to the fuel you will need, and this is not included in the rental price. Some companies will require you to pick the car up full and return it full, others will request that it contains the same amount as when you picked it up, or other will let you return in empty.

Equipment - You may require extra equipment, such as child seats or GPS, which could cost you a small extra fixed fee for each rental. You could also choose to save money by bringing your own equipment if possible.

One Way Rental - This is a convenient option but often more expensive depending on the return location.

Out of Hours - If you pick up or drop of is out of hours you may also be charged an additional fee.

Collision Damage Waiver - This is an important aspect of your car rental and means that you are not responsible to pay for any damage to the car. However, make sure you know if there is an excess charge to pay in the event of any damage. This may be an optional part of the cost of your car rental, but can save you hundreds in the long run if there is any damage.

When you go on holiday it is important that you are relaxed and that you have enough money to enjoy yourself. Don't throw your money away on needless car rental costs. Just follow these simple instructions to make sure you know exactly what you will have to pay for so that you can factor this into your holiday budget. Always read the fine print, and make sure that you plan ahead to get the best deals available.

learn more about great travel ideas.
http://www.summertriptravel.com
and cheap air tickets - car rental directory.
http://www.gotobesttravel.com

Travel and Adventure Jobs

2008-11-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

Travel and Adventure Jobs

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure." - Helen Keller

I want to open your eyes a bit to the wonderful opportunities the world has to offer. Other than spending 8-plus hours a day in a tiny cubicle, slaving away at something you hate, there are scores of things that you can do to make money in exciting, adventurous ways.

For most of these jobs you don't need to be young or physically fit. You don't need to have special training, or training that is not easily acquired. You just need to realize that they're there and go and get 'em.

There are jobs that pay you to travel. There are jobs that give you free room and board. There are jobs that take you sailing, horse-back riding, mountain-hiking and to exotic islands. There are even jobs that pay you to dine at fancy restaurants.

The list of exciting travel and adventure jobs that are available to you is almost limitless. You can literally pick and choose what excites you the most. And if in the rare case your dream-job doesn't exist - you can create it.

Did you know that:

There are literally thousands of commercial fishing companies in Alaska that are always looking for new employees. Most of them will pay for your round-trip airfare from Seattle to Alaska, give you free room and board and pay you $2,000 to $10,000 a month (with experience you could earn even more).

English teachers are in high demand around the world. Institutes and private individuals will pay you just for showing people something that you already know. Usually, no special certificates are required (you don't even need to speak the local language), and you can make $200 a day by teaching English as a foreign language. Teach in Tailand, Japan, Brazil - wherever.

You can buy highly-prized items for dirt-cheap in countries around the globe, then sell them for huge profits. (Gold jewelry could cost you $100, you sell it for $1,000, earing you a profit of $900). One of the best ways to sell these items is through online auctions like eBay - and if you do it right you'll be able to run your auction business from anywhere in the world.

There are humanitarian organizations, like the Peace Corps, that pay for your room and board, and give you a monthly income. You'll be able to travel to foreign lands, help people, and get paid for it.

Your travel photographs are worth $$$. There are several places online (check out Shutterstock.com and iStock.com) where you can post your pictures. Every single time one of your pictures gets downloaded, you earn a commssion. Once a picture is posted it stays there for as long as you like, and you continue to earn residual income from it, from anywhere in the world. Imagine how much you could earn each month with 1,000 pictures posted on several different sites.

Countless websites, magazines, newspapers and trade journals want your travel stories. When you write about your travel experiences these publications pay you for it. Also, when you show restaurants, tour agencies and hotels your writing credentials, they will often give you a big discount on their services.

Wildfires spring-up during the hot, summer months. They threaten forests, wildlife and homes. The people that fight these fires get room, board and travel expenses paid for. Plus, they get paid their standard hourly-wage, overtime pay, time and a half pay, and even hazard pay. Wildland firefighters consistently make thousands of dollars every week.

I could go on, but I think you get the idea. There is absolutely no reason at all to stay in a boring, unfulfilling job that you hate when so many fun, exciting and adventurous opportunities are out there.

Life should be an adventure. There are scores of adventurous job opportunities waiting for you to take advantage of them. So why wait? Get started today.

Permanent Paid Vacations. "You're About To Discover The Secrets Of Traveling The World For Less Than It Costs To Stay At Home And How To Get Paid For It..."
http://www.lonewolfadventure.net/

Truly Living in Ko Olina

2008-11-13T15:07:00.000-08:00

Truly Living in Ko Olina

Imagine yourself lying in a luxuriously soft bed, completely relaxed and letting your senses open up to the world around you. You hear waves quietly breaking on the sugar-fine sand just outside your window. Your nose catches the faintest whisper of salt and the smoky remnants of last night's beach bonfire through the open window. A soft breeze delicately caresses you from head to toe. You are completely and utterly relaxed for the first time since childhood.

No, this isn't some relaxation exercise - it's the place that savvy travelers are increasingly discovering in new Oahu development, Ko Olina Beach Villas. A vacation in Hawaii is always memorable and full of innumerable new experiences, but a vacation in Ko Olina is something entirely different. Its secluded location make it one of the most compelling destinations in all of Hawaii. Simply put, Ko Olina is total relaxation in a stunningly beautiful setting.

If you crave some action along with your relaxation, Ko Olina offers a wealth of activities. Ko Olina is famous for its 18-hole championship golf course, which was designed by legendary course architect Ted Robinson. The course features lush greens, no parallel fairways, and gorgeous landscaping. Even if you aren't a golfer, the Ko Olina Golf Club is a lovely place to spend an afternoon just enjoying the surroundings.

When romance is on the menu, you will delight in experiencing Ko Olina's romantic activities. Take an outing on a private boat manned by a professional captain to watch the playful dolphins and majestic whales. Hold your loved one tight as you sail by the light of the moon, sipping champagne and watching the stars reflected in the water.

Rich in history and folklore, Oahu is a wonderful place to explore. If you can pry yourself away from sunning on the beach for an afternoon, there's no telling what thrilling activities you may find. Hiking is a popular daytime activity that allows you to get up close and personal with this island paradise. Snorkeling is another activity that you would be remiss to leave without experiencing. You'll gain a new perspective on the fascinating sea life while communing with the powerful yet gentle ocean.

With all these tempting activities and many more to try, it's no wonder Ko Olina has become the most popular destination in Oahu. Just as you would expect from this luxurious location, the accommodations are nothing short of spectacular.

For a long-term stay - or if you just want to feel like you live in Ko Olina - there really is just one choice for accommodations: the Beach Villas. When you rent a condo, you enjoy plush surroundings that feel like home. All furnishings are provided for you, as are linens, tableware, and all the other comforts of home. Instead of leaving the beach every night for a long walk back to a cramped hotel room, return to a breathtaking condo that is right on the beach.

It's one thing to vacation in Ko Olina - it's another thing entirely to live as though you are a local. That's why smart travelers are choosing Ko Olina for their Hawaiian vacations. And when you are finally forced to return to reality, you'll always take with you the memories of the time you spent in Ko Olina: the Hawaiian playground of kings and queens.

Andy Dennis has been visiting Hawaii for almost twenty years. He has commented extensively on travel topics pertaining to the Ko Olina and greater Oahu areas. For more information, please visit http://www.koolinaparadise.com

How to Find Cheap Air Tickets

2008-11-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

How to Find Cheap Air Tickets
Copyright © 2008 John Nolan

Family holidays are a great way for the family to bond as well as escape from the stresses of daily life. However, it is becoming more and more difficult for families to afford the rising costs of air travel. It doesn't come cheap, but there are a few ways to make great savings if you know where to look. This will give you the chance to finally make the trip you have dreamed of without breaking the bank.

Find Online Deals - The internet is now the first place that most people look when searching for a cheap flight. Airlines all have their own websites these days, but there are also sites specifically dedicated to finding you the best deals. All you need to do is type in your dates (you can be flexible), your destination and how many people are travelling. It is then possible to sort the results from the cheapest first to make the biggest savings.

Booking online will also save you money due to the fact that many airlines are cheaper online than offline. You will not have to pay travel agent fees and you will benefit from discounts only available online.

Fly On Weekdays - Most people fly on weekends when they don't have to work or when children aren't at school, so many airline companies put their prices up to cash in on the fact that many people have no other choice. If you do have the choice, flying midweek could save you money, as well as choosing to fly on the latest flight of the day.

Fly Off-Peak - Similar to the point above, airline companies put prices off at peak times such as when children are on a school break. If you can be flexible in your dates then try to book in advance for off-peak times. You can also try to return on Sundays to get back in time for Monday morning at school.

Return Packages - Buying return flights are often cheaper than buying separate single fares. Some airlines will bump up the prices when selling single fares so save money by finding one that offers a good return deal.

Research - This is something that not all families have time to do. However, a little research can mean huge savings. Check how flight prices change from day to day to make sure that you know where to go and when to buy your ticket. This needn't take too much time, and will save you stress in the long run.

Different Airlines - Small airlines will often offer you great deals, and they can still be comfortable and enjoyable flights. Do not be sucked in to misleading advertising campaigns of the large companies and remember to give all airlines a try if they can end up saving you money.

These are the simplest methods by which you can hope to save money on your air travel. Plan ahead and you will be better positioned to spot the good deals when they do come up, letting you really enjoy your holiday.

learn more about great travel ideas.
http://www.travelguideandtips.com
cheap air tickets - car rental directory.
http://www.vacationfunny.com

USS Midway is top San Diego attraction

2008-11-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

USS Midway is top San Diego attraction

For a city that home ports one-third of the U.S. Navy fleet, it seems surprising that it took until the 21st Century for the city to open a naval museum to rival similar attractions on the East Coast. But now that it's here, the U.S.S. Midway has made an even bigger splash on the city's waterfront than its proponents ever expected.

Attendance at the museum has exceeded expectations ever since it opened in 2004.

A visit to the museum makes it easy to see why the attraction is setting box office records. With all the precision you would expect from a military-based organization, the founders of the Aircraft Carrier Museum have put together an impressive visual and historical experience that appeals to all ages, and especially to those who have any sort of fascination with things military.

We found the Midway to offer just the right balance between a structured, orderly display and one that is more individualized to fit each visitor's particular interests and time available to tour the museum. As part of the $13 admission, each visitor is loaned a "Walkman"-like audio device and headphones to hear pre-recorded explanations of 29 different points of interest in various locations around the ship. But you're totally on your own - you can see these points of interest in any order or even skip some if you like. The explanations are relatively brief, but usually you can get further explanation by just pushing the play button. Each visitor can go at his or her individual pace and linger where there is the most interest.

We've experienced this type of audio system before, but the Aircraft Carrier Museum does it right. In Seattle, for example, the Jimi Hendrix museum uses a similar system but the audio units are big and unwieldy, and the explanations cannot be tailored to your particular level of interest.

So why is it worth visiting the U.S.S. Midway? Just visiting an aircraft carrier, for one thing, is a treat unto itself. But in the Midway's case, there is a 47-year history that is good to keep in the back of your mind as you get a real sense of what it's like to live and work on an aircraft carrier.

The Midway was the world's largest warship when it was launched in 1945 and remained so for more than a decade. Named for the famous Battle of Midway, the carrier did not actually see service in that battle, but did serve in combat during the Vietnam War and was one of six carriers sent to fight Iraq during Desert Storm. The ship also played a vital role in many historical achievements - the first rocket fired from a ship was fired from the Midway, and the first jet takeoff from an aircraft carrier was made from this very flight deck.

Visitors get a good up-close look at the living and working conditions on board the Midway. Entering on the massive Hangar Deck, they are first treated to several exhibits offering history on the ship and its aircraft. Then doorways open here and there to allow visitors to step into the galley and mess deck area - where 13,000 meals were served each day - and into such work areas as the weapons control station, metal shop and post office. Nearby, a bank of computer simulators are available so you can try your hand at "flying" some of the Midway's jet aircraft.

Walking through the ship, we could easily picture this vessel as a "city at sea." While significantly smaller than today's carriers - and, by the way, the brand-new U.S.S. Ronald Reagan is visible just across the bay from the Midway - the ship had a crew of 4,500. It has 200 miles of piping, 3,000 miles of copper conductor and storage capacity for 2.23 million gallons of fuel - not including 1.24 million gallons of jet fuel.

Up on the Flight Deck, visitors see aircraft and the systems that help pilots bring their aircraft in to land on a "postage stamp" in pitching seas. The superstructure houses the primary flight control area and bridge, and offers visitors the chance to see where flight operations were controlled. A suggestion: when you visit the Midway, go first to the superstructure area because this was the only place on the ship where we encountered lines.

Originally designed to carry propeller-driven fighter aircraft, the Midway soon adapted to the new jet aircraft that became the mainstay of American naval airpower. The deck was reconfigured and catapults and electronics were upgraded to handle the ship's F/A-18 Hornets, A-6 Intruders and A-7 Corsair II's - up to 68 jet airplanes on any given mission. Today visitors will find examples of those aircraft on the flight deck as well as an E-2C Hawkeye and an F-4 Phantom II, one of the workhorses in the Vietnam War. Helicopters and historic propeller-driven aircraft also are on display.

Interestingly, aircraft drivers also are on display in the form of docents who volunteer their time to give first-hand accounts of their time on the Midway. We came across former A-7 pilot John Burkholder giving visitors an impassioned explanation of the "meatball" landing system that optically arranges lights to help guide a pilot down the glide slope to the carrier's flight deck. Burkholder's enthusiasm for the system was heartfelt as he remembers one dark night in the mid-70's when it took him four times to land his jet on a pitching, rolling U.S.S. Midway.

Burkholder, who lives in the San Diego suburb of Fallbrook, is one of 160 docents who each volunteer up to 20 hours a month to share their stories with up to 5,000 Midway visitors on any given day. Usually there are about nine docents on board posted at various locations on the ship to give the museum a feel of "living history."

As you might expect, Burkholder is proud of the ship that served as his base of operations for a three-year period in the 1970's. Like many Midway veterans, Burkholder is a believer in the "Midway Magic," a lore that has grown up as the carrier seemed to prove itself better and more reliable than many of its sister ships. Burkholder points out it was no accident that the admiral conducting the Gulf War chose Midway as his command ship during that war.

While visitor attendance on the Midway is running more than double what was expected, Burkholder noted that, at this stage, more men than women are visiting the attraction. But he says that's just a matter of getting the word out to women that there is more here than meets the eye.

"As soon as we tell them the Midway served 13,000 meals a day," Burkholder said, "they want to see that."

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: The San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum is located on San Diego's waterfront, 910 N. Harbor Drive. It's easily accessible from downtown and there is ample parking in the general vicinity.

WHAT: The San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum is the only naval museum and attraction of its kind in a city that is the largest military complex in the nation. It's an opportunity to visit a historic aircraft carrier and learn history through displays and from those who lived it.

WHEN: Any time of year. San Diego has the most dependable weather in the nation.

WHY: A well-organized exhibit in a scenic city loaded with visitor attractions of all kinds. The product of 10 years of hard behind-the-scenes work by local volunteers, this museum will appeal to visitors of all ages, women as well as men.

HOW: To learn more about the San Diego Aircraft Museum, visit www.midway.org.

Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among GMC's sites are http://www.californiaweekend.com , a California travel site, and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com , featuring Pacific Northwest travel.

Exotic International Travel to Hong Kong

2008-11-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Exotic International Travel to Hong Kong

If you are considering exotic international travel to Hong Kong, be sure also to take in the environs of Hong Kong, such as Zhongshan, Macao and Tai Mo Shan. Although Hong Kong itself is a wonderful place to visit, these other attractions offer you an alternative view of China that is less frenetic, and more akin to the China most people have in their minds.

The best way to see this part of China, and it is part of China because the British handed Hong Kong over to Chinese control in 1997, is by means of a personalized tour that only the best international vacation packages can offer. This enables you travel at your own pace, with your own driver, without the encumbrance of a group of others who might have different views than you as to how long to spend at each attraction.

Good planners arrange tours to suit their individual customers and their partners, and although the cost of these might be higher than you would pay for general vacation group packages, it is worth it if you are looking for luxury international trips as opposed to just an ordinary vacation. At least one travel company states that if you can't live better away from home than at home, then why bother going? A good sentiment.

Back to Hong Kong as a destination for exotic international vacation tours. Its capital is the island of Victoria, which to many is synonymous with Hong Kong. Victoria sits in Hong Kong harbor, and Kowloon is the mainland part of the district. At night you can enjoy the magnificent laser light show from around 8 - 9 pm, when you can see a magnificent display of thousands of lights from the various tall buildings, including the laser beams that shoot across the sky. This show is accompanied by music. The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is great place from which to watch this display.

Make sure you also visit some of the fishing villages in the district, such as Aberdeen and the Sok Kwu Wan fishing village on Lamma island that is famed for its excellent Chinese seafood restaurants. You should also visit the Chinese border, out past Kowloon into the countryside. However, there is more to exotic international travel to Hong Kong than just that.

The first Europeans to settle in the Far East were the Portuguese, and the oldest settlement was at Macao, also known as Macau. This was also handed back to the Chinese, but you can still visit Macao, especially the Grand Prix circuit and the casinos: Macao is not nicknamed the 'Monte Carlo of the Far East' for nothing. It also has a unique combination of Portuguese and Chinese culture that is found nowhere else in the world.

Make sure that you also take a tour to Zhongshan, on the Pearl River delta. This is an 800 year old village covering some 20 square miles, inhabited by traditional fishermen and farmers. Also in the area is Tai Mo Shan (Big Hat Mountain), the highest mountain in the district, and providing magnificent views of the Lam Chuen valley and the Shek Kong Airport.

Hong Kong is not all high rise buildings and people dashing frenetically about talking to cell phones. There is also the peaceful part that comprises nine tenths of the district. Places such as the Chuk Lam Shim Yuen Buddhist Monastery and the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, with its delicate wood carvings and built in honor of Tang Chung Ling who founded the Tang clan. Close by is one of five famous walled villages, Lo Wai, built in the 13th century.

Make sure, if you can, that the Hong Kong packages you look at include trips to these places of interest that show the real China, as opposed to the westernized influences of Hong Kong as most people know it. Good vacation planners should include tours outside the environs of Victoria island and Kowloon and into the Chinese mainland and surrounding district.

It's a long way to travel just to visit the skyscraper city that is just like any other modern day city, and miss the real flavor of the Orient that can be found just a few miles away. Real exotic international travel to Hong Kong must involve some element of the mystery of the Orient, and that is what you will find once you get away from the modern parts of the city. Take in a tea plantation, and perhaps a local traditional Chinese market, and try some of the more traditional fare as opposed to the very westernized food of Victoria.

That way you will see and taste the real China of this area, and have a truly exotic vacation to Hong Kong that you will be able to talk about for a lifetime.

Exotic international travel to Hong Kong should offer trips to the surrounding area as well as Hong Kong itself, and for really exotic luxury vacations that offer you and your partner personal transport around the Chinese mainland, visit http://www.ultitude.com where you will find everything that you could wish for in a Hong Kong vacation.

Bed & Breakfasts Wane in Favor of Vacation Clubs

2008-11-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

Bed & Breakfasts Wane in Favor of Vacation Clubs

Just a few short years ago, Bed & Breakfast holiday weekends were all the rage. People wanted to experience the quaint or rustic life for a few days. But that has been changing as vacation clubs gain in the popularity ranks. And it really should not come as too much of a surprise that this evolution is occurring because rustic gets old quick!

Think about it for a moment, people want a quiet weekend away, so they go looking for the old bed and breakfast nestled in the hills. They find it, along with six other couples, none of whom they know or even have any common interests in. There is nothing to do that is of any real interest after you've walked the town's main street and seen all sixteen of the shops. Now that you have hours on your hands, where will you go? What will you do? How many good books did you bring? Now compare that to your average vacation club set up.

You join the club, and the first thing you find are choices. These choices are exciting, or calming, scenic or fun filled, or both! You have help with your planning, you can get discount air fares in some of the vacation clubs. Others may not offer this, but then this will just depend on how well you did your homework in choosing the vacation club to join.

You will be able to find specials on trips that you dreamed about taking through your vacation club. You can plan and schedule the weekend that works best for you and your family. The fees that you would pay for the hotel if you did not book it through the vacation club would be quite a bit higher. Now that you are a member of the vacation club, you can sometimes get these fees for half of what you would normally pay.

When you arrive for your fun filled weekend, you have your own luxurious hotel room. You can get room service, or eat in the restaurant. You are not sitting with a bunch of strangers that you have nothing in common with and you are choosing food off a menu, instead of what is being served that day.

After an exquisite meal, served by well trained and courteous staff, you wander out to the pool where you enjoy some time swimming and sun bathing. Then you go shopping, and plan a boating excursion for the next day. That evening you come back to your hotel room and get all dressed up for dining and dancing at one of the lovely beach resort dance clubs.

Sounds like a second honeymoon in so many ways. The best part is that you were able to plan this excursion through your vacation club with hardly any advanced notice, and with hardly any money when compared to non vacation club rates.

The best part of joining the vacation club and really starting to get truly memorable experiences: You left the book at home.

Hai Liang is a timeshare owner & a vacation club member. He is an avid traveller who learned how to save time & money while taking long luxurious vacations. Visit
http://www.luxurydreamresorts.com to learn his secrets & get free tips to taking luxurious vacations cheaply.

I Love Touring Paris - The Seventeenth Arrondissement

2008-11-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

I Love Touring Paris - The Seventeenth Arrondissement

The 17th arrondissement of northwestern Paris is located on the Right Bank of the Seine River. Its land area is about 2.2 square miles (somewhat under 5.7 square kilometers.) The population is one hundred sixty thousand and the area is home to more than ninety thousand jobs. This arrondissement has a split personality. The northern sector tends to be working class and is an extension of Pigalle in the ninth district with its many red lights that aren't all traffic signals. The southern section is more upscale. Why not visit both areas to see which you prefer?

The Hotel Concorde La Fayette is Paris's largest hotel with more than one thousand rooms built on land that once hosted an amusement park. In the 1970s a huge conference center, the Palais des Congres de Paris arose on the complex. You'll find commercial exhibition space, TV studios, theaters, and more. The last time I checked on-line Charles Aznavour was singing at this "Palace." I never attended a concert there. And yet I am positive that it can't match ambience of the Olympia in the ninth district or Bobino in the fourteenth. I can still remember hearing Aznavour sing in the Olympia way back when.

The seventeenth arrondissement is known by the name of Batignolles-Monceau but the Parc Monceau is actually just over the border in the eighth arrondissement. By the way the eighth is known as Elysses, in honor of you know what. This beautiful Parc was established by an Eighteenth Century Duke. When he was guillotined it became public property. Parc Monceau is designed in the style of an informal English garden, somewhat unusual for France whose parks are usually more traditional. You'll find mock ruins and even a fake pyramid. For those who keep track, the Rotunda contains the city's finest public restroom. Towards the end of the Eighteenth Century the Parc was the site of the first silk parachute jump, appropriately enough from a Montgolfier hot air balloon.

Every Saturday morning you can visit the Marche Biologique Batignolles (Batignolles Organic Market), one of two such markets in Paris. Of course food there costs more than at your run-of-the-mill Paris market but partisans will tell you that it is well worth the cost. And you can get some very unusual products such as spiky Peruvian cucumbers and Basque chili peppers. If you find food expensive at this market skip the next paragraph and go straight to the Henner Museum.

If you feel like splurging check out the Guy Savoy restaurant on the Rue du Troyon, a little street in the heart of the district. I've never been to this particular restaurant. I recently read two on-line reviews, the first was entitled Most expensive disappointment I've ever had while the second claimed Absolutely the best meal I have ever had! Be warned, you will pay $100 for a bowl of soup and you'll need to reserve a month in advance for dinner. Don't bother dropping my name, even if your French is perfect and your wallet runneth over. Monsieur Savoy owns five restaurants in Paris and a Parisian-style restaurant in Las Vegas said to come closest to European three-star dining in North America. This eatery is equipped with a one thousand bottle wine wall. (If one of those bottles should happen to fall, there'd be 999 bottles of wine on the wall.)

The Musee national Jean-Jacques Henner is dedicated to a relatively unkown Alsacian painter. You'll enjoy the setting, a quaint Nineteenth Century mansion. The way I look at it why not visit some of Paris' other museums besides those old-time favorites such as The Louvre? Paris museums are all over the place, but Henner seems to be the only museum in the seventeenth district. However, the district is said to have the most artist ateliers in the city.

Of course you don't want to be in Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. Here is a sample menu: Start with Rillettes (Coarse Pork Pate). For your second course savor Lapin au Vouvray (Rabbit with Onions, Shallots, and Vouvray Wine). And as dessert indulge yourself with Tarte aux Pommes a la Confiture de Chinon (Apple Pie with Chinon Wine Jam). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.

Our Top 10 List of Events And Things to Do In Houston by Christopher Cartre

2008-11-09T16:41:00.000-08:00

Our Top 10 List of Events And Things to Do In Houston
By Christopher Cartre

After visiting many sites and having been around the block a few times I have come up with a Top 10 List of things to do in Houston. Most of these are on local websites listing events in Houston and surrounding areas. Some are offered on StubDog at half price and others are free or tickets can be found at the box office of the show. So here goes…

Top 10 List of things to do in Houston:

10. Go have a hamburger at the Outpost Tavern in Clear Lake Texas. It is a fantastic place that is filled with memorabilia from NASA. They have shot many films there including Clint Eastwood’s film Space Cowboys which they still have a glass behind the bar that says “Clint’s”.

9. Take in a Show at the Ensemble Theatre located on Main Street close to downtown. The Ensemble has been putting up fantastic work for many years and continues to be a bright spot in the theatre Community of Houston. This year they kick off the season with one of my favorite playwrights, August Wilson’s Radio Golf. If you have a chance to see a show here you should.

8. Take a guided tour with Discover Houston Tours. They have several walking tours that go from downtown Houston, through the downtown tunnels, looking for ghosts etc. Sandra Lord who gives these tours is a fantastic lady and knows a lot about Houston.

7-6. Take in a bit of comedy at one of several comedy clubs in Houston. Two of my favorites are the Laff Spot out by Willowbrook mall. Sort of an institution at the moment as it seems to have been there forever (and I sort of have a special place in my heart for it as it was the first Comedy Club I went to with my friends). The other is the Comedy Store in South Houston. A bit smaller but they still have fantastic comics come through there on a regular basis.

5. Go have a drink in Magic Island. Another Houston institution that has been around for-EVER, and seems to have more lives than a cat. The place is huge and very ornate on the inside, which is a surprise after seeing it during he day. Still doing magic like they have been for a long time. Worth the time to stop by for a drink and nice rabbit out of the hat. This place is actually a lot of fun if you go with a group.

4. You have to see a game at Minute Maid. I am a huge Astros Fan and this park is brilliant, not a bad seat in the place. If you can plan it, you should try and go on a night that the roof is open as you have a fantastic view of downtown. Top-notch place and the prices are not as bad as I thought they would be.

3. Put yourself in a meat coma at the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo’s Bar B Q Cook-off, which is held right before the Rodeo kickoff. I have been to this for almost 20 years straight, and while it has gotten ridiculously huge and harder and harder to get into a tent, it’s still great. Just about every type of meat you could want and most of it is absolutely mouthwatering.

2.Get tickets to the Texas Renaissance Festival held every year in October. There is nothing better than a “winch” yelling at you and making fun of your friends. Guys walking around with goats, others eating mud. Turkey legs and cold beers. Always worth grabbing a ticket to this show which is located in Magnolia.

1, The Absolute best thing for you to do in Houston is to drive to College Station for a Texas Aggie home Football game. If you have never been to a game at Kyle Field…you should. With almost 100,000 fans screaming chants at the same time and the aggie marching band kicking off the halftime festivities “from the north end of Kyle Field” it really makes for a great experience.

If you do make the trip to College Station, you have to remember to stop by the Dixie Chicken. Ask anyone in town and they can tell you where it is. You wont regret it.

StubDog was created in Houston to promote local events with one goal in mind. Give people the opportunity to try something new and entice them to explore events locally for a fraction of the normal cost. StubDog offers event tickets in Houston, Dallas/Fort-Worth and Los Angeles and more. Our Top 10 List of Events And Things to Do In Houston.

Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com

Six Things to see and do on the Sunshine Coast

2008-11-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Six Things to see and do on the Sunshine Coast

You will find the Sunshine Coast one hour's scenic drive north of Brisbane. The Sunshine Coast is an amazing place to holiday with a mix of sunshine, sea, sand and lush hinterland, which includes the Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley, Glass House Mountains, and the Blackall Range. Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Noosa and Rainbow Beach sit along the stretch of 100 kilometres of beaches and these places offer many types of holiday accommodation, such as resort apartments, hotels, Bed and Breakfasts. You will enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, alfresco restaurants, fashion boutiques and clean sandy beaches.

1. SURFING If you love surfing, then the swell off Point Cartwright and Alexandra Headland will be just for you.

2. ADVENTURE If it's adventure that you want, try the camel rides on the beach, jetski tours or skydiving.

3. SHOPPING Maybe you love shopping! The Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore has something for everyone and gives you an exciting shopping adventure. My sister and I enjoyed it.

4. FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT You can take your family to the famous Australia Zoo, Aussie World and Underwater World. Driving through the hinterland can take you from the Australia Zoo up to the iconic Ettamogah Pub which has a quaint little shopping village. It is right next to Aussie World which has over 30 rides and games that everyone of all ages will enjoy. It will be an all day experience just at the Australia Zoo, so you may want to divide the entertainment up over a few days. I enjoyed some time with my young nephews and sister and we did this circuit in 3 days, and I can't wait to go back again.

THE AUSTRALIA ZOO is located just 45 minutes north of Brisbane on the Glasshouse Mountains Tourist Drive, and is the home to some of Australia's most amazing and unique wildlife, and a variety of interesting animals from overseas. Your visit to the home of "THE CROCODILE HUNTER", the late Steve Irwin, will definitely amaze you and make your visit memorable. There are daily feeding shows from 10am through to 3:30pm every day. You can enjoy a tasty meal also from the food court.

AUSSIE WORLD is located one kilometre north of the Caloundra exit on the Bruce Highway and the best way to get there is drive, but you can take a train to Landsborough and bus from there to the Rustic Cabin picnic grounds or Chancellor Park. From here a taxi can take you to Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub which is situated nearby. Aussie World is open daily from 9am to 5pm and rides start at 10am, but closes Christmas Day. Aussie World is planning the best Australia Day event you've ever seen on the 26th January 2009.

THE ETTAMOGAH PUB is a quirky icon that has a 1927 Chevy truck on top of its bright red roof. It is open every day from 9am until late but closes on Christmas Day. Bluey's Bar and Grill, located upstairs in the Ettamogah Pub, is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11am to 8pm but is closed on Christmas Day.

UNDERWATER WORLD, Queenland's largest Oceanarium and aquarium is situated at Mooloolaba. Be entertained by over 5,500 sea creatures such as seals, sharks, sting rays, and otters. My nephews thoroughly enjoyed being photographed with a beautiful seal after watching its playful antics.

5. HINTERLAND On your drive through the hinterland, discover the pretty town of Montville,which is home to pottery studios, art galleries, antique stores, and fashion houses. Another 20klms north through Nambour is Yandina. You will find the Ginger Factory there where you can have an interesting tour and buy gingerbread men and ginger candies made from quality Buderim ginger.

6. MARKETS Just 10klms north of Yandina is Eumundi which has the most fascinating and very popular markets operating every Wednesday and Saturday. These are not to be missed, but try to arrive early as the parking lots fill up very quickly. It becomes a very interesting experience with local entertainers keeping the kids amused, and more than 500 great produce stalls selling beautifully constructed crafts, organically grown produce, and a large variety of other amazing products. Wide pathways shaded by towering heritage listed fig trees make walking amongst the stalls and old quaint buildings a very pleasant experience. My sister and I and her children had a ball.

The Sunshine Coast is really the perfect mix of coast and country and the ideal place to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. You may love it so much that you could be tempted to check out the local real estate.

Patricia Lilly holds a Diploma of Hospitality and has worked in the industry for over 30 years. Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia is the business she has developed using her extensive experience and knowledge. Patricia ensures safe and secure accommodation bookings online. For the Sunshine Coast Qld area, there is a choice of over 220 holiday venues, so click here=>http://www.australia-accommodation.info/sunshine-coast.php

Kids Getaways -- great CA destinations for the family

2008-11-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

Kids Getaways -- great CA destinations for the family

With holiday vacations looming, we're coming up on some of those rare times during the school year when Mom and Dad can pack the kids in the car and take them on a getaway without being followed by the truancy police. Oh, but where to go?

Here are three examples of great getaways for holidays, or for any other time of year that you can take the kids along.

San Francisco

San Francisco has a plethora of attractions for the small-fry ranging from theme parks to museums to aquariums to islands where you can enjoy great hikes and spectacular views of the bay. While many see San Francisco as a romantic city, the truth is you can have just as much fun when you take the kids along.

Start by booking a Kids Suite, like the one we reserved at the Hotel Union Square in the heart of the city. This is not the kind of place where you're going to see kids running up and down the hallways or groups of teens hanging out the lobby. This is a more sophisticated hotel that just happens to offer some of its accommodations in a special format that appeals to families.

While parents will love the fact that this is a boutique hotel - with all the extras that the term implies such as brick walls, mosaic murals, warm colors and stylish furnishings - the kids who share the Kids Suite with Mom and Dad are in for an extra special treat. The suite actually is a spacious high-ceiling corner room that has been subdivided into a parents area and a kids area. A free-standing partition also serves as a storage device where games, toys, dolls and anything your kids could want are ready to use anytime.

There is a bed for the kids, and on the kids desk is a Mac computer ready to fire up and play games on the internet. But the piece de resistance is the 47" flat panel HD TV hanging on the wall with a Wii game system attached - an incredibly fun diversion for kids and adults alike. The Wii system lets you play tennis, baseball or golf or other sports by holding remote controls in your hands and "hitting" the ball with the same physical movements you would use in the real sport. We literally spent hours playing these games with our eight-year-old - one of the most unusual and fun experiences we've ever had with our kids in a hotel room.

When you do venture outside, there are many family activities in the city, especially near Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39: Aquarium by the Bay, the Venetian Carousel, the Cinemax theater, arcades, street performers and dozens of sea lions napping near the pier. From here, you can take a ferry to Angel Island, a popular island where visitors hike trails and visit more than 100 historical buildings. Another great attraction in the city is the hands-on science center called the Exploratorium, located near the Presidio at the end of the waterfront near the Golden Gate Bridge. And then there's Golden Gate Park, where there is a children's playground including a restored carousel, Alcatraz Island, where you can take a self-guided tour of the famous prison that was closed in 1963, and the San Francisco Zoo, which offers hours of enjoyment for the whole family.

For more information on Hotel Union Square, phone 1-800-553-1900 or visit www.hotelunionsquare.com.

Resort at Indio

Another "adult" place that can also be fun for the kids is the Greater Palm Springs area. On our most recent trip to the desert we based ourselves a few miles east of Palm Springs in Indio, a comfortable neighborhood, but perhaps less extravagant than some other parts of the valley. Out on the eastern edge of the valley cities, this area is now undergoing a major transformation with several new housing developments that feature modern, spacious homes set alongside man-made lagoons and canals, all five minutes from the freeway. It is in this same area that a major new resort complex - the Resort at Indio - was built just in the last few years.

This group of condo-style buildings includes 453 units altogether, built around what almost looks like a water theme park full of swimming pools, whirlpool spas, giant sprinklers for the kids, ponds, canals and even a man-made river to float down on a resort-provided inner-tube. There are a couple of huge swimming pools - the largest being almost 5,000 square feet. The resort also includes tennis courts, a basketball court, a recreation center with pool, ping-pong and other games, and a modern workout gym.

Given the recreational opportunities, it's not surprising that the Resort at Indio is especially popular with families. During our visit on an unseasonably warm spring weekend, family groups large and small were taking full advantage of the pools and other facilities. With hundreds of deck chairs and plenty of space to accommodate them, families were spending hours poolside. Come mealtime, many would walk the short distance back to their condo units and fire up the barbecues available on their decks and patios.

As you might expect, the accommodations are really vacation rentals, not hotel rooms - each unit comes with a complete kitchen, multiple bedrooms, living and dining room areas. Since the resort is almost brand-new, everything is in top shape with the latest appliances, colors and decor.

This is the kind of place where you can settle in for a few days, let the kids play and meet other kids and just relax. Within easy driving distance, you'll also find fun family excursions such as Patton Museum with its World War II tanks as well as other fighting equipment and memorabilia. There are many hikes in the general area, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is another fun family adventure.

For more information on the Resort at Indio, phone 800-867-2095 or visit www.greatpricedcondos.com/id/.

Greenhorn Guest Ranch

To our way of thinking, one of the most ideal family vacations we have taken is when we visited Greenhorn Guest Ranch, about an hour's drive west of Reno in California's Plumas County.

Sometimes you just know when you've come home. Within about 30 minutes of our arrival at Greenhorn, we were chowing down on their Friday night barbecue of scrumptious, fall-off-the-bone ribs with all the fixin's. The owners of the ranch, Trish and Ralph Wilburn, were strumming their guitars and singing western songs by the campfire. Soon, the kids in the group were scurrying to get their marshmallows and chocolate so they could get more smores than anyone else.

Out there, the Big City might as well have been on the moon — which, incidentally, was just starting to rise to take its place among the sparkling stars visible above the towering dark pine trees' surrounding the ranch.

The Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch is where you go to get a healthier heart. Not that barbecue ribs and steaks and big breakfasts of bacon and sausage and biscuits are going to unclog your arteries. The heart we're talking about is the one that helps you look at the world and shape your reactions to it. It's the one that sometimes gets a little overwhelmed with the day-to-day and forgets about the big picture.

The big picture is considerably brighter after spending a few days with fellow ranch visitors of all ages, shapes and sizes. Some of the people visiting the Greenhorn know about horses and may even have horses of their own. Others aren't sure which stirrup to step into first. Some are constantly running from one ranch activity to the next. Others are just content to sit on their cabin porches and inhale the Great Outdoors. Most people who visit the ranch spend at least a couple of hours each day on the back of a horse.

Cabins are cozy and the food's good at the Chuckhouse dining room. Coming up Thanksgiving Week, the food will probably be pretty spectacular with a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner as well as many holiday activities such as wreath-making and a horse-drawn wagon ride to cut down your own Christmas tree. Guests don't have to book the entire week; you can come for just a night or two to get a taste of this wonderful family experience.

For more information on the Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, please go to www.greenhornranch.com or call 1-800-334-6939.

Cary Ordway is a syndicated travel writer and president of Getaway Media Corp, which publishes websites focused on regional getaway travel. Among the sites currently offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com , and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .

Popular Vacation Spots

2008-11-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

European Luxury Travel to London and Edinburgh

2008-11-05T15:50:00.000-08:00

European Luxury Travel to London and Edinburgh

In order to enjoy European luxury travel to London and Edinburgh, there are certain aspects of your travel arrangements that must be right. These are detailed below, and if even one of these is not as it should be, then you should continue your search for a travel company that provides you with what you want: true luxury without nasty surprises.

1. The first is the cost. When you pay for your vacation, you should not then find other hidden costs that you were unaware of. Costs such as meals, transfers and others should be detailed immediately, and a good company will include all of these in the cost of your vacation.

2. Your flights should be at least by business class. How can you enjoy a vacation packed into economy? That's not luxury, it's an ordeal, so make sure that you have at least business class, or look elsewhere.

3. How many people are traveling with you? True luxury is you and your partner, not you and 50 others. Road travel should be by limousine - just the two of you and your chauffeur - nobody else, except perhaps your personal guide. Look for a company that can provide that level of personal service.

4. European luxury travel must involve first class train travel or it would not be luxury, it would be standard, and you will need a train when you are traveling in Britain. Flying is fine, but you would miss so much that would see from a comfortable first class train carriage.

5. Your hotels should be the very best, and hand picked for their commitment to personal attention. Anything less should not be good enough.

6. Finally, all tickets to exhibitions, shows and tours round the country should be included in the price. Too many people end up paying twice the vacation price for the so called 'optional tours, trips and entrance fees'. Yours should included.

That said, what is there that you should see on your luxury vacation in London. Buckingham Palace and the like is available for you to have a look at, but you didn't seek European luxury travel to London just to do the 'touristy' things that everybody else does. Sure, you will see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, but you should also check out Trafalgar Square where you find the massive monument built by the nation as thanks for Lord Horatio Nelson's sacrifice of life at sea during the Battle of Trafalgar, and also Apsley House, given by the nation to the Duke of Wellington for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo.

The Tower of London is a 'must' to any tourist, and a viewing, not only of the crown jewels but also of where Anne Boleyn and many others had their heads severed from their bodies. The Tower Bridge is also worth a visit before you head off north to Edinburgh in Scotland. The most Northerly county in England is the county of Northumberland, and is worth seeing before crossing the border into Scotland.

Northumberland is about 350 miles north of London, and involves a train journey. Newcastle is the largest city in that part of Britain, and the North is well known for its castles and stately homes. Alnwick castle is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and it is well worth a visit to see how the other half live, as they say in England. You could also visit Hadrian's wall, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to keep out the Scots, and there is also a Roman fort and baths up here.

On the way to Edinburgh, you could take a diversion and visit Falkirk, where you will find the Wallace Monument, a monument to the great Scots patriot William Wallace, of whom the film 'Braveheart' was made (though with some Hollywood embellishments!). Then onto Edinburgh where you can visit the famous castle that overlooks Princes Street, the most famous street in Edinburgh, with gardens down the South side and the shops down the north. Other attractions include Holyrood House, once the home of Mary Queen of Scots, and if you like being scared, the haunted houses and caverns beneath the city.

Edinburgh is best visited by foot, since there is so much to see over a small area. Apart from the above, you have the Children's Museum, the Royal Museum of Scotland, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Scottish National Art Gallery right there in Princes Street at the bottom of the Mound that leads up to the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile runs from Edinburgh Castle, sitting on a volcanic plug overlooking the city, right down to Holyrood House, with the Scottish Parliament building close by.

European luxury travel to London and Edinburgh could also take in many other towns and cities on the way, but a tour of Edinburgh and a trip to Northumberland is a good choice to add to a London vacation to provide you with a luxury holiday in Britain that you will remember all your life.

If you are interested in a company that can provide everything detailed above, check out http://www.ultitude.com for true European luxury Travel to London and Edinburgh, and visit all of the above places on the way using first class travel.

Discovering the hidden Tuscany: the Casentino Valley

2008-11-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

Discovering the hidden Tuscany: the Casentino Valley

Casentino is the name given to the part of Tuscany surrounding the upper course of the Arno River, from its source as far as the city of Arezzo. Considered one of the most beautiful valleys of Tuscany, Casentino is a land of spirituality, full of Romanesque "pievi" (parish churches), castles, abbeys, monasteries, fortified medieval villages and spiritual retreats. It was here that St. Romuald built his hermitages at Camaldoli, and that St. Francis of Assisi established the Sanctuary of La Verna, the headquarter of the Franciscan order. That is why the Casentino is often referred to as 'the valley of the soul'.

The Casentino extends either side of the Arno to a width of between 30 and 60 km. The larger towns are all located along the Arno course, the biggest being Bibbiena and Poppi. The villages located on the neighboring hills and mountains are typically smaller. These includes Chitignano, Chiusi della Verna, Montemignaio, Ortignano-Raggiolo and Talla.

Stia is the first village of the Casentino that the Arno crosses in its flow from the sources of Mt. Falterona. It was in the local wool factory that the production of the famous green and orange red Casentino fabric started, beginning from half of XIX century. The town's layout still speaks of this not-yet-forgotten identity: first and foremost the old marketplace in Piazza Tanucci, site of the old wool-processing shops and rightly called one of Italy's most beautiful squares.

Following along the Arno path, Poppi is located on a hill overlooking the river, right in the middle of the Casentino. Since very few tourists find their way out here, the town is wonderfully unspoilt. In Poppi's historical centre there are several restaurants, but if you need more choice, have a look in the new part of town (Ponte a Poppi) down the hill.

The castle of Poppi is the most important medieval monument of the whole area. Having always been used as residence for the local authorities, it is one of the best preserved of the whole Tuscany. If you are dreaming about a 'Tuscan wedding', you will be amazed to know the castle is now owned by the Poppi Community and its main room is thus available for civil wedding celebrations.

Lying only a few miles from Poppi, Bibbiena is a small medieval town with pretty little shops and a weekly market. One of the most interesting attractions here is the Theater, Scene Design and Costumes Museum established in 2005. As its name implies, the museum is dedicated to the art of theater and each of its many sections deals with the history of a particular type of theater, including Greek Theater, Roman Theater, Renaissance Theater, until Modern Theater. A few miles from the center of Bibbiena you can visit Serravalle, a mountain fortification, complete with a medieval tower.

Following a B-road up from Bibbiena you can reach the tiny village of La Beccia. Here you can park the car and take the paved road up to the enormous rock formation where St. Francis and his followers set their house in 1230. In the shadow of the "Crudo Sasso" of Monte della Verna you can find the town of Chiusi, a settlement that developed for the most part in the late 19th century as a welcoming place for the numerous pilgrims heading to the sanctuary.

If the steep walk has made you hungry, there is no need to be worried. Casentino is also famous for some of the tastiest food specialties ever to come out of Tuscany. The local ham, 'prosciutto del Casentino' and a pork sausage called 'Sanbudello' are both quite popular. Other local products not to be missed includes the 'Abbuciato' cheese along with chestnuts, mushrooms and the red potato of Cetica, cultivated with traditional methods and used in the preparation of 'tortelli'.

This article is part of a series meant to describe some travel itineraries in the lesser known areas of Tuscany. You can find similar articles covering the Lower Maremma, Lunigiana and the smaller islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Born in the USA, but happily ensconced in the Island of Elba since 2001, Bob McCormack is a freelance writer with a very special passion for food and wine. His Elba travel articles and Tuscany hotels and restaurants reviews have appeared in numerous national and international publications.
http://www.visitelba.com

How To Choose The Right Limo Service

2008-11-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

How To Choose The Right Limo Service

Riding in a limousine is something that you only get to do for a special night out. Maybe it's for your wedding, prom, or a wild night out on the town. Whatever the reason, being chauffeured around in a beautiful car can take you from a good night to a great night.

There is something so special about it, but to make sure that your night is as magical as you want it to be you'll want to choose the right limousine rental company for you. There are certain aspects that you will want to take into account before choosing your limo service for the night.

One thing that you'll need to remember when booking a limousine, you need to make sure that you start looking early. You'll need to book with your company in advance of your event, and when you start looking early, you'll be sure to have lots of different options available to you.

To really start speaking with the different limousine services and gathering information, you will need to determine how many people are going to be in your party. This information will allow you to specify what size limousine you need. If you are going out for a romantic night for two you will want to choose a very different car then if you are planning on a wild night out for 12.

You will also need to gauge how long you are going to use the limo. Most often limos have an hourly rate, and a minimum hour requirement that you must meet. Having a clear vision of your evenings schedule will help you be sure that you are not going to be paying for more or less time than you actually need.

You'll want to look at the different styles of limos that your service has available. Take a look at all of their amenities, and see which ones suit the needs of your party. In fact, taking some time to clarify what details are important to your party can really help you narrow down the style of car that you are going to go with.

You will want to ask any limousine service that you speak with about their documentation. Check to be sure that they hold the necessary insurance for their vehicles. You will also want to make sure that they have any necessary permits (i.e. City, Airport, I.C.C., etc). Additionally, find out how long the company has been in business. If they've been in business for more than a few years, that can show that they have been a successful and dependable company.

Another great idea is to go down in person to see the limousines, and to meet the driver. Meeting the driver can really give you an opportunity to make sure that you are ending up with someone who is going to fit in with the feel of your special night out. And by taking the time to go down to see the limos in person, you will be able to be certain that what you are getting is what you want!

Spending the evening in a limousine should be a special and exciting thing. You're spending a lot of money to make it happen, so to make sure you're getting what you want you need to put in just a little effort. By taking a few key steps, you will ensure that you're night will be fabulous and flawless!

For a top notch Sacramento limousine rental company, checkout http://apilimos.com . They provide the ultimate experience for your special night out. Also Checkout their blog at http://apilimos.com/blog

Dubai - United Arab Emirates - UAE

2008-11-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

Showing you a little bit more of Dubai - a wonderful city located at United Arab Emirates - UAE. - Emirados Árabes Unidos (in portuguese)

Burj Al Arab -World's only seven star hotel

2008-11-03T17:43:00.000-08:00

Burj Al Arab -World's only seven star hotel located in the hub of business in the middle east--Dubai

The World - Dubai

2008-11-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

The World Islands, are a collection of man-made islands shaped into the continents of the world, located off the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It will consist of 300 small private artificial islands divided into four categories - private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands.

Enjoy Luxury Travel to Dubai

2008-11-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

Enjoy Luxury Travel to Dubai

It is easy to enjoy luxury travel to Dubai, but first you have to find it. Many tour companies are offering trips to Dubai, but in order to cut costs you will have very little leg room on the plane, and are packed into planes, buses and hotels with dozens of other travelers. It's not so much fun as an ordeal sometimes. However, there are some good operators around, with professional planners that can give you everything you want, so more on these later.

First Dubai. Part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is more money invested in its development than any other construction site in the world. One of its largest projects currently underway is the Three Palms, three artificial islands constructed in the shape of palm trees, with the top of the tree forming a breakwater to protect each island. Although each palm will be multifunctional, the Jumeirah will focus on international hotels, the Jebel Ali on entertainment and leisure and the Deira on residential use. They have been described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Dubai also boasts the tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai, but that is not why you would be there - you can see tall buildings and islands anywhere in the world. No, Dubai offers a lot more, including the famous souks, or markets, the gold souk and the spice souk being two of the most popular with tourists. The gold souk is particularly well attended, where the glittering treasures on offer are largely sold by the gold weight rather than the work put into creating the piece. There are fantastic bargains to be had here. The spice souk offers frankincense and cinnamon, and everything else in between, and epitomizes the mystery of the Middle East.

Don't forget that luxury travel to Dubai must include a visit to the desert, and there is more to do there than you would think. There are many ways to explore the desert, from the modern 4x4, or 4WD, to the more traditional camel, and you can also sand ski and sand board, although falling into the sand at speed is not as pleasant an experience as you might think. Best to stick to archery, falconry or one of the other popular local sports, but try to visit an oasis if you can.

Dubai consists of the old and the new, and no trip there would be complete without a visit to one or more of the museums. The Dubai museum itself presents the various treasures, including skeletons, found during digs in the area, and the historic Dubai creek is also worth a visit. On the Bur Dubai side of the Creek, the Grand Mosque Dubai is one of the largest mosques in the United Arab emirates, and can accommodate 1200 worshippers. It contains 45 domes, and looks spectacular when lit up at night.

When visiting Dubai keep in mind that it can get very hot, so make sure that you wear loose fitting clothes. It is also a Muslim city, so dress conservatively, particularly if you are visiting rural areas where you could get into serious trouble if you wear anything too revealing, particularly the women. Enjoying luxury travel there is the same as traveling to any other foreign country: respect their way of life and their customs and laws, or you might be made to feel unwelcome.

The weather in Dubai is best between November and April, so arrange your tour for then, while it is pleasantly warm. Temperatures can exceed 40C in the summer months. Unless you are aware of, and able to observe, all the codes of conduct needed during the month of Ramadan which is very strictly observed in Dubai, you are best to avoid this period, even though hotel prices are slashed to about 50% of normal.

The basis of any luxury trip is the service and the comfort of travel. You should make sure of business class flights at the very least, and if you can find a travel planner that can offer personal service such as your own limo driver, and also the very best hotels and food, then that is where the luxury will come from.

When you enjoy luxury travel to Dubai, you are enjoying the very best in one of the richest cities in the world, if not THE richest, and you will certainly be rubbing shoulders with some of the richest people in the world. So enjoy it.

Luxury travel to Dubai has to be booked through a company able to offer a luxury service, such as personal transport for couples and business class flights. Click on http://ultitude-travel.com/enjoy-luxury-travel-to-dubai/ for further details of such luxury travel to Dubai and elsewhere.

Ten Tips to Save on Car Rental

2008-11-03T17:32:00.000-08:00

Ten Tips to Save on Car Rental

Everyone shops around for discount rates for flights and hotels for their holiday, but how often do you consider shopping around to save on your car rental? It's so easy to just rent the first thing you see at the airport, never once thinking you could have saved a bundle by shopping around, comparing rates and looking for discounts.

Below are ten tips you can follow to help you save money on your next car rental.

1) Shop around:

Don't settle for the first car rental quote you get when planning a holiday. Instead, get quotes from many car rental agencies to get the best rate. Sometimes calling and speaking to an agent can get you the best deal. Don't be afraid to ask about discounts. Also, tell them about rates at another agency as they may be compelled to match or better a rival's rates.

If you don't like to call around, you can try comparing rates online. One site, DriveNow (http://www.drivenow.com.au) allows you to compare prices and options amongst the top car rental agencies by inputting your travel information. They highlight the best deal option for each class of car. You can also compare excess option rates and other surcharges.

2) Consider booking a rental car online:

A lot of online car rental companies will offer a discount if you book with them online. For example, DIY Car Hire (http://www.diycarhire.com.au) offers up to a 30% discount when booking with them online. Budget Rental (http://www.budget.com.au) offers a $5 per day discount when you book your car rental online.

3) Fees aren't your friend:

There are many fees and charges the car rental place may not inform you about. The fine print is chock-full of fees and assorted taxes that can boggle the mind and put a dent in your vacation budget. Read your contract in detail before signing so you know exactly how much you'll pay for certain fees.

- For example, do you know when your car needs to be returned? You may think it's at the closing time of a certain day but you may find the return time is more specific. Hertz offers a grace period of fifty-nine minutes over to return your rental. After the fifty-nine minute period you'll be charged for an additional day.

- Other money pitfalls you should be wary of are mileage overages, fuel usage and believe it or not, extra tax at airport locations.

4) Optional Excess Reduction?

Though it sounds official and confusing, optional excess reduction is simply an added daily fee to help reduce the excess you will pay out of your pocket in the event of an accident. The standard liability insurance in Australia is an average of $2500.00 that you are responsible for in the event of an accident. If you go for the Optional Excess Reduction fee you'll pay $20 to $24 extra a day for the rental and reduce your excess down to $300 to $400.

As you can guess, this fee has a benefit and disadvantages. The benefit is the obvious savings in your excess if you have an accident. However, you will be paying an additional $20 a day or more for an accident you're not necessarily going to have. If you rent the car for 10 days you'll pay an additional $200 and then some—that's money you could be spending on food, petrol or excitement.

- To save money, make sure you have $2,000 built up in credit or savings to cover the liability issues in the event of an accident. Then you can waive the optional excess reduction and keep the cash in your pocket.

5) The fuel tank rules:

The fuel tank has a lot of control these days, especially with the price of petrol going sky high. There are several fuel-related tips you can follow to save you a bundle when renting a car.

- Check the fuel tank before leaving the car rental agency. Customers are expected to leave the fuel tank full before dropping the car off, and a tank less than full when you leave the rental agency is extra money robbed from your pocket. Alert the car rental agent immediately.

- Before dropping off the car make sure you fill up the tank at a petrol station as close to the car rental agency as possible. Fuel missing from the tank will be charged to your credit card at an inflated cost over consumer petrol costs.

- Avoid taking an upgrade in vehicles if you're driving long distances. You might think the extra room is nice to have until you begin filling that guzzling fuel tank. Go for the smallest, most fuel-economic vehicle you can.

6) Have someone 25 or older rent and drive the vehicle:

If you have a large party traveling this holiday you can save money if the car rental is taken out by someone 25 or older. You can rent a car as young as 21 years of age but car rental companies see this as a liability. You can be charged a surcharge of as little as $13.20 a day to as much as $23.00 a day because you're not 25 years old. Some agencies won't even rent a car to those under 25 years, so make sure you check around.

7) Rent for longer:

Sometimes you can get a better deal if you rent for longer periods of time. Some rental places have a weekly rate. You'll want to inquire as to when the week starts and ends so you plan your car rental to be able to take full advantage of the savings. For example, Hertz (http://www.hertz.com) is offering a savings for summer Australian car rentals. When you book a car for seven days or more you get a day for free.

8) Check into weekend savings:

Some places offer a discount if you're renting for the weekend only. For example, Hertz offers a 10% discount on weekend rentals in certain Australia locations during the summer. Budget has many weekend deals that offer a savings off the regular rate and a distance savings of 200km traveled for free.

9) Consider becoming a member:

Being a member of a car rental company's preferred member club can result in a multitude of savings. Hertz is waiving their $50 nominal fee for their Hertz #1 Gold Club for Australia and New Zealand residents this year. Membership gets you some free rental coupons, access to special rates in Australia and abroad, and a faster check-out at airport rental facilities.

10) Look for savings in other places:

Sometimes you can save on car rentals by checking into other avenues you wouldn't normally look at. For example, check with your credit card company, your insurance company and even your airline of choice. Sometimes these little-thought-of venues can offer you a savings toward your car rental fees.

In conclusion:

Planning ahead and checking into car rental options can net you a savings your family and your wallet will cheer about. By shopping around, looking into membership plans or purchasing online you can guarantee saving a bundle on car rental that you can use toward having a relaxing holiday.

Now you know what to look for in a budget car rental, but where should you start your search? Whenever you're in Australia and need find the cheapest car hire rental, make Start Local your first stop. Start Local is Australia's fastest growing local search engine and business directory. Find the most comprehensive information about car rentals at
=> http://www.startlocal.com.au/travel/carhire/

Vacation Clubs Can Give You an Affordable Vacation

2008-11-02T13:30:00.000-08:00

Vacation Clubs Can Give You an Affordable Vacation

In this article we will examine the workings and mechanics of a vacation club. Many people do not know the true benefits of belonging to such a club, and thus miss out on many wonderful experiences as a result.

Not all vacation clubs will offer the same type of packages. Honestly, some are not very attractive to the potential member at all. There are too many restrictions and too few options. Although they may have some affordable vacations, the selections can be very limited. For these reasons, many people have become dissatisfied.

Unfortunately the lesser quality vacation clubs have made those that do offer terrific programs go unnoticed. This is a sad story for the average person who would truly enjoy an affordable vacation!

Most quality vacation clubs will offer their members programs that have the following types of benefits:

- Prime Time weeks at desirable locations
- Vacation Properties that carry 3, 4, or 5 star ratings
- Immediate Confirmations
- Future Bookings up to one year or short notice bookings of 3 days notice
- Affordable Accommodations

The vacation clubs that are of the highest quality will offer in addition to the above, specialty holidays, mini-vacations, theme-related holidays, cruises, online bookings at hotels or short-stay locations and resorts and even the best deals on flights.

One nice thing about these higher quality vacation clubs is how they do the research to determine what types of vacations their members like best. From there, they take the necessary steps to put together vacation plans that will align to those most popular choices without breaking the budget!

One such example is Aruba. If ever you've been to Aruba, you know that it is one of the most wonderful vacation places in the world! The waters are so clear, and the skies so blue no matter what time of year you go. If you are from a cold winter environment, there is nothing more wonderful than a week in Aruba in February!

Aruba doesn't only offer spectacular beaches! There's the nightclubs and casinos and incredible shopping!

December is a terrific time in Aruba as well. In fact, you have not truly experienced fireworks unless you have been to Aruba on New Year's Eve! There is a reason it is called the "Happy Island" by so many! You would probably assume that your hotel would cost you well over a thousand dollars, and in so many other vacations clubs, you would be right. But not all vacation clubs are that high priced!

One of the truly great things about the higher quality vacation clubs is that you can also count on saving a lot of your precious time and energy in trying to plan your vacation. You won't have to be searching endlessly trying to find the right price for you and your family. The vacation club is there for you and takes so many of those nightmarish planning activities away.

Start living life again. Do yourself a big favor and find the kind of vacation club that really is reputable and making a difference in the quality of fun you always dreamed of!

Hai Liang is a timeshare property owner and a vacation club member. He is an avid traveller who learned how to save while taking long luxurious vacations. Visit
http://www.luxurydreamresorts.com to learn his secrets & get free tips to taking luxurious vacations cheaply.

Shuttle Service From Denver to Breckenridge Colorado

2008-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

Shuttle Service From Denver to Breckenridge Colorado

If you have plans to visit Breckenridge, Colorado this winter, chances are that you'll need to choose a method for ground transportation between the Denver Airport and Breckenridge. A myriad of transfer choices exist including car rentals, limousines, private car services and shared ride shuttles. When choosing amongst these selections, visitors ought to consider their budget, if they mind sharing a ride with others, their level of comfort when it comes to driving on winter roads and their desired level of service.

Often times, visitors assume that renting a vehicle is the simplest mode of transportation from Denver to Breckenridge. Although a vehicle can be useful for running to the grocery store and checking out other nearby ski resorts, it is important to consider whether or not one has the necessary winter driving skills to tackle Breckenridge's high alpine driving conditions. As Interstate 70 travels from Denver to Breckenridge, it takes visitors up and over the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level. Roads here are typically icy and snow covered from November through April, as are all of the roads within the town itself.

Guests who choose to rent a car typically realize that they have little use for it following their arrival. The town of Breckenridge was designed to be a pedestrian destination, with the majority of its restaurants, watering holes, shops and lodging options located within an eight block area. Many travelers quickly realize that it takes less work to reach a destination by walking rather than by driving attempting to search out a parking place. Visitors who prefer not to walk will find that any part of town can easily be accessed via the FreeRide Breckenridge Shuttles and that any part of the county can be reached via the Summit Stage shuttle service.

Private car and limousine services offer a more private and luxurious option for transportation from Denver to Breckenridge but can be prohibitively expensive for the vast majority of travelers. One-way service can run as high as $800 or more during peak holiday periods, costing hundreds of dollars more than shared ride shuttles. These transportation options are best suited to those who prefer the exclusivity of having their own vehicle and driver at their disposal.

Shared ride Denver to Breckenridge shuttles offer the greatest combination of convenience, safety and economy for most visitors transportation needs. This door-to-door service picks guests up from the Denver International Airport and delivers them to the doorstep of their accommodations in Breckenridge. Shuttles depart every hour throughout the day, ensuring guests aren't left waiting for transportation.

Transportation is provided in impeccably maintained late model 10-passenger vans that are outfitted with ski racks to ensure space for visitors' gear and luggage. Shuttle drivers have years of experience living and driving in the Colorado Mountains and many are local experts on history and the topography of surrounding mountain ranges.

With multiple daily departures, Breckenridge shuttles allow travelers to kick back and relax while taking in the gorgeous Rock Mountain scenery. Without the worries of having to navigate icy roads, search for parking or pay excessive rates, you can simplify your Breckenridge vacation and save money while doing so.

Ben Kelly is the owner of Summit Vacation Concierge and is an expert on Breckenridge, Colorado vacations including Breckenridge shuttle service, lodging, activities and travel services.
http://www.summitconcierge.com/transportation/breckenridge-colorado-shuttle-service-denver-to-breckenridge-transportation_id-195.html

Cheap Canadian flights: Is oil raising prices?

2008-11-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

Cheap Canadian flights: Is oil raising prices?

With oil prices coming down in part due to the weak US dollar, cheap Canadian flights are now more readily available than quite recently. Although the CEOs and CFOs of both major and low cost carriers will claim that the era of cheap flights is coming to an end, there are still signs that you can find bargains if you look hard enough. You can see this in the ways that airlines charge their passengers in order to cover rising or decreasing costs.

Too Many Suitcases on that Cheap Canadian Flight?

The airlines have to make their money somehow. Fuel surcharges have been introduced that penalize too much baggage. There are slight changes in the implementation of fees by certain airlines in order to cover the costs of fuel. However, some of the measures that airlines had made to cover the high costs of fuel have since been done away with. The result is often that the consumer is no longer penalized for too much baggage even on cheap Canadian flights.

Second checked bag fees, for example, was a common method of generating revenue for the airlines. Air Canada has dropped some of the extra baggage fees on its base fares on all North American flights. It is quite likely that other carriers will follow suit, which means cheap Canadian flights will remain cheap without any surprise add- on charges.

Moreover, certain airlines on the North American continent, such as WestJet and Southwest Airlines, do not charge at all for the first or second piece of checked luggage. Air Canada has claimed that it is dedicated to matching the lowest air fares available making cheap Canadian flights easier to find than those of the large US airlines.

Be Creative when Looking for Cheap Canadian Flights

Although flights between two locations may be expensive, you need to be creative when booking your flights. A seat on one of the big airlines may cost a lot and take you half way to your destination but there may be a smaller airline or a low cost carrier at the connecting airport that charges far less for the rest of the journey. You should be creative when booking your flights. Explore all of your options. There may be a good deal out there that means waiting a couple of hours in a connecting city but you may make savings of a few hundred dollars that will be well worth it.

Get the Best Deal on Cheap Canadian flights - but Read the Fine Print!

There are always deals available. But some deals that seem great one way insist that you fly both ways: You may have to commit to a round trip to get the very best possible deal for a ticket. So you'll get an outgoing flight for a steal but the return journey may be a standard fare. Always make sure that it's worth the cost of the return journey in order to exploit cheap Canadian flights as well as other flights elsewhere.

Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more secrets on getting cheap airfare at his website. Learn how you can get your hands on insider information that can help you save hundreds of $$$ on your next airline vacation trip by visiting http://www.travelingcheapguide.com/

A Quick Tour Of Italy - The Amalfi Coast And Sorrento

2008-10-31T19:26:00.000-07:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - The Amalfi Coast And Sorrento

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Amalfi Coast and the city of Sorrento in the Gulf of Salerno. These tourist attractions popular with jet setters and many others lie in the Campania region of southwestern Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Frankly, this area is hardly undiscovered. Make sure to see our other articles on Campania destinations in this series; they cover Campania's capital city Naples, the historic ruins east of Naples, the area west of Naples, and finally the Isle of Capri.

Paestum lies about 50 miles (85 kilometers) southeast of Naples. The Greeks first colonized this area about 2700 years ago and originally named the city Poseidonia in honor of the King of the Sea. It sided with Rome when Hannibal invaded Italy and started to decline around fifteen hundred years ago. Paestum was abandoned during the Middle Ages possibly because of malaria, although it's now quite arid. Some ancient city walls still stand as do many of its defensive towers. Paestum contains some of the best-preserved Ancient Greek temples in the world. Most of the site hasn't been excavated yet.

Salerno was settled well before Roman times. Its Medical School is said to be Europe's oldest university. Salerno was the site of an Allied invasion during World War II and briefly hosted an Italian government that declared war on Germany. Make sure to see the Eleventh Century Cathedral with its Byzantine and Arab influences, St. Benedict Church stemming from a Seventh to Ninth Century Monastery, and the Baroque St. George Church.

Amalfi was once a major trading center with schools of mathematics and law. The Amalfi maritime code was widely used in the Mediterranean area for centuries. The Cathedral of Saint Andrea, considered the most stunning cathedral in southern Italy, was initially constructed during the Ninth Century and has been rebuilt and expanded since then.

Sorrento has been a resort town for two thousand years. Sorrento's excellent museums include the Museo Correale di Terranova, and the Inlaid Woodwork Museum. The relatively new Mineralogical Museum boasts a dinosaur collection including baby dinosaurs and dinosaur eggs, and Permian reptiles that predate the dinosaurs by millions of years. Before you leave Sorrento visit its historic city center which includes some protective walls from the Middle Ages, the Fourteen Century Saint Francis Cloister, and a much older neighboring monastery.

Lemons are a local specialty, especially when the rinds are made into a sweet liqueur known as limoncello. There are two DOC wines produced in this area: Costa d'Amalfi and Penisola Sorrentina. Both are made in a variety of styles with a variety of local grapes. Try them. But you can surely buy better Campania wine.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.

California's Mission Inn opulent enough for presidents

2008-10-30T15:27:00.000-07:00

California's Mission Inn opulent enough for presidents

If you're like many California people, the most you know about Riverside is that it's a seeming metropolis that passes underneath the I-215 freeway in that vast extension of back-to-back cities that stretch eastward from Los Angeles. If you try to think about one distinguishing characteristic, you probably can't.

But get on down off the freeway and you'll find one of the most unique getaway experiences in the state - an experience that transports you to Early California through architecture and through the efforts of city fathers to preserve Riverside's past. Smack in the middle of it all is an inn so grandiose that presidents have married there, honeymooned there and even planted trees there.

It's always a good sign when the place you'll be staying has a street named after it - and so locating our destination was especially easy when we took the Mission Inn Road exit off the freeway and found ourselves instantly surrounded by historic Spanish architecture on every street corner. We noticed that churches, museums and historic storefronts are all within walking distance of one another and, towering above it all, was our weekend getaway - the Historic Mission Inn.

Just inside the ivy-covered adobe archway, we walked through a courtyard of lush landscaping before getting our first glimpse of the majestic lobby area. Spectacular chandeliers and giant wood beams complemented the elegant flower-patterned carpet to create a sense that this building was at once luxurious and historic. The lobby's grand piano is the only piano made by Steinway for the 1876 Centennial. But this was only the beginning - the Historic Mission Inn is like a fun house for those who marvel at historic and creative architecture. Around every corner there is something unique or fascinating.

The Historic Mission Inn at first gives the feeling it might have been a real mission or monastery, what with its 239 guest rooms, including 28 suites. But upon closer reading of its history, this palace-like inn was actually built by Riverside town father Frank Miller, who had taken the original Glenwood Tavern, built in 1874, and converted it to a small inn that opened in 1903. Over the years Miller continued to expand the inn using the popular Mission Revival architecture so prevalent in California, but blending architectural styles and ornamental details from the Southwest U.S. as well as several Mediterranean countries - and of course the California missions.

The inn closed for seven years in the late 80's for a $55 million renovation and then reopened in 1992 to rave reviews. Today, the inn is situated on an entire city block and has a total of 320,000 square feet. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a State of California Historic Landmark. President Nixon was married here, President Reagan honeymooned here and President Teddy Roosevelt planted a tree on its grounds. There is even a chair still on the property that was built for 300-pound William Howard Taft, also a visitor to the inn. Of course, dozens of movie stars and other dignitaries also have spent time at the inn, and its unusual architecture has served as the backdrop for a string of movies dating back to 1913.

The rooms and suites - which offer many unique floor plans -- are almost as interesting architecturally as the inn's exterior. The sitting area in our suite was appointed with antiques -- some more elegant than others - and the bedroom featured a comfortable four-poster bed. Our unit had an L-shaped floor plan and, just beyond the sitting area was a large table and four chairs that could double as a work area or a dining table. There was no view to speak of, but once you walked outside the suite there was a series of stairways, walkways and catwalks that offered a variety of amazing views of the inn's special architecture.

The inn has several award-winning restaurants, with Duane's boasting an especially long list of awards from restaurant writers and Wine Spectator Magazine. Although relatively new, Las Campanas, the hotel's Mexican restaurant, is now starting to appear on many award lists - and we could see why. We enjoyed a variety of dishes that all seemed to have a special flair.

The inn features a year-round heated swimming pool and jacuzzi area for relaxation but, if you want the ultimate, Kelly's Spa will pamper you until you won't want to go home. A recent addition to the Historic Mission Inn - and proving especially popular with local residents -- Kelly's features a variety of scrubs, polishes, body wraps, therapeutic baths, massages and facials. Getting treated like royalty is not inexpensive -- plan to spend about $250 for a half day or about $400 for a full day, although that can vary depending on the treatments.

Just outside the hotel, you can walk to several museums. Nearby are the Riverside Municipal Museum, Riverside Art Museum, California Museum of Photography and the Riverside Ballet Theater. There is even a museum right in the Mission Inn. In fact there is strong community support for historic preservation in Riverside and many historic buildings throughout the city are open to the public. Over 100 City Landmarks, 20 National Register sites and two National Landmarks have been designated by the Riverside City Council.

The Mission Revival architecture is everywhere in Riverside, and so it seems are churches. The Unitarian-Unversalist Church is especially striking with its Norman Gothic Revival architecture. Another Gothic Revival building is the Magnolia United Presbyterian Church, the oldest church building in Riverside. Like the Mission Inn, the Union Pacific Depot is an example of Mission Revival architecture.

Walking around the Historic Mission Inn District, you notice a mission symbol on flags and in various locations around the inn - that's the raincross symbol that was designed for the Mission Inn and given to the city by Frank Miller.

There are several antique stores and specialty shops in the Historic Mission Inn District. Many of the stores are small, but the Mission Gallery encompasses several floors of the Old Sears Building and offers a wide selection of antiques and collectibles in addition to a deli, a floral shop and a fine jeweler. In this case the store itself is something of an antique - it's been there for more than 65 years.

If the fine dining, shopping, museum-hopping and spa aren't enough to keep you occupied, Riverside is conveniently located for day trips to a couple of other popular getaway destinations - Big Bear Lake and the Temecula wineries. Either is reached in under an hour's drive from Riverside. Big Bear Lake offers mountain scenery reminiscent of the Sierra Nevadas, while there is a growing wine industry in Temecula offering a variety of tasting rooms and winery gift shops.

For us, however, the Historic Mission Inn District was plenty to keep us busy during our brief stay in Riverside. Just like you miss a lot in the "flyover" states when traveling by air to the East Coast, sometimes you also miss a lot in the "drive-over" cities when you don't bother to, now and then, come down off the Interstate.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: The Historic Mission Inn is in Riverside, 55 miles east of Los Angeles, near the junction of the 60 and 91 freeways. It's also easily reached from the north or south by way of Interstate 215.

WHAT: The Historic Mission Inn is one of the most spectacular and historic hotels in California. Riverside has a surprising history that is in evidence throughout the city. It has a warm inland climate with plenty of sunshine.

WHEN: A visit to Riverside can be pretty warm in the summer, although not unbearable. Best time to visit would be non-summer months.

WHY: There just aren't many historic hotels that have been restored to this degree. Combine that with the world-class dining and luxurious amenities and the hotel itself is enough reason for the getaway even if the surrounding museums and shops weren't so interesting.

HOW: For more information on the Historic Mission Inn, call 800-843-7755 or visit www.missioninn.com. For more information on the city of Riverside, phone 909-683-7100

Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com/ and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com/ .

Sesimbra: The Quiet Jewel of Portugal

2008-10-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Sesimbra: The Quiet Jewel of Portugal

Set less than 40 km south of the bustling Portuguese capital of Lisbon, Sesimbra is something truly unique in the world of travel destinations. Retaining all the character and centuries old charm of its maritime tradition, this picturesque fishing village is also an upmarket tourist hot spot, which has been welcoming both foreign visitors and well-heeled weekenders from Lisbon for decades.

Sesimbra offers visitors the luxury of a high-end destination with the peace and tranquility of the ultimate getaway.

Set on a stunning, curved turquoise bay dotted with brightly coloured fishing boats, Sesimbra boasts the stunning natural beauty that has made Portugal a perennial favourite. Despite the high-end developments built to accommodate the upmarket tourists the region attracts, Sesimbra maintains the relaxed pace that dictates life along the coast.

Indeed, relaxation is what a trip to Sesimbra is all about. Leaving the noise of the city and the commercialisation of the tourist spots to the south behind, Sesimbra offers a chance to soak up what makes Portugal such a magical place - the sun, the sea, the scenery, the culture and of course, the welcome.

For lovers of natural beauty a drive along the knife-edge ridge of the glorious surrounding Arrabida hills is rewarded with stunning views of chalk white cliff faces and picturesque azure blue seas. The Arrabida Natural Park itself combines a memorable mix of rugged hillside terrain and the luscious green countryside that plays host to wildlife of the Sado Estuary - including a colony of bottlenose dolphins along the coast at Setubal.

On the hill behind the town, and well worth a visit, you'll find the restored medieval castle and 12th century church, both standing in the grounds of the Moorish fortress captured in 1165. They're just one of many beautiful historic sites that sit within a few minutes drive of the village, but like most of the region are best enjoyed at a more sedate pace - as part of a leisurely cycle or even on horseback.

Once you've finished enjoying the breath taking scenery you may enjoy a taste of more active pursuits. Needless to say, Sesimbra benefits from a wealth of water sports and sits within easy reach of ten top class golf courses. Deep-sea sport fishing has been a favourite pursuit for decades - combining the beauty of the sea with the thrill of the chase.

Of course, being less than 30 minutes from Lisbon means visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds. A day spent savouring the sights and sounds of the historic Portuguese capital is ideally capped off with a stroll along the traditional promenade at Sesimbra, alongside well-heeled Lisbon tourists and local families enjoying the sunset.

As the light fades, follow the locals to one of the town's renowned seafood restaurants where tuna and swordfish are the stars of the menu before settling down in one of the cosy bars that line the pristine beach.

However you choose to spend your time, Sesimbra's quiet charm and stunning natural beauty make it the perfect destination for a truly relaxing getaway.

Adrian Warriner / Owner Invest are the UK-based buy to let hotel room specialists and are currently overseeing the sale of a fabulous hotel development in Sesimbra. For more information on how to buy hotel rooms - and developments in Portugal>>
http://ownerinvest.com/buy-to-let/portugal-sesimbra/

Rome City Break Guide

2008-10-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Rome City Break Guide
Copyright © 2008 directline-holidays.co.uk

Known as the Caput Mundi or the Capital of the World, Rome has some pretty amazing sights that the whole family will want to see. Upon arriving in the city, you might want to simply hop on a Double Decker bus and make a tour of the city just to get your bearings and to see what you can see.

With a population of about 4 million people, Rome is the largest city in Italy. As the capital of Italy, it boasts the residence of the President of the Italian Republic and the Italian Prime Minister. The Italian Constitutional Court is also located in the city.

As the birthplace of the Catholic Church, it also is home to the Vatican, the Pope, and St. Peter's Basilica. Part of the allure that makes this the third most popular city to visit has to do with these religious sights, the people, and the activities that surround them. With the many Basilicas in and around the city, each built at different times throughout history, you will need to make a list of those you most want to see and plan your time accordingly.

For your kids, there is the Bioparco or the zoo. This 18 acre zoo has quite a collection of animals and it will give you a break from classical Rome while you roam among the beasts and beauties to be found in this park.

Of spiritual and historical significance is the Coliseum in Rome. In the 1st century AD this Coliseum was built and then went on to host the gladiators, condemned prisoners, and hungry lions as they fought each other in front of thousands of spectators. The Coliseum was eventually abandoned and was damaged by earthquakes in the ensuing years. For Christians, it is a sight where we recall our history; for archaeologists and others interested in historical buildings, it is a sight to study for ancient building techniques; for those interested in how plants migrate, it is a sight to study for the myriads of exotic plants that were planted inadvertently when seed pods fell from the animals that were brought in to fight in the great arena.

Rome has a rich history of Christianity and Catholicism, of art and museums. It also has modern cultures and places that grow up next to the old, classical lines of the city. For a city break with culture and variety, Rome is an excellent place to begin. It's easy to get to from just about everywhere and it has an extensive city wide transportation system for your convenience. Got a few days to spare? Rome is a great place for a lark.

Exciting city breaks to Rome at http://www.directline-citybreaks.co.uk/rome . All the latest prices & offers on Rome city breaks.

Barcelona City Breaks

2008-10-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

Barcelona City Breaks
Copyright © 2008 directline-holidays.co.uk

Take a Quick Look at Barcelona

Home of the 1992 Olympic Games, the coastal city of Barcelona boasts city life and beach time all in one great package. With a population of 3,000,000 people, Barcelona is a great place for a sight-seeing city break when you have just a few days to spare.

Barcelona has a major International Airport, El Prat de Llobregat. It is only about seven miles from the city centre. Take a taxi from the airport to downtown Barcelona and you will find yourself among the bustling crowds that move in and out among the city's finest restaurants and shops.

You'll be able to get to all the great sites in Barcelona by way of taxi or the city's metro bus service. It will take you pretty much anywhere you want in the city until about 11:00 PM and until 1:00 AM on the weekends. There's also a sky ride that will allow you to view the whole city in route to your destination.

Because lots of Europeans take their vacations in August, you'll find that the tourist locations in Barcelona are more crowded during that time. If you love crowds, that's the best time to go. If you'd rather avoid the crowds, you might want to choose another time.

The lodging and the cuisine are varied with the Ritz Carlton near the Olympic Village being one of the pricier hotels. Restaurants boast Catalan and Spanish cuisine as well as typically Spanish meal times. Most Spaniards begin their days later than do Americans but then, they stay up later than Americans, as well. With lunch between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and dinner around 9:00 PM, Spaniards stay up well into the night and have a much more laid back way of life.

Barcelona is home to seven beaches. While some of the beaches offer restaurants and promenades, others are available simply for those who want to spend the day with a picnic and relaxing in the sun. While these seven beaches are right at Barcelona's door, the area around the resort of Sitges, just a little to the south, also offers pretty beaches with ice cream shops and rental facilities for some great water sports.

Other sights you might want to take in are the National Museum of Art which houses a great collection of Romanesque art as well as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art which gives its focus to Catalan and Spanish art rendered since 1945. You will see lots of variety in architecture, as well, from the Barri Gotic to Art Nouveau to modern buildings all mingled in the same area, if not the same sections of town. A quick city break in Barcelona will be a time to remember for you and your family and friends.

For all the best prices and offers on Barcelona city breaks visit http://www.directline-citybreaks.co.uk and search for quality hotels combined with low cost flights.

Portugal - Four Great Reasons to Visit

2008-10-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Portugal - Four Great Reasons to Visit

Whether it's a fun filled city break in the hustle and bustle of Lisbon or a leisurely golfing holiday in the Algarve, Portugal has long been one of the world's top twenty holiday destinations.

Blessed with stunning natural beauty and year-round sunshine, Portugal offers crystal clear seas and a wealth of activities to suit even the most discerning world traveller.

The Portuguese coastline is a holidaymaker's dream. Frequently hailed as one of the best golf destinations in the world, high-end resorts and world class courses sit side by side with an abundance of health and wellness spas that make the most of the scenery and tranquillity on offer.

For the more adventurous, some of Europe's best deep-sea fishing vies with every kind of water sport imaginable for visitors' attention. But it's the ocean that's the real attraction, or more precisely where the 'rolling plains end in unspoilt beaches' as the tourist office likes to say.

The Portuguese coastline boasts nearly 200 Blue Flag beaches, many hidden from the main tourist trails by sheltered coves or decorated by countless colourful boats in picturesque fishing villages like Sesimbra - which also doubles as the fashionable weekend retreat of 'well to do' Lisbon families.

Amongst all the sun, sea and glamour - and the glorious climate - Portugal's history and wealth of cultural heritage can almost be overlooked. Almost. From its Moorish legacies to modern day Lisbon, Portugal combines the past and the present with a timeless elegance. Whether you're a history buff or simply in need of some old world culture, you can choose from UNESCO World Heritage sites like the magical cliff top village of Sintra or simply take in the quiet charms of historic towns like Guimarães, Évora or Angra do Heroísmo.

More than anything, it's the seduction of a more relaxed and refined pace of life that hooks travellers and keeps them coming back for more. Perhaps it's no wonder that over a third of Portugal's tourists hail from the UK with many choosing the laid back lifestyle of evening strolls on the promenade at Sesimbra or the café terraces of Porto as ideal holiday home destinations.

Given all that Portugal has to offer it'll come as no surprise to know that tourist figures have risen dramatically over the last decade - extending well beyond the traditional Algarve destinations. So what now for the future?

The world wide economic woes of 2008 have hit tourist figures in Portugal as they have in many other destinations - although gross guest numbers for the first eight months of 2008 are actually up on the same period last year. It's clear that the hey day of cheap flights and even cheaper properties has gone; but while hotel stays from international tourists have fallen by around 4%, the home grown market has blossomed - attracting almost 4% more overnight stays from Portuguese citizens in 2008. It seems that the Portuguese are increasingly discovering Portugal for themselves and helping to keep tourism as one of the country's most important industries.

Portugal is almost uniquely blessed by the perfect climate and stunning natural beauty but it offers much more than just golf resorts and beach holidays. Even the government's plans for the promotion of tourism in Portugal realise what makes 'Europe's west coast' so special. They're focusing on four factors: 'climate and light,' 'history, culture and tradition,' 'hospitality' and 'diversity.'

Four great reasons to visit any country.

Adrian Warriner / Owner Invest
Owner Invest are the UK-based buy to let hotel room specialists.
For more information on how to buy hotel rooms at and current opportunities in Portugal visit>>
http://www.ownerinvest.com

7 Terrific Tips on holidaying in Queensland, Australia

2008-10-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

7 Terrific Tips on holidaying in Queensland, Australia

As I was born in tropical North Queensland on the Atherton Tablelands, and have worked in and traveled to most parts of Queensland, I feel that I can offer some great tips and information for you.

TIP NO 1 WEATHER The weather cycle in Queensland is the same throughout Australia with our summer months being December, January and February. Autumn months are March, April and May and winter months are June, July and August. Spring months are September, October and November and are very pleasant.

TIP NO 2 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Queensland does not operate daylight saving and local time is always 10 hours in front of GMT. Other states of Australia do operate daylight saving times from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April, so be aware of this if you fly into Queensland from other Australian states.

TIP NO 3 METRIC SYSTEM In Queensland the metric system is used so all distances are in kilometres (km's), speed is in kilometres per hour and petrol/fuel is sold in litres.

TIP NO 4 DRIVING IN QUEENSLAND Driving in Queensland, Australia and hiring a vehicle - Most hire companies will ask to see a valid un-restricted driving license and if this is in English this will usually be accepted. However if you have a licence which is not in English, you should first obtain a valid International Driving Permit before you leave your home country. Australia requires a "1949 Convention IDP". And don't forget, drive on the left side of the road. And always ask the hire company if you are allowed to drive the hire vehicle on a dirt road or you may have your insurance cancelled.

TIP NO 5 VOLTAGE The nominal mains electrical voltage is 230 Volts in Australia. As plug sockets require the Australian Standard plug pin arrangement, travel adaptors can be purchased within Australia, usually at airports.

TIP NO 6 EMERGENCIES 000 is the National emergency number in Australia and this is used for all emergency services including Fire Service, Ambulance Service and the Police.

TIP NO 7 MOBILE PHONE USE Australia has a modern telecommunications and mobile telephone network which includes 3G services to most parts of Qld. Check with your mobile company to see if "International Roaming" is available and this service can be activated for you whilst in Australia. Phone companies operating in Qld include Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus.

INFORMATION ON QUEENSLAND Queensland is home to about 4 million people and is the second largest state in Australia. Areas of Queensland in the interior are vast and sparsely populated, while coastal areas have a denser population. Tourists love the average summer temperatures of 25 degrees celsius (77F) and the average winter temperatures of 15 degrees celsius(59F). Brisbane is the capital of Queensland with about 2 million people in residence.

Queensland starts from Coolangatta on the Gold Coast and finishes at the northern point of Cape York. The most popular holiday spots range from the Gold Coast to Cairns in North Qld, which is a driving distance of about 1760klms. However, you can fly into the Brisbane airport in South East Qld, Maroochydore airport on the Sunshine Coast, Hamilton Island airport in the Whitsundays, Townsville airport for North Qld, or Cairns international airport for a tropical vacation. There are about 40 airports throughout Queensland, large bus companies and fast trains available, so getting to your destination is easy.

Many of the holiday resorts supply a free courtesy coach to pick you up from the airports or train and bus depots and deliver you stress free to their door for your relaxing or 'full on activities' vacation. There are many online places to choose your accommodation from and in all areas of Queensland. Accommodation is divided into several classifications including hotels, apartments, resorts, motels and Boutique accommodation, resort caravan parks and Bed and Breakfasts. As a guide, apartments and cabins tend to have more extensive 'in room cooking facilities' for people looking for a self catering holiday.

If you want to explore a part of Outback Queensland, hop on a flight to Longreach from Brisbane using Qantas (2hrs 25mins), jump on a bus tour to Winton and visit Lark Quarry where 93million year-old fossils capture a dinosaur stampede. These dinosaur tracks are under shelter in a museum.

If you love your comfort, travel in a luxury air-conditioned tour coach or if wanting to be adventurous and drive yourself, hire an air-conditioned four wheel drive vehicle from Longreach. The 179 klm road from Longreach to Winton is sealed but from Winton to Lark Quarry it is a badly maintained dirt road. I learnt the hard way. My husband and I travelled to Lark Quarry in our old, 1985, non air-conditioned bus and the red dust consumed us. It smothered everything inside including us, which is why I recommend using a modern air-conditioned vehicle. Still, we enjoyed the end result and would not have missed the experience of the Outback.

Winton is known for its water supply which pushes its way to the earth's crust from three artesian bores, all around 1,200 metres deep gushing at a temperature of 83 degrees Celsius.(195F) The water comes from the Great Artesian Basin which provides water for almost all areas of Australia's Outback.

Accommodation is available in Longreach and Winton and most of these places will book your tours. Discover attractions like the Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Outback Museum, the Waltzing Matilda Centre and the School of the Air.

You could not visit Queensland without checking out the beautiful Sunshine Coast situated about 104klms by car from Brisbane. Or you can fly from Brisbane directly into Maroochydore airport where you will have a large choice of accommodation. Again, most resorts offer a courtesy coach pick up.

I hope these tips and information on holidaying in Queensland help you with your visit to this wonderful state of Australia, 'down under'.

Want to know more about Australian holidays? Patricia Lilly has a large amount of information for you to check out on => http://www.australia-accommodation.info
Whether you are looking to spend time in the tropics, rainforests, mountainous ranges or outback Australia, Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia can assist you with Secure, online booking procedures guaranteeing a safe and smooth transaction.

All-Inclusive International Travel to Rome

2008-10-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

All-Inclusive International Travel to Rome

When you think of all-inclusive travel to Rome, what do you think of? Do you think of the history, the Forum, the Coliseum and the great Gods of Rome? Do you think of the religion, the Christians that were once sacrificed to the lions, but who now lead the world from The Vatican City: the smallest independent country in the world? Do you think of the Eternal City, the city to which all roads are said to lead, a term that harks back to the Roman Empire when that was a fact?

In fact you should be thinking of all of these and more. Rome is all of these but also a modern cosmopolitan city with everything that a great city has to offer the tourist and the adventurer. Rome is one of the best known cities in the world, yet also one of the least known. If you visit Rome, what do you want from it: do you want to see only what the tourists see or do you want to see it all - or as much as you can pack into the time available to you?

All inclusive international travel to Rome offers you the history of Rome, the Vatican and the Cistine Chapel, painted by the Italian genius Michelangelo, and other rooms with works displaying the works of the grand masters of painting and sculpture. If art is your thing you should visit the Galleria Borghese, with works by Rubens, Caravaggio and Bernini. Or visit the piazzas and fountains, including the most famous of them all, the Fountain of Trevi. Then why not do as the Romans do, and shop for clothes in the wonderful boutiques, eat in the very best Italian restaurants and then just stroll around the city.

Only a vacation package offering all-inclusive international travel to Rome could provide you with all of this, making sure that you miss nothing. Let's face it, you don't visit Rome every year, so when you do, you want to get the best flavor of the city: not just the touristy historical venues, but also the real Rome - the Rome of the Romans. But there is more than just that which you want in a dream holiday of a lifetime.

Your air travel should be at least business class, offering you the opportunity to stretch out when you need to and receive the best service on board. If you want to use your own air miles for your vacation to Rome you should be able to do so and get that taken from the price: a land only price should be available.

Your accommodation should be good while not necessarily luxurious, since many vacation destinations have no luxury hotels - in fact no hotels at all! However, Rome has many, and all-inclusive international travel to Rome should include hotels that have been hand-picked for their comfort and tradition. You don't want a plastic hotel with no Mediterranean charm, but neither do you want sub-standard accommodation and service. You want the best that Real Rome can offer.

Any all-inclusive deal should include your meals, and you should expect good food to suit a wide variety of tastes, but that also reflects the character of Rome. Roman cuisine is amongst the best in the entire world, and is more than just pasta and pizzas, Michelin standard included!

Rome is a wonderful city, but you need the services of a top-class guide to enable you to make the most of your visit. Without that you would likely see the sights without understanding their history or understand how the architecture of Rome has changed as the city expanded both before and after the end of the Roman Empire, at one time the largest Empire taken and controlled by military force in the whole of the world's history.

If you are considering a vacation that includes all-inclusive international travel to Rome, you should take each of these factors into consideration, and carefully check out what is being offered in your vacation. You should have a look at the trips and tours included in the various packages, and what degree of flexibility there is, not only in travel dates, but also in excursion times and dates, and in meal times.

You might want to skip a meal or an organized trip in order to do something else, such as have an afternoon in the pool or visit one of the ancient ruins outside Rome. You should be able to do so without missing out. You should also make sure that train travel is First Class where available, and that you get free time to roam around the city by yourself.

So, if you are considering all-inclusive international travel to Rome, make sure you have list of your needs ready when you book, and also of a 'good to have' list; make sure that you get all of your 'musts' and as many of your 'good to haves' as possible. That way you will find your ideal luxury international travel company for Rome or any other destination in the world.

If you are seeking an exclusive all-inclusive international travel to Rome, check out http://www.ultitude.com/InDash_Display.aspx?PGID=461 at Ultitude.com: the inclusive and exclusive travel company that takes travel experiences to a higher level than you have ever experienced before.

The Magic of Cyprus

2008-10-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

The Magic of Cyprus

Lying at its eastern most end, Cyprus is the 3rd largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia.

With its sandy beaches, historical sights and beautiful scenery, Cyprus creates a perfect holiday. The island for all seasons, Cyprus enjoys year-round sun, great nightlife and a wonderful atmosphere. According to Greek mythology, Cyprus is said to have been Aphrodite's, the Godess of Love's, birthplace, and once you have spent just a few days there, it's easy to see why holidaymakers fall in love with it.

Although a small country, Cyprus has a distinguished cultural heritage. Wherever you go around the island, you will find ancient monuments and sites, churches and monasteries bearing testimony to over 9000 years of civilization and history. Cyprus stands at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe and this exotic mix is imprinted strongly in Cyprus'cultural history.

Although the island is divided between the Turkish North(The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus or TRNC as it is locally known)and the Greek South, in practical terms it is now entirely possible to travel between the 2 sides of the island with the minimum of fuss and formalities.

Despite the long standing feuding and diplomatic tensions between the Greeks and the Turks, when you visit Cyprus you will be struck at just how similar both sides of the island are. Apart from the obvious language differences, the intensely deep and genuine warmth and friendliness of both Greek and Turkish Cypriot peoples will live in your memory long after you have returned to your normal place of abode.

For Cyprus is not just a place to go and have a well earned rest in the sun as is the case with many holiday locations, no, far from it, to go to Cyprus, is to immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of Aphrodite's Island of Love and to make long lasting friendships with its people who will welcome you and treat you as they would a long lost friend or returning family member.

Indeed I challenge you to go to any restaurant or taverna on this island and to come away at the end of the evening and not to have met and been introduced to the owner of the establishment and to have shared "a drink on the house!"

The most popular coastal and beach resorts are those of Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Protaras. Nicosia, the island's divided capital is well worth a visit but the intense heat of the summer months is made worse by the fact that Nicosia lies almost at the centre of the island and not by the coast where the sea breezes provide welcome relief in the months of June to September when average daily temperatures will rise well into the high 30's to 40's and stay there even into the evening and nightime hours.

The Troodos mountains provide a welcome change for those seeking some relief from the summer sun- indeed it is actually possible to ski up in Troodos in Winter and yet still be on the beach in Limassol or Larnaca within a short 90 minute car ride- such is the amazing variety of this island which once visited is never forgotten.

As with many holiday resorts, Cyprus has become a very popular destination for people to buy investment and holiday properties. As a result you will find a tremendous range of holiday properties to rent from holiday villas, holiday apartments and all manner of self catering holiday accommodation.

There are also a wealth of world class international hotels offering standards of accommodation and creature comforts to rival the most prestigious holiday destinations anywhere in the world. Over the last few years there has also been the very welcome development(if you are a keen golfer such as I am) of several high quality golf course and resorts on both the South and the North of the Island. With temperatures in January never really falling much below 16c in the late morning and early afternoon, a winter golfing holiday in Cyprus is very much in vogue now with thousands of golfers from all over Europe.

The Author, Duncan Paul Mitchell, is a co-owner of the holiday property rental website: http://www.letsbookaholiday.com .
If you are looking to rent superb quality holiday villas and apartments in Cyprus or if you are a holiday property owner in Cyprus and are looking to create more rental income, then please visit the website: http://www.letsbookaholiday.com/Cyprus to take advantage of some great advertising and villa rental offers.

Ski-ing down a volcano!

2008-10-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Ski-ing down a volcano!

No you do not have to travel to a far flung outpost of the world to experience ski-ing down a volcano!

Just hop over to France and visit the Auvergne where hurtling down volcanic snow covered slopes is a very popular pastime.

The Auvergne is home to the 'Monts Dome', a range of mountains located to the south west of Clermont Ferrand, made up of over 80 volcanoes which became extinct less than 4000 years ago. This stunning terrain has several high peaks (known as Puys) with the imposing Puy de Dome overlooking Clermont Ferrand reaching 1465m and the Puy de Sancy an impressive 1886m, the highest peak in France outside of the Alps and Pyrenees.

The two main classified ski-centres of Superbesse and Le Mont Dore are located on the south and north side of the Puy du Sancy respectively and are linked to form an overall ski terrain of 85km. The ski pass (7 days €135 per adult, €94.60 per child in high season - 2008/9) covers both resorts. In December 2008 a new cable car will open in Superbesse improving access to the summit; the Puy de la Perdix (1850m). The smaller resort of Chastreix-Sancy is located on the west side of the Puy de Sancy which has 16km of slopes. This is not linked to the two main resorts.

Several smaller resorts combine with the above to form the Grandes Espaces d'Auvergne, where you will find over 200km of downhill pistes and 900km of cross country pistes. The region is best suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers and is an excellent place to learn to ski. The 2008/9 ski season runs from 1st December to 26th April.

The Auvergne ski resorts are very much geared towards the family. The main resorts all have ski schools catering for all levels of ability. Superbesse and Le Mont Dore both have nursery ski clubs (Piou Piou) where children from 4 years old can learn to ski in a separate domain away from the main slopes. For younger children there is a nursery at Superbesse catering for children from 3 months old.

Access to Superbesse and Le Mont Dore is via car (arrive early to ensure a space) or for those wishing to arrive minus the stress of hunting for a car parking space via the free snow shuttle buses which run frequently from Besse and Le Mont Dore to the foot of the slopes.

Apart from downhill or cross country skiing there are a wealth of other winter activities available in the area. You can try tubbing (hurtling down the mountain on a tyre inner tube!), sledging, ice-skating, snow-kiting, ice climbing, winter quad biking, dog sledding or speed ski-ing to name but a few. All of these (outdoor) activities have their own dedicated safe areas.

A great way to explore the snow covered landscape is by taking one of the many snow shoe trails. You can take off on your own (equipment is available for hire) to discover the area at your own pace via the marked trails or take advantage of the services of a mountain guide. Half day or full day excursions are offered as well as night trips with a meal and overnight stay in a farm or mountain 'buron'.

Accommodation in the area is plentiful and varied with a good choice of hotels, bed and breakfast and self catering houses, chalets or apartments. Away from the resorts accommodation is cheaper and several agencies in the area have a good choice of holiday rentals within 10-20 minutes drive of the slopes.

There is a good choice of restaurants in and around the ski centres to suit all tastes and budgets. Traditional Auvergne dishes include truffade, a carbohydrate laden feast of potatoes, cheese and cured meats which is an ideal meal after a hard day on the mountains, and aligot, garlic mashed potato usually served with French sausages. Of course lighter meals are available but the emphasis is on traditional country fare, typical of this predominantly agricultural region.

Throughout the winter season a number of special events are held. From 29th December to 2nd January Superbesse is hosting 'Nordic Week' showcasing typical Scandinavian winter activities such as dog sledding, biathlon and Nordic cross country ski-ing. The 'Sancy Snow Dog' a dog sledding race takes place over the week-end of the 3rd and 4th of January in Le Mont Dore. On 31st January Superbesse hosts one of the famous 'Trophee Andros' series of races in which cars compete over a circuit made entirely of solid ice. Not for the faint hearted! And between 12th and 21st February is the 'Sancy Snow Jazz Festival' featuring New Orleans and traditional live jazz playing in bars, restaurants and discoteques. These and many other events help to make a winter visit to the Auvergne a unique experience.

Access to the area from the UK is via the channel ports (approximately 7 hours drive from Calais) or by air via Paris to Clermont Ferrand. The nearest airport with direct flights to the UK is Limoges, approximately 2 drive hours to the west of Clermont Ferrand.

Mary Smith has lived in the Auvergne for 4 years and would love you to come and discover this hidden gem in the heart of France for yourself. Mary runs a holiday lettings agency, Auvergne France Homes, providing a large choice of comfortable, reasonably priced accommodation. Come and discover the Auvergne for yourselves
=> http://www.afhomes.biz

Family Vacations in Hawaii

2008-10-27T16:29:00.002-07:00

Family Vacations in Hawaii
Copyright © 2008 John Nolan

Hawaii is a great resort for any family vacation. When you have worked hard throughout the year it really is a big move to finally make the decision to go on that perfect beach holiday. Beach vacations are always a perfect option for family holidays and Hawaii is one of the most popular beach resorts around the world. If you are planning a vacation anytime soon you may want to consider all of the options available. You may choose to stay in a hotel or even participate in group tours, but for some of us the best option will simply be finding a rental that is able to accommodate you and your family.

When you think about a family vacation there is always a lot to consider - when you can go, how long for, and whether you will be able to schedule time away from school and work. Once you have sorted out all of these issues you will then need to consider which home you want to rent, and this will need to be big enough to accommodate the whole family. Things will be much simpler for you if you choose a home that has it all - large living space, a dining room and even a laundry room. Try to find a property where you can really relax and enjoy your time away.

Once you arrive in Hawaii there are a number different things to see and do. There are so many tourist attractions that the only problem you will have is in deciding which ones to see. As well as family events, Hawaii can also be the place for a perfect honeymoon, and if you had your honeymoon in Hawaii then you will already have some idea as to what you might expect out of a family holiday. There are many top locations for action packed holidays, including Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

Whether this is your first trip to Hawaii or whether you have been there five times already you are guaranteed to find new and exciting things to do there. Of course, here are the beautiful beaches and the great games you can take part in. The beaches themselves are a great place to relax, with calm seas and beautiful sands. The water is safe for children of all ages, and all kinds of experienced swimmers. The hoopla is great fun, and your holiday will only be made better when you have the chance to win some fun prizes.

As you can see there is a lot to do, and Hawaii is a popular destination for tourists from across the world. Family holidays can create great memories that will be treasured for years to come, and there are also some great sightseeing tours for the adults as well as the children. The weather is just beautiful, and all of this can be made amazing by renting a beautiful beach side property. Just start looking at all of the options available and make that dream holiday in Hawaii become a reality.

Great travel and vacation ideas.
http://www.cooltriptravel.com
Learn more about air booking and car rental tips.
http://www.funnyholidaytrip.com

Top 10 festivals to visit on holiday

2008-10-27T16:29:00.001-07:00

Top 10 festivals to visit on holiday
Copyright © 2008 directline-holidays.co.uk

To find the Top 10 festivals to visit on holiday you have to look at the type of festival you want to see. There are hundreds of Festivals all year round and choosing just ten may be a hard thing to do but here are some you might want to consider.

San Fermin and Oktoberfest are on the list due to their variety of events not to mention that hardly anyone has not heard of them with their nomad marriage festivals, and camel wrestling. Next is the San Fermin, in Pamplona, Spain, this is where the yearly bull running takes place in July. Then we have the Cannes film festival, in France this festival is held in May and filled with stars and wannabes, better-dressed tourists, photographers and yacht owners. There are plenty of free movies, aperitifs, and more for all to enjoy.

On the Top 10 festivals to visit on holiday is Carnival, Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil if you want to be with the King of Carnival then this is where you have to be. It is a four-day celebration of Lent and is a place to dance, sing, and have plenty of fun. If you want to be a part of this celebration then just grab a samba costume, and dance away.

We of course have the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage celebration, in the United States in the months of May and June on the Top 10 festivals to visit on holiday. Here you can find a gathering of the bands that play in New Orleans but all in one location. While you listen to the music you can enjoy the food and flavours of the Deep South.

Another location on the Top 10 festivals to visit on holiday is Calgary Stampede, Canada. Here you will live and experience the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" which is held every July. This 10-day event includes concerts, rodeos, chuck wagon races, agricultural competitions, and pancake breakfasts.

There is also the Cure Salée festival, in Ingal, Niger. Here you will see the marriage festival among the Tuareg and Wodaabe nomads. This allows the young women to choose the man they would want. The men on the other hand line dance and roll their eyes at the ladies. This September event has camel riders, music, races, songs, dances and storytelling.

We then have the Abu Simbel festival, in Egypt; this had made it on the Top 10 festivals to visit on holiday due to the unique meaning and start-up behind it. It is the anniversary of Ramses II's rise to the throne and on his birthday. You will find that crowds of people have come to this event twice a year on February 22 and October 22. This event also made it into an Indiana Jones movie.

http://www.directline-holidays.co.uk provides you with the latest holiday offers, essential information & reviews on destinations worldwide.

Hotel Deals at Last Minute Prices

2008-10-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hotel Deals at Last Minute Prices
Copyright © 2008 John Nolan

Booking at the last minute has always been a way to save money when travelling, but in the case of hotels this can sometimes leave you with nowhere to stay. The truth is that many hotels book well in advance, and often become fully booked for the whole of the peak season. In these cases it is always advisable to plan in advance, but what if you only decide to go away at the last minute?

The fact is, we cannot always plan our lives in advance. Personal and business trips will often happen at a moment's notice so it is important to learn where to get the best deals and ensure you have somewhere to stay. The internet is proving increasingly useful in seeking out these deals, and there are many sites which will list literally thousands of hotel options across the world (as well as hostels, B&Bs, apartments and more).

Most of these online services are free, but this does not mean they are not useful. In fact they generally work on commission from a hotel or travel agency for every booking that they make, so it is in their interests to offer you the best deals possible. You could try a paid site to ensure the deals are genuine, but most free sites will be extremely useful. This also means that you can start making bookings from the comfort of your own home, and at great prices too!

Online hotel directories are the best way to get a good deal at the last minute. You simply have to perform a quick search of the area you want to stay, and click on any deals you might be interested on. This will then allow you to view information on the hotel, such as photographs, directions and even user reviews. All of this is really invaluable in making sure you get a good class of accommodation but still for a low price.

To find the best deals on any hotels website you will have to have a budget in mind. Think about what you expect to get within this budget. For example, an all-inclusive holiday deal may end up saving you more money than a simple bed and breakfast. You could also benefit from sharing a room, or seeing what extra services may be included in the room fee. Once you know exactly what you are after, these hotel sites will search according to your needs.

Hotel deals are much easier to find when looking online. There are always simple facts to remember, such as sharing a bathroom will lower the price, as well staying on weekdays. However, the choice of hotels available means that you will often find something suitable that is well within your price range. In most cases you will be able to type in your exact requirements and view the results according to the price to make sure that you can assess all of the cheapest options before any others, which really does make the internet the best way to book your hotel.

Great travel and vacation ideas.
http://www.greattripideas.com
Learn more about air booking and car rental tips.
http://www.goodsummertrip.com

How to Have the Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget

2008-10-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

How to Have the Perfect Honeymoon on a Budget
Copyright © 2008 John Nolan

After you have spent a fortune planning your wedding, it can be hard to set aside much money for what comes next - the honeymoon. It can cost thousands for a luxury vacation, but the truth is that your honeymoon can be as expensive as you want it. Though some newlyweds may spend thousands on a trip across Europe, you could also choose something as simple as a long weekend staying in a B&B. The most important thing is that you get to spend some time alone with your new husband or wife, as well as relaxing and connecting. Here are some tips that will help you save money whilst still letting you get the best out of your honeymoon.

Careful Research: Research is top of the list because this can really save you money in the long run. Many people focus primarily on the planning of their wedding and forget about their honeymoon. Whilst this is understandable, as soon as you have set a wedding date you should try to keep an eye out for any great deals in the lead up to the big day. Buy newspapers or travel magazines to make sure you learn of any offers, and this will also give you time to compare the deals from different agents.

Off-Season: You should also carefully consider when you want to go away for your honeymoon. Travelling off-season will make your trip a lot cheaper, and this will not necessarily mean the weather will be bad. For example, you could choose to visit a tropical destination that has good weather all year round. The most popular, and therefore most expensive, time to visit these destinations is when the weather is cold at home, but going off-season can really save you money. If there is a particular place you want to visit then try to be flexible about when you can go, but if you do not mind where you go then choose somewhere off-season.

Credit Card Rewards: These can often help you to save money on your honeymoon by rewarding those who travel frequently. If you have a good enough credit score you can take out a credit card using one of these schemes, which will pay you points according to any wedding expenses that you may charge to the card. Once you start getting your points you can exchange them for tickets, hotel rooms, upgrades and other holiday essentials. This can be a great way to save; just make sure that you are in a financially stable position to be able to pay it off quickly when the bill comes through.

Expert Advice: When planning your honeymoon, expert advice can really help you to get the biggest savings. Visit the travel agents who will let you know about any last-minute deals or ongoing sales for honeymoon vacations. They will often try to help you as much s possible in saving you money and finding you the best package available within your budget.

Other Help: As well as making savings as above, you could consider setting up a honeymoon register that will allow your wedding guests to contribute toward your honeymoon expenses, or specific activities, instead of buying gifts. This can be a great idea, with some honeymoon gifts including scuba diving and other exciting activities.

As mentioned above, you can try to find ways to save that involve not going on your average honeymoon holiday. Compare all of the advantages and disadvantages of your honeymoon options. For example, bed and breakfasts can be extremely romantic, but less private than you may have hoped for. All-inclusive packages can take away from your worries by offering a flat rate for all food and so on. The best thing to do is to compare all your choices and take some time and careful research to decide which one is the best for you. If you follow all of these instructions then you will soon see that it really is possible to have a great honeymoon on a budget.

Great travel and vacation ideas.
http://www.triptravelholiday.com
Learn more about air booking and car rental tips.
http://www.goodtriptravel.com

Adventure Travel to Kenya: Discover Kenya's Best Kept Secrets

2008-10-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

Adventure Travel to Kenya: Discover Kenya's Best Kept Secrets

How would like adventure travel to Kenya, to learn some of Kenya's best kept secrets? How about checking into Hemingway's, a luxury hotel on the Indian Ocean, or spending some time in the same area that Elsa was released into the wild by Joy Adamson? You can enjoy these, and more, with luxury adventure travel to Kenya, land of the Luo, Kalenjin, Turkana and the famous Maasai warrior race, as the name is correctly spelled although we shall use the more popular western spelling of Masai.

The capital is Nairobi, and that would be a good place to start. There are many types of hotel in Nairobi, but if you can, try to book into one of the few boutique hotels that accommodate only a few guests, twelve being a good number. For that you will have to book yourself a luxury adventure vacation, with personal service offering vacation planning from just yourself and your partner.

That is a better way to enjoy Kenya's secrets, rather than traveling in a large group of 40 or more as most people do. If you can find a tour company that offers this level of personal service, then your vacation can be tailored to suit your own timetable and needs, and not those of the majority, or even in some cases the minority!

Nairobi has a lot offer somebody seeking adventure travel to Kenya, and you don't have to travel to unknown places to discover some of Kenya's best kept secrets. Take Karen Blixen's house, for example, the author of 'Out of Africa', made into an Oscar winning movie, or the Carnivore restaurant, where you can dine on some exotic game. You should also check out Masai crafts at the Utamanduni Craft center and visit the giraffes at the Giraffe Center.

However, it is the game reserves that most people visit Kenya to see, and that adventure travelers to Kenya are particularly interested in, so take a plane ride over the Meru National Park and land near Elsa's Kopje - a rocky outcrop on Mughwangi Hill in the Meru Park, where Elsa was released by Joy and George Adamson back in 1958.

Why not spend some time in the park and check out the elephants, leopards and cheetahs, and of course the lions. Unfortunately the big game, the lions in particular, are in grave danger in Nairobi Park due to the action of humans, so take advantage of the opportunity to see them in the wild while you can. Although most people prefer to go on guided safaris, others prefer fishing and nature walks, or even just to lie by the pool. It's your vacation so indulge yourself.

You must then visit the Masai Mara Nature Reserve, where the big game animals are less under threat from human activity. Try to head for the Cottar 1920 Mari Safari Camp, where the 22,000 acre private concession houses only 12 guests, but it's well worth it, and no luxury adventure travel to Kenya should miss a visit to Cottars. Calvin Cottar is one of the best guides in the country, and will take you on a game drive in a 4WD or even a more traditional ox cart. It is an advantage that the camp is not part of the reserve, because you can go on night drives and guided walking tours, which would not otherwise be permitted.

Malinda is another part of Kenya you must not miss: situated on the Indian Ocean Malinda offers Hemingway's a luxury hotel that offers the very best personal service. Use it as a base for a trip to Lamu Island, which used to be a base for the slave trade, and on which the only means of travel other than foot is by donkey. Try a dip in the ocean or simply relax by the pool, contemplating what you have seen

The type of luxury you can experience on these trips is unbelievably high, and adventure travel to Kenya is not all safaris and living rough. You can also do it in style, but make sure that your price is all-inclusive since the extras for the flights and safari trips can be high. A good luxury vacation company will offer you all-inclusive deals that will work out cheaper in the long run than trying to keep your initial costs low and pay your own way. You will either end up paying more, or missing out on a lot, which would be a shame after traveling so far.

Try to get a personal deal, with just the two of you traveling, rather than being part of a large group, and make sure that your travel is commensurate with the luxury you are seeking: a minimum of business class flights, and first class rail and road travel where it is involved. Your accommodation should be the best available, and the small personal hotels are often the best.

Achieve all that, and there are no reasons why your luxury adventure travel to Kenya should not provide you with the vacation of your dreams, the memories of which will last you a lifetime.

If you are interested in a luxury personal vacation service for you and your partner, you can book luxury adventure travel to Kenya at http://www.ultitude.com and do everything above for an all-inclusive price for luxury travel, accommodation and cuisine, including safaris and flights over the reserves.

Laughlin, Nevada is known as the UnVegas

2008-10-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

Laughlin, Nevada is known as the UnVegas

The one-time owners of a tiny eight-room motel on the banks of the Colorado River must be feeling a little like the Native Americans who sold Manhattan Island for, let's say, less than today's market value.

Not that these motel owners were short-changed by visionary Don Laughlin - it's just that now, four decades later, Laughlin has parlayed that $235,000 investment into a big-time resort empire that so far has drawn eight other casino/hotels to his little stretch of the Colorado. In the meantime, Laughlin has pumped millions in casino profits back into such community projects as a bridge to Arizona and an airport capable of landing 737's.

Who could blame folks if they named the town after him, too?

Laughlin had made a few bucks selling a gambling club in Las Vegas and, while flying over what is now Laughlin, Nevada, the soon-to-be resort magnate looked down and saw a stretch of the river nestled between two sets of craggy mountains. The river also is the dividing line between Nevada and Arizona, and California's just a few miles up the road.

"If we build it, they will come." Not Don Laughlin's words, but no doubt his sentiments as he looked into his unusually reliable crystal ball and foresaw the development of another Las Vegas just about an hour's drive south of the real one. In 1966 he opened the Riverside Casino with 12 slot machines and two playing tables. Accommodations were limited to four rooms because the Laughlin family was living in the other four rooms of that tiny motel.

Fast-forward to a Riverside Casino that, over the years, has grown to more than 1,400 rooms including two towers, various casinos and plenty of extras to make the property a favorite for visitors to Laughlin. Lots of other familiar names have now staked out claims along the Colorado, including the Flamingo, Golden Nugget and Harrahs. There are now 10,000 rooms and 60 restaurants serving the more than 5 million visitors who come to Laughlin each year.

Why people come to Laughlin is best explained when you look at the city's visitor demographics. To start with, they're a bit older - about two-thirds of them are 50 or older, and about a third are 65 or older. They spend an average of $33 a night to stay in Laughlin, but they'll budget more than $400 to gamble while they're in town for their two or three day stay.

In short, the people who come to Laughlin would rather spend money on gambling than on fancy hotel rooms, and chances are they're also more than a little phobic about the traffic and parking problems they think they might encounter in Las Vegas. As one hotel marketing person told us, Laughlin really is thought of by many visitors as the Old Las Vegas - the one that was more focused on providing cheap beds and cheap eats, but plenty of opportunities to gamble. Another phrase we heard was the "un-Vegas" that takes visitors back to a simpler time and place that is easier on the pocketbook.

Judging from our recent visit to Laughlin, the niche still seems to be working, despite more competition nowadays from Indian casinos that have siphoned off some of the California visitors who now may be content to stay and gamble at a casino closer to home. But Laughlin still pulls them in very well from several parts of California, and from many other places across the country including destinations in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. Three different airlines now are providing charter service into Laughlin from dozens of destinations.

During our November visit, the weather in Laughlin was ideal - cloudless skies with temperatures in the mid-70s, which certainly is appealing to visitors from the northern states. In fact, winter is the best time to visit Laughlin because the locals will tell you that summer can be 10 degrees hotter than the already toasty LasVegas.

With consistently warm weather, another factor comes into play in Laughlin: The River. We read someplace that this is the only part of Nevada that really has this much water to play around in and, judging from the many ski-doos and speed boats on the Colorado, we would not be surprised. The hotels showcase the river as much as they would some big-name entertainer - they almost all have boat docks and shuttle boats for guests to cross the river, and there are also cruises on sternwheeler replicas and even high-speed river boats.

In fact, the river walk in Laughlin is not unlike the river walk in New Orleans - the Colorado at this juncture is quite a bit narrower than the Mississippi, but the festive walkway with restaurants and shops all along the way can be just as entertaining. And, of course, Laughlin has a series of casinos whereas New Orleans just has one in the riverfront area.

Being the "un-Vegas," Laughlin can be a little less than top-drawer in the entertainment area. The city does get high-quality and current acts, including many of the top country music entertainers on the charts today. But you also may be likely to see someone who has already peaked, possibly quite a few years ago. While we were there, the current and coming attractions included names like Vicki Lawrence, Charo, Mel Tillis, Roy Clark and a special "Where are they now" show at the Edgewater featuring several former child stars like Paul Peterson (the Donna Reed Show) and Ken Osmond (Eddie Haskell on Leave it to Beaver).

On the plus side, the entertainment in Laughlin is comparatively inexpensive. If you've gone to Las Vegas and passed on the entertainment just because it was too expensive, you'll be pleasantly surprised in Laughlin. Instead of $100 or $150 a ticket, name acts can be as little as $25 a seat.

Most of the big-name entertainment comes to the Riverside, which was our base of operations while in Laughlin. With little plastic signs in our guestroom saying "The customer is always King," we could not help but get a sense that Don Laughlin has trained his staff to focus on customer service. Throughout the Riverside complex there are special indications that the Riverside has been a work in progress. There's a 34-lane bowling alley and adjacent Kids Castle that allows you to drop your kids off for $6.50 an hour. A "Loser's Lounge" has pictures of famous losers on the walls. There's a terrific antique car museum. Oh, and of course don't miss the Watch Man, a place where you'll find thousands of watches with thousands of designs including several with Jesus Christ on the dial. There's something for everyone at the Riverside.

There also doesn't seem to be much sin to this version of Sin City - no one handing out pamphlets advertising escorts, no over-the-top billboards or signs, no real attention to girlie shows with the exception of one "Showgirls" revue at one of the hotels. You get the feeling that many of the visitors here might be some of those voters concerned about moral values, and one guesses that whatever happens in Laughlin most certainly will not stay in Laughlin.

Reinforcing this was our chance encounter with some favorite relatives from Hemet, California, who were visiting Laughlin the same time as we were, and also staying at the Riverside. We know them as church-going, God-fearing people and they were in town for four days of what they consider to be good, clean fun.

Somehow, we think that's exactly what Don Laughlin had in mind when he first laid eyes on that little eight-room motel on the banks of the Colorado River.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Laughlin is at the southern tip of Nevada and about a five- or six-hour drive from many points in Southern California.

WHAT: Laughlin is a trip back in time to the Las Vegas of 40 years ago. The strip of nine casinos can be walked, for the most part, using a walkway along the Colorado River.

WHEN: Any time of year, although summers can be very hot. The best option is to visit in winter when temperatures are in the 70s and the sun shines often.

WHY: Laughlin is a good place to visit if you've grown weary of, or are apprehensive about, the crowds, lines, traffic and prices of Las Vegas. However, it's definitely a more subdued vacation experience when compared with the glitter of Vegas.

HOW: Accommodations at the Riverside and other Laughlin hotels are quite reasonable. For more information on the Riverside or flight packages, phone 1-800-227-3849, or visit www.riversideresort.com. For more information on Laughlin, call 1-800-4-laughlin. Or visit the Laughlin Visitors Bureau website at www.visitlaughlin.com.

Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com .

Booking Cheap International Flights To Asia

2008-10-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

Booking Cheap International Flights To Asia

If you are having a hard time finding cheap international flights to Asia you are not alone. Most major international airlines are cashing in on the fact that Asia is a hotspot for tourists from Europe and American and will very rarely if ever, offer cheap international flights to Asia.

The good news is that persistence pays and in your search for cheap international flights to Asia here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that you will get the best deal?

Should You Book Your Cheap International Flights to Asia early or late?

Can you count on getting a bargain at the last minute? With costs going up for all the international airlines, it seems that the odds of getting cheap international flights to Asia at the last minute are very slim.

If at all there is a cheap air fare, you can be sure it will be snapped up quickly; most likely on the first hour of the first day itself. Deals are available, but last minute deals are rare. Airlines are encouraging people to book in advance through discounted offers and very often cheap international flights to Asia are available a couple of months in advance. Airline budgets are getting tighter and the number of flights going out to destinations is being reduced to maximize profit.

The Early Bird gets the Cheap International Flights to Asia

In general, booking early will get you a good deal; booking a summer flight in January or February will be far less costly than booking the same flight in March or April. With the reduction in capacity, half empty planes are becoming less and less common. This means that the chance of snapping up a last minute deal is low.

However, you should never say never. In the event that you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, one of the options you can explore when travelling in Asia is the low cost carriers that operate within the major hubs in the region. Singapore's Changi Airport could be considered a hub for many of the major air carriers, much like Atlanta in the United States.

Low Cost Carriers and Cheap International Flights to Asia

There are many low cost, no frills airlines around the world. However, they mostly operate in a given region and rarely travel between continents. This means that even if you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, you can still avail of bargain prices on domestic flights between the cities of the same country. Some low cost carriers will also operate between Asian countries.

If you are travelling around Asia, it might be an idea to consider booking flights on the low cost carriers between the countries that you intend visiting. Long haul flights offered by low cost airlines are only now being introduced between London and some parts of Southeast Asia. However, travel between south eastern Asian countries such as Singapore and Vietnam can be accomplished relying mainly on the low cost air carriers. There are also a handful of domestic airlines operating in Asian countries.

For example, if India is on your travel itinerary, you should note that there are half a dozen low cost airlines competing in India, so you may get a good deal on domestic flights on the subcontinent.

Huzaili Aris loves to travel and reveals more secrets on getting cheap airfare at his website. Learn how you can get your hands on insider information that can help you save hundreds of $$$ on your next airline vacation trip by visiting http://www.travelingcheapguide.com/

Top 10 après-ski resorts

2008-10-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Top 10 après-ski resorts
Copyright © 2008 directline-holidays.co.uk

Just because the sun has gone down, it shouldn't mean that your ski day is over. There are several fantastic ski resorts all over the world that offer great après-ski activities.

Aspen

Aspen is one of the best places for après ski activities. It is a great magnet for Hollywood stars, with great bars, clubs, and all around great nightlife activities. The antiquated buildings, music clubs and concert scenes, and fabulous restaurants are all wonderful places to keep your ski vacation going great even after the slopes close.

Bariloche

Bariloche is a fantastic place for après ski adventures. Located in Argentina, this is a fantastic summer ski resort - with temperatures in June around 30 degrees, which is perfect for skiing. Also, it is cheap, and has a variety of night life activities. Casinos, restaurants, and bars make this a fantastic place for after ski parties.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix Mont Blanc is another great place for après ski activities. It is located at the crossroads of France, Italy, and Switzerland, which makes it one of the most happening places in Europe for both skiing and after skiing parties.

Cortina

Cortina is one of the most glamorous winter ski resorts, which has been attracting international ski enthusiasts ever since it held the 1956 winter games. It is a calm place, but full of sophisticated night-time restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Killington

Killington is located on the East Coast of the US, and is a combination of snow filled action during the day, and fun filled attractions during the evening hours.

Lake Tahoe

This is another great après ski resort. The resort is located between California and Nevada, and has great snow play as well as casinos, and the biggest alpine lake in North America. The south shore - the Nevada side - is the place that is the most happening at night.

St Anton

St Anton is a great place for a night scene after skiing. In fact, it is one of the birthplaces of skiing, so you can expect a fantastic slope experience, as well as great night-time fare.

Telluride

Telluride in the Rocky Mountains is a great place for skiing and night life together. It is a fantastic and fun filled atmosphere, with just the right touch of roughness and class.

Whistler

Located just a few hours from Vancouver, is a great place for skiing and night life combined. There are great outdoor views and scenes, as well as fantastic restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Zermatt

Zermatt is world class, not only for the fantastic ski experience, but also for the hotels, boutiques, restaurants, bars and clubs that you can also find.

Search for all the latest deals and offers on ski holidays across the world at directline-skiing.co.uk. We have the best prices and unbeatable packages.

East Midlands Airport UK - Flying With Great Holiday Ideas

2008-10-23T12:28:00.002-07:00

East Midlands Airport UK - Flying With Great Holiday Ideas

Keeping up its commitment to building holiday opportunities, without the hassle of long car journeys to international "hub" airports in the south or northwest of England, the UK's East Midlands Airport continues to offer plenty of choice for the holidaymaker on a short break or a longer holiday.

One example is Beauvais near Paris, where cheap flights from the airport can cost as little as £10.00. Beauvais is a town brimming with culture, with many museums, sporting events and festive happenings, it's the perfect city break. And of course, it is easy to get to Paris and enjoy the highlights there too - one of the most famous city break destinations and a perfect treat for that someone special.

Other city break ideas include Irish holidays to locations such as Knock, located in County Mayo in southern Ireland, one of the most picturesque counties. With its breathtaking craggy coastline, interspersed with sandy beaches and charming villages, its charm will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Or perhaps you might try the vibrant city of Belfast in Northern Ireland.

A great traditional winter idea to please all the family would be a trip to Lapland to see Father Christmas. East Midlands Airport actually has day trip to Lapland - which includes a guaranteed private family meeting with the great man himself. But it is also possible, of course, to enjoy a comforting stay in small, cosy, friendly family run hotels as well as participating in a range of arctic activities, such as reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris.

But further afield, also flying from East Midlands, a fantastic winter sun idea would be a trip to The Gambia in West Africa. With the tour operator The Gambia Experience, you can escape the British winter for under £300 for a week.

Just 6 hours from the UK, The Gambia, known as the Smiling Coast will give you a warm welcome. The former British colony offers a tropical experience, friendly English speaking locals, exotic culture and almost unbroken sunshine from November right through to April The Gambia boasts temperatures of over 30 degrees C, plus stretches of uncrowded sandy beaches, a wide range of restaurants and a variety of accommodation, making it the perfect winter sun destination.

Or even further afield, it is possible to fly from East Midlands Airport to exotic Mexico, sizzling with sunshine and burning with Spanish party passion. With great weather, fabulous food and a vibrant nightlife, Mexico really can be seen as the ultimate holiday destination. There is much to explore in Mexico from the desert sands and Mayan ruins to the jungle and its two coastlines.

Thus East Midlands, along with other UK regional airports, are continuing to push hard to keep variety, value and choice alive at times when the economic challenges for holidaymakers and businesses are clear for all to see.

Jimi St.Pierre, in collaboration with travel correspondent Penny Church writes for several Travel Companies in the UK, including East Midlands Airport Parking specialist http://www.holiday-parking.co.uk who offer a wide variety of airport parking and hotel arrangements.

Winter Activities in Steamboat Springs Colorado

2008-10-23T12:28:00.001-07:00

Winter Activities in Steamboat Springs Colorado

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a small Rocky Mountain town, rich in its old-west heritage, with friendly locals, tons of recreation and snow that has earned the name "champagne powder". Last year almost 500 inches of snow fell on the Steamboat Ski Resort by early April, and even more hit the mountain peaks that surround the town. Steamboat boasts some of the best tree skiing in the country with aspen glades galore! There is plenty of terrain for all ability levels and about 3,000 acres of it!

Steamboat has been appropriately nicknamed "Ski town U.S.A", but if you find yourself here for a week in the winter, don't stick to the slopes. Steamboat has many other outdoor adventure opportunities. Visitors can try a new sport and take advantage of this winter-wonderland. Activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, horseback riding, sleigh rides, tubing and snowcat skiing in the backcountry. After participating in one of these adventures, visitors can utilize another of Steamboat's delightful attributes...its secluded mountain hot springs.

Snowmobiling has become a favorite pastime in Steamboat Springs. Riders come from far and wide to play in this area. Guided snowmobile tours are offered by a handful of local outfitters, some who operate in the beautiful Routt National Forest and the serene Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area. Thousands of acres are open to motorized sports, with incredibly diverse topography. The terrain varies from mellow groomed trails to steep, jagged pitches. This provides fun for everyone, no matter how much they have or have not ridden in the past.

Horseback Riding over the hills and through sunlit aspen glades is a peaceful endeavor. For those who seek to enjoy the mountain wilderness in a non-motorized fashion, a horseback ride is ideal. Other options for a quiet excursion in the backcountry include snowshoeing or nordic (cross-country) skiing. These activities combine post-card perfect scenery and a little bit of exercise. Also, because hikers and skiers make a limited amount of noise, there is a great chance of spotting wildlife! Break up the excursion by stopping at a secluded igloo for a snack and a hot drink.

For a wilder ride, skiers and snowboarders can take their skills to the next level on a snowcat ski trip. A snowcat is an enclosed-cab, truck sized, fully tracked vehicle designed to move on snow. They are also know as "trail groomers" because of their use for grooming on the slopes. Steamboat is one of the only towns that has a private backcountry skiing service that uses safe, heated snowcats to avoid long hikes that take time away from skiing. These machines can drive guests up to high elevations to find abundant untracked powder. Each group is separated by ability level and accompanied by a professional guide. Even intermediate or "blue run" skiers can experience powder skiing in the backcountry. Experts are taken to different areas with steeps, deeps, lots of trees and rocks to launch off. The Buffalo Pass area boasts 10,000 acres of skiable terrain and only one company is permitted in this area. Skiers and boarders are practically guaranteed fresh powder.

The increasingly popular tubing hill is an activity that scores big with the kids. This isn't your run-of-the-mill sledding hill. The rolling hills are fast enough to get adrenaline pumping, even for adults. The tubing hill is groomed and equipped with a state of the art tube-tow lift system that attaches itself to the tube to transport users back to the top with minimal effort. This means less time spend hiking up and more time spent hootin' and hollerin' on the way down.

For evening entertainment, try a dinner sleigh ride. Families and couples love this outdoor experience and rave about the hearty home-cooked meal. The sleigh is comfortable with a large wool blanket to cuddle beneath as powerful draft horses with jingling harnesses pull you through the snow. Breathtaking views are to be enjoyed from your cozy perch as the alpen-glow dims into a starry night. Upon arriving to the warm lodge, the smell of delicious food is pleasing, as is the taste of hot chocolate or warm apple cider.

One of the best secrets about Steamboat is the natural hot springs for which the town was named. Early settlers stumbled upon a steaming and bubbling source that lies in the middle of the present-day town. To them, it sounded just like a Steamboat. Geo-thermal activity is present beneath much of the area. There are two different commercial locations for locals and travelers to take advantage of this gift from mother nature. The minerals in the water have been said to have a healing effect and there is no denying how immensely relaxing the pools are. Each of the springs that are open to the public have been strategically diverted in order to create a variety of pools, from ice cold to steaming hot. At the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, guests find themselves in the middle of a majestic wilderness, taking in the views of nature as they soak their aching muscles. Its the perfect end to an active day spent outdoors in the mountains.

The mountains of Steamboat Springs, Colorado can certainly keep you busy. Next time you plan a ski vacation, be sure to incorporate more than just skiing or snowboarding. There is so much to gain from interacting with the outdoors and so many ways to do it. Steamboat is a unique town with unparalled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Come and be active in the mountains with your friends or loved ones, its sure to produce wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Claire Chappell is the owner of Steamboat Vacations, a Colorado based travel planning service. Claire spent years as a professional guide in winter & summer adventure sports and is now putting her expertise to work planning amazing Steamboat ski vacations. She offers expert advice on activities, lodging, and vacation packages, as well as ski rentals and transportation. http://www.steamboat-vacations.com

The Most Amazing Beach Vacations

2008-10-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

The Most Amazing Beach Vacations
By Ronald W. Firquain

The perfect vacation town, Cocoa Beach is an hour drive east of Orlando on Florida amazing Space Coast. The drive here is offering you endless ways to enjoy your leisure and recreation. Whether you are going on a family vacation, leisure travel, business trip, you will find exactly what you have been looking for and the Space Coast area to make your stay one you will never forget.

The island of Maui is home to some of the most amazing beaches. And offer swimming all year round, while others are best for surfing or snorkeling during certain times of the year. Depending on where you choose to stay, there are always some famous island nearby. If you drive along the west coast of Maui, you will see many breathtaking island along the coast. On the north end is Black Rock, which is well known for snorkeling.

North Myrtle Beach is an excellent vacation that offers endless stretches of powdery white sand and the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean. These are all but the beginning of what a truly great vacation, South Carolina is all about. No matter if you are looking for a relaxing break from your daily routine or a vacation filled with activity. There is something for your entire family here, including miniature golf, fine dining, shopping, and a lot more. Golf lovers will find paradise in choosing from over 80 pro courses.

One of the very best getaways for a vacation in California is sunny Huntington Beach. With many diverse sports such as surfing, biking, boating, skateboarding, fishing, golf, tennis, and volleyball everyone can get into the game and find something to enjoy. Even after the sun goes down, you will find something to do. Even the briefest of family vacations should include a visit to the International Surfing Museum, where some of the most treasured surfing artifacts are stored.

Tropical islands are located within 23 1/2 degrees either north or south of the equator. They enjoy warm weather year round with plenty of sunshine and warmth. Depending on where you are headed, there are many tropical destinations around the world, including Hawaii, Fiji and the Caribbean. Hawaii offers you several different islands. Oahu Island is the most popular, home to the infamous Waikiki Beach and Honolulu, the state capital. Maui offers you several luxury resorts, 16 golf courses, and a 10,023 foot volcano. Molokai and Lanai can both be reached by ferry from Maui, or you can simply fly there from Honolulu.

For travel, and is tough to beat. The drive is easy to make, with lots of great scenery along the way. There is not a parking lot, so you will need to park on the side of the road and walk down the steps. Parking is not normally a problem because it is never crowded.

The Caribbean are comprised of many different large and small islands, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, the Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands. The Caribbean Islands offer splendid beaches, crystal clear water, and warm weather. The vacation activities include diving, swimming,snorkeling, sailing, and even fishing.

Ronald W. Firquain is a auto mechanic, musician, Arabian horse owner for 20 years, writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 18 years of computer experience. travel tips

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com/

Booking Your Romantic Getaway

2008-10-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Booking Your Romantic Getaway
By Ronald W. Firquain

Each year, millions of individuals travel to Mexico. Many travel for a business trip. Whatever your reason for traveling, there are a number of important things that you must consider. Perhaps, the most important is the laws. Whether you are driving to Mexico or flying there, you will need to have the proper forms of identification. Picture identification and proof of citizenship will be required. To prove citizenship, a birth certificate or passport can be used. Without the appropriate documents, you may be denied entry.

Booking a vacation is similar to booking anywhere else in the world. Before making reservations, you will have to select a destination. Mexico is a large area that has a number of popular tourist attractions. If you are interested in vacationing at a well known resort, booking may be easy. The most well known destinations include beach resorts and golf resorts. If you are interested in staying a resort, it is likely that the resort will have an online website. Many popular resorts in Mexico allow you to make and pay for your reservations online. If you are pressed for time or are looking for a simple way to book your vacation reservations, you may find this method of booking the best.

When booking your romantic getaway, you may find that the cost of vacationing in Mexico can be expensive. If you are planning a romantic vacation, while on a budget, you can still visit many of the above mentioned destinations and participate in many of the above mentioned activities. To obtain low cost reservations, you are encouraged to search for vacation packages or all inclusive packages. Traditional packages often combine hotel and travel accommodations. In addition to including hotel and accommodations, all inclusive packages are likely to include your cost of foods, drinks, and possibly your entertainment. You can easily search for these packages by directly contacting a vacationing resort or by visiting the resorts online website.

When creating a travel plan, it is advised that you include the cost of your trip, as well as your spending money. If you are planning a family trip, you may want to let your children participate in the plan by letting them decide where they would like to go and what they would like to see. A travel plan is also important because it can and should be used to manage your time. Careful planning can prevent burnout. You are encouraged to make a list of the top destinations that you would like to see. Be sure to include museums, beaches, historical landmarks, and anything else that peaks your interest.

Planning your budget will help prevent spending on an impulse. You will find that there are many opportunities to purchase souvenirs. With a preplanned budget, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of shopping. You can easily use calculators to determine the exchange rate between the United States and Mexico. Taking the exchange rate into consideration is the best way to effectively budget your money. You should also plan for tipping when preparing your budget. Vacationing with your family offers many benefits. Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers. Many children receive discounts at many popular tourist attractions. Selecting an all inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their trip, without having to worry about the cost. If you are interested in traveling with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family. For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the Internet to guide you in your search.

Ronald W. Firquain is a auto mechanic, musician, Arabian horse owner for 20 years, writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 18 years of computer experience. travel tips

Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com

A Quick Tour Of Italy - The Isle Of Capri

2008-10-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

A Quick Tour Of Italy - The Isle Of Capri

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Isle of Capri in the Bay of Naples. This tourist attraction popular with jet setters and many others lies in the Campania region of southwestern Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Frankly, Capri is the opposite of undiscovered; it ranks with Rome, Florence, and Venice at the top of Italian tourist destinations. In fact, it is probably one of the most visited little islands in the world. Does that mean you should avoid it? While the ultimate answer is up to you, this article may help you make up your mind. Make sure to see our other articles on Campania destinations in this series; they cover Campania's capital city Naples, the historic ruins east of Naples, the area west of Naples, and finally Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.

The British singer and vaudevillian Gracie Fields popularized the song The Isle of Capri: "'Twas on the Isle of Capri that he found her; Beneath the shade of an old walnut tree; Oh, I can still see the flowers blooming 'round her; Where they met on the Isle of Capri." Many others recorded this song including Frank Sinatra in 1957.

The island is quite small, and most tourist cars are not permitted. Fishermen in small boats once transfered tourists onto Capri from ferries anchored in the bay. Visit the port to see the Church of San Costanzo, Capri's oldest church, the ruins of Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus' villa, and the Tiberius Baths.

Do you want to stay in Capri forever? Walk to the Bay of Naples and touch the Sphinx Parapet's hindquarters with your left hand while making a wish. Legend says your wish will be granted.

The Villa di Damecuta was built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Visit the tower and the two rooms that reputedly were Tiberius's summer hideaway. It was a fort during the battle for Capri between the English and the French.

The world-famous Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) is on the northern coast of Capri. To enter the Grotto you must lie down inside a tiny boat. The blue water inside the grotto is unbelievable. The best viewing time is between 11 AM and 1 PM.

Capri Town is the island's largest municipality. The Ignazio Cerio Centre Museum includes specimens from Capri and all over the globe. It's an old palazzo across from the Byzantine St. Stefano Church. There are several other historic churches in Capri Town.

This upscale island raises precious little food but fancy restaurants abound. The Isle of Capri was already well known for its wines during the Roman Empire. Capri still produces wine. Be careful, wine from the neighboring island of Ischia is often sold as Capri wine.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but he prefers drinking fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and people. He knows about dieting but now eats and drinks what he wants, in moderation. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website http://www.travelitalytravel.com which focuses on local wine and food.

Discovering the hidden Tuscany: Lower Maremma and the City of Tufa

2008-10-21T12:36:00.000-07:00

Discovering the hidden Tuscany: Lower Maremma and the City of Tufa

The Maremma is a vast area covering part of southern Tuscany, notably the province of Grosseto, and a small part of northern Latium (Lazio). This was once the homeland of the Etruscans, the mysterious civilization which dominated central Italy before the emergence of the Roman Empire and whose legacy can be explored throughout the area.

The Maremma can be divided into the Alta Maremma (upper or northern Maremma), and Bassa Maremma (lower or southern Maremma).The Alta Maremma exteds from Grosseto northwards to Cecina River just south of Livorno while the lower Maremma extends along the Albegna and Ombrone rivers down the coast to the Argentario and beyond, The latter is the least populated area of mainland Italy and, despite being a great destination for the historian, nature-lover and sun-worshipper alike, it is still remarkably off the beaten track.

The charm of the Maremma is enriched by its livestock-raising traditions. The 'butteri', skilful cowboys, were talented enough to beat Buffalo Bill in 1911 when he challenged them to a contest at breaking colts. The Maremman cattle-rearers still remain proud of this victory and hand down their skills from father to son.

Leaving behind the Uccellina Park, the Via Aurelia Etrusca leads to the mouth of the Albegna river and to the Tombolo di Giannella, a sandspit which joins Monte Argentario, once an island, to the mainland. Another sandspit, or "tombolo", was also built up by the sea currents, to the south thus forming a lagoon, the Laguna di Ortobello, between the "island" and the mainland. The scenery of the Monte Argentario, which reaches 635 metres at its highest point is dramatic, with headlands, bays and shingle beaches.

Orbetello is set in the middle of the lagoon by the same name and is linked to Monte Argentario through a road built over an artificial bank (the dam), which has divided the lagoon into two stretches of water (the Eastern Lagoon and the Western Lagoon). Orbetello is a lively and busy town whose principal resource has always been fishing. Local seafood is widely considered to be the best in the Maremma so if you happen to be there around noon, take your chance to visit one of the many restaurants offering local specialties.

Before heading inland to explore the main Etruscans centres, it is worth visiting the hill-village of Capalbio, with its perfectly intact medieval centre. Capalbio is also know for some 'unusual' attractions such as the Tarot Garden, getting its name from 22 gigantic statues that represent the tarot cards. If you are lucky enough and you happen to visit Capalbio during the second week of september, you will have the chance to see many Italian celebrities hanging around and you can also attend the traditional wild boar festival. During other periods of the year, you can always pay a visit to the Pieve di San Nicola, the Collachini Palace or the Vulci National Museum in neraby Canino.

Leaving the coast, the road travels deep into the hills of the Marrema with the towns of Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana forming a triangle enclosing the protected area known as "City of Tufa" (from the volcanic rock used for centuries as building material). You will almost certainly fall in love with Pitigliano as soon as you lay your eyes on the town. Build on a stone spur in a wild landscape, Pitigliano blends perfectly into the rock. From its position high above the lush valleys and twin rivers, Pitigliano affords stunning views, ones which have been enjoyed for many centuries as the local Roman and Etruscan ruins are testament to. The undeniable influence of the Jewish community, which dates back to the 15th century, has earned Pitigliano the nickname 'Little Jerusalem', and Jewish culture and cuisine are still very important in the town.

Northwest of Pitigliano you will find Sovana, another important Etruscan town dating back to the 7th century BC or even earlier. The ancient capital of this part of the Maremma and once a rival to Siena, Sovana is now a little village with ancient ruins and Romanesque architecture. North of the town is the Etruscan Necropolis containing over 100 tombs, many of which can be explored, beginning with the most spectacular of them all, the famous Tomba del Sileno.

Just a few miles down the road from Sovana, Saturnia is another stunning place to visit. This little village is filled with traces from eras dating back to the Romans, as well as a handful of absolutely mouth-watering restaurants. If you would like to indulge in a little pampering, the local spa complex which grew up around the sulphur springs, waterfalls and streams is a magnificent place to visit. The Etruscans who built the town are thought to have used these bubbling turquoise waters in their religious ceremonies.

This article is part of a series meant to describe some travel itineraries in the lesser known areas of Tuscany. You can find similar articles covering the Casentino Valley, Lunigiana and the smaller islands of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Born in the USA, but happily ensconced in the Island of Elba since 2001, Bob McCormack is a freelance writer with a very special passion for food and wine. His travel articles and Elba Islands hotels and restaurants reviews have appeared in numerous national and international publications.
http://www.visitelba.com