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How to Choose Your North Cyprus Villa Holiday

2009-01-01T07:20:00.002-08:00

Choosing your ideal North Cyprus Villa Holiday is easy when you know how! Here are 7 quick and easy tips to finding your perfect holiday villa in the North Cyprus sunshine.

1. Don't Book Direct with the Villa Owner!
In the past, you could only find a rental villa in North Cyprus was to book direct with the owner. This involved long hours researching on the web, endless faxes or emails, costly money transfers, and that nagging doubt that your villa may not be quite up to standard... There are Companies you can find online that do all the hard work for you, so you can search for North Cyprus rental villas by location, price, availability, or facilities such as swimming pools.

2. Rent By The Day for Flexibility
North Cyprus holiday villas are available to rent by the day, so you can fly to North Cyprus on a day and at a time time that suits you and your family. What's more, you don't have to return seven days later along with everyone else on a busy and crowded transfer day! Most villas are bookable for a minimum of three days, so you can even create your own North Cyprus two centre holiday if you wish. Of course, North Cyprus villa rental by the day means you can take advantage of flying on cheaper days too.

3. Think South for Best Buy Flights to Cyprus
All North Cyprus villas for rent are accessible both from Ercan International Airport in Northern Cyprus and Larnaca airport in south Cyprus. Fly into Ercan airport, and your flight will involve a brief stopover in Turkey, but from Ercan airport you can collect a hire car and be by your Kyrenia holiday villa pool in under an hour! It's a shorter flight time into Larnaca airport in south Cyprus, where you can collect a hire car or take a taxi transfer over the border into North Cyprus. The total journey times are about the same, but flights to south Cyprus can be a lot cheaper, even when you include the cost of a taxi transfer.

4. Choose the Best Resort Area
In North Cyprus, you can choose from a holiday villa with fabulous views high in the mountains, or a designer beachside villa where you can hear the waves break on the beach! Kyrenia is the main town on the north coast, and makes a great base for a North Cyprus villa holiday.

To the east of Kyrenia, traditional village resorts such as Catalkoy and Ozankoy have easy access to wonderful sandy beaches. Golf fans will love Esentepe, with its new golf course set amongst ancient olive trees. If you prefer breathtaking views, the village of Bellapais offers a truly relaxing villa holiday in North Cyprus that's hard to beat.

West of Kyrenia, you can feel part of the community at Zeytinlik, yet still be just 5 minutes' drive from the beach. Family-friendly Karaoglanoglu is a great place to take the kids, as is the hillside village of Alsancak, with all the facilities you'll need for a fabulous villa holiday in North Cyprus. If you want peace and relaxation, head for the fragrant olive groves and natural springs at Lapta, or chill out in peaceful Karsiyaka.

5. Get The North Cyprus Villa Space You Want
The great news about North Cyprus villas for rent is that they are usually big! In Northern Cyprus, holiday villas with three or four bedrooms are the norm, so you and the family can have plenty of space to relax. The kids can have their own rooms, and you can take the master suite, which usually is ensuite! Most North Cyprus holiday rental villas have swimming pools, so you can relax on the terrace while the kids splash about in the sunshine. Most North Cyprus holiday villas also have a fully fitted kitchen, so you can choose to eat at home or dine out at a local restaurant - the choice is yours!

6. Holiday Freedom: North Cyprus Holiday Villas v. Hotels
North Cyprus villa holidays offer so much more than a hotel. You can get up and eat breakfast on a sunny terrace whenever you like, rustle up a lunchtime snack from your own fridge, or cook local food bought in the market in your North Cyprus holiday villa kitchen. You can stock the villa's fridge with the childrens' favourite foods or local beers and not worry about what's on the hotel menu, or the bar bill! Or, you can eat out at tasty and good value local restaurants, trying local dishes such as pides, a Turkish pizza!

7. Book Online for the Best Prices
Booking online is fast, easy and convenient too! You can also book your car hire and airport taxi transfers in advance, saving you expensive currency conversion costs. By paying with a credit card, you can spread the cost and have your purchase protected too!
And...

8. Have Fun!
We know you'll enjoy a villa holiday in North Cyprus, so come and see us soon - we look forward to welcoming you!

Ten Top Tips For a Successful Villa Holiday

2009-01-01T07:20:00.001-08:00

Renting a holiday villa that you've never seen can be worrying, but if you take a few simple steps beforehand, you'll find the property that suits your needs.

COUNTRY

If you're the type of person who doesn't take the sun very well, don't book a holiday in Spain in August. If Greek food doesn't agree with you, don't go to Greece. If you detest the sound of car horns, stay away from Italy. I know this is a little simplistic, but the point is; have a little think about which country suits your needs best.

SEASON

Don't be caught out by the seasons. Some hot countries can be pretty chilly in autumn and winter, especially if you're up in the hills. On the other hand, some hot countries can be just too hot in the summer. Inland is usually hotter than the coast in summer and cooler in winter. Study the climate before you book.

LOCATION

The countryside sounds so peaceful and appealing, but if you're stuck ten miles from the nearest grocery store, the novelty will soon wear off. Find out how many restaurants are nearby. Is the villa within walking distance of a bar, and if not, are you willing to go without alcohol or stump up for a taxi every time you fancy a couple of glasses of wine with your meal? Another thing to consider is the distance from the airport; do you really need a three hour journey after your flight, or doesn't it bother you?

DO YOU NEED TO HIRE A CAR?

If the villa you decide upon isn't on a bus route, then you're going to need to hire a car. Take this into account when working out your finances for the holiday. If the villa is in a built up area, say by the beach and you intend spending your entire holiday on the beach, do you really need to hire a car?

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY WITH A REPUTABLE INTERNET WEBSITE

By using a reputable company to source your villa, you are minimizing the chances of being let down. Good rental companies are keen to make sure that the properties on their books are what they say they are. Secure payment methods are another reason to use a good company.

AIR CONDITIONING

If you're going to a hot country in summer, it could be a wise move to make sure that the villa of your choice is equipped with air conditioning. Many a holiday has been ruined through the lack of sleep. Most air conditioning units provide heat as well as cool air. It can be chilly in winter, so ask the question before you book.

SWIMMING POOL

Do you need a swimming pool? If you have small children and intend to keep them away from the water, book a villa without a pool? If the villa is on the beach, do you really need the use of a pool? Even in hot countries, the water temperature in winter can be a little to cool for comfort, so take this into consideration when booking. On the other hand, in summer, there's nothing better than cooling down in the pool.

PETS

Not all property owners welcome pets, but some do. Check with the owner that the villa is pet friendly. A good website will have the facility to do this.

NUMBER OF HOLIDAYMAKERS

If you're going as part of a group, make sure that you book a property that's big enough to accommodate you all. It's OK being on top of each other for day or two, but tempers will soon start to fray if you can't spend a moment alone.

ASK THE OWNER

Before you commit yourself to a particular villa, contact the owner and ask questions. Most property owners will be delighted that you are showing an interest in their villa, and will help you all they can. A good website will make it easy for you to contact the owner, and clear up any uncertainties before you pay your deposit.

Once you have done your homework and found the answers to your questions, you can book your holiday with peace of mind, in the knowledge that you have done all you can to ensure a memorable family holiday.

Alan Liptrot writes for http://www.yourholidayrentals.com providing worldwide holiday accommodation. The original article, along with other interesting articles can be found at http://www.yourholidayrentals.com/inspiration/

Holiday on the Cote D Azur - Let a Valbonne Villa

2009-01-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

Have a Relaxing Cote D'Azur Holiday in a Villa in Valbonne

Naturally, when one thinks of Cote d'Azur, the holiday destinations of Cannes and Nice often come up. But you should consider that not all of Cote d'Azur is as over-developed and as crowded as Cannes and Nice. In the village of Valbonne, you will find the restful solitude that you may desire on your Cote d'Azur holiday.

Why Spend a Cote d'Azur Holiday in Valbonne

There are a number of quiet villages along the Cote d'Azur where you can spend the restful holiday that you are looking for, but why should you pick Valbonne? One big reason to choose Valbonne is that the village is unique and unusual amongst the other villages on the Cote d'Azur.

Most of the villages on the Cote d'Azur are built in such a way that they spiral along the side of a hill. Their roadways would therefore twist and meander within the village. But this is not the case with Valbonne. Unlike the other villages, Valbonne is constructed using a grid pattern, just like how the old Roman cities are laid out.

This uniqueness of Valbonne is attributed to the fact that Italian artisans built the village in the 15th century. The design of the village is the masterwork of Augustin de Grimaldi, who at the time served as the bishop of Grasse and the abbot of Lerins. The village was established as an attempt to repopulate that portion of the Cote d'Azur after the Black Death.

If you are a history buff, that is probably a fact that you would greatly appreciate, as you spend your holiday on the Cote d'Azur. There are other historical places of interest here in Valbonne, such as:

the town square, which has remained unchanged since the establishment of the village; the Place de Arcades, also found in the Valbonne town centre; and the monastery of the Chalaisian Order, a 12th century edifice built in the Romanesque and Gothic architectural style.

You can still enjoy the beauty of Valbonne even if you are not a history buff. Simply spend your Cote d'Azur holiday lounging at the Valbonne villa that you have rented, take leisurely strolls about the town, or take afternoon hikes on the village's nature trails. You can rent a villa that is near the golf courses located in Valbonne.

Why Rent a Villa in Valbonne

If you are wondering why you should rent a villa in Valbonne, here is one good reason. By renting a villa during your stay in Valbonne, you can live the way the locals live, and this is always a great way to spend a holiday on the Cote d'Azur. Moreoever, a villa in Valbonne will offer more comfort and privacy rather than staying at a hotel. Also, if you are travelling with a group, it may be more economical for you to stay at a villa rather than a hotel on your visit to Valbonne.

Even if you are not staying at a hotel, you can still use a Valbonne villa as a base for the more exciting activities that you can undertake on your vacation. There are many options open to you on your holiday at the Cote d'Azur.

Book luxury villas in Valbonne on-line. We have an elite collection of Valbonne villas and apartements for your Cote D Azur holiday on the French Riviera South of France.

A Tour Through Rome With Angels Guiding Your Way

2009-01-01T07:13:00.001-08:00

A great introduction to some of Rome's most famous sights not to mention a lesson in navigation around the eternal city as well, the Angels and Demons Tour is a guided tour based on the highly acclaimed novel by Dan Brown. After searching for introductory tours of Rome during my European tour planning phase, I happened upon this one particular tour and thought it sounded like loads of fun not to mention the fact that it would be a great way to see the sights.

Do you dare to walk in the "Path of Illumination"? If so, then read on as this article recounts the tale as we too, followed in the footsteps of Robert Langdon as he set out on that mysterious and courageous journey guided by angels and demons to save the kidnapped Cardinals not to mention the Vatican from impending doom. So our tour too was to be guided by the same angels and demons.

We raced over to Piazza del Popolo on the other side of the Tiber River to begin our tour at 9:30. There, we met our private guide, Michaela, whom to this day, remains a close and personal friend. After introductions, we began our journey along the "Path of Illumination" which includes visits to the Pantheon, the four churches or "Altars of Science" mentioned in the book and concludes at Castel Sant'Angelo. When viewed on a map, the churches form a giant cross over Rome with Santa Maria del Popolo to the north, St. Peter's Basilica to the west; Santa Maria della Vittoria to the east and finally; St. Agnes in Agony to the south (across from the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona). As the story unfolds, these churches correspond to the four scientific elements of earth, air, fire and water which represent how each of the kidnapped cardinals was to meet his end. If you want to see pictures of these fascinating sights, you will need to visit my blog. See end of article.

Our first stop was Santa Maria del Popolo. Before I proceed any further, let me back up to give a little background on how we got here when the book starts out in the Pantheon. If you remember, Robert and Vittoria began their tour at the Pantheon, the 2000 year old building in Rome designed originally by Agrippa in 27 B.C. but then later burned and rebuilt in 125 A.D. What remains to this day is Rome's oldest standing domed structure which was originally designed for the ancient gods of Rome. However, the building was later consecrated in 609 as Santa Maria dei Martiri and currently holds masses to this day. It was at the Pantheon that Robert Langdon made his first stop on his quest to save the four cardinals. Because he incorrectly deciphered the clues from the Vatican library, he and Vittoria headed to this location believing they would be there in plenty of time to save the first kidnapped cardinal. Despite their unswerving efforts, they were too late because as the story goes, they didn't realize in time that Raphael's body was later moved from the Pantheon to Santa Maria del Popolo even though all clues pointed here including the demon hole or occulus at the top of the structure.

Now, back to Piazza del Popolo. Michaela our guide, pointed out the Egyptian obelisk in the center of the piazza which formed a giant ellipse, one of the keys to identifying this first church in their journey along the "Path of Illumination". We went inside to the Chigi Chapel and discovered the demon hole or the ossuary annex in the floor. No wonder history calls this a "demon hole". Needless to say, this location represented "earth", the first of the four elements. As the story goes, Langdon was too late but we weren't. We toured around the rest of the church and before leaving, scouted out our first angel who is positioned with Habakkuk in Bernini's Habakkuk and the Angel sculpture. Which way is he pointing?

As it turned out, the angel pointed west so we left the church and headed due west to St. Peter's Basilica where we discovered our next angel, representing "air", the second of the elements, at the base of the Egyptian obelisk located in yet another giant ellipse that is St. Peter's square. This is where the second cardinal met his end.

The "air" angel seemed to blow east to Santa Maria della Vittoria where the third cardinal was to meet his doom consumed by fire. Historically, this building was dedicated to St. Paul and known as San Paulo when it was built in 1605-1626. Later, it was rededicated to the Virgin Mary. Once inside, we recounted Langdon's experience and then directed our attention to the Bernini sculpture, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa where we would find an amazingly realistic rendition of St. Teresa expressing sheer ecstasy for her love of God while an angel stands close by pointing his spear of fire. You must see this in person because pictures do not convey the brilliance of the golden beams nor do they really show you how Bernini captured and rendered ecstasy in St. Teresa's face. It is beyond belief!

Moving on. The angel in this church then lead us to our next stop on the tour, Piazza Navona where the 4th cardinal would meet his doom in Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers in the middle of the piazza. The fountain represents the four great rivers in four continents at the time it was designed by Bernini in the Renaissance. Surrounding Triton are the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe and finally the Rio de la Plata in America. Rising from the center of the fountain is a gigantic Egyptian obelisk hence another clue for Langdon. By the way, this famous piazza is usually a "must see" on everyone's Roman itinerary because it was the site of ancient Roman chariot races. Then in the 15th century, it was redesigned as a public space with contributions from Bernini and and Girolamo Rainaldi who designed the church of St. Agnes in Agony. Today, it is home to these glorious buildings and sculptures and very tempting cafés surrounding the piazza. It's a great place to grab an espresso and people watch, however, be warned that the cafés are absolute tourist traps that feature overpriced and often mediocre food so stick to coffee and maybe a pastry. Go and seek your main courses where the locals dine.

At this point in the book, the four cardinals are gone and now Langdon must rescue Vittoria which brings us to our final stop in the story and tour, Castel Sant'Angelo. Originally designed as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian whose ashes along with those of his wife, were indeed buried here, the structure built in 135-139 AD, was converted into a fortress in 401 that ultimately housed many a Pope after it was converted into a castle in the 14 century. There is one very interesting fact about the "connection" between this structure and the Vatican itself. Not accessible to the public but nonetheless there, is the Il Passeto, a secret passageway that provided an escape route for Popes from the Vatican to the safety of this massive fortress. In the story, the cardinals were kidnapped and lead out of the Sistine Chapel via Il Passeto.

We arrived at the entrance and walked around the curving ramps inside the castle to the top for a breathtaking view of the Tiber River and surrounding Rome. Lots of history to see here and a model of the structure before and after the conversion from mausoleum to fortress.

Our story and tour are coming to an end. Needless to say, Robert does save Vittoria and then rescues the Vatican from the threat of destruction. Michaela rescues us with a treat to some coffee and a pastry at a nearby café before we departed. So, we journeyed along the "Path of Illumination" guided by our angels and demons and experienced a lot of the famous sights in Rome while reliving the fictional world of Dan Brown. What fun!! I strongly recommend it to anyone who has 4 hours to spare in their Roman holiday. You can do a private tour where you are shuttled by your guide via taxi or a group tour in a mini-van. I recommend the private tour! Have fun!

For more exciting stories and planning advice for touring the sites, sounds and tastes in Italy and France, be sure to visit http://theeurotraveler.com often!

Facilities of Disney's California Adventure

2009-01-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Disneyland is the newest charm of California. It opened last February 8, 2001. It is called Disney's California Adventure. The resort area has a total of 55 acres. Here are some of its attractive facilities.

California Beach-front
The California beachfront is a Hollywood-inspired area that celebrates the natural wonders and diverse cultures of the state. It has an amusement region called Paradise Pier pervaded with attractions and graphics connected with the prime of the pretty seaside entertaining park piers.

California Screamin
There is also a California Screamin, a massive roller coaster imitated after the great wooden coasters of the world. Guests are catapulted to 55 miles per hour up. It also launches ramp on a white-knuckle ride in all sides of the two-mile long track.

People will be carried up and around the giant wheel that's 150-foot high. It moves along the inner curves as the wheel rolls.

King Triton's Carousel
King Triton's Carousel is an extraordinary ocean-themed carousel showing off marine creatures instead of horses.

Mulholland Madness
Mulholland Madness is a mini-roller coaster taking passengers on an outrageous and wacky ride on the California freeway system. A vertical thrill ride for the kids was also made on the Jumping Jellyfish parachute attraction.

Orange Stinger
The Orange Stinger is another Paradise Pier invention. This is a massive steel composition shaped in the picture of a half-peeled California orange. However, Paradise Pier shows its own mode of skill-game fun at the side of the lagoon's boardwalk.

Hollywood Pictures Backlot
The Hollywood Pictures Backlot presents shows and attractions enjoying the magic of movie production. It also shows culture, fame and celebrity ambiance around it.

Additionally, the unique architecture, the evocative of the prosperous age of Hollywood, signifies the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. The ride on Superstar Limousine, the giant Disney Animation Complex, and the 2,000-seat Broadway-design Hyperion Theater are part of the attraction.

Guests can walk alongside movie star look-alikes in the Hollywood Boulevard set. They would also see restaurants, shops, and attractions, all Hollywood inspired. The visitors also eat among the angst-filled world of a daytime drama at the ABC Soap Opera Bistro. The waiters wear soap star dresses.

ABC Soap Opera Bistro
The ABC Soap Opera Bistro is a collection of true sound stage location pattern and pleasant dining. Guests will enjoy the amusing cinematic romp. It was made with Jim Henson's popular cast of adorable characters, Miss Piggy, Kermit, Gonzo and Fozzie Bear and other funny Muppets.

Grizzly Peak
The Grizzly Peak, California's main landmark and the recreation part will show a Redwood Creek Challenge Trail for kids, while the stunning Grizzly River flow white waters. It also takes visitors aboard an expedition raft where the passing currents fade them splashing down and around the mammoth.

Guests can also walk and hike the forested path imitating the national parks of the state.

Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
The Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is a risky obstacle course showing rope bridges, cable slides, rock climbing and cargo netting woven via the treetops. This attraction is more for adults.

It also provides educational programs on the wondrous outdoors with simple homespun entertainment. The contribution of the Golden State to the wealthy well-known flying legacy of the state is the Condor Flats. This was formed as the high desert airfield in 1940. The aircraft memorabilia, test materials, and period buildings from the progressive days of flying are also conducted in this area.

The Best Way to Buy Online Plane Tickets

2009-01-01T07:10:00.001-08:00

Booking plane tickets is always a great hassle and requires a great deal of time. Finding a way out often becomes a necessity if you are one of those who fly frequently. Buying online plane tickets is the best option that saves time as well as money. Everyday, millions of people search for online plane tickets but finding the best deals is surely one of the toughest jobs. Though the task of buying online plane tickets sounds quite easy, it is really a tough job. The scenario gets much more complicated with the steeply climbing airfares. You must get acquainted with some easy know-how of buying online air tickets. Save your time as well as money as you get the most sought after deals. Most of the people are often dizzied by tiring processes that leads them to nowhere while searching for air tickets.

The very first thing that you need to do is to log onto a trusted travel port. Keep in mind the reliability and goodwill of such sites as there are thousands of websites that have offers to buy online plane tickets. Check out the more trusted sites like Orbitz.com, Globester.com, Expedia.com and a few others. It ensures that you get the most reliable and updated offers on air tickets. It saves your time as well as money. You must also take care to compare the booking conditions before actually making the deals.

After logging in to any travel portal, search for all the flights to your destination. Before this, you also need to decide whether you want one way tickets or a round trip. Once you have decided, choose the options accordingly. If opting for one way ticket, you simply need to select the date on which you intend to go. While in the case of round trip, you also need to select the return dates. Once this is done, select the source and destination place or airport. Most of the travel sites offer a comprehensive list of airports in your destination city. Scroll through this list and select the one for you.

Once you have finished filling the above information, specify the number of passengers. It ensures the booking of a definite number of seats. When you have finished with these basic details, just look for an option for 'search' or 'find' on the webpage. Click on any of these and you will get a list of all the available flights. Online booking of air tickets also ensures that you get a display of flights from many different airlines for the intended date. Thus, it gives you the freedom of choice. After finding the flight of your choice, click on the option to book the tickets. This will direct you to the payment or billing page. You may have to fill in many details on this page like your email id, phone number, etc.

You will also need to select the payment option. Most of the websites accept payment through two main methods - through credit or debit card or via a net banking account. Now, you just need to select the preferred mode of payment and fill in the necessary details. Once this is done, you will get a confirmatory e-mail or call within an hour or so. Most of the booking websites email the e-ticket to your email id. Just take a printout of your e-ticket. Carry your ID proof and other necessary documents with the printout of the e-ticket at the time of check-in.

Though most of the airlines accept e-tickets, there are a few where you need the original paper tickets. In such a case, you will get your tickets via post or courier. Most of the websites make these available under the maximum time frame of 3 working days. With such easy steps to online booking, you are all set to fly. Forget about waiting in queue or dealing with tiresome booking agents, as the era of online booking is here to stay.

Globester provides plane tickets to popular USA and International Destinations around the world. You can search your Amsterdam flights online and get detailed information about cheap flights to Europe and plan your trip ahead. All you need pack your bags to explore best regions which you have not seen.

My Tips For Air Travel

2009-01-01T07:09:00.000-08:00

As a frequent business traveler, the holidays are probably one of my least favorite time to travel due to the large number of people that are traveling, but even more important than that, the number of people that are infrequent travelers that seem to make the experience even worse.

Don't get me wrong... I have nothing against the infrequent traveler! I just wish there was some way that they could be better prepared for the journey on which they are about to embark. Things that would make the journey more pleasant for them as well as me.

Be prepared for Check-In.

If you are checking baggage know the piece count and weight limits for your airline. Each airline has their own policies so check!
Have all of your bags tagged with identification tags before showing up at the airport. Its also a good idea to put some ID inside the bag.
Know what fees are being charged for baggage and don't argue about paying them.
Proper ID is required - no a credit card is not good enough and your your gym membership doesn't count either.
Don't use the airport as a place to weight balance your bags so that you don't have to pay extra fees. Do your weight balancing at home! Surely you have a bathroom scale that you can use to approximate baggage weight.
Make sure liquids and gels over 3 ounces are IN your checked baggage. This will include the jams and jellies, and the bottle of Scotch you got from your family for Christmas.

Be prepared for TSA Security Check.

You will have to take your shoes off!!!
They aren't joking about the quart size bag with items of 3 ounces or less. Don't make them find the items you've tried to hide in your carry-on bag. It doesn't matter that you just paid $80.00 for that moisturizer if it is over the wight allowed you can plan on leaving it behind. Make sure you have it OUT of your carry on and in a scan "bin".
Computers and large electronic equipment like video recorders and DVD players should be taken out of the bag they are in a placed in a separate "container" to go through the X-Ray machine.
Hold on to your boarding pass... don't send it through the X-Ray. They are going to check it when you pass through the metal detector.
Coats, hats, scarfs and sweatshirts have to go through the X-Ray machine. Don't make them ask you to take them off.
Take off your jewelry, belts with metal buckles, cell phones, coins, etc... These are going to set off the metal detector. Unless you are an authorized tester for the government you can be assured that these machines work and you don't need to help with the testing process.
Gather your things from the X-Ray belt quickly. There are usually places past the belt to put your shoes, jewelry, coats, etc... back on. The X-Ray scanner will hold up the line while you get dressed and there are other people waiting.

Be prepared for Aircraft Boarding.

Everyone has a seat assignment (unless you are on Southwest) Milling around the gate just slows up the boarding process as people try to get through the herd of people
Frequent fliers get to board first. It's a perk for dealing with this hassle trip after trip after trip. (If nothing else it assures us that our carry-on bags are going to have a place in the plane.)
Most roller bags fit into the overheads lengthwise. Depending on the plane it will be wheels out or wheels in. The overhead doors are designed to allow for those wheels in most cases... Please try to fit your bags in this way first.
Under the seat in front of you space should be used!!! If you brought a computer bag and a roller bag one of them belongs under the seat in front of you.
Wait to put your coats up into the overhead until everyone in the rows around you have had an opportunity to put their large items overhead.
Fragile items overhead? I don't think so just ship them! You have a better chance at getting them there. I was just on a flight where someone had a "very valuable" rolled up "poster" in the overhead. When the passenger in the row across from them started to use the overhead space for a bag we were close to a fist fight because they might "crease" the poster. The flight attendant made them "hold" it at their seat the entire flight and of course the customer complained the entire way - all 4 hours. If I had to hear about this valuable poster one more time I think I might have had to "snap".

Remember folks that those of us that do this week after week get into a routine and know the ins and outs of the process. We get just as frustrated as you do but for different reasons. The real trick is keeping your cool through the process. Be pleasant, be tolerant, be understanding.

Bill is an active author and is the owner of Projects Possible and The Geocacher.

Professionally, Bill is a project manager for a software company focusing on the implementation of new computer business solutions. He has also been involved with the design and development of educational content and materials for onsite, web based and self-paced environments.

Creating the Perfect Package Holiday

2009-01-01T07:07:00.001-08:00

If you've never booked any part of a holiday on the Internet, then it's about time you considered it. Finding a bargain online is easier than you might think, and you will often find the deals available to be much cheaper than your local travel agent. Such is the value of Internet offers that they've spelled a very serious demise for traditional package holiday providers, who have seen their prices undercut. Probably the most important ingredient in making a successful online holiday package is your time and effort, but if you're looking to book your next holiday, and want to save a few pounds while you scour the web, then take a read of this article for some good tips.

Flights

If you're planning to holiday somewhere further than Britain or France, the flying is probably the best option with regard to time and expense. Searching for flights online couldn't be simpler, with a wide range of single providers, comparison websites and sites that specifically hunt bargains, such as cheap flights provided by Travelzoo. See if you can find a new air route offered by a company too. Companies such as Easyjet and Ryanair regularly open new routes at discount prices.

Travel Insurance

It's not a legal requirement to get travel insurance when you go abroad, but it will almost certainly give you peace of mind. Often it's possible to get year round travel insurance through your bank account provider or added onto another insurance package, but make sure this is thoroughly checked before you go away. If you find that you're not covered, then there are a wide variety of insurers that you can use on the Internet at cheap rates. Take a look at travel insurance from Go Travel to get you started.

Accommodation

Once you've booked your flights and travel insurance, you won't be far off completing a fairly comprehensive package. In fact, the only thing you'll have left to think about is where you'll actually stay. Searching for accommodation really depends on what level of luxury you'd like to stay in. If you're not particularly fussy, or just travelling on a shoe string, then Ebookers comes as a recommended site to look at. Other than that, just merely typing 'cheap hotels' into Google and seeing what comes up will be a good starting point. If you get a price through a website, don't forget to phone the hotel yourself to see if you can haggle a better rate. Hotels will often be able to give you a lower rate minus commission, especially if you're travelling off-season.

About the Author:
Go Travel Insurance provide cheap holiday insurance and travel insurance for residents of the UK and Ireland

12 Months of Cultural Festivals Around Australia

2009-01-01T07:04:00.000-08:00

Australia is blessed to have so many wonderful cultural events, festivals and celebrations throughout the year. If you would like to incorporate some of these exciting events into your luxurious travel experiences, we've made it easy for you with a run-down of 12 months of cultural festivals around Australia:

January

Hobart Comedy Festival - some of Australia's biggest names in comedy head to Hobart for the annual comedy festival.

Sydney Festival - this is a superb showcase of Australian and international visual arts and performing arts and takes place across the city.

Tour Down Under, Adelaide ? the Tour Down Under is a cycling race that has become popular with Australian and international cyclists.

February

Adelaide Film Festival - held annually, this film festival is an ideal way to keep up with the happenings in the film world, along with special advanced previews and discussion panels.

ANZ Ladies Masters Golf, Gold Coast - this annual Golf Championship is held at the Royal Pines Golf Course, attracting golfing enthusiasts from all over the world.

Launceston Cup Carnival - one of Australia's most prestigious horse-racing events, this has become a major date in the Tasmanian social calendar.

National Multicultural Festival, Canberra - this festival celebrates the differences and similarities of the many varied cultures that make up 'Australia'.

Perth Festival - a leading cultural event in Western Australia, this popular festival showcases various artistic mediums for almost an entire month.

Royal Canberra Show - come along to the annual Canberra show to see local wares, agriculture, livestock and produce, and experience great entertainment and food.

Tamworth Country Music Festival - Australia's leading country music festival, with visitors travelling from across the state and internationally.

Tropfest - this is the largest short film festival in the world, with in excess of 150,000 visitors each year.

UWA Perth International Arts Festival - this long-standing arts celebration brings together a fine blend of music, theatre, literature, film and visual and street arts. Visitors can enjoy a mix of paid and free community events.

March

Melbourne Fashion Festival - this week-long celebration showcases some of the country's leading fashion designers and up-and-coming designers along with the very latest in fashion trends.

Moomba Waterfest, Melbourne - this event has been a Victorian favourite for over 50 years, providing a range of free entertainment and celebrations along Melbourne's waterfront.

Sydney Royal Easter Show - offers a solid mix of sideshows, competitions, parades, food, entertainment, rodeos and loads of fun.

April

Fremantle Street Arts Festival - this unique festival of top international buskers is one of the best festivals in Western Australia, with more than 100,000 attendees each year.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival - comedians from all over the world converge on Melbourne to provide three weeks of laughs and entertainment.

May

Canberra International Music Festival - join in the festivities as national and international musicians gather to entertain the crowds.

Hunter Valley Harvest Festival - local producers display their exquisite wines, olives and cheeses.

Settlers Cove Noosa Food and Wine Festival - celebrate the diversity of tantalising food and wines in Australia with some of the country's best chefs and winemakers, along with food and wine critics. Spend three days enjoying a sample of first-class food and wine along with a variety of entertainment.

June

Gympie Stampede - for three entire days, join in the fun as Gympie entertains crowds with traditional country music, country gospel and talented poets.

Melbourne International Film Festival - one of the country's largest annual film festivals, this winter festival combines film screenings with other events and celebrations over almost three weeks.

Sydney Film Festival - celebrate the joys of film, special screenings and reviews of Australian and international films.

July

Brisbane International Film Festival - if you enjoy watching movies and short films, you will enjoy the Brisbane Film Festival which showcases some of the most outstanding films from around the world.

August

Bangalow Music Festival, Byron Bay hinterland - this infamous weekend of music celebrations attracts visitors and musicians from around Australia and the world.

Barossa Gourmet Weekend - this is a wonderful event where visitors can indulge in tasty food and impressive wines from the Barossa Valley region, all while being kept entertained with a range of activities for everyone.

Hamilton Island Race Week - a world class yachting regatta that has been running for more than 25 years.

Melbourne Writer's Festival - for ten days, visitors get to meet authors and discover the secrets to good books and getting published.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week - for six days, celebrate the start of the new season's fashions with fashion parades, events and parties by leading local, national and international designers.

QANTAS Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball - this amazing social dinner and entertainment event is held outdoors, beneath the stars.

Taste of Gold Coast - for two weeks you get to sample some of the deliciously fresh produce from around the Gold Coast region while celebrating the joy of good food and wine.

The Darwin Festival - this exciting festival lasts for two and a half weeks and is a celebration of the multi-cultural mix that makes Darwin so special.

September

Brisbane Festival - a three-week festival to celebrate the arts scene, with international artists, fireworks and a host of community events.

Canberra Floriade - the annual festival of flowers to celebrate the commencement of spring.

Cronulla Spring Festival - one of the largest outdoor festivals in Sydney, this is a celebration spring.

Noosa Jazz Festival, Noosa - this exciting jazz festival attracts performers from around the world, celebrating jazz music from the traditional styles through to more modern melodies.

Perth Fashion Festival - this annual festival displays latest season's fashions while showcasing some of the state's up-and-coming designers alongside the more established leading designers.

Royal Adelaide Show - one of the largest events held in Adelaide each year. Organised by the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of South Australia, this is a huge display of local produce, agriculture and livestock, along with having a host of fun rides, entertainment and activities for all to enjoy.

Valley Fiesta, Brisbane - this annual three-day celebration is often referred to as the city's 'biggest street party', with various forms of entertainment centred on Brisbane's food, dance, fashion, music and art.

October

AFL Masters National Carnival - held over eight days, this is a major national event for AFL players. This Carnival is held in a different Australian city each year.

Bathurst 1000 - a premier event of Australian motor sports as V8 Supercar drivers race around Mt Panorama.

Brisbane Cabaret Festival - four nights of activities combining great food and wine with excellent music and fun for all.

Launceston Blues Festival - let your hair down and soak up the fun at this three day blues and roots festival.

Lexmark Indy 300, Gold Coast - the annual Indy Cart championship event held over four days, combined with parties and special events.

Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival - held during October and November, this is the highlight of the Victorian social calendar incorporating the 'race that stops a nation', the Melbourne Cup.

Royal Hobart Show - the annual show displays a range of local agricultural wares, livestock, produce and businesses, along with offering rides, entertainment, show bags and lots of great food.

November

Balmain Art & Craft Show, New South Wales - one of the most popular community events in Sydney.

Northern Territory Billfish Championship - spend four days catching and releasing mighty marlin while competing in one of the country's best fishing competitions.

December

Australian PGA Championship, Sunshine Coast - this is the oldest golf championship in Australia, attracting golfing greats from across the world.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race - this famous race begins on Boxing Day and its completion is celebrated with parties galore.

The Hobart Summer Festival - Tasmania's main summer event provides a range of celebrations scheduled around the Sullivans Cove area.

Woodford Folk Festival - one of the largest and most popular events on the calendar, with many people travelling from all over the country, and some from overseas, to join in the six days of festivities. Entertainment includes plenty of fine food, music, writers, forums and panel discussions and loads of fun.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au

Ecuador - The Perfect Girlfriend's Getaway

2008-08-22T00:13:00.003-07:00

The men go hunting without us, or watch motor sports, now is it our turn!

Ecuador is one of the smallest--but most diverse--countries in South America. This small country, lies at the northern South American Pacific coast, only 4 hours flight away from Miami. Your airplane will land in either Quito, the Capital City, or in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city--located on the large Guayas River.

Starting in Quito, you should organize an easy first day, because Quito lies at 9202 ft (2800 m) above sea level--and, if possible, you should acclimatize yourself a bit to the altitude. It's probably much higher in elevation than what you're used to at home.

If you would like a variety of restaurants accessible on foot, stay in one of the beautiful hotels in the Mariscal district in Northern Quito. We especially recommend Hotels such as Cafe Cultura---or if you like fun-- try the brand new Boutique Hotel Nue House at the Quininde Place. If you like Museums and cultural tours, choose your hotel in the historical Center of Quito which has been designated as a UN Heritage Site.

In the Historical Center we recommend to you the Bed and Breakfast Villa Colonna, the Hotel Relicario del Carmen (3*), or the Hotel Patio Andaluz (4*).

A full day City-tour is an excellent first day activity to start your trip off right! Do an extensive visit through Quito's Center with its 26 churches.

Are you the type of person who has seen Churches after you have seen 2 or 3? Don't worry; there are plenty of other things to do!

Have you ever been interested in how coffee is roasted and how the different roasting levels taste? Find the answer in the old town of Quito.

Have fun walking through the colorful Ipiales market where the "Quitenos" find everything for their daily lives. The market is organized by goods. There is a shoe section with more shoes than you have ever seen in one place in your life...even in your closet at home, including those back corners you never visit--principally because you're not sure what's there.

Those more interested in culture should visit a wood carver in one of the monasteries where they produce crucifixes and Religious statues for the whole world. Get introduced to old painting techniques carried forward for hundreds of years-- and learn about Ecuadorians and their daily Ecuadorian lives.

If you and your girlfriends like shopping, you absolutely must travel to Otavalo. The Indian market at Otavalo is world-renowned, and is one of the largest of its kind in South America. Most every type of item is represented, and all different qualities of products are available.
For those of you who enjoy buying the highest quality textiles---from sweaters and blouses to wand carpets--don't spend too much time at the market, take a taxi to Peguche or Iluman and visit the weavers, personally. Many of them can be classified as real artists and produce spectacular handicrafts you will find nowhere else in the world.

Overnight, stay with your friends in one of the colonial haciendas in the area.

Here we will recommend to you the Haciendas Pinsaqui or Cusin.

If you want one of the most exclusive Spa experiences in South America, stay at the Hosteria La Mirage in Cotacachi.

In all these accommodations, you can enjoy a candlelight dinner with your friends, a good glass of wine, or a drink next to a warm chimney fire-- and have a great conversation. Friendships can bloom, and lives can change---overnight.

If your group is more active, or you seek a more spiritual encounter, why not spend four or five days in the Rainforest in one of the beautiful Jungle Lodges? You will take daily Jungle Expeditions, guided by a bilingual Naturalist---or you can plan spiritual activities at or near the lodge itself. During the daily Jungle Expedition, you will experience Nature as far away from civilization as you can get. Check out the La Selva Jungle Lodge, the Napo Wildlife Center or Sacha Lodge.

Especially for women travelers I recommend the city of Cuenca. This small city in southern Ecuador is also a UN World Heritage site, with many museums and with excellent places for shopping. Cuenca is especially known, worldwide, for both its ceramics, and for its jewelry artisans.

You can stay in one of the excellent colonial Hotels in the colonial center of Cuenca. One of the best options is the Hotel Mansion Alcazar. From here, you can reach the whole colonial center on foot... and don't forget to try the excellent food and atmosphere in Cuenca's many restaurants in the old town. The ambiance is unsurpassed, and the cuisine is first class!

A "must" is the travel from Cuenca through the Cajas National Park to Guayaquil. The Cajas National Park is said to be one of the best National Parks in all of South America, and Ecuadorians pride themselves in having "the best." This park has hundreds of lakes which reach out and embrace you--almost singing a siren song invitation for either hiking or trekking. When the road through the park reaches its highest point at about 13136 ft (4000m) above sea level, take a deep breath and realize that you are at the watershed between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. Everything west of this flows into the Pacific. Everything east of this flows into the Atlantic, hundreds and hundreds of miles to the East. From this altitude, the road winds down to the Pacific plain with its large Banana fields.

Who doesn't like Bananas? Visit a Banana Hacienda from Guayaquil.

You have a very interesting option in the Babahoyo area. Guayaquil itself is a tropical city. The "old town" of Guayaquil is called "Las Penas", and on the Santa Ana Hill, take a walk up to the Santa Ana Lighthouse. On the way up, stop and have a drink in one of the many local bars.

In Guayaquil stay at the Hotel Unipark, just opposite Seminario Park or the "Parque de las Iguanas"--in local parlance. It may not be necessary to say this, but--please, don't pet the Iguanas. Within this Park, Iguanas walk freely around--just like dogs or cats do at home.

Another wonderful option for lodging is the nearby--and less expensive--Grand Hotel de Guayaquil.

Guayaquil has also an International Airport where you either can start or end your trip to the Amazing Country of Ecuador, and all flights to the Galapagos Islands also go through Guayaquil.

You will see that Ecuador has something to offer for every taste and budget.

Don't wait, come and discover...Enjoy Ecuador--A Place for Friends, Food, and Fun!

Peter Lauffer, General Manager of TrueColors Travel in Quito - Your Expert Guide for Galapagos Cruise Travel at http://www.galapagostraveller.com.

Englewood Florida - Our Little Piece of Paradise

2008-08-22T00:13:00.001-07:00

Have you dreamed of a vacation in paradise? Or, are you dreaming of that perfect retirement destination?

My wife and I have spent many years planning our retirement destination. Although we have traveled to many interesting places over the years, we always come back to the same community when we consider the best place to vacation and ultimately to retire.

Our perfect place is Englewood Florida!

Nestled on Florida's beautiful gulf coast, Englewood has four great beaches and is close to several other sun, sand and surf spots. You can spend a few hours reading a book, with the music of the waves washing ashore, while the sunshine brightens your day and the gulf breezes keep you comfortable.

If a more active time at the beach is to your liking, these great beaches offer excellent swimming, sailing and surfing fun. We often go to a beach just to walk along the shore enjoying the warm sand under our feet and feeling the gulf breeze on our faces.

Because Englewood is located on the coast, there are plenty of beachfront accommodations to own or to rent. Many people rent a beachfront condo for a few years and then as retirement approaches, they purchase their own beachfront accommodations. Actually, there are many vacation accommodation venues to choose from in the Englewood Florida area. After all, you are never very far from the water's edge, no matter where you choose to live in this great Florida vacation community!

There is a medley of shopping facilities in Englewood. But, if you are looking for a wider variety of shopping venues, the close proximity of larger centers like Sarasota and Fort Myers makes shopping excursions a fun and easy event.

Although it is not a large city, Englewood has good medical facilities to meet your needs. But, if more specialized treatment is necessary, once again the larger cities are an easy commute.

I am a golfer, not a good one, but a golfer. Florida is famous for its vast number of golf courses. It is not just the large numbers that are significant, but also the diversity of the Florida golf courses that make this region a golfer's paradise. And, the Englewood region is no exception when it comes to golfing venues. I like the challenge of playing different golf courses. Because of the large number of golf courses in the Englewood area, I am never at a loss to find a different golfing venue.

My wife is a nature lover. She loves to work in her garden and backyard bird feeding is her particular passion. But, she also loves to go for long walks taking in the rich tapestry that nature has painted on the Florida landscape.

She loves to visit the beaches during the nesting times for the sea turtles that visit the area. And, of course, the many nature trails with the rich vegetation and unique wildlife are constantly beckoning.

Not all of the activities in the Englewood area are oriented to the out-of-doors. The area offers many great historical and cultural entertainment venues. As well, many cultural and community centers offer recreational courses on topics as broad as the rainbow.

Florida offers an assortment of vacation opportunities for people of all walks of life. But, for us, there is nowhere like Englewood Florida.

Simply, stated, "We Enjoy Englewood Florida!"

I am a freelance writer specializing in travel and sports (golf, football and hockey). The door is always open at my website http://www.enjoy-englewood-florida.com where I share why we love this great vacation and retirement destination. You can also read my blog http://www.enjoygolfmore.blogspot.com

The Fastest Driving Route to Florida

2008-08-22T00:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what the fastest driving route to Florida is? Well, if you live in the northeastern United States or in the Canadian province of Ontario, read on! After many years of exploring the major north-south routes (and driving my wife crazy with noting travel times between various locations) we have determined that the following route gets you to Florida sunshine the fastest.

1/ If you are crossing the Canada/US border or live in northern Ohio or New York, Interstate #90 provides the best connection to Interstate #79, your first north-south highway on the Fastest Route to Florida. (Remember that I-90 in most of New York State is a toll route)

2/ Take I-90 to Erie Pennsylvania to connect with I-79.

3/ Follow I-79 south through the rolling hills of northern Pennsylvania. One caution, keep watch for deer, I have never seen so many deer (dead or alive) along one stretch of road anywhere else in North America.

4/ There are not many commercial service areas between Erie and Pittsburgh, but there are some clean rest stop areas (about every twenty minutes).

5/ Washington Pennsylvania, just south of Pittsburgh, offers some good accommodation, dining and shopping venues.

6/ I-70 connects with I-79 at Washington, so if you live along the I-70 corridor you can easily connect with the fastest route to Florida.

7/ Continuing southward, it is not long before you enter the State of West Virginia. If you are a college football fan, the University of West Virginia football stadium can be seen in the distance to the east as you pass through Morgantown.

8/ As you approach Charleston, I-79 ends and you connect with I-77. (You could take I-77 all the way from I-90, just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, but we like the scenery of I-79 and it is a faster route.)

9/ Your route takes you right through Charleston, and although we have never spent much time in the area, the mix of southern architecture and modern structures provides for interesting scenery.

10/ Leaving Charleston, the mountains and valleys seem to engulf you as you make your way towards your destination, Englewood Florida.

11/ About an hour after leaving Charleston, you will reach Beckley. This town is known for its coal mining (if time is available check out the coal mining museum.) At each of the exits in the Beckley area you will find accommodations, food and fuel readily available.

12/ If you enjoy mountainous scenery, the next couple of hours will delight you! I-77 twists and turns through the mountains of West Virginia, then as you pass through a tunnel the panorama of the mountains of the State of Virginia literally explodes through your windshield as you exit from the tunnel.

13/ After passing through Wytheville with its numerous venues for food, fuel and accommodation, you will soon be in North Carolina.

14/ The State of North Carolina makes an equally dramatic entrance. As you pass by an exit announcing Fancy Gap, the highway begins a decent down the mountains. The view is spectacular, but the numerous run-away truck ramps serve as an ominous warning that the steepness of the hill can cause trucks to have trouble stopping.

15/ At the bottom of the hill, a beautiful rest area provides a great picnic location, or just a spot to take a leisurely stroll amongst the well-manicured gardens.

16/ I-77 continues on through Charlotte, North Carolina and on to Columbia, South Carolina. One of our favorite moments occurs as we enter the South Carolina Welcome Center. At the entrance we see our first palm tree, evidence that Florida and Englewood are not far away.

17/ A short distance from Columbia we connect with I-95 and continue southward, passing Savannah and then Brunswick until we reach the Florida Welcome Center.

18/ A few minutes south of Jacksonville is one of my favorite stops along the World Golf Village. Besides the great golf atmosphere at the shops and restaurants in the village, there is the World Golf Hall of Fame. Believe me, it is worth the visit!

19/ Continuing down I-95, we arrive at Daytona (try not to travel through this area around the time of any racing event, especially the Daytona 500, the traffic is crazy. But if you are a car racing fan, go for it!), where we connect with I-4.

20/ I-4 goes through Orlando (try to avoid weekday rush hours). You might want to plan a few days at any of the major theme parks in the area.

21/ Just east of Tampa take I-75 southbound.

22/ About an hour later, take the River Road exit and in 10-15 minutes you will be in Englewood Florida.

LET YOUR WINTER VACATION BEGIN! You can now truly forget about the cold weather and snow and just Enjoy Englewood Florida!

Belize City - Perfect Place For History Lovers!

2008-08-22T00:11:00.006-07:00

Belize is known around the world not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also its ancient monuments. Belize City especially is seeped in history, its landscape liberally dotted with historical monuments and buildings.

In fact, there are many places in Belize City that need more than 2-3 hours to explore fully, such as:

Street Tourism Village

Specifically designed for ship passengers to experience Belize in a unique way, Fort Street Tourism Village is located near the Haulover Creek. Architecturally similar to an open-air Mini-Mall, the Village has three terminals and three courtyards with a house full of variety of stores and businesses, where tourists can enjoy best of both the worlds- air-conditioned facilities and fresh tropical breezes.

Baron Bliss Lighthouse Monument

The Baron Bliss Lighthouse Monument located at Fort George Point towers over the harbor entrance is one of the major attractions found in the Belize City. This beautiful monument is actually a tribute to Belize's greatest benefactor Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, the 5th baron of Portugal. To fulfill his last wish, he was entombed in front of the lighthouse. The view of the lighthouse can be enjoyed from the high seawall which is referred to as "Fort Point" by the fishermen and boatmen.

St. John's Cathedral

Located at the south end of Albert Street, St. John's Cathedral is the oldest building in Belize. In fact, this is the oldest Anglican Church in the world outside of England where the crowning of several Kings of Mosquito Coast took place during 1812 to 1824. This beautiful church was built from red colored bricks brought to Belize as ballast by ships sailing from Europe.

House of Culture Museum

Once the residence of colonial governors, House of Culture Museum located in Belize City is a now a historical museum. It hosts a permanent exhibition of classic furniture, historical photos, authentic silverware and glassware collection. The building itself, built in the early 1800s, is a beautiful combination of Caribbean Vernacular and English Urban architecture.

Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts

Bliss Institute for the Performing Arts serves as the cultural center of Belize City. Initially it used to house the Belize Arts Council, library and a museum of Mayan artifact. However after a recent renovation, it has got a role as the primary performance arm of the Museum of Belize. It hosts a wide variety of events such as theater performances, film festivals, dance troops, and community events.

Museum of Belize

Initially designed as a colonial prison in the mid 1800s, this double storey historic brick building located on Gabourel Lane is today the Museum of Belize. It features a beautiful assortment of historical photographs, documents, and artifacts along a permanent exhibit of ancient Mayan pottery and other archaeological findings. The age old prison cells are being restored to their original condition today, to allow visitors to relive its stark past.

Supreme Court Building

Built in 1926, Supreme Court Building is another landmark of Belize City. Constructed of reinforced concrete in a classic British colonial style with a dome topped clock tower, the Supreme Court Building is a beautiful work of classic architecture. The building is located on the same site where the original courthouse was built in 1818.

Swing Bridge

The southern and northern side of Belize City is connected by the Swing Bridge. Built in 1922, this old bridge is the only functional manually operated swing bridge left in the world. Everyday it opens twice to make a passage for sailboats and other large boats to pass through the river.

Apart from these places, there are many more places of Belize City that might attract you. This is a paradise for history, anthropology and architecture buffs and the beauty of the place has even compelled many to think of moving to Belize City permanently.

For a memorable vacation in Belize, it is important to plan your holiday beforehand by consulting a reputed travel agency. A good Belize vacation rental package or Belize jungle vacation package can help you a lot in this regard.

Edward Wilson is a well-known travel journalist based in Belize Island. He has written extensively on various places in Belize which are a tourist's delight and has also given advice on vacation options in Belize including Belize jungle vacations Belize birding, Belize Cuisine and so on.

Holidays to Koh Samui

2008-08-22T00:11:00.005-07:00

Just one hours flight from Bangkok, off the east coast of Thailand lays this beautiful island. Not as lively as some of the other Thai resorts, Koh Samui is an ideal island for a peaceful and relaxing holiday.

On holidays to Koh Samui the glorious beaches and clear waters are ideal for swimming and there are a lot of superb bars and local restaurants as well. Combine your beach holidays to Koh Samui with a stay in the bustling city of Bangkok or relax on another Thai beach.

The third-largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui dominates an idyllic 80-isle archipelago. On holidays to Koh Samui, although the irresistible tide of tourism has rolled in, the alluring expanses of soft white sand beaches still beckon.

On holidays to Koh Samui, inland, as far as the eye can see, graceful coconut palms take the sun like forests of slightly swaying green parasols. Coconuts fall from the sky here-mind your head!-and keep the economy ticking over. Ko Samui's coconuts, according to experts, are Thailand's best, and some two million of them are shipped to the mainland every month (Aside from food and drink, the bountiful palms provide thatch for roofing, fibre for rope or matting, and coconut oil for candles, soap and food products.)

You will see when on your holidays to Koh Samui when the islanders are not harvesting the coconuts, they're busy cultivating rice in the paddies, out at sea fishing or-more likely nowadays-exploiting the tourist business.

Ko Samui was "discovered" belatedly because of its relative remoteness. It lies some 560 km (350 miles) south of Bangkok, and about 80 km (50 miles) east of the provincial capital of Surat Thani. It's closer to Malaysia than to Bangkok. When they built the island's airport, the distance from the metropolis suddenly became manageable and the curtain rose on the era of mainline tourism. Holidays to Koh Samui are becoming more and more popular with people returning year after year.

On your holidays to Koh Samui you will find that Thai food can be so spicy that it's tempting to gulp a glass of cold water to put out the fire. Resist that urge! A few mouthfuls of plain boiled rice will prove much more effective. Actually, chilli peppers are only one of the ingredients that characterize Thai cuisine; the others are as varied and original as lemon grass, coconut milk, garlic, ginger and mint.

On your holidays to Koh Samui Island, cuisine is often built around the luscious local seafood. Some restaurants specialize in foreign cuisines - French, Italian, Spanish or all-purpose "international". Street stalls are full of delicious surprises, as well as refreshing fruits, exotic and familiar.

On your holidays to Koh Samui why not travel out and about? Only 14 km (9 miles) north of Ko Samui, the island of Ko Pha Ngan has some perfect beaches and refreshing waterfalls. The principal port is Thong Sala, but many excursion boats go to the village of Hat Rin, on the southeast coast, which is notorious for its uninhibited party atmosphere. Also on your holidays to Koh Samui visit Ko Tao which is as yet an unspoiled island with spectacular coral reefs. It's a two-hour trip from Ko Pha Ngan by express boat.

The most sensational sights are protected under the umbrella of the Ang Thong Marine National Park. These 40 islands, northwest of Ko Samui, have all the ingredients of tropical dreamscapes-crystal-clear seas, crescent beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, caves and limestone formations. Day trips from Ko Samui hit the high spots, or you might want to get off and stay forever.

More information about holidays to Koh Samui can be found out at the website of Global Travel Stourbridge.

Breckenridge Winter Activities

2008-08-22T00:11:00.003-07:00

The Rocky Mountains provide an endless array of winter activities in Breckenridge, Colorado. While the town is most famous for its world-class Breckenridge Ski Resort, visitors will find that non-ski activities abound as well. With 300-plus inches of snow falling on the surrounding mountain peaks each winter, activities such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, Nordic skiing, ice skating, fly fishing, sledding and sleigh rides will keep your party active, while just scratching the surface of all that Breckenridge has to offer. Those looking for a bit "warmer" activities will find phenomenal day spas, shopping and cultural centers.

Breckenridge is a snowmobiler's paradise with an almost unfathomable amount of terrain to explore. Local outfitters provide both guided and unguided snowmobile tours and rental, allowing guests to choose their level of adventure. Snowmobiling provides motorized access to the backcountry glades and bowls that abound in the area, with opportunities for postcard-like photos at nearly every turn of the trail. Adventurous riders may opt for "high adventure" tours where guides will show you how the locals ride, accessing Breckenridge's deepest powder.

Those seeking a bit more seclusion and quiet can appreciate the wilderness via a guided dog sled tour. Dog sledding tours through the middle fork of the Swan River Valley allow you to explore some of Breckenridge's deepest forests as well as historic mining camps and ghost towns that once populated the area. Dog teams of Siberian huskies are eager to show you these places as they swiftly plod through the pines and aspens over rolling backcountry terrain.

The Breckenridge area is home to amazing Nordic skiing opportunities, a favorite local activity. Take in one of three local Nordic centers, or break your own trail on an excursion into the backcountry. The Army's 10th mountain division maintains several backcountry huts throughout the area that can be rented by the night or the week, providing a base of operations for your skiing excursion of choice.

Take in one of Breckenridge's three local ice rinks for a morning or afternoon of skating with your family in a winter wonderland. The Stephen C. West Ice Arena offers 2 NHL sized ice surfaces and hosts open skating daily. Maggie Pond, located in the Peak 9 base area, offers outdoor skating opportunities with phenomenal views of the Ten Mile Range and Bald Mountain. Skate rentals are available at both locations for skaters who haven't brought their own equipment along.

Winter doesn't mean the end of fly fishing season in the Breckenridge high country. The area is home to several gold medal rivers, streams and lakes where highly skilled guides can hook you up with trophy sized fish. Those brave enough to endure the chilly winter temperatures will find uncrowded fishing grounds, surrounded by amphitheaters of rugged snowcapped peaks. Massive, hungry trout are waiting to take your fly on almost every cast, with expert guides placing you in prime position to catch them.

Families looking for adventurous sledding options will find that the Breckenridge area offers several. While the Breckenridge Ski Resort does not offer and on-mountain tubing hill, its nearby sister resort does. Tubing at Keystone resort takes place in both the day and night time hours, meaning a tubing adventure doesn't have to cut into your ski day. The town of Breckenridge is home to Carter Park, a walk-up slide-down sledding hill with a generous slope and a long out run. Bring your own sled or pick one up at a local supermarket. This public park provides sledding free of charge while Keystone Resort charges for its hill.

Finally, dinner sleigh rides provide an evening event for the entire family, with hand build Santa-style sleighs and powerful Belgian draft horses. Sleigh rides take place on either Breckenridge's Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, or through the wilderness of the Swan River Valley, with a star filled sky overhead lighting the way. Hearty meals are served in lodges warmed by roaring fires and charming local mountain hospitality.

Whether you're an expert skier or a novice who's just learning to link turns, be sure you take in more than just the ski area when visiting Breckenridge. The area's winter activities are unsurpassed, with multiple opportunities to enjoy Colorado's famous champagne powder. Whether you're traveling with friends, family a corporate group or by yourself, Breckenridge Colorado Activities are well suited to the needs of any party.

Ben Kelly is the owner of Summit Vacation Concierge and can offer expert advice on Breckenridge activities as well as Breckenridge Colorado Lodging, transportation, travel services and more.

Breckenridge Winter Activities

2008-08-22T00:11:00.001-07:00

Ben Kelly is the owner of Summit Vacation Concierge and can offer expert advice on Breckenridge activities as well as Breckenridge Colorado Lodging, transportation, travel services and more.

5 Unsung Attractions of Paris

2008-08-22T00:10:00.003-07:00

You know what the guidebooks tell you when you visit Paris - you must see The Louvre, The Eiffel Tower, The Arc de Triomphe... and yet there are many of us who need something a little less clichéd to see. For people who fit that description, I've made this list of 5 more obscure - but just as memorable - things to do having booked a hotel in France's city of culture.

Catacombs of Paris

This one isn't for the faint of heart, but offers a fascinating, if macabre, trip through history. Not one for a family holiday in France - the catacombs were created in the 18th century when the local cemeteries became overcrowded and disease due to improper burial was on the increase. This section of abandoned quarry became used, and now the centuries old piles of human bone that make up the catacombs are quite the tourist attraction. Although this may sound plain disturbing as a tourist draw, it's actually been the scene of many events throughout the city's history - including the deaths of monarchists at the hands of communards in 1871 and members of the French Resistance using the tunnels secretly during the Second World War. On top of this, the sinister nature of the construction has given it a good representation in popular culture, being referred to in literature by authors such as Umberto Eco, Edgar Allan Poe and Victor Hugo.

Musée du Quai Branly

While The Louvre is undoubtedly the most famous art gallery in Paris, the Musée du Quai Branly offers a more niche proposition: focusing on indigenous art, culture and civilisation from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Only opened 2 years ago, the museum has absorbed the collections of Musée national des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie and the ethnographic department of the Musée de l'Homme to contain 267,000 objects - of which 3,500 are on display. This is a fascinating day out for those who have exhausted The Louvre's offerings on their luxury holiday in France.

The Marais

If you wanted to be tempted into spending all your France holiday money in one go, the Marais is a good bet. It's a chic shopping area where charming boutiques of original clothing, accessories and home wares cohabit with intriguing artists' galleries. It's very easy to spend a whole day - and a whole lot of cash - here, so be sure to put aside the time it deserves.

Hotel de Sully

Despite the name, this isn't actually a hotel in France, but a "petit hotel" stately home. The reason it makes this list? Because of its wonderful hidden gardens! One of Paris' best guarded secrets and a brilliant way to spend a romantic afternoon with a partner, the 17^th century grounds boast ivy covered walls, historic buildings and a violinist playing live classical music. If you're in a couple, it's a must - if you're on your own or taking a family holiday in France, you may be better served elsewhere.

Canal St Martin

One of the greatest pleasures in Paris is watching the world go by, but as you'll have plenty of opportunities to do this in cafes and restaurants in your luxury holiday in France, this is something a little different. The Canal St Martin is a delightfully tranquil place to spend a Sunday when the quays are traffic free and pedestrianised. It's a splendid place to people watch, and many of the old warehouses have been bought by up and coming artists - no surprise, as any who spend some time here may find the creative muse grabbing them.

A hotel in France's glamorous capital needn't mean the traditional sights. All of these offer a unique insight into the city's culture, history and lifestyle and provide a splendid way to spend a luxury holiday in France.

Kieron Sellens is the marketing manager of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AiTO). AITO's holidays in France can tailor-make the dream holiday - whether you want piste pleasure or family fun..

Costa Rica - Not For Everyone!

2008-08-22T00:10:00.001-07:00

My wife and I moved to Costa Rica six years ago. We sold our business, our home, and almost everything we owned after 9/11 and relocated to Costa Rica's Central Valley near a sleepy coffee town named Grecia.

We knew no one in Costa Rica when we moved here ... and we spoke virtually no Spanish. The only time we had visited was ten years earlier...and then , to a different part of the country. And unfortunately, countless hours of reading and studying on the internet gained us absolutely nothing...because there is no substitute to actually being here...and reality is not the same as the printed word. ( or digital word, as the case may be!)

I don't know if my wife and I are different than most people that "retire" here or not. But what I can say...for an absolute certainty...is LIFE IN COSTA RICA IS DEFINITELY NOT THE SAME IN REAL LIFE AS IT IS PORTRAYED IN GUIDEBOOKS OR ON WEBSITES.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country...its diversity is astounding...the wildlife is amazing...and it is never boring. BUT, the differences between cultures can be huge...they can be frustrating...and ( and this is a big one...that the real estate salesmen or the Costa Rica Chamber of Tourism won't tell you ) that a great many "gringos" ( foreigners) who move to Costa Rica...simply cannot adapt to life here and move back after a short time.

Let me preface the next few paragraphs by saying this " my wife and I love it here in Costa Rica and there is no way that we could ever imagine having to move back to our previous life in the States." BUT...there are times when we are so frustrated that we want to scream. We have adopted that credo ( when talking about the frustrating part of life here...) "it is what it is."
It is one of the more common pastimes of expats here to continually bash the Costa Ricans and continually whine about all of the problems in the country. That is not our intent here as we believe that we are guests here and that our benefits far outweigh the negatives that we hear almost everyday. Many of these complaints are legitimate and we would like to focus upon the most common complaints and the inherent differences that drive many expats to leave after a short time.

Here are a few of the most common cultural differences and the "differences that drive most expats crazy":

• There is a "hidden marketplace" of commerce here in Costa Rica that visitors will never see. The entire country works on an unspoken marketplace of referrals and commissions. Why is this such a big deal?...because you will never really know if a recommendation or referral is being made because it really is a "good deal" or because there is a commission involved. There is nothing that says that a commission must be disclosed.
• There is a two tier marketplace in Costa Rica...one for local Costa Ricans and one for everyone else. And the differences are substantial. And if you think that this doesn't exist...call around yourself to different hotels and ask for the local price or the "gringo" price. It is illogical and illegal in the States or Canada...but not here.
• The common conception of the expat or "gringo" is that he or she has "money trees" back home... no matter that we have worked hard all of our lives...the perception is that we all have so much money that we will not even notice if we pay more. AND, believe it or not, it is actually taught that it is OK to relieve "gringos" of their excess funds because we have "so much more." I didn't believe this either when I moved here...now I do because I see examples of it everyday.
• Here is another that it took me a LONG time to accept: Ticos will tell you what they think you want to hear...instead of the truth ( or reality, if you prefer). This is maddening because you feel oftentimes that you are living with Alice in Wonderland and never really knowing what reality really is. Sound stupid? Yeah, it is. Don't believe it? Ask literally anyone who has lived here for more than a year... A good example is "when will my car be done?" , or "can you come for dinner?" or "can you clean my house tomorrow?" ... remember, this is not a character flaw...it is simply cultural. Commitments mean different things here.
• The bureaucracies here are maddening. You think that you had long lines back home in your local supermarket or bank? Wait until you have to spend three hours waiting in line to deposit money. Or you have to wait for three days to open a bank account to deposit ten grand...or you have to wait for six hours ( even though you have an appointment ) to get your car's annual mechanical checkup. We can all look at these things as "learning experiences that force us into a slower pace of life"...but for those of us that simply cannot abide wasting a great deal of time...this alone can be a deal breaker.
• We have a friend who swears that all appliances that are American made are "seconds". True or not, it is a fact that appliances and most things mechanical do not last as long here.
• Craftsmen and mechanics have a different attitude ( for the most part ) here than in the States. Many are competent , but sloppy. Carpenters and contractors do not cleanup after a job is complete. If 99% of the work is done...they are gone. If the new transmission is installed, it is not tested...it is pronounced "done"....all of which leads to frustration and wasted time. Mechanics are generally competent but sloppy...and then there is the situation where the mechanic will take two hours or his day to drive to you to fix your car that is broken down on a mountain road..."the good with the bad". Talk about a conflict!
• There is a fair amount of talk about corruption and graft...but we believe it is probably really no worse than any other country in the world. Sure, the traffic police will probably take a bribe of $20 or so to let you go...but you were speeding weren't you? And not everything can be solved with a few dollars. There are an awful lot of honest people here too. Don't make the mistake of assuming that everyone can be bought here.
• There is, despite the publicity, a fair amount of anti American feeling here. It is not overt and is more passive but there is still here. There is , of course, resentment over the simple fact that "gringos" almost invariably have more money. There is also resentment that a large number of developers have made huge amounts of money here without following the rules and regulations and have given literally nothing back. While part of the reasons are due to poor oversight and supervision by the Costa Rican government, it does not change the reality of the situation.
• Simple things such as making an emotional decision to buy a house or property near a beach...and not knowing precisely what beach living entails...makes many buyers ( statistics show over 50%) move back "home". Spend time looking at different areas of the country...there is more to Costa Rica than just beach living. We personally live in the mountains for the views AND for the more temperate year round climate. And we visit the beach when we want to see the ocean. There are literally dozens of different areas that you may want to examine. "look before you leap".
• As stupid as it may seem, please remember that Costa Rica is a foreign country...you are not in Kansas any more. In a great many ways, life is infinitely better here...but English is NOT spoken by everyone here and there is NOT highspeed internet everywhere and there is crime and poverty here ( yes, we know that YOU know it too...but it is NOT a Shangrila here all the time)

Both Rhonda and I firmly believe that everyone should know the "good, bad and ugly " about life in Costa Rica BEFORE moving here. We have seen a fair number of people that just simply could not adapt to live here...and usually it is not just one thing...it is a combination.

I wish to stress once again, that Rhonda and I have come to love Costa Rica and regard it as our home. But it is not for everyone.

Randy Berg and his wife moved to Costa Rica after selling their business and everything they owned...they knew no Spanish and not one single person when they arrived. Read about some of the things they have come to love...and a few that they don"t. "You ain't in Kansas anymore. "

Top 10 Beaches With WiFi Internet Access

2008-08-22T00:09:00.005-07:00

The internet is all around us wherever we travel. Most airports now offer free internet access, as do many hotels, and you can even get online while flying to your destination. However, up until recently a major problem was that beaches with WiFi internet access where very hard to find. By reading this list of the top 10 beaches with WiFi internet access you will be able to plan a trip which allows you to relax on a beach, while still checking your email or surfing the web.

1. Clearwater Beach, FL
This gorgeous Florida beach has great WiFi coverage from multiple suppliers. So not only do you get to enjoy the clear Gulf waters, you also get to check all your emails at the same time!

2. Brighton Beach, UK
Brighton has been a favourite destination for years. It's famous nightlife scene starts early and finishes late. The beach is blanketed with WiFi access, so you will be able to email all the photos from the night before! The surrounding area also has excellent coverage, so finding a network shouldn't be a problem.

3. Patong Beach, Thailand
This beach is extremely popular in the backpacking scene, and now there's another excellent reason to visit. Enjoy the year round sun, and vibrant culture, while checking your email or instant messenger.

4. Sunset State Beach, CA
If you are looking for something a little more active than just sitting in the sun then Sunset State Beach is for you. There are many activities on offer from fishing to horse riding, and of course you can access wireless internet to share your adventures with your friends and family.

5. Hermosa Beach, CA
This is a laid back beach mixing gorgeous scenery with classic California surf. There are plenty of restaurants and affordable accommodation, and what's more, you can happily roam the streets and beachfront area connected to the web via 802.11g, accessible through AT&T and iPass.

6. Cannes, France
Famous for the annual film festival also offers you a choice of 3 beaches all with wireless internet access. Plage L'evasion, Plage L'ondine and Plage Royale are all covered by at least 1 wireless provider.

7. Naples, Italy
The beach as Stabilimento Balneare Bagno Elena has a long history, over the years the long golden sands have attracted hundreds of thousands of sun seekers, and now because local authorities have blanketed the area with a wireless network, there is even more reason to plan a visit.

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Famed for a cosmopolitan, fast-paced lifestyle, Buenos Aires now offers several beaches which have free and open WiFi internet access.

9. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii
If the white sands, clear warm water, and year round sunshine aren't enough of a reason to visit, then perhaps the WiFi access on Waikiki Beach is. Surely there isn't a more perfect spot to check your emails from!

10. Lake Ontario, Canada
This may not be an obvious choice, but it does have a wireless network dating from 2003. There are also plenty of activities to do once you've finished online, such as fishing, hiking, and sailing.

Conclusion
So you see it is possible to check your emails and surf the web, even while you are on holiday. This is the perfect solution if you still need to get work done, but want a location a bit more exciting than your boring office!

Gary Hendricks runs a website about laptops. Visit his website at Best-Laptop-Guide.com to learn more about selecting the best laptops and accessories to suit your needs.

Theme Parks in Tennessee - Discover These Great Tennessee Attractions

2008-08-22T00:09:00.003-07:00

When it comes to Tennessee attractions, theme parks are probably not the first things on your list of places to visit. You might think about catching a country music show, watching a Tennessee Titans game or visiting Graceland in Memphis, but visiting theme parks in Tennessee is probably not the first thought that pops into your head.

The fact is that there are several parks, big and small, dotted all across the state that entice visitors from all parts of the world. With its mild climate and four distinct seasons, Tennessee hosts a constant stream of year-round entertainment that brings visitors back year after year.

As far as theme parks go, Tennessee is perhaps best known as being home to Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge near Gatlinburg. Dollywood entertains thousands of guests everyday and is the second top tourist attraction in the state after the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is also one of the Top 50 most visited theme parks in the United States.

Nestled in the lush foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, this 125-acre park was opened in 1986 by country music legend, Dolly Parton. Dollywood offers a rags-to-riches tale and showcases the rich heritage of the Smoky Mountain area where Parton was born and raised before heading to Nashville and superstardom.

The park includes over 40 rides and family-oriented attractions, including the award-winning wooden roller coaster, "Thunderhead". If rides aren't your thing, Dollywood hosts several annual art and music festivals and the park's live shows are never ending. The live entertainment celebrates the very best in country, bluegrass, gospel and classic rock 'n' roll music presented by some of America's most talented performers.

Guests can also revisit the past and enjoy the famous craftsman displays and shops in Craftsman's Valley, with live demonstrations from many talented artists who make everything from candles and pottery to musical instruments. The park also features the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, which houses the country's largest collection of non-releasable bald eagles.

Adjacent to Dollywood theme park, Dollywood's Splash Country offers 30-acres of summer vacation activities ranging from a relaxing tube float on the Lazy River to the thrilling Big Bear Plunge white-water rafting ride. With 23 water rides to choose from, you're sure to have a great time beating the summer heat at this Tennessee attraction.

The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area also features several other small amusement parks scattered throughout where you can find go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, laser tag, water games and loads of family fun! At Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge, you might arrive thinking you know everything, and leave thinking a little more about everything. Touted as an amusement park for your mind, Wonder Works leaves a lot to the imagination for adults and children.

There are great Tennessee attractions for those of you planning a trip to the Chattanooga area. Lake Winnepesaukah, or Lake Winnie, is a 9-acre lake that features a small family amusement park that features over 35 carnival rides, an arcade, midway games and miniature golf. And although it's not a theme park, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the famous Tennessee Aquarium, the second largest freshwater aquarium in the world. The 12-story structure features birds, snakes, river otters and turtles in their natural habitats, and fish that are indigenous to the Tennessee River.

If you're planning a visit to Nashville, be sure to check out the water parks, Wave Country and Nashville Shores. Wave Country is the oldest and the smallest of the two parks and is conveniently located a mile from the famous Grand Ole Opry and Opryland Hotel. A few miles away from there is Nashville Shores, a 385-acre recreational park located on Percy Priest Lake that includes a water park and marina as well as a miniature golf course.

As you can plainly see, the theme parks in Tennessee have something to offer kids of all ages. Do yourself a favor and start making plans to visit one of these great Tennessee attractions today!

Kelley Falgout is the publisher of http://www.FamilyThemeParkVacations.com - a continuously growing database of all theme parks, amusement parks and water parks located across the United States. Be sure to stop by and enter our Photo Contest as well as find out more about theme parks in Tennessee.

Discover the Glistening Gold Coast

2008-08-22T00:09:00.001-07:00

Having spent a decade living on the Gold Coast, I have a lot of favourite places. The best by far are the world class beaches sweeping the length of the coast. Imagine driving the beach strip in your own home on wheels, and once you have found a stretch you love, the freedom to set up for as long as you please. The Gold Coast has so much to offer, and a campervan is the ideal way to travel and see the sights.

There are a plenty of caravan parks to choose from, many located close to beautiful beaches and tourist attractions. One of my favourites is Treasure Island Holiday Park, located at Biggera Waters in close proximity to South Stradbroke Island. The waterways here are brimming with action and beauty. Dolphins are often seen frolicking at dawn,with humpback whale sightings common from June through to September.

Closer to Southport there are a myriad of child friendly parks and pools just waiting to be explored. Every water sport is available here, and you can either sit back and relax, hire a yacht or perhaps some parasailing. On a windy day its fun sitting on the edge of the water watching the skills of the wind surfers.

Another central location is the Main Beach Tourist Park, located just two minutes from the glitzy Surfers Paradise. Tedder Avenue is buzzing close by, with trendy cafes on every corner making it the ideal place to meet with new friends or just spend time together. Joggers are everywhere, and the beaches are lined with walking enthusiasts from dusk to dawn. This is a great location as a base to explore the rest of the coastline, including the gorgeous Cascade Gardens just further down the road.

Pacific Fair is located in Broadbeach, one of the main shopping centres on the coast. This has become a mega shopping complex over the years, and combined with the Oasis Shopping Centre on the beachfront, everything you need is here. Drive inland and you will experience the Gold Coast Hinterland at its best, and with Binna Burra rewarding you with spectacular mountainous views, its the perfect day trip.

One of my favourite locations on the coast is Currumbin Beach and Currumbin Alley. Perfect for the family with a choice of still waters or surfing beach, it's a good idea to pack a picnic lunch, sunscreen and bring your camera to capture the beauty here. You won't want to leave in a hurry. There are a number of walks for the more energetic, especially to Currumbin Rock which juts out of the beach waiting to be explored. The views from here are magnificent, sweeping north and south of the coast.

You can't say you've experienced the coast until you've visited the Theme Park strip at Oxenford. With so many to choose from you can buy a pass and visit them all, or take your pick. Dreamworld offers something for everyone, with rides galore, amazing wildlife experiences at Tiger Island and cuddly animal farm, a water park and plenty of attractions. Wet and Wild is just down the road, and a perfect choice for those long summer days. We recently piled the kids in the car for a day here enjoying the rides, wave pool and Buccaneer Bay for the kids. It's a great place for any age, including us big kids at heart!

Movie World is as huge as you could expect, with surprises at every corner. The Superman Escape is the best rollercoaster, reaching 100km in 2 seconds! Try the Batwing Spaceshot for some vertical thrills, or if you need some time to breathe head to Kids WB with all their favourite Looney Tunes Characters. You feel like you have walked right into the scene of a movie as you wander around the streets from one attraction to another. The Batman Adventure ride is another favourite that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Right next door is a must see for every Australian and visitor alike, the famous Australian Outback Spectacular. We recently experienced the show and left feeling proud to be living in our amazing country. The visual experience is indescribable with so much jampacked into a few hours. Make sure you get there early as there is a lot to see and do before the show.

Seaworld combines attractions with marine education and development. Located at the end of Main Beach on Seaworld Drive this is a unique aquatic experience hard to beat anywhere else. Children will be fascinated by the sharks, diversity of fish, dolphins, seals, polar bears and penguins. The list goes on. My personal favourite is the Viking's Revenge Flume Ride. I was enjoying this ride thirty years ago, and still scream my heart out as we sail over the edge into the waters below.

Any time is a great time to enjoy the glistening Gold Coast and many attractions on offer. Be prepared to relax, soak in the sun and enjoy your home away from home as you experience the beauty of this city in paradise.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Campervans Australia

Baja Peninsula - The Home of Sun, Sea and Sands

2008-08-22T00:02:00.002-07:00

Sun filled vacations

Baja California, Mexico is simply divine. There are no words to express the free and non crowded beaches, the golden days filled with sunshine and the perfect weather that lasts the year around, cooled by the rich sea-laden breezes. There are just too many activities to do in the Baja peninsula, and appeals to just about everyone. So whether one is looking for a sports adventure or a quite trek through ancient ruins to, Baja peninsula has it all. The variety of water sports is mind boggling, with surfing and kayaking topping the list, along with other activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing.

Affordable real estate lures immigrants

The magic of the free and unfettered lifestyle and simple lifestyle appeals to all people and thousands of immigrants flock the shores of Baja California Mexico. The inexpensive housing has sent the Baja California real estate flourishing, with many retirees and migrants seeking to own an apartment, a beach condo or a villa. Many wonderful options are available as the Baja peninsula boasts of beautiful sparsely populated beaches, coves and bays. Convenient oceanfront houses are available, open to the seas and sun, as well as villas and beach homes with all amenities like pool, play courts; club houses etc, in the Baja California real estate options.

There are timeshare options available to vacationers who prefer to share the ownership as they are only present in the vacations. There are about 200,000+ Americans living in Baja peninsula, some of them have jobs and have accepted this land as their home, other continue to hold American passports.

Vacation spots- easy to get there But no vacation in the Baja Peninsula is complete without a visit to Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, about 63 kms from the US border. In spite of its arid desert location Mexicali is watered through a system of aquifers in the valley, which was built to encourage agriculture. Mexicali Baja California now produces grapefruit, dates, vegetables, alfalfa, cotton, and cottonseed oil. Many US companies have set up base in Mexicali Baja California due to the availability of cheap labour.

Mexicali Baja California also relies on tourism and visitors cross by foot or car from Calexico in the United States every day. The welcoming atmosphere of Mexicali Baja California includes delicious food in Mexican restaurants, taco stands, music shows, bars and dance clubs attract tourists to this city. Shops selling Mexican crafts and souvenirs are also located in walking distance from the border.

Another attraction for the young students from many high school and colleges is the low drinking age of 18years in Baja California, Mexico, as opposed to 21 years in the United States.

Rosarito - Where the mountains meet the sea

Rosarito Baja California is another favorite vacation spot as it is conveniently located 20 minutes south of the border from San Diego, California; USA is a perfect weekend getaway. The proximity to the border and stunning location as the coastal foothills greets the Pacific Ocean, makes the Rosarito Beach one of the leading resort towns in Baja California Mexico.

Whatever be the reason, the enchantment of the Baja peninsula lures the tourist with its simple life and natural charisma. The dream vacation is closer than you think, and the way to it is inexpensive, so pack those bags and get moving!

Do you want to live or have a vacation home at a Baja beachfront condominium? If the answer is yes, come check out exciting online private tour! Go to the link http://sandsurfvillas.com and get more information on our pre-construction pricing.

Discover Some Classic Ski Resorts

2008-08-22T00:02:00.001-07:00

Skiing may be an active sport, but that doesn't mean you won't have time to relax and enjoy the scenery every now and then. There are several countries to choose from when it comes to booking your skiing holiday, and it is worth finding out as much as you can about each one before making your decision.

Austria is a real favourite among many skiers, and it boasts some world famous locations that have a lot more than skiing to offer tourists as well. Take Innsbruck for example. Home to the Emperor Maximilian's Golden Roof, the city itself consists of a myriad of streets and alleys, all packed with shops and restaurants to help you while away the hours when you're not on the piste. When it is time for skiing you will head up into the mountains around the city and take your pick from the many slopes available to suit skiers of all standards.

If you want to go beyond Europe then Canada also has plenty to offer. Whistler in British Columbia, Canada has more than two hundred ski trails to follow - more than enough to keep even the keenest skier happy! It's also got plenty to offer when you take off your skis and look forward to relaxing for a while to rest your aching muscles. There is a spa nearby to help you unwind and get that pampered feeling, and plenty of restaurants and bars to pass away the evening hours while you look forward to the next day on the slopes again.

If America is more to your style, then you have got well over two hundred resorts to choose from including Crystal Mountain in Washington. This boasts 2,600 acres of white powder to ski on, and some amazing views to enjoy. As with many ski resorts it is set up to entertain in other ways too - make sure you visit Summit House to enjoy a delightful meal while gazing out at the stunning sight of Mount Rainier. After a day on the slopes this is the perfect way to unwind.

If you are new to skiing then you really are spoilt for choice, so you need to think about which country you would most like to visit. If you want to stay closer to home then the locations in Europe will be preferable to a long haul flight. But America and Canada both have a lot to offer and if you don't want the language barrier to be a problem they might just fit the bill.

That's why it's worth reading as many ski holiday reviews as you can before deciding on the right trip for you. If you do, you will be assured of the best skiing experience you can ever have, and a lot more besides.

Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Tips For Writing a Ski Resort Review

2008-08-22T00:01:00.001-07:00

If you have just returned from a great vacation at a ski resort, which might not be the best ski resort, but you had fun, you should write a review for that ski resort and pen down all your experiences, good or bad. Writing a ski resort review will help other people who want to plan a trip to ski. When they read your ski resort review, they will come to know what all to do when they reach the ski resort. Also, it will help increase future customers who based on your ski resort review will want to enjoy all the amenities and activities which you enjoyed. But while writing a ski resort review, you should take into account some points.

Note down the time of the year you visited the resort, its crucial.

If you want visited during a holiday, the resort might have been a little busy, and the customer service, amenities and waiting times might have been different than what they would have been had you visited during the quieter months, so, for a perfect review, it's very important to mention the time of the year you visited the ski resort. You shall not miss small details while writing a ski resort review and try to share all the moments with the readers who will read it. You might also write a negative ski resort review if you had problems with the place or if the waiting time was more even if the visitors were less.

How was your actual skiing experience?

A person spending a fortune on a ski resort would definitely be interested in skiing, so this is one aspect you just can't miss to add in your review. You should write about the slopes, the level of difficulty they offered, the kind of equipment, if the equipment was easily available at the resort itself, or you had to take yours along or rent it from a local vendor. The whole experience about how you felt while skiing needs to be penned down very carefully, therefore the most important thing while writing a ski resort review is the type of equipment and its availability. If you were no able to ski due to the faulty equipment then you should tell others about the possible problems they are bound to face.

About other amenities.

You should tell others about the crucial aspects of the resort. People reading your ski resort review should know if they have to come prepared for any circumstances such as bad quality food, or too much time wasted in a particular activity, try and add aspects like the educational relevance of the trip.

If you liked something, like an additional amenity, the quality of service, the kind of equipment, the dining area, children's recreational area or maybe the general ambience of the whole place, you should speak out.

Finally, the Ski resort review should contain the website and other official information regarding the resort.Remember, the ski resort review is not only your experience, but also a great vacation for a future traveler.

Looking to save time and money when traveling on your next Ski Vacation. Then you have to visit http://www.Skivacationresources.com to find out the different ways of traveling.

How to Choose a Ski Chalet For Your Ski Holiday

2008-08-21T23:53:00.004-07:00

Resort

When you pick your resort - you should take your group's skiing experience into consideration: do you have lots of beginners? Intermediates? Experts? If you have a mixed ability group, then you need a resort with lots of options - something for everyone. Les Houches, for example, is a little known resort in itself - ideal for mixed groups as it is predominantly blues and red, with great beginners areas - however, it is also ideal placed in the Chamonix valley for experts to experience the blacks of Grands Montets and some of the best off-piste in Europe! If you are all expert, think about La Grave or Chamonix.

Budget

The country you choose to visit may depend upon your budget. The "newer" ski resorts in Bulgaria will be cheaper for accommodation, food, lift passes, etc. Though 37% of all skier still choose France. Switzerland and Austria hold some of the most expensive options - the price reflecting how well known the resort is: Davos, Gstadd, Klosters, Kitzbuhel.

Your budget will also affect the quality of the chalet available to you. Put simply: the more luxurious chalets cost more. If you find an amazing deal with flights and transfers included, in a chalet whose photos look amazing - be sure to check the photos were actually taken in that chalet, and are representative of it! Wide angle lens can make rooms look bigger than they are. Professional lighting may have been used to disguise the pokey room in the attic. Ask how big the actual rooms are! If food is photographed, ask whether it was a "stock" photo? - or did they take it themselves?

Self-catered chalets often cost less than being catered - but be careful about false economies. Ask the following questions: how far is the local supermarket? Is it within walking distance? If not, you may need a car or bus.

Owner-run vs managed chalets

Owner-run chalets tend to differ from managed chalets in that the chalet hosts will most probably care more for the chalet as it is their home and business. They may also care that you enjoy yourself on your holiday - as repeat clientele are very desirable - much more than some ski-bum just-out from college fancying one more year of the easy life before having to join the "real world".

The days of spag bol are long gone - these days, catered chalets can rival restaurants in terms of quality and diversity of food.

If the chalet offers a "professional chef", ask about their experience and qualifications. Did they run a top-notch restaurant in London or did they used to work as a sous-chef in the "White Horse" working mens club? Also, especially with the managed chalets, chefs work to a very closely-controlled budget. You also run the risk of them quitting immediately before you arrive having decided chalet-work was not the endless days of powder snow they imagined, but harder work than as a full-time chef in the UK!

If it is owner-run, ask about their cooking experience - how many years have they cooked for their guests? What is their favourite dish? Owner-run chalets may be more willing to alter menus to suit your groups dietary preferences. So, just because a chalet is owner-run does not mean the food will not be as good. Many owners have years of experience cooking 4 course meals for 10 people every night, or take courses to improve their culinary skills.

Facilities

For the best holidays, chalets where you can both ski in and ski out provide you with the most time on the piste, and the minimal amount of fuss and time wasted. You save time because you don't have to wait for transport to the lifts at the start of your day, nor hanging around for transport back to your chalet when you've finished. This is especially useful if you are a beginner or you get tired early

With ski in, ski out chalets, you also get to avoid those "short walk to the pistes" which in fact may turn out to be a much longer walk than you anticipated... Even a short five minute walk can be difficult when you are wearing ski boots, trying to drag the kids complaining about their ski boots being uncomfortable , whilst simultaneously trying to carry both their skis, poles and your own!

All in all it leads to much more stress-less holiday if you have the ability to ski in and out of the chalet. Plus it means if you forget anything - suncream, gloves, etc - you always have the option to easily return to fetch them.

Does the chalet have a hot-tub? For a little luxury, it is very pleasant to sit out under the stars sipping a glass of champers or a beer. If you are looking for a chalet in summer, don't forget to ask whether the hot tub is on and available? Some chalets empty their hot-tubs in the summer months.

Don't forget the log fire! Is the firewood included in the price? What entertainment is provided? Is there a television? Can you receive English tv? Is there a selection of DVD's? If so, how many? Can you plug your ipod in?

Are all the bedrooms ensuite? If not, how many bathrooms are there? How many showers? How is the water heated? Is there endless hot water? Do the bedrooms have views? If so, of what? Do all the rooms have a view, or only a few of them? These are the types of questions to ensure that you don't have any unpleasant surprises when you actually arrive. There is nothing worse than looking forward to your holiday only to be disappointed because your travel company neglects to tell you that it is a ten-person chalet with only enough hot water for six showers - and three of the five bedrooms are three times smaller than they appear in the photos and face the construction site next door!

Leighton Ellis runs a luxury ski chalet in Chamonix Valley and hopes you have a fantastic ski holiday

Colorado Discount Ski Package

2008-08-21T23:53:00.003-07:00

When planning a trip to Colorado, you'll probably want to look for ski resorts. Planning a ski vacation doesn't have to be a big challenge. One can choose from among the most popular and crowded destinations, or opt for an uncluttered resort which does not have many skiers.

It is a unique experience skiing in the mountains of Colorado. The Colorado discount ski package usually includes lodging, transportation, airport departure, rental car and ski rental. There are many tour operators that provide and specialize in economic ski train vacations. Some of the tour operators have made outstanding contributions to revitalize rail service to passengers.

They are many who rely on the experience of these tour operators. Many tourists make use of their services and purchase ski packages to the finest resorts of the world. You can rely on tour operators for an excitement filled ski adventure. They have the right packages to suit every budget, and nearly every package includes car rentals and trip transfers during ones stay.

People always enjoy the pleasure of traveling in wide, spacious seats. And don't forget to taste the cuisine of the region. Colorado offers many culinary delights not found elsewhere. The entire trip you will revel watching the never-ending stunning winter scenery, which can be experienced only when traveling by train. They offer discounts for children below the age of 18. Sleeper compartments and longer stays are available on request.

Prices will vary during peak seasons and train fares largely depend on the availability of seats.

There is no place that can be compared to Colorado skiing. With a skiable terrain comprising of 29,460 acres and an annual snowfall of 4,241 inches, 13 top class resorts, 300 dining venues and 4000 lodging options it is a wonderland for ski enthusiasts. The outstanding and breathtaking Rocky Mountains provide superb skiing condition for all skiers.

Whatever the season there are thousands of property pieces to suit every budget. Many choose a complete package that covers airfare, lodging, ski rentals, transportation and extracurricular fun.

One of the greatest ski towns in Colorado is Crested Butte. Crested Butte offers an unusual combination of mountain skiing at a stunning location, with an ambience of mining camp. This place remains unspoiled and spectacular. It is a must go for all skiing enthusiasts.

Nothing can compare to the size of Snowmass. It is literally 36 times larger than Disneyland, and has vertical rise of 4500 feet. It is a great place for family skiing and fun. Summers here are fun too with biking, hiking, camping, fishing and golf. So no matter which season you visit Colorado, it will always offer you will outdoor fun, friendly people and good food.

Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about Colorado discount ski packages, please visit Skiing Colorado Guide for current articles and discussions

Packing it in For a Breckenridge Vacation

2008-08-21T23:53:00.001-07:00

Packing for vacation is certainly not everyone's favorite thing to do. While the anticipation of the trip is quickly building and your mind is racing with the excitement of the fun in store, figuring out what to bring can not only be confusing, but can become stressful. Mix in an unfamiliar climate and weather that is constantly changing and you've got your work set out for you. This is certainly the case in Breckenridge, Colorado. Still, there are definitely a few tricks to packing just the right clothes to ensure you won't have to buy a whole new wardrobe once you arrive. Knowing the seasons is your first step to smart packing for your Breckenridge vacation.

Summer: While Breckenridge is famous for its snow-packed mountains and glistening, white-lined winter streets, summer is a perfect time to plan a vacation as well. Blue skies and plenty of sunshine are sure to come your way in Breckenridge, mixed with the dry climate of the Rocky Mountains. With daytime temperatures averaging around 70 degrees, visitors enjoy calm sunny days that are mild enough to enjoy the outdoors without running for the nearest A/C. And, just when the weather seems to border on hot, evening averages around 50 roll in to cool things down for relaxing evenings. So, how should you pack for a summer vacation in Breckenridge? Think in layers. You'll want shorts and t-shirts, but long-sleeved shirts and pants will come in handy too. A jacket won't hurt and neither will a couple pairs of shoes (make one a pair of flip-flops). While Breckenridge generally stays dry, a light rain jacket is never a bad idea in any mountain town. Still, the sun normally reigns supreme, so you'll want to gear up with sun screen and other forms of protection, such as hats and sun glasses.

Winter: The average temperature during the winter months in Breckenridge is 28 degrees. At just above freezing, you'll want to be sure to pack warm clothes to keep you dry and warm. If you're visiting Breckenridge in the winter, you're likely participating in some form of winter sport, whether it be skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or even ice skating. Consider clothes made of material other than 100% cotton. As you sweat, cotton garments will get wet and will dry slower than other materials. Wet clothes are not only dangerous to your body temperature, but will make you feel colder as well. Again, think in terms of layers. As you're out and about in the mid-day sun, you might want to strip the heavy coat, but you'll certainly put it right back on once the sun sets. A couple layers of shirts and even long underwear will certainly make it out of your suitcase with pleasure as well. Also be sure to keep your extremities warm. Hats, gloves, scarves, and wool socks are good choices.

Fall and Spring: While summer and winter are certainly the more popular times to visit, Breckenridge is an all-year town. Fall brings the beauty of golden aspen trees and spring is welcomed by a colorful display of wildflowers. These seasons are just a bit less predictable, so even the latest weather forecast can easily be proven wrong. Snow storms can come as easily in the fall as they do in the spring, so always be prepared with snow gear as well as spring sandals!

As the old saying goes, if you don't like the weather in Colorado, just wait ten minutes and it will change. Still, you can rest assured that you're likely to see blue skies and sunshine on just about any visit to Breckenridge. With just the smallest bit of preparation while packing, you're well on your way to a fabulous getaway to one of Colorado's premier vacation spots.

Chris Cook lives in beautiful Breckenridge, Colorado and loves sharing her expertise on mountain safety and fun with visitors. If you're planning a trip to Summit County, make sure to book your Breckenridge lodging before you leave, and check out all of Chris's advice on the area in her other articles!

Ski Vacations - How to Score Great Prices on Your Ski Equipment

2008-08-21T23:52:00.002-07:00

To get ready for those great ski vacations you want to take, plan ahead and begin looking around for the best prices you can find on ski equipment. There's no reason to spend more than you have to when it comes to quality ski equipment. Bargains abound if you are willing to spend just a little time and effort in looking for them.

Prices begin dipping right after the end of the ski season when the majority of ski vacations take place. Some shops start marking down ski equipment right after Christmas, especially if they are a multi-sport retail store. The reason why multi-sport stores begin their sales early in the year is to make room for other seasonal sports equipment that they will be bringing in - backpacks, tents, spring sports equipment, etc.

Specialty ski shops will usually hold out until after President's Day in February to begin putting their equipment on sale. But ski shops in resort towns will usually hold huge ski equipment sales the weekend of President's Day to capture the tourists and skiers who flood their towns on ski vacations during that long weekend.

You might also try calling resort shops that rent large amounts of ski equipment. After the season ends, they may have used equipment that they will offer at sale prices.

Sometimes there are opportunities to go into small ski shops who may have unsold ski equipment left after the ski season ends and negotiate a special deal. Your success will likely depend on where the ski shop is located and whether it is owned by an independent entrepreneur who would be glad to see last year's models walk out the door.

Don't forget to search online for new or used ski equipment dealers. There are also online auctions like Ebay who may have low-priced items, but the transportation charges may kill the deal for you. If you live near a ski area and you go onto the Ebay website, you can not only search for new or used ski equipment, you can also sort the on-screen list to show the sellers who live the closest to you. You may just get lucky and find someone who lives near you trying to sell off their used ski equipment. Using the same strategy, you could go to craigslist.org and search for ski equipment for sale or post an ad seeking someone who has ski equipment they'd be willing to sell. Seeing your posting just might jog someone into wanting to make some money off their skis that have been in their garage for a couple of years.

Pre-season Ski Swaps are also good places to pick up great deals. There is a lot of used stuff at these seasonal swaps, but there is usually new stuff too. Sometimes there are unused items that are a season or two old, but some companies only change their graphics from year to year and the equipment is perfectly fit to serve you well on your ski vacations.

Visit CORE now to get free access to advice and information on ski vacations

Ski Vacations - How to Rent Ski Equipment

2008-08-21T23:52:00.001-07:00

Ski vacations will require ski equipment. But whether you buy your ski equipment or rent it will depend, for the most part, on whether you're a beginning skier or a pro on the slopes. If you're a beginner or just trying out the sport, it will probably make more sense for you to rent the equipment before investing your money in what can be an expensive purchase.

Many local ski shops rent ski equipment, and they may even have lease packages where you can lease everything you need for an entire season of skiing. This can be an excellent option of those who take several ski vacations a year. One advantage of renting at a local shop near you is that it'll probably be less expensive and you can pick up your equipment ahead of time instead of waiting in long lines and paying higher rental prices when you get to the ski resort. The downside of renting locally is transporting your ski equipment from home to the resort. Some ski resort shops allow their customers to store their equipment during the day or overnight for free, which is a nice benefit when you return from a tiring day on the slopes.

Most rental packages will include skis, boots and poles. You should have a choice of beginner or performance skis. Most shops have equipment for junior skiers. Skiing helmets may be available for an additional charge. That extra expense is well worth the safety you'll enjoy by wearing a helmet. Many parents make sure their children who are skiing wear helmets whether they want to or not. There is always a chance when the slopes are full that accidents and collisions will happen.

Keep in mind that when you sign up for ski lessons at a resort, many packages will include the price for equipment that you can use all day. Most instructors will make sure that you are completely outfitted before taking you out to the slopes. Ski vacations that include lessons for beginners can be fun for the whole family!

Rental equipment usually includes skis, ski boots, ski poles and helmets.

Skiers will usually have the option of renting items individually or as a package. Many resorts also offer combinations of different ski equipment items such as skis and boots, helmets and poles, skis and poles, etc. Some ski resorts will offer full-day prices or prices for afternoon-only skiing. Some packages will cost as little as $20 per day, others can cost $50 or more for 24 hours. Some ski resorts automatically add on damage insurance for a few dollars per day; it may be worthwhile to take the insurance if you are a beginning skier. If you refuse insurance, just a minor accident could cost you much more than it would have cost if you had paid for the insurance to begin with.

Plan ahead and reserve your ski rental equipment in advance, especially during peak season. That way you'll know for sure that the equipment you want is available and ready when you get there to pick it up.

Visit CORE now to get free access to advice and information on group ski vacations.

Ski Vacations - Favorite American Resorts

2008-08-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

Ski vacations are an All-American favorite for rugged individuals, sporty couples and families who thrive on skiing and snowboarding on powdery white slopes. There is nothing more invigorating than planning to take a winter vacation, packing your snow gear and heading off with your loved ones to the mountains in the distance. Every snow-skier has their favorite place to go, so it may be a little arrogant to try to tell you where the best spots are, but these are premium winter destinations that many snow enthusiasts will tell you are hard to beat for the best ski vacations.

Aspen, Colorado

Renowned worldwide, Aspen is unbeatable in the United States for its skiing, and wherever you go at Aspen you are liable to see somebody rich or famous. The Aspen Mountain Powder Tours will test the skills of even the best skiers among us, and those still working on their expert status will find the intermediate slopes to be excitingly challenging. The backside of the mountain presents acres of powdery terrain that expert skiers love to return to again and again. Aspen's steep slopes are famous, and its four separate mountains offer unrivaled skiing opportunities for all ability levels. There are also opportunities at Aspen for snowboarding, paragliding and fly fishing, which is why Aspen remains a popular destination for ski vacations.

Stowe, Vermont

The two-century-old village of Stowe is also a favorite pick simply because of its New England charm. Stowe consists of the two areas of Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield which is Vermont's highest mountain. It also has a lift-link to Smuggler's Notch, a full-family resort which makes Stow an excellent choice for families looking into destinations that are family-friendly. Stowe offers skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, and for those who like the "tamer" sport of shopping, there are close to 100 unique shops to browse through after a day on the slopes.

Squaw Valley, California

Famous for its scenic views of Lake Tahoe, Squaw Valley is one of America's Olympic resorts; night skiing on the 3.2 mile mountain run is an experience you will not forget. There is also the Riviera Superpipe, and if you have members of your group who are not skiers, there is lots for them to do and see at the Ice Pavilion and Olympic Museum where they can enjoy reviewing the history of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Squaw Valley usually runs great family and group deals, and there is plenty of activity to offer everyone whether they are skiers or not, which makes Squaw Valley a great destination for ski vacations.

Alta, Utah

Just a 45 minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, this magnificent resort is great for skiers of all abilities. With a stunning 200 foot vertical drop, Alta has more than 115 runs with deep powder and a variety of terrain to challenge advanced skiers as well as beginners. The only negative (if there can be anything negative about such a fantasticly beautiful site) is that snowboarding is not allowed on Alta's slopes.

Visit CORE now to get free access to advice and information on luxury ski vacations

So You Are Considering Buying a Timeshare - You Ought to Read This!

2008-08-21T23:50:00.003-07:00

Timeshares came about in Europe in the 1960's where a developer in the French Alps promoted his resort by encouraging prospective guests to buy the hotel instead of simply renting a room. The idea took off and developer's world wide started selling condominium style units as a timeshare concept.

Timeshare units work in basically the same way as a condominium, but the developer takes the individual housing units and further divides them into weekly time slots. These weekly time slots are then bought and sold. So there are multiple owners for each unit in the building who have a right of occupancy for a specific period every year. Theoretically there could be 52 owners each of whom can occupy that property for a week at a time every year.

The way these slots are allocated will depend on the developer selling the timeshare units. In some timeshare buildings, you purchase a specific week in a specific unit within the building, while other timeshare buildings sell floating time slots which merely promise you an available unit in the building during your particular week. These differences will absolutely have implications when you are trying to sell or trade your timeshare unit, so it pays to understand exactly what you're purchasing if you decide to buy a timeshare unit.

Timeshares have large up front fees and are also known to obligate purchasers to iron clad contracts, annual dues, maintenance fee's and other ongoing costs. Average fees range from $15,000- $16,000 but on top of this there are additional annual fees depending on what it is you are purchasing. Due to the ownership structure of Timeshares- there is limited flexibility in the dates in which you can travel.

Like many products in this world, Timeshares have their place but there are forms of alternative travel memberships that can save you the significant upfront acquisition costs and ongoing fees. Memberships which allow total freedom and flexibility to travel anytime, anywhere, worldwide, with a one-time membership fee and no other fees aside from the low weekly rates when you take a vacation.

As an owner of these membership- you have the ability to browse a catalogue of thousands of high end properties all over the world and select the destination of your choice.
You then have the ability to travel immediately without certificates to mail in, no black out dates, and no waiting. You can purchase the perfect vacation immediately or schedule it months later. Membership purchases an enormous amount of inventory every year in advance which means when you see the vacation you want, buy it and it's yours.

So before you purchase a time share, do your due diligence and establish whether these alternative style Travel memberships may be better suited to your needs.

Shanan Spearing is an internet marketing entrepreneur and a member of the Global Resorts Network.

To see what the Global Resorts Network has to offer as an alternative to a timeshare, please visit http://www.discountedresortaccommodation.com

Answering Your Timeshare Questions

2008-08-21T23:50:00.001-07:00

There is just something about getting to go on vacation that has people antsy to get away from it all. To just leave behind work, the weather and just go and enjoy themselves but what do they do, where do they go? That is the problem. Many people seem to enjoy one vacation spot over another and do not want to have to continuously stay in a hotel each time they visit.

The answer to this dilemma may be a timeshare. Timeshares are great ways to get to visit different parts of the world each year and stay in comfortable settings that feel and look like home to you. There is no need to stay in a hotel or to rent a house while you are staying.

The best part is that you can count on taking the same vacation time each year. In this article you can lean the basics of a timeshare program and how it works for you along with the history and the benefits of owning a timeshare.

What is the history of timeshares?

Timeshares started in the 1960's in the French Alps. A ski resort developer decided to come up with an innovative concept of people owning the resort rather than just renting the room. People would pay for blocks of time each year that would be the same days each year.

This would provide a steady stream of income for the developer and provide the owners with a place to stay other than renting a room. It would give them more of a feeling of home or a vacation home than a mere hotel room could possibly give.

What kinds of timeshares are there?

There are several different kinds of timeshares. Just a few are: deeded, right to use, fixed week ownership, floating, rotating and vacation clubs. Each varies according to how often they can be used and how their schedule works out as far as when you can take your week of allotted time for vacation.

It is important to know the difference before you sign your paperwork on the timeshare. A decision made in haste without knowing the full details could come back and haunt you later down the road. Just make sure to ask any questions and do some researching before you sign the ownership papers or hand over any money.

Where are timeshares located?

Timeshares are located all over the world. Many people associate them with just tropical destinations but in reality they are usually wherever there is a tourist attraction. Some of the out of the way places you may not expect to find a timeshare is Hot Springs Village in Arkansas, Branson in Missouri and other resort areas. Of course tropical destinations such as Cabo san Lucas or Miami feature timeshares but if you are looking for something more reclusive then search for out of the way destinations.

Is there a set date that I can use my timeshare?

Yes, when you buy a timeshare you are usually given a set date or block of time that you can use the timeshare each year. Usually this is one week. Some timeshare programs allow you to rotate your time or there is the possibility of trading your block with someone else for a different allotment of time.

You will need to research your contract thoroughly before agreeing to sign any papers to ensure that your best interests are kept in mind. The goal is to be able to use your timeshare during the same period each year but things do come up and people need to change their vacation schedules. Ensuring that you are able to change that schedule is important.

Mike Selvon portal offers free articles on Timeshare. Find out more about how timeshare works, and leave a comment at the timeshare resorts blog where a free gift awaits you.

Thinking of Buying a TimeShare? Isn't it Time to Move Into the 21st Century?

2008-08-21T23:49:00.003-07:00

Luxury travel memberships, like Timeshares have been around for a number of years and they too have typically been purchased by the wealthy. This was largely due to the high price tags associated with luxury travel memberships, not dissimilar to the large upfront fees with Timeshares.

However change is inevitable, like all things in life and luxury travel memberships are now available at a fraction of the cost that they once were.

So what is the difference between the two and why would you buy a luxury travel membership over a timeshare?

When you buy a timeshare - your ownership basically gives you right of occupancy for a specific period each year. You may also, depending on your purchase, be entitled to occupancy in various timeshare locations around the world. Sounds pretty good, right?

However timeshares have large upfront fees, maintenance fees and ongoing costs. There is also limited flexibility in the dates in which you can travel, commonly known as 'black out' periods. Timeshares are an expensive way of having an annual luxury vacation and they tend to be rather inflexible when it comes to the dates in which you can use them.

Timeshares have also typically been sold by organizations who lure potential customers into their purchase with promises of free vacations and gifts. The marketing of timeshares can be significant and these costs are built into the purchase price.

There is however a reasonable possibility of your timeshare appreciating over time which may compensate the discerning buyer for some of the downsides. The flip side to this are the numerous stories of timeshare owners failing to recoup their full purchase price when it is time to sell. In fairness, like all property, location will be the major factor in whether reasonable capital appreciation is likely to occur.

Luxury travel memberships ordinarily have a one time upfront fee which is typically far less expensive than a timeshare. A membership can give you access to a menu of up to several thousand properties all over the world. There are no blackout dates, no ongoing fees and no limit to the number of weeks vacation that a member can take on either an annual or lifetime basis.

The downside to this perhaps is that you will pay a nominal fee for your vacation, but it is at a significant discount to the normal retail price. Five star resorts can be purchased for less than $300 for the entire week in many cases. A number of these many resorts are sold by the major travel companies,on a weekly basis, in some cases for 5-6 times more than the $300 that the member is required to pay. This represents a significant saving for the member.

One of the many unknown and less talked about features of some of these memberships is that by referring other people who subsequently also purchase the membership, a significant commission can be generated by the referrer.

Many buyers of this membership are not likely to engage in this offer, however, two to three referred purchasers can effectively pay for your lifetime membership.

Thanks to the wonder of the internet, you can do all of your research and due diligence to establish which option may be better for you, all from the comfort of your home using your computer.

Shanan Spearing is an internet marketing entrepreneur. To find out more about the benefits of a Luxury Travel Membership, please visit http://www.attractionmarketinggenius.com/global-resorts-network/

Thinking of Buying a TimeShare? Isn't it Time to Move Into the 21st Century?

2008-08-21T23:49:00.001-07:00

However change is inevitable, like all things in life and luxury travel memberships are now available at a fraction of the cost that they once were.

So what is the difference between the two and why would you buy a luxury travel membership over a timeshare?

Many buyers of this membership are not likely to engage in this offer, however, two to three referred purchasers can effectively pay for your lifetime membership.

Thanks to the wonder of the internet, you can do all of your research and due diligence to establish which option may be better for you, all from the comfort of your home using your computer.

Shanan Spearing is an internet marketing entrepreneur. To find out more about the benefits of a Luxury Travel Membership, please visit http://www.attractionmarketinggenius.com/global-resorts-network/

Timeshares For Sale - But Should You Buy From an Owner?

2008-08-21T23:48:00.000-07:00

There are many timeshare units for sale on the market right now. If you do a search on the Internet, you can find people desperate to sell. So are timeshare sales from owners a good deal or a scam?

Our timeshare unit has been one of the best things we ever purchased, but we did our research first. And then we did miss out on one fantastic opportunity because we didn't do our research and hesitated. That will always be remembered as the one that got away. So if you want to make the right choice in buying a timeshare vacation unit, please consider the following points.

You can buy a timeshare vacation unit from an existing owner for a great price. This is because the resale market is very hard. Realtors don't make a lot on a timeshare sale, so they put it at the bottom of their priorities. Those places which specialize in timeshare resales demand a hefty sum from the seller. It is better for the seller to go private and give you a great deal. The important thing to remember though is that you must love the specific place and time you are buying. Do you love Whistler BC ( site of the 2010 Olympics)? Great, but how about Whistler in October? Pretty mushy and rainy. Also find out about any special levies on the property and whether you actually hold title. Actually, buying from an existing owner can take more diligence than from a company. Still, the deals are out there for the brave.

This may be the best time to get a great deal on a private sale of a timeshare. We have attended many meet and greets at various timeshares. Over the past few years there were many people who were buying multiple weeks and properties because of the easy credit and inflated valuation of their homes. Now these people need to sell fast. I met a guy who came up to Whistler once a year, but had six extra weeks in different resort properties as well. He has a family with 3 kids, so it is not like he was planning to trade them. He was planning to rent the timeshare units and sell when the value increased. Poor guy.

Timeshare rentals only benefit the property management company. Period. I could go on, but that is the bottom line. Timeshare vacation properties seldom go up in value. Check your paper or an auction website and bid low.

So why buy a timeshare vacation property from an existing owner?

Because of the following reasons:

You can get a great price on a timeshare from an owner who just wants to get rid of his headache or has a change in his lifestyle.
If you pick a place close to you, you can use the facilities year round ( it is called rubber traffic)
The company who manages the timeshare usually has great specials on other places and trading programs.
Timeshare properties usually give you more amenities and luxury than standard hotels.

So do your homework, investigate every aspect of the timeshare unit. Put in disclosure items in your sales contract. Buy close to home. And bid low...Like mom used to say, "You can always ask!".

Oh yeah. That timeshare I should have bought? New York's first Manhattan timeshare. Right across from Carnegie Hall. Dumb Dumb Dumb!

Colin Noden http://practicalanswers.blogspot.com/ My mission is to find the best practical help in a wide variety of areas. If you are looking for something and have been frustrated in your search, I would be happy to help.

HOME::Travel-and-Leisure/Vacation-Rentals X Namibia - Nguni Zambezi Luxury Houseboat By Gary Terrazas Platinum Quality Author Gary Terrazas Gar

2008-08-21T23:29:00.003-07:00

The Nguni Zambezi Voyager allows guests to relax and soak up the atmosphere of the Zambezi wilderness and to take part in a number of activities from visiting Victoria Falls to tiger fishing, visiting local villages, wildlife viewing or birding in Chobe National Park or perhaps just relaxing in the Jacuzzi!

If you are looking for something just a little bit different, why not consider a few relaxing days on a floating luxury lodge? The new Nguni Zambezi Voyager offers the perfect base from which to explore this diverse region with game viewing, birding, fishing, cultural visits and relaxation the order of the day.

The upper Zambezi wilderness is a mosaic of wetlands creating enormous biodiversity. Three predominant rivers flow through this area; the Zambezi, Chobe and Kasai. The opportunity to travel for hundreds of kilometres on all these rivers is possible with the Zambezi Voyager. Each river is unique and has its own character and charm, so a stay of a few days is recommended to enable visitors to enjoy as much variety as possible!

Nearby attractions include the magnificent Chobe National Park, a wildlife rich environment that is particularly well known for its large elephant population. Impalila Island is also located near by, this is the only place in the world where four countries meet at one point. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls is just a day trip away, and this whole area will soon be encompassed into the exciting Kavango Zambezi (KaZa) Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Nguni is a luxuriously appointed, fully serviced and activity driven floating lodge, more than just a houseboat and more than a luxury lodge! Nguni accommodates ten passengers in either twin or double bedded accommodation. The well appointed berths are tastefully decorated with soft stone textures and hand made linen.

The entertainment decks combine a comfortable compliment of private lounges overlooking the idyllic waterways whilst the open air decks offer a choice of cooling off in the Jacuzzi or soaking up the African sun on the top deck loungers. Nguni is an exclusive experience affording you privacy amongst the scenic beauty of the African water and savannah.

One tender boat and guide per room are usually available, so guests can have a choice of either taking a safari on the Chobe River, concentrating on the photographic opportunities of an environment considered the Jewel of Namibia, enjoying a relaxing fishing trip, or simply travelling through this lush wilderness in distinctive comfort and style.

The Chobe has the largest concentration of elephants in Africa and for this reason alone the Chobe is a must for any visitor to Nguni. There are vast buffalo herds and numerous plains game species that traverse the area as well as the possibility of sighting predators such as Lion, Wild Dog, Hyena and Leopard. Approximately 450 species of birds occur throughout this area, indeed it is the most prolific birding wildlife area in Southern Africa due to a diverse variety of habitats.

The rivers have an enormous fish resource and therefore are home to magnificent water birds. Some of the iconic species of the area such as the African Fish Eagle, Mallachite Kingfisher, African Jacana and African Skimmer can be viewed easily from Nguni. The guides do however specialise in trying and finding the rarities like the Slaty Egret, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Coppery Sunbird, White Backed Night Heron and Pels Fishing Owl.

The river communities that live along the banks of the river are known as the Lozi and Masubia. Visitors are able to experience their lifestyle by simply observing as they tend to their daily duties or be more participatory as guests in one of their villages. The opportunity to take guided walks is available over varying distances and within different habitats. The walking is comfortable as the terrain is reasonably flat and is not exclusively for the energetic.

The Upper Zambezi and Kasai Channel has some of the best river fishing in the world. The targeted species are Tigerfish, Bream and Catfish. Tigerfish is the meanest African freshwater species and one of the most explosive freshwater game fish in the world. It has a reputa tion of being one of the hardest fighting and most difficult fish to boat. These river fish can grow up to 10kg (22lbs) in this stretch of water. The guides actively practice catch and release and are committed to the long term sustainability of our fish resource.

Beachfront Real Estate - New Trends Make Living a Luxurious Lifestyle a Little More Affordable

2008-08-21T23:29:00.001-07:00

It's no secret that beachfront real estate has become one of the most desired types of property to own and some of the most expensive to acquire. Along the entire East coast down to the Gulf of Mexico there has been a trend of missing marina facilities and seaside homes now replaced with luxury beach villas, condominiums, and a wide selection and variety of vacation homes.

The good news for cruisers or those wanting to live in a boating community is that many of the new developments are utilizing the previous marina facilities and providing residents with private boat slips and marina services. And many are still preserving services for transient boaters and yacht club members.

The good news for those wanting to live a luxurious lifestyle on oceanfront property is that marina services and boat slips are just the beginning of what these beachfront real estate developments are offering their residents. On-site gulf, day spa, pristine pools, on-site dining, personal chef, valet, door attendant The move is toward luxury when it comes to oceanfront property. The focus is on the individual lifestyles of the clientele and catering to the needs of those individuals. As you can imagine the amenities are as exclusive as type of homes available.

Changing What We Envision When Thinking Surfside Beach Condo

Condominiums are probably the most affordable homes found in these newly growing seaside communities. And the yearning for a surfside beach condo by many corporate executives is high. Generally when you think surfside beach condo, you probably aren't envisioning an exclusive luxurious retreat but if you take a close look at some of the new community developments in Florida you may start thinking differently about what it would be like to live in your own condo by the sea.

Condominium developers are focusing more on providing luxurious homes and straying away from the temporary rentals, time-shares, and subletting of homes. People want to know their neighbors and enjoy their homes. Having a new set of tourists next door every weekend can really take away from the quality of living in your home and can quickly depreciate the value of the condo community as a whole.

As with all other forms of community living what makes the condominium generally the most affordable is that there are usually a greater number of households in the community. The amenities and general expenses are shared. So as a rule of thumb the more people in the community the lower your cost will be.

Some Of The Most Luxurious and Affordable Homes Just South of The Border

Mexico has seen a lot of growth in the development of luxury beach villas, exquisite surfside residences and vacation homes alike. There are some very affordable luxurious oceanfront property options to explore, just south of the border. Many great locations are just minutes away from the southern California and for some city dwellers, less travel time then they usually spend during their daily commute. This and the many other benefits to be had living south of the border, make Mexico a residence well worth checking into.

Mexico is known for its exquisite sunsets and some of the most beautiful private beaches known. Many of the communities developed just south of the border are remaining small in size and so providing people with greater privacy and enjoyment of their luxury homes.

The climate in the area ranges from Mediterranean to dry and Desert Like. Each climate offers its own health benefits and a great range in opportunities of landscape surroundings.

Whether you are looking to purchase a home, looking for beachfront real estate investments, or checking out vacation homes for your next holiday, Mexico has a lot to offer.

Do you want to live or have a vacation home at a Baja beachfront condominium? If the answer is yes, come to check out exciting online private tour! Go to the link sandsurfvillas.com and get more information on our pre-construction pricing.

Renting Holiday Apartments in Spain

2008-08-21T23:28:00.003-07:00

There are thousands of apartments in Benidorm, many of these are available to rent for vacations. If you want to book your vacation here in the summer, then you should make sure that you book early. Ideally you need to reserve the apartment six months before you are going. Spend time searching for apartments on the internet so that you have plenty of time to compare prices and find the best one to suit your needs.

Benefits of Benidorm Apartments

There are many benefits by renting an apartment rather than a hotel. Apartments have a kitchen which means that you don't always have to go out to eat. This can make it very easy to cook breakfast for everyone without going out to explore. This can save quite a lot of money and makes mornings much less stressful. If your kids get stressed then you could quite easily whip up a small light snack.

Also apartments are much more private than a hotel room. You have your own space, and quite often your own garden. This means that it feels like your own place. There is much more room available for you to relax.

It might actually be cheaper to rent an apartment than if you stay in a hotel. This is almost certainly true if you are staying for quite a long time. Apartments in Benidorm are much better deals compared to luxury hotels. You should compare these prices with the hotel rates so that you can get an idea how much you are saving.

There are a number of different ways you can find some vacation rental apartments. A travel agent will be able to make some suggestions, another useful person to contact is a local real estate agent.

The easiest way nowadays to track down rental properties is to look on the internet. You can quite easily compare a number of different properties with nothing more than a few clicks of the mouse. Quite a few owners advertise on the internet or inside travel magazines. This may save you money, as advertising on the internet will cut out the middle man.

Things to Consider about Benidorm Apartments

You should spend some time thinking about the features and amenities which you need from a holiday apartment. Some of these will offer community pools, which can be fantastic for during the summer months. Also think about whether you need a kitchen, and do you need air conditioning?

Also spend some time thinking about the amount of space you need from a rental property. How many people will be travelling with you? You need to make sure you have enough beds for everyone to sleep comfortably.

If you like the beach then you might want to consider renting an apartment which is close to the beach. You might also need to find a property by water if you like water sports and fishing. You can get valuable advice where to rent by looking on the internet.

Peter Mason repeatedly edits summaries on themes similar to apts to rent in benidorm. With his writings like http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm-apartments.html - the columnist showed his know-how on information similar to benidorm apartment rental.

How to Choose a Luxury Villa Rental

2008-08-21T23:28:00.001-07:00

Spanish holiday villas are highly prized accommodations. With Spain reclaiming its popularity as a holiday destination in recent years, villa rentals are harder to find. That's why it's important to get a reservation as early as possible to have the perfect little palace in Spain for your holiday. Besides that, all you have to do is decide where you want to stay in the country. There's a little something for everyone, from the playboy's paradise to perfect family vacation destination. Check out the country's rich locations and see for yourself where the ideal vacation is for you.

An increasingly popular location is La Manga, which has the best of both worlds. La Manga is located on a tiny strip of land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor. This is just one of the beautiful, natural features of La Manga. The beaches are world renowned, as are the golf courses. In fact, the term La Manga is often used to refer to a specific championship golf course in the region. At the end of La Manga, you'll find the famous yacht club Tomas Maestre located in a lighthouse. It's one of the most celebrated areas in La Manga to stop and have a bite to eat.

The Costa Brava region offers another view of Spain. Costa Brava is roughly translated as "wild coast," and the area lives up to its name. It's full of tiny fishing villages and beach resorts, combining the best of old and new Spain. The resort areas of the Costa Brava are very popular, and tourism thrives in these areas, but the region's hidden gems are what make this area legendary. Not all of the region gave way to development, and many of the tiny villages remain for tourists to enjoy. Small beaches are tucked away in coves, making swimming and sunbathing more of a private time. This is great for travelers seeking adventure, quiet and relaxation. Some of the popular small villages are located at the foothills of the Pyrenees, a range of mountains separating Spain and France. These mountains are excellent for skiing and other winter sports. A holiday villa in the Costa Brave region ensures that you never have a dull moment or a lack of variety.

There are many other regions of Spain where holiday villas are available for rental. The Costa Blanca area has the popular city of Benidorm, which is divided into two halves by rocks. Benidorm is popular as a tourist destination. In fact, there are sections of the city where Spanish is rarely heard. The three major beaches of the city have been given the blue flag, which indicates the highest quality according to the European Union. Benidorm is popular with both working class and wealthy tourists, and it has something to offer everyone.

Spanish holiday villas are perfect for vacationers seeking a private stay in a grand country. They are sometimes a less expensive option than resorts and hotels, and they provide many more features. Some have private pools to enjoy the weather without the distraction of the public. Whatever option you choose, a holiday in Spain makes memories you'll savor for a lifetime.

Holidays in Spain at the La Manga Club Resort is the perfect holiday resort location set on 1500 acres of breathtaking Spanish countryside.

La Manga Club holiday resort offers golf, tennis, horse riding, water sports, childrens club, cycling etc and if you would like the chance to Win a Free La Manga Club holiday and receive the La Manga Resort Guide please visit the website.

Martha's Vineyard is a Great Choice For Your Next Vacation Rental

2008-08-21T23:26:00.002-07:00

With the addition of a young child to our family packing for vacation has taken on a whole new meaning. No longer do we just pack a couple of suitcases and head out the door to the airport. Now with a small child it is making sure you have the 1,000 items he needs to get by everyday, such as toys, snacks, food, what seems like his entire wardrobe, and bibs, to name a few.

What we also found is that not all locations offer high chairs, cribs or changing tables which are all necessities for an infant. We found that out the hard way. My wife and I made some adjustments to our vacations and now look towards renting homes as opposed to hotels, motels or inns.

Here is a location that my wife and I absolutely love to visit and it may make perfect sense for you as well.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Located not too far from Boston lies Martha's Vineyard. Home to many of the elites such as Bill Murray and of course the Kennedy's to name a few, Martha's Vineyard boasts wonderful breath taking views, clean beaches and friendly people.

Since staying there I can say I absolutely say that I love the place. It is easy to navigate the island and it has something for everyone. If you like fishing there are marinas galore to take out a charter boat and get your fix in. If swimming is more your thing than anywhere you see the beach, there you are. There are plenty of nice restaurants to choose from also if you like to dine out.

Besides all of the amenities Martha's Vineyard has to offer, it is a great place to rent a home. There are many to choose from and depending on where you stay the cost ranges dramatically. We stayed in Vineyard Haven about 3 miles outside of Oaks Bluff. The house was a three bedroom ranch with two full baths and an outside deck that we took full advantage of. Each morning we would sit out on the deck with a hot cup of coffee and a nice warm breakfast before we began our day.

The house came accommodated with everything we needed and the best part is that it was close enough to the grocery store that we could just walk on over and pick up our supplies. It was a bit pricier than normal, but we expected that since we were on an island.

The house came with a charcoal grill which was great and one that we used for a lot of our meals. It had a washer and dryer for our laundry which was needed for our son with all the dirty bibs and close as well as doing our own laundry so that we didn't have to do it when we got home.

The cost to rent this particular home ran about $1500 for a week during peak summer time which is the end of June through the end of August and about $700 for off peak. We rented the house the week after Labor Day. We paid the $700 price, the water was still warm, everything was still open which this trip a real bargain.

If you have small children and are looking for a nice getaway, consider Martha's Vineyard, and more specifically look into renting a house. The flexibility it gives you is second to none.

About the Author:
Mr. Tucker is the senior editor for Vacation Nation, an online vacation resource where you can learn about various destinations and travel tips.

Mr. Tucker is also a regular contributor on Mike's How-To Blog, an online resource that explains a step by step approach on How to do just about anything.

Who's Watching Over Your Vacation Rental?

2008-08-21T23:26:00.001-07:00

When I decided to use my vacation home as a vacation rental, I was afraid of many things including the thought of someone other than a renter using it while it was vacant. How could I avoid this problem? I was also afraid my property would be destroyed. And, the thought of not being able to use my home when I wanted. What if my family or friends want to use it? The fear of booking two parties on the same date was also on my mind. So, I carefully thought about what I needed to do and came up with some solutions on how to minimize these potential problems.

Here's what I thought about:

1. Can I be sure that no one else will take advantage of my unit while it was vacant?
Answer: Find the right person to check in on your property on a weekly basis. It could be a neighbor who is a "stay at home mom" and could use some extra money. Or a handy man that you have utilized to fix things in your home. Perhaps another homeowner with the same needs would be willing to trade services with you.

2. What if I want to use my vacation home? Schedule yourself in when you decide which rental period you would like to utilize. Add it to your rental calendar as you would any other renter. It is important that you use it as you like, otherwise you may feel "uneasy" about renting it out.

3. What if my family or friends want to use my vacation home? Remember, this is a rental business for you. If your family or friends would like to use your home, you are wise to let them know up front that this is a source of income for you that you depend on. A special family/friend rate is always an option.

4. What if I book two parties at the same time? To avoid this problem, a monthly calendar is very useful to keep dates accurate and current. Give a copy of your calendar to your housekeeper for her reference as well. Every time there is a change in dates, be sure to notify your housekeeper as well.

5. How can I protect my property from potential damage? Inform your renters with instructions on how to use your appliances, TV's, DVD player etc. Tell them what you expect from them - in detail. Never assume they know what you expect. Your way of cleaning can be very different from theirs.

Marie R. Ferguson, author of "Breaking all the Rules: How to Rent Your Vacation Home". Discover the 29 Secrets on How to Gain Unlimited Rental Profits. Breaking all the Rules....will teach you How to Avoid the 10 Biggest Mistakes Owners Make when Renting out their Home. Marie is an expert landlord of vacation rentals with over twenty years of experience in the financial and real estate industry.

http://www.howtorentvacationhomes.com or find out how you can list your property on http://www.DreamAwayVacationRentals.com free.

Westgate Vacation Villas, a Global Resorts Network Member's Property Review

2008-08-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

My reservation was from Sunday to Sunday and was booked online directly through the product vendor for Global Resorts Network. It took about 2 minutes to finish securing and paying for the trip. Although a member can book a hot week often as far out as 45 days, this was a last minute vacation idea for my family. What a fun way to finish up the summer before my daughter started back to school. I discovered the availability on a Tuesday afternoon for check in the following Sunday. (I love being flexible so I can grab these deals!)

We arrived late Sunday afternoon. After clearing security at the front gate, we were pointed to the reservation and guest amenity center. We were greeted at the door by staff who showed us where to the check in. It took about 10 minutes to secure our room, get our keys and get to our condo. I was stunned to see how large this vacation complex was. It's a small city!

Following check in, we headed to the local grocery store to stock up for the week.

Our 2 bedroom/3 bath condo was bright and clean with large white tile floors throughout except for the bedrooms and a nice throw rug in the living room (makes good sense in light of the rainy Florida weather and several pools on site). The condo featured a full kitchen and a breakfast bar stocked with dishes, cookware, large and small appliances, just everything you'd need to prepare meals. We enjoyed a washer and dryer and lots of storage closets.

The two bedrooms were separated from each other for maximum privacy and each had their own full baths and double sinks. One room featured two double beds and the other featured a queen with access to the patio. Both had plenty of closet, cabinet and drawer space, night stands, plenty of lighting and TVs. A third guest bath was located off the main living area and featured a tile shower.

The living area was very nice and comfortable, lacking nothing. A beautiful tan leather couch and matching oversized chair were nice to relax on. Just like home, we had end tables, a matching coffee table, large entertainment center and sliding doors to the back patio, beautifully tiled in a Florida burnt orange color. A table and chairs as well as a lounge chair called for outdoor living and being fully screened in overlooking the lake, it was hard to resist. If the weather was too hot, inside we had a beautiful dining area that seated 6 comfortably for meals.

The resort amenities include:

14 swimming pools, children's pools and Jacuzzis
Game Room with high tech video games and air hockey
100 Seat Theater for movies at 3, 5 and 7 pm (changing every day)

Multiple:
Shuffleboard courts
Sand Volleyball counts
Tennis courts
Basketball courts
Horseshoe pits

Also available is an Activity Center
Kids Club
Bike rental
Paddle Boating
Miniature Golf Course

Also on site:

Joe's Marketplace and Deli located at the club house and is open daily. Offers a wide variety of groceries, sandwiches, sundried and one of a kind souvenirs.
Pizza Hut Express for delivery to your condo or poolside.
Joe's Pool Bar for a variety of specialty drinks for enjoyment at the pool.
Photo shop for 1 hour developing
Resort Train to transport guests around the property

The resort offers daily and weekly rates for internet access. We did run into issues with being able to use the internet services. We had to run next door to the Ramada and use their lobby for checking emails as the internet service was not operational during our stay. It was very annoying, but overall, our stay was relaxing and enjoyable. If having access to internet is important, double check with the staff at the resort before you confirm your reservation.

On a final note, the Westgate Vacation Villas would not be a place you would come if you are seeking a quiet romantic private get-away. You won't find that here. There's a lot of action and a lot of families enjoying the amenities and their vacation at Westgate. I loved the family atmosphere and seeing everyone have fun. We were never bothered during our stay and the staff was always friendly and helpful.

The location of the Westgate Vacation Villas are perfect in relation to any of the Orlando/ Kissimmee theme parks, including any Walt Disney Park, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and the list goes on. The main gate to Disney World is just one mile away. Also within a few minutes' drive are all the conveniences of home such as major chain grocery stores, the library, 3 Wal-Marts, places like that.

The Global Resorts Network travel club membership allows members to reserve 7 night, 8 day vacations in over 5,000 locations worldwide for as low as $298 and never more than $799, most cap out at $698. Reservations are made right online with a full customer service department to assist if need be. Convenient, easy, fast and over the top customer service make this travel club membership something to write home about. A member will quickly discover that after using the membership just once or twice, they have recouped their investment and now can use it for a lifetime.

Debbie Turner is a retired Realtor and enjoys being a successful online entrepreneur. Debbie believes in multiple streams of income and utilizing personal branding and web 2.0 strategies for marketing. Specifically, Debbie has a home business with Global Resorts Network (travel club memberships) and Genewize (DNA specific nutrition). Debbie enjoys working with others who desire to have a successful home based business and offers coaching and mentoring. You can reach Debbie at 843.270.5611 or at her website http://www.globalresortsblogcentral.com

Garment Bags Today - An Essential of Upscale Luggage

2008-08-21T23:18:00.002-07:00

Where would the upscale luggage industry be without the invention of the garment bag? When they were first manufactured, garment bags were made of lengthy vinyl or nylon that had a zipper reaching from top to bottom. These bags were designed to hold dresses or suits that could be hung up during travel, such as on plane flights.

A number of people still own such bags & continue to use them for storing garments of all types. However, times have changed and luggage carried during travel is now often required to be more compact.

There is a definite difference between hanging garment bags and other upscale luggage, just as the name suggests. Rather than stacking, rolling into bundles or folding, the clothing is instead placed on a hanger within the bag vertically, in a similar manner to hanging in your closet.

Bi-fold and tri-fold garment bags are also available. These are handy as they can be stored flat just about anywhere. Whether you are traveling by ocean liner, train, plane or automobile, hanging garment bags are great for keeping your clothes unwrinkled.

Not everyone who purchases a garment bag will have the same use in mind. Will you be using it for that occasional vacation or weekly business trip? Before deciding upon a garment bag to purchase, know what you will be using it for.

There are other points to consider. What items will you be packing in your garment bag? Will you be packing multiple items or just one, such as nice dress or winter coat? Do you want the garment bag to be a stand alone piece of your executive luggage or part of a set?

If you plan to carry multiple items with you within your garment bag, be sure to select one that has extra storage room inside. If it is to be your only piece of luggage, be sure the garment bag can hold all the basics, such as shoes, socks, belts, underwear, hats, toiletries, and other accessories.

The weight of the garment bag after packing is an important consideration. If you know that your items are numerous and heavy, it's wise to invest in one with sturdy wheels and a reasonably heavy duty handle for pulling so you can avoid injury.

The size of the hanging garment bag itself is also important consideration. Be sure to choose one that's adequate for your own travel needs.

Due to size and weight restrictions of railways and airlines on luggage, passengers should know beforehand whether they want a garment bag that's small enough to carry on to the train or plane or one that must be checked due to it's large size heavier weight.

Do you intend to have your garment bag as a carry-on? Checking the guidelines of airlines and railways beforehand is always a wise decision. You don't want to try carrying on a piece of luggage that ends up being too large to fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you.

Are you planning to check your garment bag? Don't purchase one that won't hold up to luggage transport and handling. Choose a garment bag as part of your upscale luggage with sturdy protected wheels, strong framework and a shoulder strap that's removable.

Whether you are traveling by car, train or plane, hanging garment bags are great for keeping your clothes wrinkle free. They are an essential item in today's world as part of your upscale luggage set.

Want a way to keep your clothes wrinkle free while traveling? There is sure to be a garment bag to fit your needs. Click here to learn more about hanging garment bags, luggage and carryons. Go to http://upscaleluggagetoday.blogspot.com/

Things Travelers Should Know Before Purchasing Carry-on Luggage

2008-08-21T23:18:00.001-07:00

Almost all travelers have at one time have bought cheap travel luggage that literally falls apart after only a few years of travel and vacations. Most times in life you only get what you pay for, so it usually makes sense to invest in a more expensive, but extremely durable set of luggage. In the long run quality counts you can save a significant amount of money by not continually having to buy inexpensively made luggage.

Make sure that you always buy wheel-equipped luggage, including your carry-on. Check and make sure that the telescopic handles will lock in both the low and high positions. This is especially important if you are a tall person, as you don't want to be always stooping over just to pull your luggage along.

A few of the top-of-the-line, nineteen inch roller board, wheeled carry-ons is TravelPro's FlightPro4. Another top brand name luggage is Tumi.

It's a good idea to carry luggage bungee cords with you to tie down any piggybacked luggage you may have.

What features should you look for when purchasing larger-sized luggage?

Soft-sided luggage is superior to hard-sided suitcases as the locks on the latter can easily break open when your luggage is thrown around. Luggage handlers are not noted for being gentle when it comes to transferring luggage from place to place. The luggage should be made of strong, durable, 1,000 denier cordura nylon or polyester, and have double or triple stitching as well as extra reinforcing at all stress points. Each piece should have a padded, expandable handle that locks into both short and long handle positions. The luggage should also be light-weight, expandable, and have outside pockets. Brightly colored luggage is easier to pick out as it circles around the carousel. Lastly, your luggage should have large zippers and wide, rubber, recessed wheels.

There are a number of luggage reviews that can be researched on the web at LuggageOnLine.com.

Please note that if you purchase luggage that has detachable handles or straps, it is advisable to take them off as they can easily get hung up on airport convener belts.

When purchasing a backpack, what features make the most sense?

Backpacks should be lightweight and feel comfortable while being worn when they are full. Gender-specific designs and built-in lumbar supports will greatly increase a person's comfort. As well, backpacks should have a weather resistant polyurethane coating, a zip-off day pack, outside and inside pockets as well as a hip belt with pockets, and last but not least, adjustable, padded, wide straps. Their carrying capacity should be about 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches.

Some backpacks have a light-weight steel mesh grid sewn inside to prevent valuable personal items from falling out if it is slashed by a robber while it is being worn.

Three of the top-of-the-line backpack brand names are REI, ArcTeryx, and GoLite.

To quickly find and book cheap airfares, for the lowest possible price, whenever you feel like traveling, go to Travel Tips Guide, for more info.

Getting a Child's Passport

2008-08-21T23:13:00.002-07:00

All children who travel abroad are required to have their own passport. This includes newborns and infants. There are 8 steps to obtain a child's passport for minor under age 16.

Complete Passport Application Form DS-11

This is the form used when applying for a new passport. You can download an application form online or pick one up at a nearby passport acceptance facility. Many travel agencies also have copies.

It is important that the form not be signed until you are in the presence of an passport acceptance agent. If your child is unable to sign for himself or herself, you can sign your child's name on the line for the passport owners signature and sign your own name above it.

Show Proof of U.S. Citizenship

Children under the age of 16 must show proof of U.S. citizenship. There are numerous documents that can be used to prove citizenship but the most common are a previous fully valid U.S. passport or a certified U.S. birth certificate.

Show Proof of Relationship

While a previous passport may be used for proof of citizenship, it cannot be presented as proof of relationship. Most frequently used documents include a certified U.S. birth certificate, a certified foreign birth certificate or a report of birth abroad.

Show Your Identification

For minors under age 16, both parents must appear with the child and present proof of identity. A valid drivers license is presented by the majority of parents who apply for their children. However, other documents that can be used include an official U.S. military ID, a U.S. government ID, a foreign passport with recognizable photo, a naturalization certificate or alien resident card from USCIS. The document you use needs to be valid and have a photo.

Provide Documentation of Parental Consent

This can be done by both parents appearing at the passport acceptance facility and signing or one parent appears, signs and submits a notarized statement of consent for the second parent. If consent cannot be obtained from the second parent, the first parent should provide evidence that he or she has sole authority to apply.

Provide Two Passport Photos of Your Child

There are many different locations where you can get passport pictures made. Most of the time it is fairly quick. Locations that offer this service usually understand the requirements for passport photos but it is good to verify to make sure. I have had to refuse pictures before because they were not the right size which is 2x2 inches.

Pay the Proper Fees

Fees include an application fee and an execution fee. If you need to obtain your child's passport quickly, you can request that the application be expedited. The expediting fee is $60.

Present Your Social Security Number

The passport agent will ask you to provide your social security number. A $500 penalty can be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service on those who do not do this.

Once you gather the appropriate documents and present them to the passport agent, you can expect to receive your child's passport within a few weeks if you request regular service and within two weeks if you request expedited service.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for answers to frequently asked questions about applying for a child's passport and find bargains on popular and name brand luggage for kid

X Driving in France

2008-08-21T23:13:00.001-07:00

Driving in France is generally a pleasant experience for us coming either from the poorly-maintained, go-kart course which purports to be Italy's motorway network or, alternatively, from Britain's bumper-to-bumper, overcrowded motorways. The substantially empty autoroute stretches before you and, apart from at certain times, there is very little other traffic. A word of warning, though - France is deceptively big and if, like us, you have to travel across it then be prepared for some extended driving stints.

The distances are big and, seeing them in kilometres (if you are coming from the UK) inflates them further. One sign, in particular, makes it for me. Just south of Calais on the 'Route des Anglais', you will see a distance marker which proudly proclaims - Lyons, 650km. For us, returning to Italy, the journey to Lyons is about two-thirds of our overall journey in France.

The bad news about the autoroute is the toll. These charges can soon mount up. With the French attitude towards the English set at 'Situation Normal', the tight toll booths only accept payment from left-hand-drive cars. If you are in a right-hand-drive car and don't have a passenger, prepare yourself for entertainment - we suggest you take a butterfly net for this purpose.

A good feature of the autoroute network in France is the 'Aire'. This is an official pull-in but, unlike the busy UK service stations or the sunbaked, heavily-littered asphalt that the Italians offer, it consists of two types of rest area. You have a choice between a large aire with food, petrol and play area for the children or a smaller rural aire with basic toilet and picnic facilities. This latter group can be very picturesque and even include woodland walks etc.

Each aire is subject to regular night visits from the police and therefore it is reasonably safe to pull over and sleep in even the most rural location. This may well be necessary because the idea of the motel has not really caught on in France and, while there are a few in the south, there are only a handful of motels in the north.

As a disabled driver, the thing which I applaud the French most for is their attitude towards 'reserved' parking. If you are not disabled, pregnant or war-wounded then you just do not park in a reserved space. It is simply, 'not done'. I remember going to the very busy Bourges-en-Bresse service area at mid-day in the summer holidays. The car park was crowded and people were going round and round looking to predate any space which dared to show itself. Despite that and the frayed tempers as people argued over who was first, the two unfilled disabled spaces remained empty until (as a badge-holder) I occupied one.

Although the autoroute is generally quiet, there are two problem areas to avoid. The first is around Lyons at the beginning or the end of the working day. Like the M25 around London, there are just too many vehicles for the road system to cope with. We were caught there once and decided to pull into an aire and sleep for an hour. Sure enough, an hour later (10 am) the traffic had cleared and off we went. The other thing to avoid is Bastille Day (14th July) when every man and his dog take to the road network. Don't think of driving on Bastille Day.

I hope, like us, that you enjoy driving in France.

Clive West is retired and now lives in Central Italy with his wife, Damaris, where they are modernising an old Umbrian farmhouse. For them, the road trip from Italy to the UK was a regular occurrence until recently. For more information about driving in France or living in Italy, visit their websites.

Tips For Seeing the Two Eruptions at Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii

2008-08-21T23:12:00.001-07:00

Although Kilauea has been erupting almost continually since 1983, Hawaii visitor interest in hiking out to see the flowing lava is rapidly increasing since the active flow is now much more accessible. While most lava-viewing trips are fairly safe adventures, there are a few things the visitor need to keep in mind when venturing into the Goddess Pele's home.

Visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park right now are being treated to a rare event. Kilauea Volcano is erupting in two places simultaneously! Up in the summit caldera, in Hale ma'uma'u Crater, a vent exploded open last March that has continued to thrill visitors with its billowing steam cloud and night-time glow. If this were the only volcano you were ever going to see, this would plenty spectacular. Current eruption activity updates are available from the National Park at 808.985.6000.

But hold on! The real action is down at the coast where lava from the East Rift Zone has broken out of lava tubes, flows across the open ground and into the sea. From the air, one can see the spectacular glow of a small lava lake in Pu'u O'o crater and from several breakouts along the 2007 Thanksgiving Eve Breakout tube system above the pali and near the top of Royal Gardens subdivision. Lava is currently flowing down the pali and entering the ocean at the Waikupanaha ocean entry where there are spectacular littoral explosions. Although this activity is usually quite vigorous, including a 10-15-m-high lava fountains, it can be sporadic on a day-to day basis.

Over the years, lava has mostly entered the ocean within the National Park boundaries. Park policy has been to allow tourists to approach flowing lava as closely as the visitor himself deemed safe. Surprisingly, a relatively small percentage of visitors were killed or maimed in this process and unparallel access to one of the great wonders of the world, the spectacle of the Earth remaking herself through volcanic eruption, was available on a very intimate basis to anyone who came to Hawaii. Every six or so years, for a period of several months, eruption flows go outside the park boundaries, as it is doing now.

The County of Hawaii, whose Civil Defense Department is responsible for visitor safety in these cases, is not so liberal in granting access to the lava flow. The county maintains a viewing area several hundred meters back from the actual flow and ocean entry areas and visitors are not allowed any closer. As of this writing, to see the lava flow one must find the County of Hawaii volcano viewing area. From the Hawaii Belt Road at Kea'au, proceed south on Highway 130 through Pahoa and toward the now-buried town of Kalapana. At the 20 mile marker the road splits; the right branch (helpfully marked "end of road") leads to a dirt-and-lava road a couple miles long at the end of which is the parking area for the County of Hawaii volcano viewing area. One really cannot miss the way during daylight hours, as the enormous explosion plume is clearly visible from miles away. The viewing area is open from 2 in the afternoon until 10 at night; no cars are allowed in after 8 p.m. Lava viewing and road information is available from the County of Hawaii at 808.961.8093.

A carnival atmosphere hovers over the parking lot, where several vendors hawk jewelry, t-shirts, drinks and snacks...port-a-potties are also available. The trail leading to the viewing area is largely flat but traverses a broken lava field. It is well marked with reflectors and reflective paint strips along the surface and is just a 15 to 20 minute stroll. The quality of viewing varies from week to week as the lava stream shifts nearer or farther from the viewing area, but seeing the orange glow of flowing lava, or the fiery red explosions, is one of the most amazing experiences a person can have, no matter how far from the flow one is.

It is hard to overstate the power, mystery and magic of this eruption, but upon occasion, transient local atmospheric phenomena such as waterspouts and lightning add even more spice to this already awe-inspiring spectacle. Other wonders abound here, too, if you look closely. The hardened lava over which you are walking contains numerous casts of logs, trees, coconuts and pandanas fruit. Lava viewing is best done at dusk and later, however, parking spaces fill up quickly on nice afternoons. I usually plan to arrive at the parking lot at about 3:30 or four then walk into the viewing area, spending the hours until dark reading, having a picnic and chatting with visitors who have come from all over the world to see this wonder. You should wear sturdy, close-toed walking shoes and a hat to shed rain and sun. The lava surface is sharp, so I recommend long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and a stout walking stick as well. Bring at least 2 liters of drinking water, snacks and perhaps a couple Band-Aids; definitely bring sun block. Because you are right on the ocean, short rain squalls should be expected; an umbrella and rain coat or poncho is suggested, as well as protective covering for camera gear.

If the wind shifts the explosion plume in your direction, discretion is the better part of valor; you should evacuate immediately. Those fume clouds are toxic, containing various gaseous sulphur compounds including sulphuric acid, as well as hydrochloric acid and fine particulate material. On this same topic, electronic and camera gear, as well as glasses, binoculars and other optics, will be exposed to a certain amount of these toxic gases and you should wipe them down thoroughly after your trip. Most people plan to stay on after dark and so you should bring a flashlight for each person in your group; be sure to check the batteries and bulb before you leave on the trip. Remember that food and gas are not always available after dark outside the immediate Hilo or Kailua Kona areas, so be sure to fill up your gas tank BEFORE you park, and to bring plenty to eat and drink along with you.

Viewing the lava is one of the most amazing, wondrous, moving experiences you can have, anywhere on earth. People stand in awe, openly weeping at the site of Mother Earth going through her rebirth. Each fiery explosion is met with a loud chorus of "OOOOOHS!" and "AHHHHHHS!" in a display that will make every subsequent Fourth of July fireworks spectacular seem pale by comparison. If you are coming to Hawaii, you must not miss this once-of-a-lifetime show...if you have never thought of Hawaii as a potential vacation spot, you should consider it simply for this rare, unique and entirely awe-inspiring, mystical, wondrous opportunity.

Time spent in the home of the Goddess Pele is always amazing and I have had a life-long connection with volcanoes all over the world. I grew up in the shadow of mighty Mount Rainier in Washington, spending my youth teaching and guiding climbers on its slopes..When I was a college student back in the mid 1970's, one morning my Intro Geology prof burst in late and said "You guys have GOT to see this film-my friend in Hawaii just sent it to me...this is happening right now!" That film changed my life. I declared myself a Geosciences major on the spot and even went on to earn a PhD. in Geochemistry. Later, I spent considerable time climbing and guiding on the enormous volcanoes of Mexico, Ecuador and Columbia. Although ultimately I did not pursue Volcanology as a discipline, my love affair with volcanoes as an avocation, and my spiritual connection to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has never waned. You should come and see these wonders for yourself.

http://www.tourguidehawaii.com

http://www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com

Living in the Mideast - Part 13

2008-08-21T23:08:00.001-07:00

Soon, I would have to say good bye to Kuwait again. Company leadership had decided that we had to move further north in order to be more effective in our jobs of supporting the troops. My second tour into Iraq would begin once it was determined if I would stay in materials management or move into a more logistical role. After it was decided that I would be best to more into the logistical side, I needed to get ready to head back to Iraq. Once a materials person, my staff group was split in two. I would now be a Logistics Coordinator and be assigned to a base somewhere up there.

Within a few weeks, my friend Darryl from Washington State and I headed to Baghdad for l some additional training. We first flew on a company charter plane up to Baghdad International Airport. At one time, this airport was a somewhat busy place but that was probably before 1991 when the US military moved into the country and shut down Saddam Hussein. Now, only a few Iraqi Air and Royal Jordanian are the only airlines other than military or contractor charters still in operation. The airport has two or three small shops open and a snack bar or two while most of the other terminals are unused. Now, when your aircraft flies out of the airport, it sort of spirals sharply upward so as not to take on any mortar or gunfire. There are still a lot of bad guys out there that don't want us here. Security is everywhere and precautions are taken. Landings at the airport aren't quite as dramatic but it isn't a very pretty site when landing. The aircraft must take a steep dive down after spiraling a few times. It is not for the faint hearted.

All over Iraq from the air, you can see a lot of flattened buildings everywhere and especially surrounding the area near the airport. It is hard to imagine that this will be a robust airport again someday but for now it is a bit bleak. Five or ten years from now, I'm sure it will be a whole different story. It will be a nice airport again lined with weary travelers for different reason but without the security issues. Once we had landed this time and checked in through customs, it was only a short while before our bus arrived at the side of the terminal and we were loaded onto buses with our gear. From there we headed out to the BTC (Baghdad Transit Center) operated by my firm. It was only a few miles but dangerous miles until we arrived there. After good nights sleep in a top bunk bed, Darryl and I headed over to Camp Liberty for about a weeks training. While there, I renewed all my forklift licenses as well as my military driver's license.

When we were hungry, we ate at the Defac (mess hall) on the base which was quite large. The Defac is today's name for a military dining hall. Also, the PX (Post Exchange) is big on Camp Liberty. They sold just about everything you might need there. This base is huge; it is actually connected to several other bases. There are phones to call home, computers to use for checking emails and food shops selling KFC and Burger King. Our training took place on another part of the base and I got to drive for miles in order to reach other parts of it. On the southern end is a place called Camp Slayer where Saddam had one of his palaces on a manmade lake. Most of the buildings were bombed out during the 1991 Persian Gulf War but it's still a pretty site (at least from the air).

Once my training was completed there, it was a bus ride back to the airport to board another charter flight up to Mosul airport. I would be working on a base somewhere in the H sites while Darryl went to another base (Marine) called TQ in the B sites. His base was in a more dangerous area but closer to Baghdad. Once in Mosul, I got in a military convoy for a 35 mi journey southward from there that took at least four hours to reach my base at Q West which was on Camp Endurance. We had to stop a few times. One of the vehicles in our convoy had not one but two flat tires plus the military stopped 45 mins to flash lights on a field and a building foundation along the way. It was apparently suspicious so we all waited in darkness while the army investigated. We finally arrived at Q West about three in the morning. My new boss was waiting to take me to my living quarters where I got good nights sleep. One of the people there had worked with me in Kuwait so it was nice to see a familiar face.

The next day, I got to go to my new work site. I learnt where everything was located and how to do certain reports etc. Q West is pretty peaceful now and the people are friendly to work with. There are a lot of Army troops here, some Iraqi troops, shops run by Turks and a sm PX. The Iraq Army is training here and expanding their presence and probably will take over this base eventually. For now, I am just as glad that there are lots of US troops here. I'm not sure I'd want to be protected by the new Iraqi forces. There is still some question about their loyalty. From the beginning, I was at this base for about a month then I was on temporary duty up on the Turkey border. I was back and forth a few times my first year from Harbur Gate to Mosul and then back to Q West.

John Sprague is an American currently working in the Mideast. He enjoys writing and working on his websites in his free time. He has a new site at http://marketingkindreds.com and an affiliate opportunity at http://websites.ws/yankee12gen His website has photos of the Mideast and marketing articles that you may be interested in viewing.

Sustainable Tourism and Responsible Travel

2008-08-21T23:07:00.001-07:00

What is sustainable tourism?

In the past decade people started to acknowledge that hotels are not in all aspects a blessing for the local population and eco system. More recently, we also started to understand what impact traveling has on the ecological systems and global warming. Where ECO tourism and sustainable tourism have much in common, sustainable tourism also considers the social impact on the area where the facility settles down. But, historically there are many ECO resorts with excellent social programs who could consider changing tags.

Has sustainable tourism only a local impact?

In most cases sustainable hotels and resorts concentrate on how they impact the local community in particular and the country in general. They are called sustainable hotels/resorts/lodges or sustainable destinations if there are more of them in an area or country. Add the impact of the travel to the destination and we have sustainable tourism.

Is green energy a viable option for hotels?

In most Western countries one can chose to buy green energy. That option is not available in the Caribbean. Consequently the only way is to generate electricity. While there are many forms of green energy (please refer to: my article Green Energy Options in the Caribbean) we will only discuss wind and solar power as these are the most obvious ones.

Wind Energy

Paradise Bay installed a 80 kW windmill with an expected yearly yield of 180,000 kWh. It is the first utility-grade windmill installed in Caricom and we could not find any resort that already installed a windmill, although there are several with plans and one under construction. With an estimated yearly power use of 120,000 kWh the resort will be better than zero carbon, once the connection to the mains is realized, as the remainder of the energy is sold to the local electricity company.

In our case it was feasible to place a windmill because of the direct position towards the wind, while the windmill could be placed in a backward location, non-intrusive for the guests. We only get positive reactions about the windmill.

A company from the Netherlands (www.mainwind.nl) recognized this gap and delivers solutions in the form of used mid-range windmills (250-750 kW) that come from upgraded wind parks. The need for upgrading is obvious; it is most easy to increase capacity to the now current technology (2 - 3MW) at already existing wind parks. The smaller windmills are taking down, completely revised (reconditioned) and are sold with an as-new warranty and optionally with a 15 year all-inclusive maintenance contract.

The cost per kWh is competitive with larger windmills, typically between 7-9 US$ cents; 5-6 times lower than the mains

Solar Energy

The price of photo-voltaic cells has come down substantially as production increased because of subsidies in the past decennia. In the Caribbean we have now reached the point where the solar cost gets close to the electricity company's charge. This is in contrast to Western hemispheres where the cost of energy is lower and the sun is less strong.

Solar panels installed at hotels often supply a small part of the total energy needs and is then not much more than symbolic. But guests appreciate these efforts, so it has a marketing value. To supply a substantial part of the hotel's energy needs is usually not feasible because of the large amount of panels needed.

Solar water heaters are an excellent way to avoid using energy and the payback time is 1 - 4 year depending on the setup. As the water use by guests differs substantially it is much more economic to put a number of solar heaters in parallel. When there are cloudy or rainy days the yield will be much lower. One approach is to dimension worst case (rain). Another way is to feed the solar heated water in the "cold" input of the electrical heater

What can hotels do to save energy?

Use air conditioners with heat recovery units, which convert the heat loss into hot water. On most air conditioners this can also be installed afterwards and they can make use of traditional (electrical) water heaters which are well isolated. The installation can be performed by good air conditioning technicians. The savings will be substantial and justifiable in all cases we have seen. The reason why this is not a mainstream issue yet has to do with the much lower energy cost in the US and Europe and the rapid growth of energy cost. Solutions always lag behind the reality.

As the waste heat will produce more water than your guests will ever use, it is still very important to take energy efficient air conditioners. Generally, the energy use has been considered for bigger central systems, but the big savings are reached with the split system air conditioners on a per room base, which is customary in the Caribbean. Typical savings are 30-40% so the payback time is short.

When the guests are not in the room you don't want to keep the air conditioning running. The traditional solution is the room key switch. When the guest leaves and takes out the key, the air conditioning switches off -or with some advanced central systems- goes to a higher temperature.
Another strong impact is door switches. When the balcony door is opened you don't want the compressor to run. Perfectionists also switch off the air conditioner when the windows are open, but this is not always appreciated by the guests.

Refrigeration is another area where big savings can be made, especially with the smaller units such as in the guest rooms. Savings run too in the 30-40% range. Availability of energy conserving professional coolers and freezers is still limited.

Use high efficiency dish washers and washing machines with hot water connections; this has a huge impact. Most dish washing machines you have installed already have the ability to work with hot water instead of cold water (that is heated by the electrical element). So it's just a matter of changing the installation which is an easy job. Especially for washing machines you will need to install a thermostatic valve that mixes cold water into the hot water to get the desired temperature.

Energy saving lamps is the most well known form of saving energy and money and most hotels already use them. There are new developments underway that will save even more, so it's important to keep your eyes open before you order bulbs.

Why would a Caribbean hotel want to be sustainable?

Travelers are getting more and more aware of global warming and other environmental threats. Surveys have shown that an aggressively growing group of travelers considers sustainable policies and it is not uncommon anymore that directories ask for the environmental practices.
So, besides saving by taking smart choices it is also a marketing advantage.

CARBON FREE VACATION

The voices to limit long haul vacation travel are getting stronger

Paradise Bay will implement a carbon offset program where all flights by guests will be offset by carbon credits purchased by the resort, on an automatic basis, in addition to the stay, local transport and activities which is already carbon free because of the windmill that supplies energy back to the electricity net.

The guest's vacation is therefore guaranteed carbon neutral. The new carbon offset program, called Zero Carbon Travel, plants trees in Ethiopia which has additional social and ecological benefits. Due to aggressive deforestation in Ethiopia only 3% of the forest is still there. In a country where the majority of the poor population depends on firewood for their dinner this means that many have to walk for miles to find twigs to cook. Deforested areas are also more likely subject to erosion, with significant medium and long term negative effects.

For a typical transatlantic flight almost 40 trees are planted, much more than most other carbon offset programs that do not consider the re-emission of carbon dioxide after the lifetime of the tree and use too optimistic lifetimes for the trees. In the unregulated carbon offset sector it happens that 5-6 times less trees are planted for the same trip at a cost 2-3 times higher. Efficiency and overhead are the issues. Zero Carbon Travel was designed to be transparent, accountable and efficient.

All hotels and resorts will be able to use this efficient and therewith affordable plan to offer their guests a Carbon Free Stay (only compensate the emission caused by the stay) or go all the way and offer guests a Carbon Free Vacation, which includes compensation of flights.

Hotels can choose to offer a Carbon Free Stay and Vacation as an option or as included in the price. Either way it will have a positive impact on image and is therewith a marketing/PR tool. The cost of compensating one night is almost always less than US$ 0.70 per night, while compensating the flight runs in the 10-20 $ range. With the new Zero Carbon Travel initiative a hotel can get a commission on the compensation of the flight. When a check in agent tells the guest that the hotel paid for a Carbon Free Stay, the right atmosphere has been created to ask the guest to pay a small amount to offset the carbon emission of their flight.

Especially in the Caribbean we should indeed be concerned, because long haul travel is part of our existence.

Other aspects of sustainable travel include waste water treatment, organic produce, meat and cleaning materials, social programs and so on. Again, it needs to be emphasized that more and more travelers are getting more and more aware and prefer (and want to pay more for) responsible hotels. The spiral growth of organizations such as responsibletravel.com (UK) and sustainable travel international (US) confirms the trend.

James Post was an executive in high tech electronics companies and moved to the Caribbean in 2000 to start the Paradise Bay resort http://www.paradisebayresort.net where villa owners have the advantage of shared security, maintenance and infrastructure (including low cost energy) and have the option to get a return on investment by renting out their villa to management http://www.paradisebayresort.net/html/own-a-villa.html

He is a motivated supporter of green energy by writing articles, speak at conferences and assist others with windmill feasibility. Since June 2008, Dutch wind park installer Mainwind BV asked him to assist in locating potential windmill opportunities in the Caribbean, which fitted James' mission perfectly.

He can be reached at (1) 473-405-8888 or jamespost@spiceisle.com and encourages readers to contact him..

Getting the Best Travel Deals

2008-08-21T23:06:00.003-07:00

Would you like to get the best travel deals available? Then get ready to be open-minded and flexible. Consider going to any one of several destinations, and going at different times than you may have originally planned on, and even doing different things once you get there.

Flexibility Buys The Best Travel Deals

Almost any travel destination has "seasons" which are more crowded and therefore more expensive. Also, airfare varies widely in price from month to month and even according to the day of the week or time of day. Finally, there many activities which may be marginally more entertaining yet cost much more.

Suppose you go on trips to several destinations over the years, using the usual strategy of "I want to go here now and do these things." On some of these trips you'll be at the height of the season, meaning it will be expensive for hotels. Airfare will cost a lot if you happen to choose the expensive days and times. With a fixed idea about your activities, you'll also likely pay more than you need to have a great time. You'll miss out on some real fun that could be much cheaper.

On the other hand, what if you go somewhere during the off-season, go on the day that has the cheapest plane tickets, and start with the interesting activities that cost less? Perhaps you spend just half as much on average, even though over those years you go to all the same destinations. The savings could mean even more opportunities to travel because of the money saved.

Years ago I went to Ecuador because it was an inexpensive destination. The February departure was chosen because I found plane tickets for $258 round trip from Miami. And though I hadn't considered taking a tour to Mount Cotopaxi, I discovered that I could do that day-long trip to walk on the glaciers of a volcano for just $15, so I went. You create your own best travel deals if you are flexible and open minded.

Best Travel Deals - The Formula

Try this simple formula for getting the best travel deals:

1. Watch a few travel programs, read some travel magazines, and make a list of six to ten places you might like to visit eventually.

2. Look for the best time to go to each. This means when it would be interesting for you and cheaper than other times - an "off-season" that is still a good time for you to visit.

3. Gather information online. How much will hotels and meals cost? What is there to do and how much you are likely to spend on each of these activities. Take notes, of course.

4. Do an online search for plane tickets before you are ready to start planning. Experiment with different days of the week for departure and return flights to find the cheapest possibilities. This can change, so you'll be doing this again when you are ready to actually start specific planning. For now you just want an idea of the days that are likely the cheapest.

5. When it's time to travel, pick from among your listed destinations that are off-season and search all the possible dates you might travel, to find the cheapest airfare. Actually it's best to do this before you arrange for time off work, so you can take advantage of the best possible travel dates.

6. Purchase your tickets, do some more research, and start packing and planning.

Here's another tip for getting the best travel deals: Book a hotel only for the day you arrive, and then find your hotels(s) once there. There are many nice, less expensive hotels that you won't find online, and in our experience, even good package deals are never as cheap as finding your own hotels once you get there, as long as you are not coming there at a busy time. Doing this also allows you more freedom, so you can change your plans as you go, taking advantage of whatever great deals come up.

Copyright Steve Gillman. Learn more about getting The Best Travel Deals, plus get the free Travel Secrets Ebook as well as travel stories and tips, at http://www.everythingabouttravel.com

Traveling With Children Made Easy

2008-08-21T23:06:00.001-07:00

First, think about mode of transportation. If you are going in a car, you have more flexibility in terms of activities for children than if you are in a plane or other public transportation. Secondly, think about the age of the children. Very young children are likely to sleep a lot; teens are likely to complain a lot; middle kids are likely to elbow each other and ask, "are we there yet?" or sing "Ninety-nine bottles of beer on the wall."

There are a couple of characteristics of kids that are really significant to the travel problem. First off, a bored child is unpleasant to be around. Secondly, when children have a period of active play, they can settle down for awhile. Thirdly, always, always, always at least go into the restroom and try during every stop. How to put all this together: No matter what form of transportation you are using, there needs to be a period of high energy activity before sitting down.

You are going to look strange at the airport doing jumping jacks or running in place, but the other passengers will appreciate it when your kids get in their seats and promptly go to sleep. If you are traveling in a car, the same thing applies. Come up with some high energy games (races, relays, frisbee, whatever) for every rest stop. When you are getting to the point of needing to get back in the car or on the plane, then do a couple of quieter activities to settle people down.

Next, a trip should be a little like Christmas, with kids getting new activities. It might be a video game (with earphones if possible for the comfort of other passengers) or an mp3 player loaded with songs the child or teen likes or a DVD player and some new DVD's or a travel version of a game (only if the kids aren't so competitive that the loser will get upset). By the way, mp3 players are great for kids who get motion sickness and can't look at a video game or a book while riding.

You can load the mp3 player with stories and music. Or, if you have a laptop computer, bring along a new game or two. There are free ones that can be downloaded. These things should be treated like Christmas presents--hidden until the day of travel and actually reserved until the new wears off the experience of traveling. If you are going on a long plane trip, don't give out the loot until everyone is just starting to get bored with looking out the window and putting the seat table up and down and reading the emergency card.

Finally, it helps to have snacks that are treats to the children but familiar enough to feel a little like home. Some kids have a hard time eating new foods and need to have something they know they like available. If you are on a road trip, you can also pack a cooler of bottled water and soft drinks (although limit the amount kids drink unless you want to visit a lot of rest areas).

If you look at travel from a child's perspective and keep in mind the key characteristics of kids, you will be able to plan a reasonably happy trip for the whole family.

Chris Jensen is a contributing author of Jetfly Blog. For more related articles and views visit Jetfly Travel & Vacation Blog now. Also, for the best up-to-date related online products, check out Jetfly Apple iPod Shop for today's current online deals.

Choosing the Best Travel Package

2008-08-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

You can also find cheap romantic vacation if you look online for discount sites. With the Metro pass you get unlimited vacation for one whole month. On the Internet, you will see various cruise deals that offer affordable cruise. In the comfort of a luxurious ship you will be traveling from one location to another. The Discount cruise deals Cash Reward Program gives customers cash rewards up to 2% of their vacation purchase on cruises, hotels, car rentals, flights and vacation rentals. Discount Cruise Deals can make the necessary arrangements and reservations for your trip, taking advantage of the affordable deals. At the conclusion of a cruise many travelers find it necessary to stay in a hotel before their flight home.

With simple click of a mouse, you will get the affordable vacation that you need. Discount cruise deals offers the best deals for cruising because the company works with the lowest deals. Since they offer only discount cruise fares compared to other cruise sites, whether it is for group cruise or single cruise, you can be assured that with Discount Cruise Deals will be affordable and convenient. Cruising can be a luxurious and comfortable way from one destination to another. India is growing destination for people from all over the world. Another option that people have when looking to purchase cheap airline tickets to Guyana. Finding the best and lowest priced deals on flights is the main job of the travel agent. Another option that people have when looking to purchase cheap airline tickets.

Companies and agents were now a thing of the past as people had more control. Today, on the other hand, communication travels on lines that are not speedy but INSTANT including email, palm thingies and the Internet of course. Your potential bride should already have a passport for foreign traveling or else it will take about 2 to 3 months for her to get it. You can send money to her for expenses or you can send a ticket that you have purchased, so that you may get the refund yourself once the plan fails. Just eight years ago, there were 124,030 travel agents in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This Ecuador Spanish School aims to teach Spanish language to travelers while maintaining the vacation spirit. Be prepared for a more expensive offer if you have specific arrangements. Be flexible with your travel dates because you can save a lot by leaving a day earlier, or on those days that have really low rates.

Some online holiday deals allow you to take advantage of their special offers and promotions when you sign up. It may sound like a very good travel package money wise but ask yourself, is the savings worth your time to have several connecting flights and layovers before you get to your holiday destination? Be aware too that there are deals that do not give any refunds. What to look out for in holiday deals online you can get great savings when you find the best holiday deals online. The Internet has opened many possibilities like finding the best deals on flights, vacation packages, hotel rooms, and car rentals. Next you need to understand your startup and operating costs items like electricity, phone expenses, etc. This may be extremely useful for those who intend to rent a car for a long time.

Traveling with your dog can be a fun and bonding experience for you and your pooch. As there are thousands of websites present that offer great discounts to the usual traveler. Remember, that booking done during off seasons usually offers more flexible discounts to your Europe airfare to the people. Everyone looks for great deal on airfare that are been offered at discounted rate under special schemes. Or you might opt to go wireless if you travel to remote destinations to collect payments. Traveling is a seven billion dollar industry and Cruise to Cash is positioned to win. It is a company that offers an exclusive set of features including unlimited vacation vouchers that can be used personally and as promotional tools for other merchandise offerings.

Cruise to Cash is an innovative traveling company with a powerful compensation plan. First, and most importantly, Cruise to Cash truly offers a product that is in demand. Vacations packages.

Ronald Firquain is a writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 16 years of computer knowledge. travel tips

Paphos Property the Ideal Holiday Retreat

2008-08-18T02:47:00.001-07:00

There really has never been a better time to buy Paphos property whether you are looking for a luxury beach front apartment or even an exclusive villa with it's own swimming pool. Situated on the west coast of Cyprus a short drive from the boarder with Northern half of the Island Paphos is ideally placed for easy access to the rest of the countries many places of interest and all the commercial centers too including the capital Nicosia. Unlike many of the nearby Greek Islands Cyprus has a modern motorway network that links up all the main resorts and towns making driving there a pleasure rather than a chore. Another great benefit of owning Paphos property is the towns growing reputation as an all year resort. In fact the Cyprus tourist board has recently embarked upon a major advertising campaign emphasizing the Islands status as a year round holiday resort. This is great news for Paphos property owners looking to make a rental return on their property investments in the area whilst they are not using their house or apartment themselves.

The bustling holiday resort and town has more than enough to keep holiday makers or residents alike occupied throughout the year which may go some way towards explaining why so many people purchase a permanent home there. Then again, it could perhaps have something to do with the wide variety of properties and diverse locations that the Paphos area has to offer. As you would expect there are plenty of new build luxury villas and apartments on offer right on the resort itself which makes them ideal for holiday homes or even rental investments. But there is a lot more to Paphos property than just sea front condo's and exclusive luxury villas with private pools if you are prepared to look a little deeper. Paphos is basically two towns in one the old and the new or Paphos and Kato Paphos as they are also known. The newer part is mostly around the resort area whilst the old town is built on the hill overlooking the sea. Property buyers can find some real gems tucked away on the older suburban streets just away from the hustle and bustle but still within walking distance of all the action.

The Paphos area also encompasses a large number of rural villages and small townships that have on the whole so far escaped the building bonanza that has gripped the rest of Cyprus in recent years. It's one area of the Island that is virtually littered with little villages that nestle at the base of the Troodas mountains and surrounding countryside almost forgotten. Life in these sun drenched corners of this Mediterranean paradise goes on much the same as it has done for many generations with land and farms being passed down from Farther to Son in the traditional Cypriot way. As the properties along the coast have become more expensive many buyers seeking that perfect Paphos property are turning their attention further inland and Cyprus property developers are rising to the challenge. So for buyers who want the benefits of village life with the luxury of all mod cons one of the many small new developments springing up in the area could be the answer. The Cypriot people are amongst the friendliest you could ever be fortunate enough to meet anywhere in the world and their warm welcome is a genuine one not just something they put on for money spending tourist. So the chances are that anyone buying a Paphos property in one of these outlying areas would be made most welcome by the locals.

It is highly likely that the cost of Paphos property will continue to rise in line with the rest of Cyprus so potential buyers will need to act soon if they want to save a substantial amount of money. The upside of course is that rental prices will probably rise also making that holiday home or investment property all the more worthwhile in the long term for buyers who act sooner rather than later. With so much to offer both holiday makers and residents few would argue that Paphos is probably one of the best locations in Southern Cyprus to take a holiday or even to live. Imagine all those long warm summer days when you will be able to take a leisurely stroll down to the pretty Medieval harbour and sit at one of the many cafe restaurants as the sun sets. Chatting with both the locals and the holidaymakers whilst taking in the view across the beautiful crystal clear waters of the warm Mediterranean Ocean or watching the setting sun as it drops behind the Troodas mountains. However you decide to spend your time in Cyprus your would do well to check out the potential of owning your very own Paphos property.

Vacation Homes and Limousines

2008-08-18T02:45:00.000-07:00

A vacation is a period off the normal activities and engagements that a person is involved in on the day to day life. A home on the other hand is a place of dwelling of a human being. A vacation home therefore is a temporary place of dwelling when one goes on a vacation or holiday. The only difference between an ordinary home and a vacation home is that the latter is temporary and the former is permanent. The procedure is that when people are on vacation they make some rentals for the period that they plan to be on holiday in that particular area.

Limousines on the other hand are modern day vehicles which are stylish and elegant. They range in type with most having many modern features. They have two compartments which are the passenger compartment and the drivers compartment. Limousines are luxury vehicles and more often associated with great occasions like weddings, parties and the ushering in of honorable guests. Limousines come in a wide range but all have some features in common like the elongated rear. They are classified as traditional, stage, exotic among others, the only major difference being in terms of features.

Limousines though not often used as a means of transport are actually the best especially while going on a fun trip or even on vacation or holidays. The preference is because of the style, the elegance not to mention the comfort that is associated with these palatial vehicles. It is a good idea to consider the use of limos especially when going for a vacation in a vacation home. Normally, people go on vacation to not only break the monotony of everyday life but also to have fun and relax. It is for this reason that use of limos in a vacation home are most preferred as they blend well with the core objective of going to a vacation home.

There are various benefits that go along with choosing a limousine as the means of transport while going to a vacation home. Firstly, limo services are not as expensive as they have been in the past. There is therefore absolutely no need to worry about the costs. The second benefit that is tied with the use of limos when going on vacation is the luxury that the vehicle has. The fun is unlimited. It has been noted that the most stressful part of organizing a vocational trip is obtaining a reliable means of transport. With a limo, you need not worry of punctures and other mechanical problems. You just need to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride as you head to your desired destination.

Using a limo to go on vacation could be your most memorable thing in the entire vocational trip. Besides being luxurious, limos offer professional customer service so that you are actually given value for the money that you pay. The next time you organize a vocational trip with your friends or and family, it shall be wise to give the idea of limos some consideration and it is guaranteed that the experience shall be one of a lifetime.

Why Rent a Luxury Vacation Home Rental Versus a Hotel?

2008-08-18T02:42:00.002-07:00

In this article, we aim to provide an educational means to understanding how to save a considerable amount of money when traveling with a family or large group. In the case study below, we'll show how Ultimate Luxury Rentals vacation homes in Tucson, AZ have saved the vacationers coming to the area time, money, privacy, and a "home away from home" feel.

First off, you may be wondering, what is a luxury home rental? Well, we will get to that later in the article. Let's start with some of the reasons people are now renting these vacation homes as opposed to

Many vacationers choose to rent a vacation homes for a variety of reasons. Economics is one of the primary reasons. A vacation home can replace 2-4 hotel rooms at a fraction of the cost. Vacationers can eat their meals at home or even cook up their favorite meals on the barbecue. Our average vacation rental customer saves over $2000 in a 1 week stay. Privacy is another major consideration when choosing a vacation rental home over a hotel or resort. Many vacation homes include enclosed back yards with private heated pools and spas. Guest can enjoy their gathering of friends and family without interruption. Amenities are probably the main reason vacationers continue to rent vacation homes year after year. Many vacation rentals offer amenities that are superior to many upscale hotels and resorts. Pillow top mattresses with sateen sheets, plasma TVs, free wireless Internet, pool or game tables, fully stocked gourmet kitchens, private heated pools and spas and some of the most spectacular city and mountain views in town.

In addition to the home itself, the destination you choose has its own attractions and amenities. Continuing with our case study of luxury homes in Tucson, Arizona, here is a little history of the Old Pueblo and some of the history that attracts people to this particular destination.

With its mixed cultural heritage and international population, Tucson's traditions span centuries of habitation from prehistoric Indian cultures to recent immigrants from all over the world. Today Tucson has become a destination for many visitors particularly those looking to rent a vacation home in Sonoran Desert of Arizona.

True to its Old West beginnings, Tucson's first inhabitants roamed the area hunting mammoth and bison between 12,500 and 6,000 B.C. Following them were the Cochise , who built pit houses and used stone tools, and the Hohokam, who began farming the valley in 300 A.D.

In 1692, Spanish missionaries arrived in the valley to find the Indian village S-tukson ("black base"). In 1775, the Spanish built an outpost, the Presidio of San Augustin.

By 1804, some 1,000 people lived in the adobe village - mostly Spanish, Mexicans, and Native Americans who made their living raising crops and livestock. After the Mexican Revolution of 1821, Tucson became part of Mexico.

Looking for a southern rail route, the U.S. negotiated the Gadsden Purchase with Mexico in 1854 and Arizona became a U.S. territory. In 1867, Tucson became the territorial capital for the 10-year period, which accelerated civic progress.

In 1885 , The territorial legislature approved $25,000 to build the University of Arizona. The city continued to grow rapidly, reaching 7,000. Around the turn of the century, Tucson began attracting thousands of tuberculosis victims seeking a cure in its dry climate. In 1912, Arizona became the 48th state to enter the union.

Fueled by Industries and tourism, the population of Tuscon grew rapidly - at one point welcoming 1,000 newcomers each month. By 2000, the population had reached 800,000.

Vacation rental homes in Tuscon, Arizona offer a wide range of choices to visitors from all over the world. Many different neighborhoods comprise the city and offer vacationers a large selection of accommodations and activities.

The Tucson Mountains are located approximately 8 miles west of Interstate 10. The proximity to Interstate 10 makes day trips to Phoenix, Tubac, and Nogales Mexico very convenient. Some of the most desirable luxury vacation rental homes in Tucson Arizona are located in this area. These vacation homes boast some of the best city and mountain views in the state. Most of the luxury vacation rentals are located on acre plus lots with private pools and spa and offer an experience that is one with nature. Vacation rental customers may have the pleasure of seeing many of the desert's wildlife such as the javalina, coyote, bobcat and a wide variety of birds such as hawk, dove, quail, and the state's official bird, the road runner . Vacation rental guests will also have a wide variety of attractions such as the Sonoran Desert Museum, Old Tucson Studios, Wildlife Museum, Gates Pass, and the Saguaro National Park West. The west side of town appeals to the business traveler as well. Many of the Ultimate Luxury Rentals vacation rentals are located less than 10 minutes from the Tucson convention center. These homes' locations put you in the heart of the most beautiful desert in the world, the Sonoran Desert. During the first 2 weeks in February, The TCC is home to the Tucson gem and mineral show the largest gem and mineral show in the world. Parents of University of Arizona students choose west side vacation homes because they are very convenient for visiting their child during the holidays or celebrating a graduation.

The Catalina Foothills is the largest mountain range in the valley and a well sought after area of town for visitors looking to rent a vacation home in Tucson AZ. Several upscale resorts and spas have made the Catalina's their home. The Catalina foothills area has a wide variety of restaurants as well as upscale shopping at La Encanta and St Phillips Plaza. For those looking for hiking and site seeing, the Catalina area offers the Sabino Canyon Recreational Park. For vacation visitors looking to escape the summer heat (temperatures average 20 degrees lower than the city), you can take a 25 mile drive up to the top of Mt Lemmon. The Tucson vacation rentals located in this area consist of a large selection of luxury vacation rental condominiums and single family vacation homes on ½ acre lots with excellent mountain and city views.

Oro Valley has been one on the most rapidly growing areas in Tucson. Many of the vacation rental homes and condominiums are new construction and offer very upscale accommodations. There are many fine restaurants to choose from as well as some of the best golf resorts in town. The is only disadvantage to renting a vacation home in Oro Valley is the traffic. Traveling to and from Oro Valley at the wrong time of day can be quite a chore. Travel times to other areas of town such as the Tucson mountains and the east side can take up to 45 minutes or longer.

As you can see for this particular destination, there is an entourage of amenities, attractions, scenery, and history. In order to make the most of your trip, it would obviously be to your benefit to have extra funds. Luxury vacation rentals are a win-win option for your trip. Aside from your destination, they are certainly something to look into. Obviously you'll want to find the best deal with the most credible provider of luxury rentals.

Still curious what is a luxury rental? Ultimate Luxury Rentals is a starting point for you. With over 7 years in the luxury home rental business, they have continued to provide the highest quality of homes and services to customers worldwide. Visit them at Ultimateluxuryrentals.com and get a first hand look at homes in Tucson, AZ, Taos, NM, and Costa Rica!

The Perfect Vacation Cottage

2008-08-18T02:42:00.001-07:00

If you are looking to purchase a place where you can simply get away from the world on your own little vacation, then look no further than a beautiful cottage. A cottage is a perfect place for you to spend your vacations. Cottages are smaller than regular homes, and therefore require less in the amount of up keep. Cottages also tend to have those special touches built right into the floor plan. You might just find a special niche or nook that you would enjoy curling up in the sunlight to read your favorite books. The location and size of cottages make these homes ideal for someone looking to purchase a vacation home.

One of the many benefits of purchasing an older cottage as your vacation home is that the odds are that it was built with a spectacular view. Most cottage houseplans seem to be built on a lake's edge or ocean shore. There could be nothing more relaxing than sitting and watching the sunrise or sunset. Also, if you are the more active type, many cottages are also built into the vast wilderness lending themselves to a place perfect for hiking and possibly fishing. No matter what your passion is, the natural surroundings of any cottage will likely bring a sincere relaxation to your entire body. In addition to having spectacular views to enjoy, a cottage is also immersed in privacy.

Another benefit of cottages would simply be their size. Most cottage style house plans are on a smaller scale. If you are shopping for a cottage, the odds are good that the house is only one and a half stories. This small size can be perfect for the couple who likes to get away on their own. This is also great for an independent person who just wants to spend the weekend alone. Having a cottage on the smaller side for a vacation home makes the up keep so much easier. There is less space that needs to be cleaned which means more time for relaxing. A smaller home just makes so much more sense as a vacation home. A smaller home means a cozier feeling with many different areas in which you can simply sit and enjoy your surroundings.

If you do choose to purchase a cottage vacation home, you will not regret your decision! Cottages are a great way to have that escape that you may desire so easily within reach. Although the cottage may or may not be far away from where you live, once you arrive at the cottage you will like you are on another planet. Your personal escape to your cottage will be exactly what you are looking for. With so many cottage home plans available, you are likely to find the cottage that will be perfect for you.

If you are looking into cottage homes, be sure to click on http://www.houseplansandmore.com today. They have a wide selection of cottage style house plans and cottage home plans available. House Plans and More also has a variety of cottage houseplans.

Holiday Home Lettings - Ideas on How to Advertise Online and Get the Valuable Bookings

2008-08-18T02:41:00.001-07:00

You have done almost everything in your vacation house and the only problem you are left is getting the customer to rent out your place! The word marketing comes in here and that is all about helping people to look for what they're searching and in this case your Vacation Home!
Planning and good research in the local area are two of the most important factors for home owners. Putting yourself in the shoes of your potential guests gives you the best insight into what they may be looking for and where they might be looking. As home owner, you need to use some money in order for your marketing strategies will work. Budgeting comes in the list and this is advisable as early as possible for an annual spend on advertising and set this relative to your expected returns.

Point to remember vacation goers will not be coming to stay unless they know your property is ready and complete with all the amenities and features

Know your limitations when spending money for your advertisements. If you are decide to fill your property for the whole year it is worth setting a marketing budget of between £300 and £500 for the first year. If you are not in need of quite so many bookings per year then a budget of up to £300 should be enough for some basic advertising to get you started.

In case you don't know, advertising is the backbone of successful marketing in the current event of buying and booking online. Internet is the ideal place to advertise. With millions of vacation goers going online every day the Internet is one of the best marketing tool that allows you to advertise to a worldwide audience from the comfort of your own home and at very affordable rates.

Classified ad sites are great value for money because they do the work of bringing thousands of vacation goers to see your property in quantity compared to printed adverts and other marketing strategies.

Create your own website, this may sound a bit difficult at first but investing in this kind of marketing will surely boost your earnings. Setting up your own website can be quite expensive and your new 6 page site will have to compete with thousands of others to attract visitors. It takes a lot of time and expertise to get your site noticed by the main search engines, the great thing about rental listing sites is that they do this work for you.

Advertising on one or more of the established rental listing sites is an easy way of getting a great number of people to your advert and you don't need any knowledge of web design to get set up. Look for the best deal in terms of how many photos you can show, what extras they offer and what prices they charge.

It is recommended that when you are planning your advertising you need to think about realistic time scales. Setting up an online advert in advance of the first available date is a sensible idea to maximize the interest you get.

Finally, remember that detail and first impressions matter. Vacation goers who are looking for the ideal place to stay will choose the right place suited for their needs. And in order to make your marketing strategies work have clear information about the property, location and other things.

Holiday Home Lettings - Ideas on How to Advertise Online and Get the Valuable Bookings

2008-08-18T02:41:00.000-07:00

Mount Baldy Super Loop - Greer, Arizona

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West Baldy Trail # 96 - East Baldy Trail # 95 & Crossover Trail

This is probably the most scenic trail system in the White Mountains. I typically hike the area a dozen times a year. I enjoy starting out along the river and rising up above the valleys to be greeted by 100 mile mountain views. The wildlife is fantastic and for 9 months out of the year the trail heads are accessible.

Directions : There are numerous ways to access the trail heads. From Eagar, AZ take US260 west to the Big Lake turnoff (County Road 261), follow until you intersect with County Road 273 (Forest Road 113) turn right (west), past the Reservation Lake turnoff, you will first come to the East Baldy #95 trail head, continue for less than 3 miles and you will come to a bridge known as Sheeps Crossing. This is the unofficial trail head for the West Baldy Trail # 96. (Please note as of August, 2008 the Sheeps Crossing bridge is under construction and the road is closed before Sheeps Crossing - check with NFS Springerville, AZ Ranger District). From Greer, AZ take Northwoods Road to County Road 273 (presently closed), turn left (east) and after a couple of miles you will come to Sheeps Crossing. From Alpine, AZ take Forest Road 249 (William Valley Road) west toward Big Lake, you will intersect with County Road 273 after the Big Lake entrance, turn left (west) and travel to Sheeps Crossing.

If you are going to hike the 18 mile Mount Baldy Super Loop I strongly recommend that you begin your hike at Sheeps Crossing. N3357.590' & W10939.495' - Elevation 9185'. Sheeps Crossing is presently closed due to road construction, but is rumored to re-open in the fall of 2008. For the time being, you may access the Mt Baldy Wilderness Area via the East Baldy Trail #95 from Galbadon Campground during weekends. For this article we will access the trail head from Sheeps Crossing on the West Baldy Trail #96. The reasoning is that you will keep your feet dry until the very end of the hike. From Sheeps Crossing simply head south down the trail and you will come to a gate. This gate signifies the "old" West Baldy Trailhead parking lot. Proceed through the gate and turn left on the trail. If you take the trail to the right you will be taken back to the campground at Lee Valley Reservoir. After a quarter mile or so you will come to a sign that says Phelps Cabin 3.25 miles - this is the West Baldy Crossover Trail and the Phelps Cabin was torn down by the Forest Service years ago. Continuing south on the main trail and you will be treated to a wide-open valley with the West Fork of the Little Colorado River as your companion for several miles. The trout fishing is good if the area has been stocked with Apache Trout by AZ Game & Fish.

After an hour or so of brisk fairly level hiking you will cross a small bridge and begin your ascent of Mount Baldy to the southeast. There is a nice rest area along the way with a big rock and nice views. The ascent will incline dramatically for a couple of miles as you negotiate a series of switchbacks. This is the most strenuous hiking on the Super Loop. The trail is well worn and route finding shouldn't be an issue. After one last U-turn switchback you will "top out" at close to 11,000' elevation. At this point you are approximately 1.5 miles from the reservation boundary pole. This section of the trail is unique since you are cruising along fairly level at close to 11,000'. The Reservation Boundary Pole is in a small clearing and is the intersection of the West Baldy Trail # 96 and the East Baldy Trail # 95. N3355.015' & W 10933.965' - 11,195' elevation. If you've made it this far you've just climbed a little over 2000' in vertical elevation! You may turn around and head back down the West Baldy Trail, but I recommend continuing your hike on the East Baldy Trail #95.

The East Baldy Trail # 95 is in my opinion the more scenic of the two trails. It does not have as high of usage as the West Baldy Trail and offers fantastic panoramic views. Besides that, from the Reservation Boundary Pole you are less than a half mile from plane wreckage that adds a bit of mystery to your hike. The plane is easy to spot if the vegetation isn't too heavy. You will come to a clearing with a lot of rockfall. This is an easy spot to remember since you will be placing your feet very carefully to avoid twisting an ankle on the irregular rocks. On the far side of the rockfall look due south toward the mountain and you will see the wing and fuselage of an older model plane. Your descent will take you across a small-bridged creek and then a few switchbacks - you will then be rolling along fairly level trail. After a mile or so the trail will turn 90 degrees to the east and before you will be a scenic overlook. Take a few minutes to climb to the top of the overlook and you will gaze for over a hundred miles to the northwest toward Flagstaff and Mt. Humphreys, the Painted Desert to the north even Escondido Mountain to the northeast near Quemado, NM.

Picking up the trail again you will descend several switchbacks and the trail will turn in a northerly direction. After a mile or so you will come upon an open area of smooth volcanic rock for 200 yards or so. This is a great place to kick back and relax. The views are awesome and the dark rock feels great on your bare feet - usually out of the wind too! If you are not ready for a rest yet, you are only a mile or so from the best picnic area I've found in the White Mountains. N3355.535' & W10931.175' - elevation 10,170'. The area is composed of pyroclastic volcanic rock and there are numerous hoodoos (irregular pillars of stone - also my golden retriever's name). This is a fantastic destination with jaw dropping views and plenty of "butt-buckets" to sit down and relax. Once you descend and switchback through the hoodoos you will find yourself in a heavily forested area. The drainage for the East Fork of the Little Colorado River will be off on your right (south). The trail will wind through the woods for a mile, then open up into the valley itself. After another short stint of hiking along the river you will find yourself located at the trailhead for the East Baldy Trail # 95 and Galbadon Campground less than 1/4 mile away to the northeast.

The East Baldy Trail #95 has a rough little parking area, but may be accessed slowly by low clearance vehicles. N3355.800' & W10929.500' - elevation 9480'. I've been to this trailhead numerous times during the winter months in a 4x4 - the roads are not maintained during winter, so be careful. As you pass along the gate to the trailhead the Crossover Trail will be to your right (west). The Crossover Trail itself is an excellent day hiking destination as well. The trail is just over 3 miles to Sheeps Crossing and rolls up and over several small "round-tops" and then drops you down into several beautiful meadows. These meadows are usually full of elk ! Even thoug hthe Sheeps Crossing Trailhead is lower than the #95 trail head - the Crossover Trail will give you several heart pumping uphill slogs in the beer frame of your Super Loop Hike. The trail will eventually wind down into a drainage for a few hundred feet before you arrive at the West Fork of the Little Colorado River. Sometimes there are makeshift log bridges, but they routinely wash away. Your best bet is to grab a hold of a branch and give it your best long jump across the small creek - or just hop in and wade across, usually the water is no more than 18" deep. Wet feet will not ruin your day at this point since you're less than a half mile from your original trailhead at Sheeps Crossing.

The Mount Baldy Super Loop is typically a 6-8 hour hike...my best time is 5 hours really hoofing it. Remember to pack rain jackets during the summer months and always wear layered nylon outer-garments. A 30 degree swing in temperature is typical for the area. To accurately follow the UTMs provided by GPS please adjust your GPS to WGS84 datum.

For more information on area lodging, weather, trails, fly fishing and real estate please take a minute to visit my website at http://www.AlpineNutriosoRealEstate.com

Eric Krueger
Alpine, Arizona
http://www.AlpineNutriosoRealEstate.com

British Columbia and the Northwest

2008-08-18T02:36:00.003-07:00

We traveled to British Columbia this summer leaving behind 101 degree F temperatures and the dog days of Texas for the cool NW. Temperatures in BC ranged from 57-71 degrees F. We flew into Seattle and rented a hybrid to drive to Tsawassen to hop a ferry to Galiano Island where we spent two days. From there we crossed back onto the mainland and went up the Sea to Sky Highway to Squamish and the Whistler Area (site of the 2010 Winter Olympics) for two more days. We spent several days in Vancouver before returning home. I made no bones about my intentions to find good birding and inquired of many. Canadians would greet an inquiry with "Oh ya" before completing an answer.

Pigeon Guillemots, Herring Gulls, and Double Crested Cormorants were observed on the passage across to the island. Great Blue Herons waded the bays. On Galiano, we saw seven Bald Eagles. Four were viewed while traipsing the Bodega Ridge trail at the northwestern end. Three more were found at Bellhouse Provincial Park at the southern end of the island. Two of the three at Bellhouse were fledglings having flown for the first time on the morning we were there to observe. I added Townsend Warblers to my life list at Bodega Ridge. Northwest Crows, American Robins, Canada Geese as well as Rufous Hummingbirds, Lincoln and White Crowned Sparrows, Northern Juncos, Bewick Wrens, and Turkey Vultures were sighted on the island. Butterfly bushes on the island are more like trees. Drawn to them were impressive Swallowtails.

Horseshoe Bay, the gateway to the Sea to Sky Highway, produced Glaucous Winged Gulls and Ravens. There is a great provincial park near Squamish called Alice Lake where both the male and female Varied Thrush was found. A Steller's Jay also was noted in Squamish. Everywhere around Squamish are warnings about Grizzlies. Seed feeders are banned here because of bears (hummingbird feeders are okay). Last year a Grizzly was wandering downtown and had to be removed. Nature offers some wonderful and spectacular phenomenon along this trek. Shannon Falls, the tallest fall in North America at 70 meters, just south of Squamish is easily accessed. Brandywine Falls, south of Whistler, is half as tall but very beautiful.

The South Area Salt Marsh WMA in Ladner, BC, south of Vancouver, produced Bushtits for my life list. Spotted Towhees and Black Capped Chickadees were probably the most frequently seen birds everywhere we went including here. Downy Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Western Wood Pewee and American Goldfinches also were noted. Three more Bald Eagles were found. Two immatures were flying across the slough. One roosted above my head as I watched the Bushtits.

The Campbell Valley Regional Park south of Langley, BC and just north of the US Border produced another bird for my life list, the Chestnut Backed Chickadee. Barn Swallows were plentiful over the Little River Loop, a marshy area, while Lincoln and Fox Sparrows and Spotted Towhees populated the trails.

Saving the best for last, George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary was my favorite place to bird. When asked where to bird in BC everyone mentioned Reifel, and I would have to agree. George Reifel donated his farm and accompanying salt marsh to the Province on two conditions, that it be maintained forever as a migratory bird sanctuary and that it always bear his father's name. It has been wonderfully maintained and developed as a wetland. Most people I talked with were apologetic that this was not the season for Reifel, migration being far more productive. However, there were plenty of species to observe. The ponds were full of Mallards, Canada and Lesser Canada Geese, Western Sandpiper, Long billed Dowitchers, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Pied Bill Grebe, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Killdeer, Red Winged Blackbirds, Tree Swallows, Great Blue Herons, and Marsh Wren. Sandhill Cranes were on the mud flats. Four more Bald Eagles and a Red Tailed Hawk worked overhead. The trails produce Black Capped Chickadees, Brown Headed Cowbirds, House Sparrow, Bewick Wren, American Robin, European Starling, House Finches, Wilson Warbler, Red Breasted Nuthatches, Spotted Towhee, and a Common Yellowthroat.

Of course, we had a grand time. Canada is a great place to visit and to bird. Oh ya!

Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com for binoculars and spotting scopes and happy birding!

Yorkshire Holidays - Experience the Landscape, Nature & Wildlife

2008-08-18T02:36:00.001-07:00

Yorkshire is the biggest county in England, with just about every type of landscape on offer. Towns and cities aside, the best places to experience 'real' Yorkshire are the more rural areas, where the small villages and hamlets can be found dotted amongst the undulating green landscape. In terms of scenery, Yorkshire is particularly special due to a wide range of habitats throughout the county - this in turn provides different niches for birds and animals to flourish. In the Yorkshire Dales, the varying contours and rolling hills provide wonderful valleys with separates dales - each named after its river. Wharfedale, Malhamdale and Wensleydale are just three of the many dales - all worthy of a visit. Valleys can differ markedly in their length and breadth, and also in the topography that affects the winding river. A dale itself can be remarkedly varied, with water passing gently through the many graceful arched bridges, and flowing powerfully past steep limestone scars.

Common to many of the rivers is the characteristic dipper, a bird of fast moving water with an attractive chestnut-red chest and white belly. These rounded looking birds can often be seen bobbing up and down on boulders amidst the bubbling water. Kingfishers also breed in some areas, often seen as a flash along the river... calling in flight as they go. Some of the more secluded spots are particularly inspiring, such as the winding wooded ghyll at Janets Foss. Accompanied by wild garlic in the spring, this high sided gulley is also home to a resident rookery, with flycatchers and redstart flitting amongst the trees. The limestone landscape of the dales also means there are a range of colourful flowers to see during summer. Cranesbills, harebells, meadowsweet and much, much more, provide a mixture of colour and scent along almost every leafy lane, with wildflower meadows adding bright swathes behind the limestone walls.

To really appreciate how vast the Yorkshire land can be, a trip to North York Moors gives some incredibly wide views. Home to one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the country, these moors are at their peak during August and September when the flowering heather turns the moors into a spectacular carpet of deep purple. Part of the moorland has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for the heathland habitat and its breeding birds. Birds of prey such as the diminutive merlin can be spotted here along with reptiles including adder. Close to the moors, Farndale is famous for its early spring appeal. The dale contains huge numbers of wild daffodils - also known as 'lent-lilies' which are only found in a few selected part of the country. Here they grow in mass, as they line the river and fringe the fields. Further east, the edge of East Yorkshire boasts some fascinating coastal scenes, with the white chalk cliffs around Flamborough disappearing vertically down into the lapping waves. On the tops, a mixture of cow parsley and campion flowers add vibrant colour to the open sea backdrop. The cliffs around here are home to thousands of seabirds, including gannets, puffins, razorbills and guillemots, all flying to and from their cliff-based nests in an aerial frenzy. Bempton Cliffs is the largest mainland gannet colony in Britain, creating a raucous show during the busy breeding season.

Yorkshire is not only a destination but a potential experience - a place to stimulate the senses, whilst appreciating the calm serenity and majestic power of the landscape. You can take in the sights, sounds - and smells, of a rich and varied county as you walk over open hills, explore wooded valleys and revel in the open green spaces that make this land truly unique.

Paul Miguel is a professional landscape and wildlife photographer based in West Yorkshire. His work is regularly used by a number of magazines and publishers. He also runs a range of photography workshops.
http://www.paulmiguel.com

The Mystery of the Pyramids of Tenerife Island

2008-08-18T02:35:00.002-07:00

Countless visitors to Tenerife in the Canary Islands make for the beaches and the holiday resorts not knowing that the island boasts many pyramids, which are well worth travelling to see. The ones that get the most publicity are in the town of Gúímar where they were discovered by the world famous explorer Thor Heyerdahl.

Güímar is in the south of the island on the east coast, and is easy enough to reach by bus or car. The late Thor Heyerdahl was so impressed with the pyramids and the place that he set up home there for the last decade of his life.

He had first heard about the strange constructions in a newspaper, and at the time it was being said that they were heaps of stones or agricultural terraces made by local farmers. Heyerdahl did not agree and concluded that they were step-pyramids just like he had encountered on his travels in Peru, Mexico and elsewhere in the world.

He gained the support of wealthy Norwegian shipping magnate Fred Olsen, who lived on Tenerife, and the two men set up the Ethnographic Park in Güímar, built around the six pyramids and opened it to the public in 1998.

The question was, and still is - who built the pyramids and when? Heyerdahl was not able to give an answer that the world of science and academia would agree with but he believed that at one time there were pyramid-building people who travelled the oceans on rafts and that it was possible that these people were the builders. And he had already sailed from Morocco to Barbados on the papyrus raft Ra II to prove that his theory of ocean travel on such craft was possible.

The pyramids could also been made by the mysterious Guanches, who were the original inhabitants of the Canary Islands before the Spanish invasion, although the academics portray these people as living in primitive Stone Age ways and suggest they wouldn't have been able to build such constructions.

However, that the Guanches knew about and used the pyramid shape is demonstrated by the fact that there are pyramid designs on artistic seals known as pintaderas that have been discovered. The Guanches also mummified their dead, which, of course, is something the ancient Egyptians did as well.

Thor Heyerdahl put forward the idea that the pyramids in Güímar were astronomically aligned and showed evidence for this and his theory that these mysterious monuments were once used for ceremonies at special times of the year such as the summer solstice.

So it is still not clear exactly who made the Pyramids of Güimar but Heyerdahl wanted visitors to the Ethnographic Park to make up their own minds, and so the symbol used at the exhibition for all material on display there is the question mark.

It is not just in the southern town of Güimar that there are pyramids because on the west side of the island in the north of Tenerife, there are similar and nonetheless impressive constructions of stone and earth. Pyramids can be seen on farmland near the village of San Marcos, in Santa Bárbara, in La Mancha and at Santo Domingo, and all these villages are very close to Icod de los Vinos, which is known to have been a place where the Guanches once lived.

Who built the mysterious pyramids of Tenerife has still not been settled but they are definitely worth checking out by anyone visiting the island.

Discover Your Soul, Visit the Kalahari

2008-08-18T02:35:00.001-07:00

The Kalahari Desert is actually a misnomer because the Kalahari isn't a true desert. Rainfall is seasonal, although fairly erratic, and there is plenty of vegetation to support the rich and varied wildlife that calls the region home. Nevertheless, the climate is more arid than not, with staggering heat even in winter and there is only one permanent source of surface water - the Okavango River. These are the features that led to its apt, if not precisely accurate name, which means "the great thirst".

"The great thirst" refers not only to the parched conditions, but also to the area covered. The Kalahari stretches from the northern reaches of South Africa through Namibia and Botswana and up to Angola and the DRC; it even manages to encompass a small piece of Zimbabwe.

The Kalahari hosts many game reserves and wildlife parks, including the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which is bigger than Switzerland. Towards the north of the park the landscape is dotted with trees and shrubs; bushveld dominates the central region, while the south consists of dense thickets of mopane trees.

While it seems unlikely, the Kalahari is more than capable of sustaining human life. The San people, who are the second largest group of indigenous hunter-gatherers in Africa (after the pygmies in equatorial Africa), have lived in the region for the last 20,000 years. The San, who are also famed for their rock paintings, are not alone in the vast landscape, but are joined by the Khoikhoi, who are hunters and farmers, as well as groups of Tswana and Herero herders.

The Kalahari also teems with wildlife. In addition to the ubiquitous buck that can be found virtually all over the African continent, there are also lions, giraffes, warthogs and hyenas. On a good day, and with a bit of luck, safari guests can even see leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, wild dogs and elephants. Visitors are urged to look for weaver birds, who are rather unremarkable in appearance, but who build magnificent communal nests that can be up to 2 metres in diameter. Mosquitoes are also in abundant supply, but guests are advised to keep contact to a minimum as the Kalahari is a malaria area.

One thing that the Kalahari doesn't lack is sand. It is renowned for its interesting sand configurations that originate from eroded soft stone formations. The configurations were shaped by the strong winds that whip through the desert. Another interesting feature of the Kalahari Desert sands is that, unlike the wandering dunes of the Namib and Sahara deserts, the Kalahari dunes have been stabilised by the growth of rough vegetation.

As temperatures in the sweltering summer months (October - March) can peak well in the 40s (Celsius), visitors are advised to go during the relatively cooler period from March to October, although it should be noted that winter day-time temperatures can top 30 °C and the nights dip well below freezing.

The Kalahari is touted as a place to rediscover your soul. Most of the desert is still unmarred by human hands, although there are some large diamond mines, as well as an extensive sand mining operation. For now, however, the harsh, raw beauty of the Kalahari Desert is still the perfect place for those seeking solace, serenity and an enlightened sense of self.

Why is Rubber Mulch Better and Safer For Your Backyard Playgrounds?

2008-08-18T02:32:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking of building and installing a playground for your children, then I am sure you are going through all of the necessary questions in your head.

Questions like what type of toys, what size, and the flooring material. The latter is one of the most important things that you must consider as it is possible to build such a thing of beauty and joy for your kids' fun only to end up regretting it as a result of your child getting terribly injured from falling off the playground equipment.

As we speak, there are various forms of flooring that can be used in backyard, community and public kids' playgrounds. Some of them are asphalt, granite, grass, wood chips and rubber mulch.

The kind of playground floor you pick will to a large extent tell what kind of playground equipment you can install on the playground and subsequently the type of maintenance it will get. Therefore surfaces that have loose fill properties are not necessarily the best available in the market. Besides this, they are not the best option when it comes to the safety of kids on the playground.

Out of all the above named, the safest as of the time of writing this article is the rubber mulch. Rubber mulch is made from recycled tires by many tire and mulch manufacturing companies. Rubber mulch even though hardy and tough require a consistent examination for holes, burns, gouges and loosened areas. As soon as these are spotted, it is advised that they be quickly repaired as a stitch in time save nine.

Besides all these, rubber mulch is getting cheaper by the day making it affordable for many people. It is capable of beautifying the environment and has the ability because of the soft nature, it can help break the fall of kids. Thus minimizing the severity of any injuries that might have been sustained by the children when compared to the severity of injuries that would have been sustained on floors like sand and asphalt.

Rubber mulch lasts long - some for at least 20 years - and can retain its softness. There is the necessary skepticism as to its environmental safety. Because of its nature, rubber does not decay very easily. In fact, it has been estimated that tires will take about 200 years before it can decay. So, using a floor like rubber mulch not only benefits you, but also causes minimum harm to the environment.

For more information visit All About Playgrounds at backyard playgrounds. You can also request more information to find out how to buy rubber mulch for your backyard using our rubber mulch calculator at backyard adventures

10 of the Best B&Bs Merge Their Surroundings Into the Inn Itself

2008-08-18T02:26:00.001-07:00

Discovering America through bed and breakfasts has become a hobby for many travelers, couples and families. Spending a few nights at B&Bs in historic and unique cities and towns allows guests not only to take part in a great lodging experience, but also to get a taste of how the B&B property and surrounding area melded together years ago to build something special.

Here's a listing of some of the best B&Bs across the US that bring the story of their region into their inn which gives guests a unique opportunity to learn about the past.

Golden Lamb
Ohio has a unique connection to the development of the United States, having played a big part in the Civil War, the industrial revolution and of course the 2004 presidential election. And the oldest hotel in Ohio (the Golden Lamb in Lebanon) has survived it all. Built in 1803, an amazing 12 presidents have visited the Golden Lamb. A number of Civil War battlefields are nearby to visit and learn more about the development of our country. For a connection to today's culture, the inn is central to a few annual festivals, including the Sauerkraut Festival.

Heceta Lighthouse B&B
Maybe the most unique bed and breakfast on the list is the one out in Yachats, Oregon. As the name says, the Heceta Lighthouse B&B is part of an actual lighthouse. And not just any lighthouse - allegedly it is the most photographed one in the US. The Heceta Lighthouse is part of a string of majestic Oregon lighthouses that are beautiful whether viewed by land, sea or air. Built in 1894, each room provides breathtaking views of the area, which is primarily graced with the ocean, cliffs and sky. A nice day trip away from the B&B is to cruise along the Oregon Coast Highway and take note of all the uniquely designed bridges along the way.

The Mill House Inn
Summer in the Hampton's. It's a phrase that many New Yorkers and northeasterners here and use, but most can only dream of the lavish lifestyle that this phrase brings to the imagination. Once way to live this lifestyle, if only for a few days, is to visit The Mill House Inn. Residing in East Hampton, New York, this is one of the best places to stay in the area. With a great location within walking distance of everything, including beaches and nature trails, this B&B allows guests to live the high-life if only for a weekend. Nearby restaurants serve fresh, local seafood. And because it's Long Island, guests are never far away from history, whether in the form of a plantation, museum or monument.

The Williamsburg Sampler Bed & Breakfast Inn
Located in historic Williamsburg, this B&B not only rests in the middle of one of America's most historic towns, it also captures the spirit of colonial times and showcases antiques from around the world. And even though the bed & breakfast is relatively new (built in the year of our bicentennial), because of its design as an 18th century plantation style inn by a popular architect from colonial Williamsburg, The Williamsburg Sampler B&B Inn's look and feel takes you back to the historic days of the 1700's.

Federal House Inn
When you say Plymouth and history, most people will start to think of the coast of Massachusetts. But Plymouth, New Hampshire has quite a past to offer visitors to the state north of the Commonwealth. That includes the Federal House Inn. Built in 1835 as a home for John Adams (yes, that John Adams), this bed and breakfast gives guests the experience of staying right where a past president once lived. For another piece of history visit what is now the Historical Society in Plymouth - this is where Daniel Webster once practiced law.

Cotton Mansion
Most people don't remember that Duluth, Minnesota used to be home to some of the wealthiest communities in America. The early 1900's brought Duluth their 'Grand Era,' as it was home to multiple industries, including cargo, where Duluth became the United States' leading port town. That's where the Cotton Mansion comes in. Erected in 1908, this bed and breakfast is one of the remaining buildings from the heyday of Duluth and showcases the architecture and culture from that time period. While staying at the Mansion, one can also visit the Glensheen Historic Estate and the unique Aerial Lift Bridge to see some other structures that make the people of Duluth proud.

Frisco Lodge
Some may think that a bed and breakfast in a small Colorado town like Frisco doesn't sound too exciting. But once they hear that it was built in 1885 as an old stagecoach stop, and is in the middle of the Rockies and all their wonder their minds change. With a unique story to tell its guests, and minutes from all the natural wonders of the area (including fishing, cycling and hiking), The Frisco Lodge is definitely worth tasking the time to visit. You'll learn the deep roots the town has, including a rebirth in the 20th century built upon national engineering projects like the Eisenhower Tunnel and the development of Lake Dillon.

The Carlisle House
Pennsylvania has been home to some of the most notable happenings in US history. And The Carlisle House brings a taste of Pennsylvania culture into its downtown Carlisle B&B. Built way back in the 1700's, The Carlisle House has stood the test of time by not succumbing to the pressures to transform into private housing or offices. History buffs will love the location, too, within a short drive to Gettysburg and Pennsylvania Amish Country.

John Rutledge House Inn
As if winning many major awards and recognition, including being one of the top 100 hotels in all of America, isn't enough to get you thinking of visiting the John Rutledge House Inn, its romance and relationship with the community just might. Located in wonderful Charleston, South Carolina, this bed and breakfast was built for and is named after one of the signers of the US Constitution in 1763. Once you enter the establishment you will be rewarded not only with great service, but also with outstanding architecture rarely seen in today's homes.

The Ashley Manor Bed and Breakfast
Cape Cod, Massachusetts has been known as a top vacation spot in the northeast for decades. And The Ashley Manor Bed and Breakfast has been there through each tourist season. Built in 1699, this quintessential Cape area home brings not only a taste of Cape Cod through its doors, but also a little bit of each part of New England. Each room is designed to represent a different flavor of the northeast corner of America. And with secret passageways within its walls, guests usually wander the halls wondering if someone or something is walking along with them inside the wall. When guests take a walk or ride away from the B&B, classic Cape Cod activities and sites are within seconds of Ashley Manor, including the beaches, lighthouses, scenic drives and fishing.

This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

Oxford - Central College Bed and Breakfast Accommodation

2008-08-18T02:25:00.001-07:00

Oxford: a great seat of learning, of celebration and rivalries and of much controversy. How better to ingest this varied history than by staying in college bed and breakfast accommodation in the centre of this ancient City.

Adorned with architecturally elegant colleges, libraries and bridges spanning the river Cherwell, the ancient University city of Oxford exudes a sense of settled accomplishment and tempered yet pioneering learning. Whilst this is what attracts visitors from far and wide to this ancient city, today some of the colleges are allowing guests to scratch a little deeper by offering bed and breakfast accommodation in some of the 39 bastions of academia and gothic masterpieces.

It is within the heart of this city that you can get a real sense of its long and chequered past. As the first British university, it is actually said to have spawned its long-term rival Cambridge, after two of its scholars were hanged for the murder of a local woman and the resulting dispute between town and university caused a group of scholars to flee to the fens and set up in an existing school on the Cam. It was another dispute with the town that almost led to its downfall with the University supporting the Royals rather than Parliament in the Civil War. In the end it was only saved by, of all people, Oliver Cromwell who rejected the Puritan calls for closure as its expression of intellectual thought was deemed 'dangerous to religious belief'. Since then the university has understandably avoided taking an official political position. The same cannot be said for its alumni which boasts 25 Prime Ministers, 25 other world leaders, 12 Saints and 20 Archbishops of Canterbury amongst its other famous writers, scientists and inventors.

And all would have appreciated the beauty and serenity of the town, whether it was walking in the 74 acres of The Parks next to the Cherwell (and maybe catching some First Class cricket for free); seeing a play at Sir Christopher Wren's Sheldonian theatre; taking one of the 8 million books off the 117 miles of shelves of the Bodleian Library; or just appreciating the finer details of one of Oxford's 38 Grade 1 listed buildings.

With the collegiate aspect of Oxford so important, there are fierce rivalries that exist whether its an architectural comparison of respective colleges or the perhaps more brazen rivalries on the sports field. The last of these to flare up was at the 2006 Rugby Cupper Final where the spectators got distracted from the game by a fight between the mascots, with the Pink Pembroke Panther and the St Peter's Squirrel having to be pulled apart. But all is forgotten by the time of the May Morning celebrations, where graduating students follow the tradition of jumping into the Cherwell - however low the water!

And why not be part of one of these historic colleges whilst visiting Oxford? You cannot escape the sense of history if staying in Balliol (possibly even in Harold Macmillan or Herbert Asquith's old room); nor can you avoid the peace and serenity of the beautiful quads at Keble; and fans of architecture and film will both appreciate the Palladian setting of the Golden Compass at Queens College.

The joy of waking up in one of these ancient colleges is hard to forget and this is why the Oxford bed and breakfast service is such a unique way of experiencing the city. You can literally become part of a college for your time there and sample the history first hand in this extraordinary City.

Charlie Jones is an expert in Oxford Bed and Breakfast accommodation, more information can be found at http://www.oxfordrooms.co.uk

The Knowles Family History - From Eleuthera to a Key West Florida's

2008-08-18T02:22:00.000-07:00

Many people don't know that Oklahoma's tourism industry has grown significantly in the last several years, and that the state has many great appealing events. The restored buildings and wonderful innovative events, add to the Oklahoma's tourism experience. Oklahoma is sure to have something for everybody. In past times, Native tribes such as the Caddo populated the state. Descendents of this tribe still live here. In the 1500s Spanish pioneers felt they were traveling to somewhere important -- Oklahoma. Later on, the state became a section of an enormous 'protective,' between European empire-builders such as France, England, and Spain.

Attractions in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is an agricultural state, with an attraction known as the Murray County Annual Tractor and Implement association that hosts a three-day demonstration filled with agricultural marvels and as well throughout the state there are other interests. In addition, The Livesay Orchard and Apple Hollow are large produce exhibitions certain to give pleasure to any group. Livesay Orchard retails a huge assortment of farm-raised produce. Apple Hollow is a one-of-a-kind apple-inspired store that gives numerous exclusive offerings. Oklahoma visiting and attractions has a huge Native American representation and they present much of Indian-encouraged facts and figures.

The Black Kettle Museum is crammed and packed with Cheyenne-related accounts. The legend of the Quapaw Indians is renowned for its story of curative powers to the Osage also known as the Healing Rock situated in Skiatook. Of course, Oklahoma has lots of family amusement parks, such as Frontier City and White Water; these theme sites are located in the state's capitol, Oklahoma City.

In addition, Oklahoma tourism is inclusive with an assortment of cowboy and western galleries. The Cowboy Hall of Fame, is also located in Oklahoma City, and the Chisholm Trail Historical Museum, is situated in Waurika. Both are fun and enlightening. Our family enjoyed our trip there from alicante last summer.

Best Places to Stay in Oklahoma
Other than lodges and hotels, Oklahoma's tourism industry introduces an assortment of western, traditional, and family-friendly places to stay. The Old Hotel Bed and Breakfast, is found in Sayre, was at first built for railway employees but given that the railway left town, it has been restored and is now a picturesque B&B in which to stay. The Cimarron Bed and Breakfast, in Keyes, also suggests a country-style occasion. Bridgeview Resort, in Madill, is a grand family-friendly alternative. This resort focuses in church gatherings, family reunions, and any other get-togethers.

There are places to stay such as cabin-rentals like the Mountaineer Cabin Rentals and Cardinals Nest Cabins. These spaces are big for holiday and other activities. There is also a very sumptuous comfort-home retreat called Beavers Bend Creative Escapes. This magnificent resort suggests extravagance; these homes may have somewhere from one to three bedrooms. Of course, there are quite a few cottage-rental spaces as well. A fine instance is the Hidden Hills Hideaway and while residing in the cottages you can learn the secret to the 'Table Tops,' situated in Foster. All these breathtaking spaces to reside have assisted build Oklahoma's tourism trade what it is today.

Peter Wilson's articles are published on a large number of websites tied to information on alicante discount flight and cheapest flights to alicante. You might come across his work on flights from alicante airport at other sources for flights from alicante airport information.

The Knowles Family History - From Eleuthera to a Key West Florida's Bed and Breakfast

2008-08-18T02:21:00.001-07:00

The branch of the Knowles family of Key West emigrated from the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, where it is believed that they engaged in farming and, possibly, fishing. Family tradition maintains that the Knowles' had previously lived in the American colonies in the 18th century, but remained loyal to Britain during the American Revolution and were forced to relocate to the Bahamas, where they received land grants from the British government as compensation for their loyalty to the crown, when their lands in America were confiscated.

As the agricultural economy of the Bahamas declined in the early 19th century, many Bahamians sought new opportunities in other parts of the Caribbean. Key West was an attractive destination because of the island's lucrative maritime trade, fishing and sponging and growing cigar manufacturing industry. This promise of a better way of life persuaded some members the Knowles family to leave Rock Sound on Eleuthera and move to Key West where they knew they could comfortably fit into the established community of other transplanted Bahamians living in Key West at the time. The early Knowles' worked in fishing, sponging and the cigar industry. By the later nineteenth century, David Knowles and his family were residing at Knowles House. David appears to have been primarily a sponge fisherman and his house looked out across the open water that lapped up to the opposite side of Eaton Street. In the later 1880's, the shallows across the road were filled and the present row of Victorian houses were built in the 1890s, depriving the Knowles family of its water view. David and his wife Rosa raised their seven children in Knowles House. In 1909 David died leaving his widow alone to raise their younger their children in the family homestead.

For many years Rosa lived here with her youngest child, Benjamin Rupert Knowles, who had been born in the house in 1896. Known as Rupert, this son engaged in a wholesale business dealing in tropical fruit. In 1928 he met and married a young Swiss girl, Rosalie Weisser, known as Nancy. She was working as a nanny for a wealthy Miami family at the time they met at the Casa Marina Hotel in Key West. After their marriage, they continued living at Knowles House, looking after Rupert's aging mother, until her death in 1929. Rupert and Nancy had 3 children, Gene, Elizabeth Rose and Joan, all of whom were born in the house. During the Great Depression, Rupert's tropical fruit business failed and the family experienced hard times as economic conditions in Key West worsened. Just when things looked bleakest, Rupert won the equivalent of $10,000 in the Cuban National Lottery in 1935.

This economic boon enabled him to start a restaurant on Caroline Street near the bustling seaport. He also used some of the money to enlarge the family homestead, which had seen little change since its construction. The result transformed Knowles House to its present appearance and provided much needed space for his children. Although 1935 brought good fortune to Rupert's family, it also brought calamity to the Florida Keys in the form of the disastrous Labor Day Hurricane of 1935. Although thousands of people died in the middle and upper keys, Key West was spared the worst of the storm, only experiencing torrential rains. Unfortunately, the storm coincided with the renovation of Knowles House at a time when the roof had been torn off to add the second story. The children remember their mother Nancy sweeping the rain water out the front door as it cascaded like a water fall down the stairs. In spite of this setback, the remodeling of the house was successfully completed and the family enjoyed many happy years in the old homestead.

As Rupert and Nancy's children grew up and married, they all left Key West, settling in other parts of the country. Rupert died in 1961. Nancy Knowles lived on in the family house alone until her death in 1983. After their mother's death, the children sold the house out of the family. After several intervening owners, each of whom made improvements to the property, the present owners, Les Vollmert and Paul Masse bought it in December of 1996. After further improvements and enlargements, they have continued to operate it as the Knowles House Bed and Breakfast Inn located in Key West Florida.

The knowleshouse.com is a very intimate, refreshingly different key west bed and breakfast. Stop by, give us a call or book online to share our piece of paradise

Consider a Bed & Breakfast For Your Next Vacation

2008-08-18T02:14:00.002-07:00

The first time I stayed at a bed & breakfast was when my wife and I went on our first anniversary vacation weekend. We knew we wanted to go away, we just were not sure where or what we wanted to do.

A colleague of hers showed her a book of bed & breakfasts' around the United States. She brought the book home to me to take a look to see what I thought about going to one of them for our anniversary. With zero experience (at the time) and zero knowledge of bed & breakfasts' I was a bit skeptical. Do I really want to spend my weekend staying in someone's home?

The more I read about the bed & breakfast lifestyle, the more I became intrigued, until finally my wife got hooked and we booked a bed & breakfast in upstate Vermont. I can honestly say it was a great time. The bed & breakfast owners treated us like royalty, waited on us like we were a king and queen, and the food (that was included in our purchase price) was simply unbelievable.

Since then my wife and I have been to two other bed & breakfasts, one in Williamsburg, VA and another in upstate New York near Seneca Lake. Although the concept of each bed & breakfast were similar, they were different in a variety of ways. For instance in Vermont at breakfast and dinner (both of which were included) we sat at our own table in the adjoining restaurant. In NY and VA we ate a big table with all of the other guests. In VA the owners took care of everything, well them and their kids. In NY and VT the owners ran the place but also had help to get rooms ready and keep the place clean. In VT we had our own outside entrance to our room as if the room was our own house. In NY and VA you had your own bedroom in the same house with the other guests.

Regardless of whichever style you choose, if you have never stayed at a bed & breakfast you should. Each one was wonderful and you really felt like you were part of the owner's family while you stayed there.

I would recommend first pick a place where you know you would really like to stay. Do you like the mountains? How about the sun or a tropical island? Once you understand what you really want to do, then look up the bed & breakfasts in the areas that you have targeted and start reading up on them. Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other book stores have a variety of books you can look at without purchasing to obtain this information. You can also go to your local library or look for a bed & breakfast directory online.

Once you have the location and have it narrowed down to one or two possible bed & breakfast choices, start pricing them out and see if they are in your budget. I will tell you that they are a bit pricier then a normal hotel room (some of them anyway). However verify what kind of amenities you get for your price. Most come with breakfast, otherwise it would just be called Bed & get out of my house in the morning. You get the point. Some also serve dinner and offer afternoon tea & snacks. Find out what you get for your money. It will definitely help with your decision.

Car Rental - The Most Affordable Medium of Transport in Salt Lake City

2008-08-18T02:14:00.001-07:00

Salt Lake City that is also abbreviated as S.L.C or in shortened form is known as Salt Lake is the city in State of Utah in the United States has maximum number of population. Sometimes, city is exaggerated pronounced as Great Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City at average height of 4,327 feet is situated in the northwest corner of the Salt Lake Valley surrounded by Great Salt Lake to the northwest and Wasatch and Qquirrh mountain ranges on the eastern and western borders. In the valleys of these mountains are many volcanically and glacially developed canyons.

The emergence of the Salt Lake City as a metropolitan city is credited to the mining booms and the development of the first transcontinental railroad that led to spurt of economic activities in the Salt Lake Region. The city as due to impressive economic growth later on became famous as Crossroads of the West. As for tourism industry, the Salt Lake City is known for recreational activities like skiing and biking and hosted 2002 winter Olympics.

There are many places of public interest in Salt Lake City which people would find place of great public interest and entertainment. Public library of Salt like city is one such place of Architectural excellence. Temple Square, Museum of Church History and Art, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Clark Planetarium are other great places of reverence and public interest.

So being a center of economic activity and with a number of tourist centers located here Salt Lake City is visited by million of tourists ever year. If you are planning to visit Salt Lake City you can reach there by the help of any of the available public mode of transport, however, the million dollar question is that how you will visit different parts of the city or the designated spots as scheduled in minutes of your official meeting.

After reaching the city you can depend on any of choose any mode of public transport from buses, taxis, metro rail and other available mean. However, all these talked about mode of transport have their certain limitation in carrying you to the designated spot. Taxis are very expensive, if you hire them to travel for a day or two whereas public transport hardly carries you to the country side close to the city where a close relative of yours reside.

In such a situation car rental in Salt Lake City is a very affordable medium that can carry you out to all the desired spots of your choice and opinion, at whatever location of the city you might have to travel through. There are many ways you can book car on rent in Salt Lake City. You can have car rental as discount or service from your flier or it can be booked from a car rental service providing website online. However, not be very prompt in making any decision while buying car rental online, buy car rental only after comparing the rates of car renting agencies and only decide upon in favor of best one appropriate to your budget and range.

Why Do Car Rental Agencies Ask For Credit Card?

2008-08-18T02:13:00.004-07:00

Houston, the largest city in the Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States witnessed its growth through the transportation at growing port, and railroad industry and discovery of the oil in the region. With the span of time during mid twentieth century, Houston became the center of medical world after establishment of Texas Medical Center-that is known for the largest concentration of medial health care and research centers and NASA's Johnson Space Center, Mission Control Center is located here in Houston.

The city is habituated by multicultural population as many of them are from different countries across the globe. The city has a good number of centers for culture and exhibitions. The Houston Museum District attracts more than 7 million visitors every year. The climate of Houston is humid subtropical.

As for traveling within the city of Boston and adjoining areas you can select from a good number of available mediums. Personal car rental in Houston is one of those best modes of transport that provides all the luxuries of traveling through the city of Boston. By a personal car rental you can travel all the important centers of the cities without pondering much about traffic jams and isolation of your destination from public mode of transport. Hiring a private taxi is an expensive deal and you cannot keep changing your taxi all the time when you are visiting a new place.

Finally, as, you have set your mind on buying a car rental in Houston, the first question you will face from the counter clerk would be demand for your major credit card despite whatever is your mode of payment. It is a general practice among car rental companies that they demand for a credit card. Car rental agency does so to get security deposit against the loss or damage to the car while it is in your possession. Credit Card Company gets a credit card authorization to cover any expenses in case of damage to the rented while under your driving belt.

So in order to save your hard earned money it is best advised to return car to the renting agency in intact condition. As the car returned by you is found with any damage an appropriate fee is get deducted from your credit card on conditions as signed with you while delivering the car to you by renting agency.

As there is basic difference between a debit card, credit cars and check card, most of the car rental agencies do not accept debit card and check cards as security deposit. As there is no provision of advance approval for debit and check cards, therefore, companies refrain from accepting them as security against car rental.

While negotiating through the credit card, a car rental company just doesn't take anyone's credit card as for the sake of presenting it to the company. It should be your major credit card. And the name of the major credit care holder should also be on driving license as well on rental agreement and be presented physically at the time when car is rented. You can not use any other person's credit card for renting the car.

Mansi Aggarwal Highly Recommends that you visit http://www.carrentalhouston.org for more information on car rental Houston.

Enjoy Your Adventure Trip to Puerto Rico in a Convertible Car

2008-08-18T02:13:00.003-07:00

Puerto Rico that is officially known as commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an autonomously governed body of the United States of America situated in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. Puerto Rico is an archipelago consisted of main island of Puerto Rico and a number of smaller islands and Keys.

The island is rich in a number of beautiful locations around it. Its central mountain range goes as high as 1,338 meter at Cerro de Punta and it is the only tropical rainforest in the United States. El Yunque in Puerto Rico is quite popular for its beaches, turquoise waters and soft yellow sand. It is a great tourist center and a number of cultures get merges here and nightlife here is exceptional beyond the expectation of a person to enjoy it.

Now in order to visit the island of Puerto Rico either you can reach there either on your own public transport that can be sometimes become cumbersome as against the traffic jams and stops where it would drop you. To get car on rent you can hire service of a car rental agency which may provide an affordable car rental service on a very reasonable price and rate. There are many methods to get a convenient car rental to be booked for a tour in Puerto Rico. You can get it booked it either from a next door car rental agency or do it online where you will get a plethora of car renting ideas even with many discounted offers.

It is now your turn to pick up the model of the car that you will use while traveling Puerto Rico. You can have car in economy, sub economy or in budget range. If you wish your tour to be great full of fun and frolic you in the category of car models can choose convertible cars which are great fun to be enjoyed. A convertible car is known as one that can be folded or removed; some popular convertible cars are Mini Cooper, BMW 330ci, BMW Z4, Audi and Quattro. These cars are great as for the travelers who love enjoy sunlight, rainfall or snow fall.

You can have these convertible cars on rent from a number of car rental agencies in America which also ensures the safety of travelers. It is better to book the convertible car quite well in advance to avoid instant botheration at the time of picking car at the rental agency. Any person above the age of 25 years with a valid driving license can have a car on rent. A person above the age of 30 years can have driving license for the convertible models of the cars such as Bentley, Lamborghini Viper and Ferrari. Car rental services as in Puerto Rico for convertible cars deliver services straight to all the important centers in the city. As payment for hiring convertible cars can be paid through credit card, debit card, checks, cash and traveler's check. Traveling in convertible cars is a great fun.

Maui Rental Car Was Memorable

2008-08-18T02:13:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine went to Maui. She had a great time. Has great memories. But you may be surprised to hear many of her memories were of her rental car. Learn from her experiences:

Now, renting a car seems to be a task you can do just about anywhere. If you have a phone, the internet and a credit card, it should be a piece of cake, right? Wrong!

If you've never been to Hawaii, you may not realize that Maui is different from being on the U.S. mainland. "Well, that's the idea," you may say. True, but when it comes to logistics, there can be problems. For example, Maui is a large island. My friend stayed on one side of the island, on the other end of the island from the rental company. She had to really plan out her departure date to make sure she had her car back in plenty of time and still make her connecting flight.

My friend also was disappointed that her dream vacation did not include driving her dream car. She had this fantasy of driving around Maui in a red sports car, like Magnum P.I. Well, when she got there, she found out there was a run on red sports cars that day. All the red sports cars were gone and the selection of rental cars is not the same as in the rest of the U.S. The only red car available was a red Pinto. She could have had a sports car, but when she saw how much more expensive it was, she decided a Pinto was nice, after all. (It costs more here than on the mainland car rentals.)

When she started planning her trip, she had heard that she should book her rental car early in order to get the one she wanted. There aren't all that many cars available, she was told. She had blown off that advice, meaning to get to it later. Well, she didn't and now she paid for it. See, another piece of advice she ignored was the bit about paying for the rental car early. That way, her red sports car would have been waiting for her and she wouldn't have been stuck with the Pinto. The Pinto that broke down as she was pulling out of her hotel room on her way back to the rental place.

My friend also forgot to buy insurance and road service. It cost her a pretty penny to get road service and she had a hassle with the rental company when it came to settle up the bill at the end of the trip.

The rest of her trip? It was great, she said. But it wasn't the same in a Pinto.

Being really passionate about hiring cars in Spain and where to hire a car in Alicante, Jerry Blackburn is writing large numbers of detailed papers on the topic. You can discover his work on car hire Alicante at http://www.alicante-spain.com

Learn How to Save on Rental Cars

2008-08-18T02:12:00.001-07:00

If you are deciding to go on a vacation, and do not want to get lost in the new city, which is usually possible, when you travel by train or bus, then consider traveling by rental autos.

At present, several firms offer cheap rental autos. These autos give you the flexibility of driving an automobile, while traveling outside the home. Moreover, by hiring the autos, you can easily cut down pricey taxi fares.

However, the task of fixing a deal with the auto rental firm can be confusing as well as expensive, particularly if you do not have a first hand knowledge about the same. Therefore, here are few tips to help you get the cheapest auto rental deal.

How to Save Money on Auto Rental?

Decide what type of automobile you need:

You need to decide whether you want to hire a bigger or smaller car. For that, consider as how many people are traveling with you. If there are many individuals, you need to consider big car and vice a versa. If there are more than ten members, then you may also hire a mini van. Moreover, if your place of visit is close to the lodge or hotel, you can opt for a non-ac car. While finalizing the auto, give priority to comfort as well as safety.

Make the booking in advance:

Always make the booking of rental autos in advance, probably two or three weeks before the commencement of your journey. If you are thinking to travel during vacation season, then booking well in advance will help you to save some dollars. The reason is most cheap rental auto firms increase their fees during peak seasons. In addition, always negotiate with the dealer before finalizing the deal.

You can reserve online:

Online auto rental firms offer best services. So, log onto the Internet and check out few credible car rental websites. Check their fees, services and offers and then make the reservation. Few websites may also give you more discount if you book air tickets and hire the car from the same website.

Some companies will give you discount, if you opt to make full payment in advance. However, while considering the latter option, check the credibility of the auto rental website. In addition, some firms will include fuel charges in the total fee, while some companies may ask you to pay for fuel separately.

Other tips:

Rental Insurance:

Some auto rental firms ask individuals to pay for insurance. If you already have car insurance, then avoid taking any new coverage. However, in case you do not have any insurance, you can consider paying for the coverage. Check the policy of these firms before signing the deal, because rental firms may use your insurance coverage to repair their autos in case of damage.

Inspect the rental autos:

Before driving the vehicle, inspect it thoroughly for any dents, scratches and damage. You need to make sure that odometer, directional signals, gas gauge and headlights are working properly.

Thus, hire rental autos and make the most of your trip without worrying to change transportation mediums frequently.

Cheap Car Hire Cork - 10 Ways to Save Money

2008-08-18T02:11:00.001-07:00

Cheap car hire Cork tips:

1. Try to book your Cork car hire well in advance as the closer you book your car hire to your pick-up date the more expensive it's likely to be.

2. Plan your holiday to coincide with the quieter periods in Ireland. For example if you're coming to Cork during the peak summer months of June-August, Christmas and St. Patrick's Weekend, then Cork car rental is likely to be more expensive.

3. To find a cheap Cork car hire deal with us, opt for a small car hire like a mini or an economy car. They will be cheaper than other larger cars, plus they will be cheaper to run on petrol and easier for tight parking spaces and narrow country roads!

4. When you book your Cork car hire with us you'll receive a booking voucher. Try to collect your car hire within the office hours stated on the booking voucher as if you collect car hire outside the office hours you might have to pay an 'out of office hours fee'.

5. If you're arriving at Cork Airport late at night, why not get a taxi to your Cork hotel and collect your car rental in the morning?

6. Cork car hire works within a 24 hour basis. So if for example you pick up car hire at 9am and drop it back at 10am the next day, you've exceeded 24 hours, therefore you'll have to pay for 2 car rental days.

7. Look out for our car hire deal and our 'price alert' drops which feature on our Car Hire section from time to time.

8. To save yourself an extra 'one-way fee', return your car hire to the pick-up point. For example, if you pick up Cork car hire at Cork Airport, then try to return it to Cork Airport when dropping it back.

9. Pick a car rental that meets your needs? If you've lots of luggage and have a family with you, then you'll need plenty space for comfort on your travels. Only get a GPS if you really need. If you don't plan on getting off the beaten track then the national and primary roads are well signposted so a good road map will do.

10. When you're booking cheap Cork car rental, beware of hidden fees like taxes and surcharges, which are not included in the final quote. You won't have to worry about this problem when you book with us, as the final quote you receive is the final price you pay.

Use the above tips to bag yourself a cheap Cork car hire deal with us. Your Cork car rental will meet you at Cork Airport or in Cork city. Wherever you pick it up you'll be glad you chose car hire to get around the south west of Ireland. The counties of Cork and Kerry are mainly rugged and rural and you really have to get off the beaten track to see hidden gems and some spectacular scenery. Your Cork car hire will also let you wind around the coastal roads of Cork and Kerry at your own pace, so you can pull over for a picnic where ever you want and never miss that perfect photo opportunity!

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com

Visit GoIreland for all you need to know before visiting Cork, like what to see and where to go. You can also book Cork hotels and Cork car hire.

Types of Rentals - Car Trailer Tips

2008-08-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

Are you planning on moving across country and want to bring your car? Are you going on a road trip with your RV and want to have your car with you? Why not hitch up your car to your RV or moving truck? You'll need to have a car trailer and you can either buy or rent one. Here are some benefits of towing your vehicle and how to go about getting one.

Benefits of Towing Your Car

There are two main reasons why you're considering towing your car. One is to move it from point A to point B. If you'll be driving your possessions in a moving truck then it just makes sense to bring your car. You could pay a moving service to drive it but that can be costly. You can sell it and purchase a car at your destination but that can be time consuming and a lot of work. By towing your car you save money and you can load up the car so it increases your moving space.

You'll also want to tow your car if you're driving an RV on a road trip. While a short road trip won't need a car, it can come in very handy if you're taking a long one. Once you get to your destination you can park your RV and then take the car around to sights and run errands. Its convenience will pay for the price of the car trailer.

In any case, towing your car is better than driving it for a number of reasons. First of all, you won't be putting wear and tear on your car which can not only cause pricey repairs but can also bring down the resale value. While you'll be paying more for gas on the vehicle that's towing your car, you'll end up paying less than gas for both vehicles.

Preparing Your Tow

Other than getting a car trailer, there are some other things you'll have to do before you tow your car. Most importantly you need to make sure that your truck or RV can tow your car and that your car isn't too heavy for the trailer. The owner's manuals for your vehicles and trailer will give you the information you need. You'll also need to install a hitch, either a temporary or permanent one.

It's also important to verify insurance. Make sure that either your car or the towing vehicle has coverage for the car being towed. Contact your insurance company and make sure you are covered and try to get a copy of your contract so you have it in writing.

Buying Versus Renting

If you intend on towing your car often then consider buying a trailer since it can be difficult to find one. Renting a car trailer is beneficial since the rental company will usually hook everything up for you.

John Bakers regularly writes news on things dealing with debit card car rentals in Spain and where to best rent a car in Spain. With his detailed publications, the reviewer showed his skill on news associated to car rental Spain

How to Plan the Perfect Cruise - 6 Secrets For Making Your First Cruise Exceptional

2008-08-18T02:09:00.003-07:00

Want to take a cruise? You're in for something special. But in order to get the very most out of it you'll want to prepare as much as possible before you leave the pier. That way, when you come aboard, you can forget all your cares and woes and just have the time of your life.

Where do you want to go?

The first thing to consider is where you want to go. There are so many fantastic and exotic locations and ports that await you. Perhaps one of these adventures will light your fire.

Cruises to Alaska

Cruises to the Bahamas

Cruises to Bermuda

Cruises to the Caribbean

Cruises in Europe

Cruises to Hawaii

Cruises to the Mexican Riviera

What cruise line is for you?

Next you'll have to decide on a cruise line. This is one of the most challenging parts of the process.
Cruise lines today offer almost countless choices. There are cruises for every budget and lifestyle. It's not so hard to figure out what's right for you, though, if you know how to break down your options.

How much does it cost?

Some cruise lines are more luxurious and more expensive than others. So figure out your budget. If the sky's the limit you're going to be blown away by what's available. On the other hand, if you're on a more limited budget and you're looking to conserve money, you will want to choose one of the cheaper options. There are great cruises available to fit almost every pocketbook.

What's the theme of the cruise?

Nowadays most cruises have themes, so you'll want to choose a cruise where you can meet people with similar interests and lifestyles as yours. Here are some of your choices.

Singles cruises

Family cruises

Gay and lesbian cruises

Seniors cruises

Honeymoon cruises

What cruise lines to consider

These are some of the especially popular cruise lines. If you haven't gone on a cruise before you'll want to look at these first.

Celebrity Cruises

Costa Cruises

Crystal Cruises

Cunard Line

Disney Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Orient Lines

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Silversea

Windstar Cruises

What to bring

You're also going to have to figure out what you're going to do aboard the ship and bring the appropriate apparel. Will you work out, go skating, hang around the swimming pool or just stroll around the decks and take in the nightlife?

Don't worry too much about doing this yourself because most cruise lines will be happy to help.

They want to make sure that you have the best possible cruising experience when you're on their ships.

Setting out a cruise budget

Now you're going to have to consider the extra money you'll bring along for entertainment, excursions, food, drinks and purchases at stops along the way. Try to have a decent sized cushion because somehow whatever you bring often doesn't seem like it will be enough and you don't want to be caught short of cash at any point of your trip.

Take a look at Cruise Apparel to make sure you pack right and guarantee yourself a great trip. And to find out how to get the lowest possible prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels as well as cruises, take a look at a review of "Save on Airfare" at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now and learn how to make it happen.

It's My First Cruise - What Cruise Ship Activities Can I Expect?

2008-08-18T02:09:00.001-07:00

Maybe you're going to book your first cruise and you're wondering what cruise ship activities there are to look forward to. Each cruise is different and there'll be different cruise activities onboard. It depends on both the cruise line you book with and the ship you'll be voyaging on.

The easiest way to check is to either get directly in touch with the cruise line or take a look at the paperwork that comes with your cruise information.

Cruises area about having fun and relaxing.

Aside from the cruise entertainment and the cruise food, which are common to just about all cruises, there could be different classes, shows, dancing, and much, much more.

Whatever ship you take there will probably be more than enough cruise games and cruise ship activities to keep you occupied for the length of your voyage.

Make sure you're going to get what you want

If there are specific things you want to do on a cruise you'll definitely want to get in touch with the cruise directly or speak with a travel agent.

If you know what you're looking for or want some ideas, a travel agent should be able to help you and then book the cruise that meets your needs.

Or, if you get in touch with the cruise lines directly, they can help you find the specific ship that has the cruise activities you'd like.

For example, if there are a number of swimming pools on one ship there might be swimming classes. But never assume that a ship or a cruise line has the cruise activities that you want. It's much better to find out before you book your tickets rather than be disappointed.

Remember that your tickets could be non-refundable. So make sure that you know exactly what you're going to get before paying for your cruise by check or putting it on your credit card.

Sometimes it's okay to wing it

If this is your first cruise, unless there's something you really want to do, it's probably best to just wing it. You'll probably enjoy the cruise ship activities that any cruise line offers. Cruise activities are there to help you relax and relieve the stress in your life. They're designed to be fun and frivolous.

There's going to be a lot to do, plenty of new people to meet, and a lot of time to relax and enjoy yourself whatever cruise you choose. Just go ahead and have fun and get ready for a lot of fun and exciting cruise ship activities.

If you want to save money every time you take a cruise check out Cheap Cruises Vacations - 4 Secrets For Finding Fun and Saving Big. And to learn how to get the lowest prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels and cruises, take a look at a review of "Save on Airfare" at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now and learn how to make it happen.

Family Cruises - 4 Tips For Fantastic Family Cruises

2008-08-18T02:08:00.000-07:00

Although there are all sorts of different kinds of cruises you can go on family cruises are by far the most favorite. What can be better than bringing all the kids with you on an adventure of a lifetime?

Not only are there are so many different and exciting places all over the world to visit -- it's one of those relatively inexpensive family vacation ideas.

All inclusive family vacations can be great if you go with the right company. With the right cruise line you should be able to get everything on your family cruises for one price.

All your meals

Entertainment

Exciting shipboard activities

And more...

Call a travel agent to help you plan your trip.

Especially if this is going to be your first cruise you will probably want to hire a cruise specialist.
That way you'll be comfortable knowing that all the little details are taken care of so you will be able to get the very most out of your family cruises.

Basic Information

There are a number of things that you will want to go over with your travel agent before taking one of these all inclusive family vacations. You always want to check.

The size and location of your stateroom

If there are guardrails on the beds.

This is especially important if you have younger children who will be sleeping in them. No child is really too young to go on a cruise but you will have to decide as to whether you feel it's safe to bring a newborn baby or a toddler on one of these kid friendly cruises. Remember that you are going to want to look after them the whole time and that can be kind of tough.

Documentation

You will also need to ask your travel agent what kind of documentation is necessary for the family cruises. You will have to bring along all this necessary information for every family member.

Be especially careful you and your children are crossing borders if you are the only parent on the trip.

If that's the case even more information is usually required.

Budget

Family cruises are affordable family vacations and you can get great family cruise deals.

If you want to have the best family cruise you still need to decide where you want to go, which cruise line you want to travel on and how much extra money you will need to put aside to spend on your trip.

Bring a comfortable amount but don't go overboard. It shouldn't affect other bills because this can only end up causing problems. Keep in mind though that you will need to budget for some additional things like shore excursions, tips, extra food, along with infant care if you decide to bring babies along.

To learn how to save money every time you take a cruise check out Cheap Cruises Vacations - 4 Secrets For Finding Fun and Saving Big. And to find out how to get the lowest possible prices on airfare, car rentals, hotels and cruises, take a look at a review of "Save on Airfare" at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now and learn how to make it happen.

All Inclusive Cruises - 7 Tips For Smooth Sailing

2008-08-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

With prices going up everywhere we look, we all want to save as much money as we can. We might spend hours surfing the Internet or strolling through shopping centers and malls, looking to save a buck here or there. But sometimes it makes sense to pay a higher price for something if we can get a lot more value in return.

All inclusive cruises that include absolutely everything you would want on your vacation could save you a lot of dollars and often make a lot of sense.

Because they can be a terrific value, vacation cruises, in general, have recently become very popular. And all inclusive cruises can save you even more money and your choices are almost limitless. There are all inclusive Caribbean cruises, all inclusive wedding cruises, all inclusive Alaskan cruises, and more.

However, especially if this is your first cruise, you should adequately prepare before you disembark from your home port. With the proper groundwork you can enjoy everything from luxurious cabins to delectable meals along with fantastic entertainment.

Tips For Smooth Sailing

Twenty-four hours before you go, confirm your airline reservations. If your flight will be delayed past the ship's departure time, get in touch with the company you booked your cruise with. They will often allow you to change your reservations on the internet.
To easily locate your belongings, fasten a colored ribbon to each piece of baggage.
Bring the most comfortable clothing. Pack swimwear and light cotton attire. A beach robe is great for lounging around your cabin. Sneakers or low-heeled shoes are perfect when you explore different ports of call.
If you're going to a colder or damper climate, pack a raincoat or poncho, sweaters or sweatshirts, and lightweight jackets. It's often best to layer your clothing. For example, you can wear a T-shirt, a flannel shirt, and a light jacket.
For casual evening events, most men wear sport coats and slacks while women wear casual evening clothes. For formal dining, men can often rent a tux on board to save packing space. However, women should bring a cocktail dress or gown.
Keep your cruise documents and passport (if necessary) in your carry-on baggage, so they are easily accessible.
Your port of arrival may be more conservative than your own country. So it's better to dress up then to dress down. By dressing casually but stylishly you will exhibit respect for other cultures,

Follow these simple steps and you can be sure that your all inclusive cruise will be one of the most satisfying adventures of your life.

Want to save even more money every time you take a cruise? Then check out 2 Things To Look For To Find A Hot Deal. And, to make your wildest vacation dreams come true, take a look at http://TheGreatestDreamVacations.com now to learn how.

Apartment Accommodation

2008-08-17T02:28:00.003-07:00

Providing the comforts of home combined with some much welcomed added extras, apartments are a popular choice for many travelers. Apartments are a great choice for the self sufficient traveler equipped with their own kitchen and laundry Apartments often suit families away on vacation or travelers looking to base themselves in a central spot for a longer period of time. There was a time when Apartment Style accommodation was always serviced - meaning that staff employed by the complex would carry out duties such as cleaning, making beds, laundering sheets etc. However, now many apartments have evolved and are unserviced, giving you the option to perform all the duties you generally would at home such as washing, cooking and cleaning, thus giving you the option of cooking your own meals - often a much cheaper option than dining out every night.

Apartment hotels are adaptable types of accommodation; rather than the stiff arrangement of a hotel room an apartment hotel building generally boasts a complete fully fitted and furnished apartment. These compounds are normally custom built, with similarities to that of a hotel multipart containing a diverse multitude of apartments. The amount of time people choose to stay in these apartment hotels can vary anywhere from a few days to months or even years. Prices tend to be more reasonable than hotels. Apartment hotels are used for many as a home away from home, and thus they are more often than not fitted with everything the average home would need.

There are many different styles of apartments available to rent in all of Australia's capital cities. From luxurious penthouses ( singular apartments taking up an entire floor of an apartment block - generally the top floor) to modest studio apartments and everything in between, weather you are a looking for temporary or permanent accommodation there are a multitude of apartments available to rent throughout Australia.

Apartments can be classified into many categories;

Studio apartments are small, one room apartments which combine your living space with your bedroom, generally they have a small kitchen area and a separate bathroom area. Studio apartments are particularly popular in inner city areas as they provide the cheapest option for living in areas where rent can be notoriously expensive.

1, 2, AND 3 bedroom apartments generally have a combined living/dining area with a separate kitchen and bathroom; multi bedroom apartments may sometimes have ensuites attached to the main bedroom. Internal laundries are generally a common feature - especially in more modern apartments. The more bedrooms an apartment has will generally be proportional to the amount of rent you pay, for example a 1 Bedroom apartment with the same sized living space as a 3 bedroom apartment, located in a similar area would have a great difference in price. Many young people choose to rent larger apartments - which although on surface value may look more expensive than a smaller apartment, when the rent is divided amongst 3-4 people it is quite affordable.

Apartments can be quite luxurious. In Australia in particular, where most families live in suburbs on the fringe of the capitol cities or by the coast, it is not unusual for mum and dad to sell the family home once the kids have grown up and moved on and buy an apartment, by the beach or in the heart of the city. These luxurious apartments are popular for many reasons, 1 being that they offer the comforts of home such as swimming pools , and landscaped gardens - but without the hassle of maintaining them.

Holiday apartments, like residential apartments are available in all price ranges. Even within the one resort you will find an array of apartments available at differing costs.

If you are interested in Hotel, Apartment or Motel accommodation please visit Best Western for more information http://www.bestwestern.com.au

he Truth About 5 Star Hotels and Are Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed!

2008-08-17T02:28:00.001-07:00

So you have decided to go on a long hard earned holiday and are looking through your brochure to see what sort of great deals you can get. After days of searching through pages and pages of hotels you finally turn the page to see your dream location a great 5 star hotel with a luxurious pool and activities throughout the day. You quickly grab the phone and book your trip.

A few months pass by, and the date of your trip is finally here. So you pack your suitcases, get the family ready and head for the airport. All the anxiety and excitement kicks in and your right for it to do so, you have been waiting a whole year and working hard to fund this trip. You then step off the aeroplane or boat and head for your hotel. The coach driver pulls over to one side and you wonder what is happening, he then announces we have arrived at our destination you look out of the nearby window and see your so called 5 star hotel. The building looks as if it has not had a renovation for years and then you enter the hotel and be asked to go and get some food before the buffet finishes, you notice that there are bugs and bees landing all over your food.

So you are asking yourself how can this be a 5 star hotel. Then you think back and remember, while looking through the brochure that you had never heard of the tour operator in question. You quickly go to find the local rep but there is not one, you soon start to realise that you are trapped in a holiday from hell.

So what can you do to help this problem so it does not occur in the future again? Firstly you should research well before booking any sort of holiday with a tour operator, check to see if they are APTA regulated, if they are not you should steer well clear. Check to see if there are any reviews both in the brochure and online. The internet is a user generated world and people speak there minds so if something is good or bad you are sure to hear about it.

A lot of people every year get tricked into holidays from hell, all because something looks great it does not mean it will be a bed of roses. The only way to avoid disappointment is to research and then research some more. There's nothing worse than to be stuck in a foreign country with no help and no money.

Bali Hotels - Heaven For Honeymooners

2008-08-17T02:27:00.003-07:00

Planning a summer holiday on a sea coast that nature has gifted with all of its resources? Wish to enjoy your honeymoon watching the sun rise and set on the emerald green sea water, lying on the white sandy surface of a beach? If you really have such a plan then Bali is the right place for you. Located in the westernmost part of the Lesser Islands just between Java and Lombok in Indonesia, Bali is among the most popular holiday destinations these days, not only in Asia, but in the entire world. Situated in the Southern part, Bali is one of the 33 provinces in Indonesia. Thanks to its wonderful geographical location and abundance of natural assets, Bali is one of the most picturesque islands in entire Southeast Asia and is undoubtedly a heaven on earth for tourists and off course for the newly married people who are planning their honeymoon. Thousands of people, not only from other parts of Asia, but from all corners of the world now gather at Bali to enjoy a fun-filled vacation and honeymoon on the lap of serene nature. Traveling and enjoying a vacation has now become even easier with the continuous growth in the number of Bali hotels and resorts.

Hotels and resorts are scattered all over the picturesque island of Bali but some of the areas are more popular as holiday destinations and remain crowded not only in summer but almost in every season. Kuta, Tanjung Benor, Tuban, Nusa Dua, Lembougan, Legian, Sanur, Jimbaran, Singaraja, Seminyak, Candidasa and Ubud are some of the best beaches and account for the maximum numbers of Bali hotels. Most of the hotels are located right on the white sandy surface of the beaches and offer a very easy access to the emerald green sea water. Surrounded by rows of coconut trees, these hotels and resorts not only offer a comfortable stay but also an atmosphere which is ideal for enjoying vacation and off course a breathtaking view of the rising and setting sun on the sea water.

There are different types of Hotels in Bali. While some are luxurious and expensive, some offer accommodation and services at quite affordable rate, making traveling easier for the middle class people. Off course the standard of accommodation, services and other facilities vary from one class of hotel to another, there are some common amenities and services that are available in all types of properties.

The hotels in Bali, irrespective of their class are elegantly decorated and offer well appointed guest rooms that are quite spacious, equipped with comfortable sitting and sleeping arrangement and feature modern amenities like television, direct dial telephone and air conditioner. Hairdryer and toiletries are available in the attached bathrooms. Outside the guest rooms there are lot more for guests. Apart from common services like room service and front desk, many hotels in Bali offer swimming pool, excellent fitness facilities and a host of recreational facilities that make vacation even more enjoyable for leisure travelers.

Scroll through the pages of AsiaRooms.com to have an idea regarding Bali hotels

Palm Cove Hotels - Shelters on the Lap of Nature

2008-08-17T02:27:00.001-07:00

Coastal areas and sandy beaches have always been great holiday destinations. A majority of people all around the world prefer spending their holidays on the romantic atmosphere of exotic beaches that are rich in natural assets and offer breathtaking scenic beauty along with a panoramic view of the sun rise and sun set on the blue water of the sea. Located in the Northern part of Queensland, Australia, Palm Cove is such a place which is earning popularity day by day as an international holiday destinations. Located on the coast of the turquoise blue Coral Sea, Palm Cove is actually a beach community where the Great Barrier Reef has met the mysterious rainforest creating a picturesque backdrop that will mesmerize everybody.

Located at a distance of just 22 kilometers from the city of Cairns, the picturesque Palm Cove is easily reachable from the other parts of the world, which is also a major reason behind its growing popularity as a tourist destination. Walk through the white sandy surface of the beach, enjoy the fresh sea breeze, the breathtaking view of the Coral Reef, the rain forest, the reflection of the rising and setting sun on the sea, go for horse trekking or adventure sports like bungee jumping, sky diving, parasailing and scuba diving and make your vacation memorable forever. You need to worry about accommodation, because in the recent times, Palm Cove hotels and resorts have grown significantly in numbers. Check out for availability of rooms in one such hotel or resort and enjoy a vacation of your lifetime.

Most of the resorts and hotels in Palm Cove are located close to the sea and are surrounded by rows of palm and coconut trees creating an ideal atmosphere for vacationers. Most of the hotels and resorts in Palm Cove offer a number of sea rooms from where one can enjoy the show of color that nature presents everyday. Just sit in front of the window and enjoy the reflection of the golden setting sun on the turquoise blue water of the Coral Sea, the green rainforest and the huge Great Barrier Reef.

Being a booming international tourist destination, the resorts and hotels in Palm Cove are very elegantly furnished and offer spacious and well appointed guest rooms that are equipped with comfortable sleeping arrangements and all modern amenities like television, telephone an air conditioner for extra comfort. Outside the rooms there is lot more to make vacations more enjoyable.

Other than room service, active front desk and excellent dining facility, most of the Palm Cove hotels and resorts are rich in several recreational activities among which swimming pool is most common. Besides, fitness facilities like spa and sauna are also available in some hotels. The Sebel Reef House & Spa Palm Cove Hotel, Novotel Palm Cove Resort and Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove Hotel are among the most reputed resorts and hotels in Palm Cove.

Extraordinary Experiences at Unusual Luxury Hotels

2008-08-17T02:26:00.003-07:00

Though there are numerous luxury independent hotels who promise extraordinary things, few offer a truly unique experience. However, there are some places around the world that do offer something completely different - ranging from gourmet villages in France to Alpine eco-camps. Here is a selection of some of the world's most unique boutique hotel experiences...

Whitepod, Switzerland

There is nothing like the Whitepod experience - you could call Whitepod a boutique hotel only by the loosest of descriptions! This collection of eleven "ecopods", located in the Swiss Alps, offers an experience for those who truly want to get away from it all. With no crowds to worry about, you are free to enjoy the Alpine wilderness without distractions - even the pods, carved out of ice, are designed to blend perfectly with their surroundings. Whitepod also offers a number of luxury comforts, from spa and massage treatments to luxury cuisine from the resident chef. If you want to experience the secluded natural beauty of the Alps but don't want to forsake the style of a luxury hotel, Whitepod is the place.

Les Sources de Caudalie, France

France has long been renowned as the wine-making capital of the world but at this unique boutique hotel they have found a particularly original use for their wine grapes. Having discovered the health and anti-aging benefits of grape seeds and also found a natural hot spring beneath their hotel, Mathilde and Bertrand Cathiard-Thomas combined the two to create the first vinotherapy spa centre in the world. This luxury spa hotel offers a range of health and beauty treatments (including red wine baths and honey and wine wraps) as well as superb accommodation and, of course, fine wine.

Georges Blanc Gourmet Village and Spa, France

This purpose built "gourmet village" is dedicated to serving those who seek a feast for all the senses. Georges Blanc, with three Michelin stars, is one of the finest chefs in France and personally oversees the superb cooking here. But the village has much more to offer than just good food. Luxury hotel accommodation and a comprehensive spa are part of the experience and, from the design of the buildings to the carefully crafted gardens, clients will enjoy the most beautiful experience possible.

The Capri Palace Hotel and Beauty Farm, Capri

There are plenty of luxury spa hotels around the world but there are few that can beat the Capri Palace for location, reputation or the quality of service. On the coast of the beautiful island of Capri, the Capri Palace offers spectacular views out towards the Tyrrhenian Sea and Naples. The white washed hotel is a haven of rest and relaxation, offering palatial accommodation and outstanding dining. Plus, there is the award-winning Capri Beauty Farm: overseen by Professor Francesco Canonaco, it offers a selection of the very best beauty treatments, ranging from "Sun Peel" skin treatments to balsamic steam baths, and it is regarded as one of the finest spas in the world.

Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest luxury independent hotels in Europe. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve "Beyond Special". For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.