Arts and Travel

Florida is a Place for Good, Honest, Fun

2009-11-01T15:36:00.000+07:00

There are more than 8 Theme Parks here. They are Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, Seaworld and Busch Gardens. In addition, there are the water Parks: Wet'n'Wild Water Park, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Fantasy of Flight and Discovery Cove. It will take you many holidays to cover them all!

Magic Kingdom should be the starting point especially for younger kids. It has lots for the little ones. It is home to Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, Cinderella and Space Mountain.

Disney has a new great ride at Animal Kingdom which is called Expedition Everest. It takes you through the treacherous Himalayas.

From 2005, Bush Gardens in Tampa has an adrenaline-pumping ride called Sheikra. It is 200ft tall, 70mph, 138ft drop - ride and is now Florida's tallest roller coaster. The minimum height requirement for that ride is 54 inches.

Seaworld has 3 new genteel rides for juniors in its children's play area, including Shamu's express which is a killer-whale themed rollercoaster.

Islands of Adventure is part of Universal Studios and has a number of great rides including the Hulk coaster and the Spider-man show on Marvel Super-Hero Island, as well as toddler options on the famous Dr Seuss's patch.

The best place to stay for value for money is a privately owned rental: Orlando Holiday Homes near Disney. You will have lots of space and privacy. The great majority of these houses are equipped with private pools. Some even have lots to do indoors if it rains, such as games rooms, books and board games. These houses are family homes so you have your own private room on holiday Private condos near Disney have shared pools and are often based in upscale resorts with everything you could wish for.

Rent a car (or bring your own) at low prices and tour the area whilst you are there - if you can tear yourself away from the Theme Parks!

- http://www.worldwidevillas.net -

Waved Albatross Migration

2008-12-06T21:06:00.002+07:00

The largest bird in the Galapagos Islands, the waved albatross, is getting ready to depart, as it follows the cool waters back to lower southern latitudes. Albatrosses nest only on Espa�ola (Hood) Island, and live here from late March through early January.

The sole purpose of coming here is to reproduce, and so all their mating efforts must succeed before the arrival of the warm waters. This also brings the first rains, and their inland habitat is just impossible for them to cope with, as grasses particularly turn the dessert-like environment into a thick green lush jungle. Their offspring must be ready to leave too, as subaldults (adults with no previous mating experience), and so from October through December the most amazing flying lessons and wing exercises are witnessed on those brand new individuals.

Lots of downy feathers are seen being swept by the wind; the newer feathers are just coming out, and albatrosses must be ready to take off. Because of their big size, the young adults cannot have a second chance to take off. Once they jump off the cliffs near Punta Su�rez, they will start their long journey until the nutrient-rich waters start heading back to the islands. Our ships Isabela II and MV Santa Cruz Galapagos Cruises have reported as of December 30th, a total of just 12 albatrosses left on the island. The latest they have stayed is the end of the second week in January. Bon Voyage!

Authors
This article was developed by Metropolitan Touring, for their newsletter, and was wrote by a team of travelers, field guides, operations and marketing staff inside the company, all of them has more than 10 years working in the Galapagos cruises and tours guiding and sales, Sylvia Moncayo, Francisco Dousdeb�s, Santiago Tamayo, Gonzalo Alvarez are the team who produce our articles, Email info@metropolitan-touring.com Article Copyright Metropolitan Touring Corporation 2005 - 2006

Source:

* Galapagos Islands Cruises & Tours
* Finch Bay Galapagos Islands Hotel & Tours

Galapagos Cruises and Ecuador tours information:

* Galapagos Islands Cruises Isabela II & MV Santa Cruz
* MV Santa Cruz Galapagos Islands Cruise description
* Isabela II yacht Galapagos Islands Cruise description
* Galapagos Islands Tours
* Finch Bay Galapagos Islands Hotel
* Tourist Class Galapagos Cruises
* Galapagos Scuba Diving Cruises Estrella de Mar I & II official site
* Galapagos Scuba Diving liveaboards
* Cuenca Ecuador hotels, restaurants, tours, maps official travel guide
* Rio Amazonas Quito Hotel
* Finlandia Quito Hotel
* Quito Ecuador Hotels, Restaurants, Maps and Tours information travel guide

- Gonzalo A -

Mount Fuji, the Sleeping Volcano

2008-12-03T10:21:00.001+07:00

Mount Fuji or Fujisan is Japan�s highest mountain. The peak lies at 3776 meters which translates to 12,388ft. Its conical form, often snow-capped can be seen from both Tokyo and Yokohama providing of course the weather is clear. The shape is the clue, because Fuji, the Spiritual Mountain is a volcano. The last eruption was in 1708 so we can safely say Mount Fuji is presently dormant.

For the traveler who is perhaps using Japan as a stop over on a flight from either the US or Europe to Australasia time is probably in short supply. However, your stop-over will probably act as a foretaste of this incredible land of rugged terrain and rocky coasts, and not forgetting the fact that Japan
is one of the few places in the world that enjoys four seasons. The easiest way to catch a good glimpse of the mountain is to take a train from Tokyo to Osaka.

The Tokado line runs from the capita to Osaka via Nagoya and Kyoto; all places worth visiting during your stay in Japan. Approximately 45minutes after leaving Tokyo the train comes to Shin-Fuji station. This is the place to take photographs, so be sure you are on the right hand side of the carriage in order to see the towering, often snow capped peak of Japan�s premier mountain. Japanese trains are fast and efficient so the stop at Shin-Fuji will be brief and you will need to be quick in order to get your photographs. Unfortunately, too, the view can frequently be marred or even obscured by haze or cloud cover. http://www.japanesegetaways.com
this is especially so during the warm summer months, so maybe the best time to visit is the winter!

However, for those with more time, head out of Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lake Region that hugs the lower reaches of the mountain at an altitude of 3500 ft. This is a good base for climbing the mountain. To benefit from better weather conditions this is best done during the summer months of July and August.
Another alternative is to proceed to the hot spa resort of Hakone. Hakone is a favorite getaway spot from the hurly burly of bustling Tokyo, so expect the town to full at week-ends and during holiday time. From this lovely place with its lakeside setting you will get breath-taking glimpses of the upper reaches of a mountain that has inspired artists and sages over the centuries. If you want to go to the top, there is a motor road that goes half way up so you don�t need to get into training before heading off to Japan. Oh, yes, the best time to visit Hakone and the 5 Lake Region is during the month of June when the hydrangeas are in bloom, enjoy your trip!

Interested in this subject? Try this link for http://www.japanesegetaways.com

Take a Luxury Cruise Vacation to Europe

2008-11-22T20:25:00.002+07:00

Taking a luxury cruise vacation throughout Europe offers a unique travel experience that will not be forgotten soon. In fact, you are likely to be drawn to embarking on even more cruises aboard the luxury liners that glide effortlessly across the high seas.

Cruising above the surface of the ocean waters aboard a luxury ship enhances the value of your vacation by offering you amenities that are not usually found with other vacationing options. Doesn�t the chance to see brilliantly-colored sunrises and sunsets without the usual blockage of city skylines sound appealing? How about the opportunity to truly relax, as you listen to the comforting sounds of the rolling ocean waters?

A cruise offers you this and so much more for your vacationing experience. Sailing the seas aboard a luxury liner is a no-hassle way for travelers to see the different ports of the world. Let the Captain and crew worry about navigating to different areas of interest while you spend your valuable time exploring the different cultures found at each new port along the way.

Luxury cruises provide a wide-range of services that appeal to the variety of tastes and interests among its passengers. Everything from taking it easy poolside, experiencing the exhilaration of sighting a pod of whales, taking advantage of all of the onboard entertainment and activities available, delighting the palette with delicious, fine cuisines, to exploring interesting and spectacular destinations.

European cruising vacations are appealing to a vast number of people because of the many interesting destinations available for exploration by travelers. There are a number of different luxury cruise liners, with itineraries to meet the specific needs and interests of vacationers. The internet provides a wealth of information about the different cruise lines, destinations, and package deals can even be found to help make planning your European cruise vacation easy and most affordable.

- Sebastian S -

San Jose del Cabo Vacations

2008-11-21T09:39:00.002+07:00

From Spanish military outpost to vacation destination extraordinaire, San Jose del Cabo has long been providing an attractive and intriguing place to stop in for a visit. In contrast to Cabo San Lucas just a few miles away, this beach haven is more about relaxing than partying, and makes for an excellent spot to soak in the sun, watch the waves, and just be.

Much of San Jose del Cabo�s charm lies in its Spanish heritage, which comes through in the architecture of the town�s buildings and in the general atmosphere as well. Something about this place is a little exotic, a little different; this spells good things for vacationers who are in no mood to experience the same old scene that�s existed since spring break of �79. San Jose del Cabo offers a more grown-up vibe, and it�s irresistible.

That's not to say this place is boring. Quite the contrary; San Jose del Cabo is all about having a good time, just in laid-back way. You can�t be in Baja, California without feeling free to do what you like, so unwind and take advantage of all that the sunny coast has to offer. The Sea of Cortez on one side and the Pacific on the other spell stunning scenery and ample choices for doing the things you�ve been daydreaming about. Barco Varado, Chileno and Palmilla are a few excellent beaches to consider.

Start things off with a bang with something as simple as spending your first day lounging on the beach; awaken your senses by letting the sun warm your skin. Thread your toes through the soft sand and then plunge into the salty ocean and cleanse yourself of all stress and strain. Once you�ve rediscovered your zest for life, it�ll be time to get active. Rent a surfboard or some snorkel gear to become better acquainted with the deep blue sea, and feel the rush of adrenaline surging through your veins. It�s been a while, hasn't it?

After this, put on your sandals and head to town. Wandering the streets will take you to another time, when technology hadn�t yet begun to interfere with silence and calm. Check out all the old churches and 18th century structures, appreciating the care that the community has taken to preserve its colorful past. Stop at a unique store to pick up a souvenir that will actually do justice to this trip, and then satisfy your hunger (and your thirst) with a yummy south of the border meal and a cerveza or two. A day like this will do wonders for you and will set you up for some of the best sleep of your life.

If your visit falls between January and March, you might be lucky enough to catch the amazing sight of migrating whales. Set yourself up on Magdalena Bay and keep your eyes open for the great beasts to poke their heads above water or perhaps put on a little show by leaping towards the sky. Follow this with a mini cruise that will show you the islets that surround San Jose del Cabo as an expert points out notable details. Here�s a hint: make it a sunset cruise for a dazzling and romantic experience you won�t soon forget.

Golf, horseback riding, kayaking and simply strolling around are a few more activities that will keep you happy and engaged in your surroundings. Pamper yourself at a spa and then enjoy a quiet nightcap with your love for the perfect end to the ultimate day. Hopefully you�ll let yourself forget about the responsibilities of work and allow yourself to truly relax; see if you can go the whole time without checking your email or turning on your cell phone.

Top it all off by ensuring that you and your companions will live in comfort while you�re here. Book a San Jose del Cabo Vacation Rental that will seemingly anticipate your every need and provide this trip with an extra touch of class, style and convenience. Go online to view the possibilities, and prepare to feel the warm embrace of this lovely location.

HomeAway.com lists thousands of vacation rentals located all over the world.

- Caitlin M -

Cheap Flight Deals Hit In 2008

2008-11-17T11:40:00.002+07:00

Could the writing be on the wall for low cost airlines operating out of the UK and other European countries as the Conservative Party - once a campaigner and implementer of lower taxes - has called for purchase tax to be introduced to domestic flights?

The tax would add up to 17.5 per cent on to the cost of a flight from one British city to another, but while flights to the European mainland and popular holiday islands such as Menorca aren't specifically mentioned, one travel company believes the new policy will inevitably lead to higher fares for flights not just within Britain, but elsewhere too.

The Tory policy review calls for the UK to be a leader on green growth, noting that it was illogical for flights to attract less tax than cars and trains, with David Cameron, the Tory Party leader, saying that much of the report would be included in their manifesto at the next British General Election, which at the time could have been just weeks away as election speculation mounted in the UK, but is now likely to be in 2009 or 2010 following British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's decision not to hold an early poll.

'It's not so much that we're convinced the Tories will win the next election and tax domestic flights', say the travel company, 'But by proposing new taxes on flights it leads the door open to the Labour Party, who are more likely to win, to use taxes on flights as a revenue raiser with no opposition from the Tories who are traditionally seen as the tax cutting party. We have no doubt that flights will be taxed a lot more in 2008 because the Tories have now made it a soft target for the British government of any political persuasion and the Treasury when they prepare their annual budgets.'

In a pre-budget statement to the House of Commons, the first for new Chancellor Alistair Darling and the first major government statement after Prime Minister Gordon Brown opted not to call an early election, a shift was made away from taxing passengers to planes, making half full flights less financially viable, with a start date of November 2009.

Citing Menorca as an example, the company points to the holiday industry on the island being a major employer, and the Menorca map changing over the years as new resorts have been built to accommodate additional visitors.

'One of the other aspects of the report that is a worry for the holiday industry', continues the travel company, 'Is that new runways at Stansted, Gatwick and Heathrow Airports are all ruled out - all three airports serve London and the South-East of England. Any increased demand for example for Menorca holidays probably won't be able to be met without increased capacity, inevitably leading to a consequence of higher prices overall.'

From the environmental lobby the Green Party described the proposals as 'fiddling around the edges when what is needed is urgent and radical action', adding that the Tory eco-taxes would hit the poorest in society hardest.

Menorca Map

Taking Menorca as typical of the areas that could be affected most by additional flight taxes, the travel company takes the view that any downturn in visitor numbers and the volume of bookings for holidays and hotels in Menorca would hit an island that relies heavily on tourism.

The Spanish island is currently served by three UK airlines that offer scheduled flights, including one low cost carrier that offers cheap flights to Menorca. But there are a high number of holiday companies who offer chartered flights in the summer months, and these companies have helped reduced prices for holidaymakers visiting the island. Neighbouring island Majorca attracted most UK tourists for 2007, beating off competition from low cost destinations in Eastern Europe, and Menorca has also benefitted from an increase in visitor numbers.

Despite their geographical closeness and being part of the same group of islands, the Balearics, Menorca and Majorca attract a different type of tourist from each other, and with Ibiza the third of the islands each has its own appeal, and each her unique selling points when compared to each other.

Ibiza is known in Europe for her clubs and nightlife, with 18 to 30's and their high disposable incomes preferring the island to quieter Majorca and Menorca. A survey by the island's tourist board sprung a surpise for many in the hotels and holidays industry with a report showing of the three islands that Ibiza's visitors spent more on their holidays than those in Majorca and on holiday in Menorca.

Majorca is a favourite holiday island for both the British and Germans, and as well as having a cosmopolitan feel to it offers both nightlife for the young with luxury hotels and villa holidays for older visitors. Plans are in place to build Spain's top luxury hotel on the island.

The island of Menorca, also known as Minorca, is regarded as the quietest of the three holiday islands, and family orientated, with tourists just as likely to be taking a villa holiday with companies like James Villas as they are staying in a hotel or holiday apartment. The island is at her best in May and September when the island's roads are quiet but everyone is geared up for the season.

The travel company who produce YourMenorca.net concludes that all three islands would be affected detrimentally by any further increases in taxes on flights, and infrastructure improvements planned for the future might have to be reconsidered if the number of tourists visiting for a holiday comes down.

Minorca will be watching the British political scene with an unusual amount of interest 2008.

- Roger M -

Extravagant Boat Cruises � Cape Town

2008-11-16T15:15:00.002+07:00

Not all of us have had the privilege to enjoy the luxuries of a cruise onboard a catamaran. Even less so when you live inland, but this experience is something to add to your must-do list when visiting Cape Town. When you set foot onto a luxurious 53 foot catamaran for the first time you will experience sheer extravagance.

The Tigger 2
The Tigger 2 has the capacity to cater for up to 50 people and still be comfortably spacious. Its elegance is fit for a queen and its power thrilling.

The Tigger 2 caters for all. Whether it�s a romantic sunset cruise, fishing with the boys or even a corporate function, the Tigger 2 is tailor-made to provide for all. With a full catering facility on board, you can wine and dine with the best of them.

A boy�s day out
Even with lavish beauty the Tigger 2 is still rugged enough for a good boy�s day out. Set with standard cruises that include deep sea game fishing, scuba diving or even clay shooting cruises - there really is an array of things for the boys to do.

For some real adventure the Tigger 2 departs at sunrise to travel into deep sea for some exciting sport fishing. An entire day spent fishing for Tuna (Yellow fin or Long fin) miles offshore is definitely not for the weak of heart. But if deep sea Big Game fishing is not exactly your thing you�d be glad to know that you can have a fun-filled day practising your clay shooting. That�s right, clay shooting!

Departing from Hout Bay Harbour the Tigger 2 would take you to the perfect spot: Chapman�s Peak. Accompanied with a certified instructor and supplied with all the equipment you would be able to get ready, aim and shoot that clay into a million pieces. Although not exactly something you�d expect to do on a catamaran, it�s still great fun and sure to fill your day with the guys with laughter.

Something for the ladies
Grab a few of your girlfriends for a great day out. A full day cruise on the Tigger 2 is just the thing. Spend your day lying on deck, sipping on cocktails and getting the perfect tan you�ve been trying to get all summer while cruising along the wild coast of Chapman�s Peak and the Sentinel. This really is how you ought to enjoy a Cape Town summers day.

A perfect romantic setting
The perfect romantic date is usually associated with certain keywords, namely: sunset, candlelit dinner and a bit of bubbly. And this is exactly what you would be able to enjoy while wooing your gorgeous date.

You can be sure that you will make an everlasting impression when the bubbly is served and you and your loved-one are sharing an uttermost intimate moment while cruising on the Tigger 2.

Many couples have booked one of the Private Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruises for an even more intimate occasion. This cr�me de la cr�me cruise is perfect for those cherished moments when you take your relationship to the next big level or celebrating what you and your partner already have. First you will be wined and dined with a bit of bubbly and a pate platter as sun sets, followed with a four course candlelit dinner of the most decadent culinary art paired with the best of Cape wines.

After sharing a perfect moment you won�t be able to resist falling deeply in love and wish that you can spend the rest of your life with this person sailing into the untamed seas!

The Tigger 2 really does cater for every occasion, but more than that, it also aims to thrill and pleasure the individual. For a truly extravagant appreciation of Cape Town, book yourself a trip on the Tigger 2 catamaran.

Author Bio
Tigger2Charters are docked in Hout Bay. For the ultimate Cape Town boat cruise, whatever your choice of adventure, the Tigger 2 catamaran caters for weddings, team building, deep sea fishing and scuba diving.

- Lulie S -

2 Great Ways to Discover Florida

2008-11-12T23:16:00.002+07:00

For fun and adventure and culture, yes culture! Read on...

Here are Some Great Ways to Discover Florida.

# 1. Fun and Adventure

With over 34 million visitors each year, Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. But if you are after more fun and adventure after visiting the theme parks at Disneyworld, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld, you should try the sensational Busch Gardens in Tampa, the world famous Daytona International Speedway and exploring the Everglades national park.

Dont Miss a Space Shuttle launch

Cape Canaveral on Floridas Space Coast is the only place in the West where people are launched into space. Being there when the Space Shuttle blasts into space is a truly incredible experience.

Dont Miss Floridas largest and fastest roller coaster

Is Busch Gardens, Tampa

Prepare for the thrill of your life on Sheikra, Floridas tallest roller coaster and the worlds tallest dive coaster. 70mph of pure adrenaline-pumping excitement. Travel 200 feet up and then plunge to the depths of an underground tunnel, with water!

Dont Miss Bush Gardens Zoo

With over 2600 animals, the zoo at Busch Gardens is one of Americas top zoos

# 2. Culture

Look beyond the more obvious tourist attractions and you will be surprised at what you find.

There is an abundance of architecture, museums, forts, art galleries.

Dont Miss Historic Wrecks

Pensacola has fascinating wrecks to explore. This includes the 500-foot World War 1 battleship USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo and an A-7 Corsair aircraft that fell off the deck of the USS Lexington.

Dont Miss Art Deco Buildings

Take a stroll down Ocean Drive, Miami, and enjoy South Beachs Art deco buildings. Painted pink, lavender and turquoise, they line the palm-fringed walkway.

Dont Miss a Driving Tour

If you have a car whilst visiting Miami, do yourself a favour, and take a driving tour of Coral gables. Coral Gables Driving Tour isnt just one of the countrys richest neighbourhoods, its a separate city within Greater Miami. Known as The City Beautiful for good reason, its elegant homes line winding avenues shaded by banyans and live oaks. This driving tour winds its way along the lush peaceful lanes and is both relaxing and cultural.

Along the tour are these beautiful sights:

1. The Granada Entrance a replica of the gate to Granada in Spain.

2. The Country Club Prado Entrance complete with ornamental pillars.

3. Alhambra water Tower built in 1925.

4. Coral Way lined by live oaks and Spanish-style houses.

5. Venetian Pool a beautiful public swimming pool.

6. Coral Gables Congregational Church built in Spanish Baroque style.

7. Biltmore Hotel one of the most stunning hotels in the country, beautifully restored to its 1920s century grandeur.

8. The Lowe Art Museum contains European and Native American Art.

9. French City Village one of several international villages built to add variety to the city.

10. Dutch South African Village.

11. French Country Village.

12. Chinese Village.

13. French Normandy Village.

14. Coral Gables City Hall

15. Miracle Mile the districts most important shopping street.

Other Bits of Culture:

- Hemingways House in Key West, where the novelist lived from 1931-1940.

- Little Havana in Miami 3.5 square miles of Cuban culture and life.

- The Ringling Museum of Art and Ringling Museum (Sarasota).

- Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island a charming Victorian resort.

- Salvador Dali Museum, St Petersburg.

Where To Stay

Choose your home away from home.

- milkriver.co.uk -

Spring break Bahamas brings pleasing experiences in life

2008-11-12T08:52:00.002+07:00

Traveling is indeed a great fun and every other person likes to go on a tour. You feel extremely blissful while going to a new place, away from the daily humdrum of your routine life. It is really an incomparable experience. A spring break Bahamas is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to enjoy his break from daily work schedule. We are bored of daily routined work and so we look for a break to make our self relax. It becomes tiresome for an individual to run from office to home and so a break is required in such case to regain the energy and relaxation. Bahamas is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to visit a naturally beautiful and peaceful place.

You can enjoy your tour in Bahamas anytime in a year but spring is the best time for an individual or a family to spend their vacation. Spring break Bahamas will surely give you an opportunity of experiencing some of the most memorable moments of your life. This place has lots to offer for the visitors, as per their choice. If you are willing to enjoy a vacation which is full of water sports, then you can visit Paradise Island, Grand Bahamas and many others to experience a pleasant experience which has all pleasure for the visitors. The Bahamas has always been preferred by almost every visitor, as it gives the mesmerizing views, tasty food and many activities to relax. If you love water related activities then diving, fishing, playing on the sands with water and snorkeling are some of the well known actions that you can opt to enjoy yourself.

Bahamas is an ideal destination all those who love to visit island. You can consult a travel agent who can make al arrangements for you so that you can enjoy a peaceful and pleasant vacation. There are many hotels, resorts, villas for you to spend your vacation. You can select anyone of them whichever you feel is suitable for you depending on the number of persons or friends. You can also ask for some discount package that may be helpful for you as it can make some relief in your budget. You must make all preparations well in advance if you are planning to go on spring break Bahamas. It may become a difficult situation for you if you have visited Bahamas without making proper hotel bookings. During peak holiday season, it�s very difficult to find a hotel or villa of your choice. So, a travel agent would advise you about various packages and will book a hotel or villa for you.

Bahamas do really have something for each and everyone. The beautiful beaches with blue waters, mesmerizing views and many other attractions makes it special and you will certainly happen to celebrate one of the most wonderful times of your life. Many people love traveling and it is their relaxing time for them to travel around especially during their holidays. A place which is full of natural beauty along the beach side is liked by a majority of people.Bahanas is one such place located near United States, its desire of almost every one who has love for nature to visit spring break Bahamas. Freeport Bahamas is such a place, located near United States of America and it�s very easy to reach this place. Once you have reached there, you will find all pleasures of life. It is really a fascinating place and every one likes to visit this place at least once

- gobahama.com -

Why Not Take A Cuban Vacation

2008-11-10T11:08:00.001+07:00

A Cuban Vacation is something more and more people take with every passing year. Cuba and its capital Havana have become one of the top tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

What is there to do on a Cuban Vacation apart from sit on a beach, and drink rum and relax?

The fact is that holidays in Cuba are very much what you make of them, because apart from the beach and the rum, a Cuba vacation can be also cultural, exhausting, even breathtaking, but one thing is sure your visit to Cuba will be absolutely unforgettable.

To start with a Cuba vacation based on beaches, because Cuba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. When you realize there is an almost six thousand kilometer coastline, with 289 natural beaches you will understand why there are several that are an outstanding place for a Cuba Family Holiday Package and Vacation Deal. At the north end of Cuba you find powder sand and a turquoise sea with waves from the Atlantic Ocean. In the south there is the warm Caribbean Sea with virtually untouched beaches. The more popular Cuba becomes as a tourist destination the more difficult it is to find quiet tourist free beaches.

The following are well worth trying on your Cuban Vacation

Cayo Santa Maria on the north east coast is a small island surrounded by coral reefs and seven miles of very quiet and untouched beaches.

Cayo Levisa is accessed by boat from a place about two hours west of Havana, and is covered by jungle surrounded by white sand beaches, protected by coral reefs and very picturesque.

Playa Ancon is to the south nine miles from Trinidad, has six miles of soft sand, is very sheltered and perfect for families. This is more popular but still uncrowded.

Cayo Largo is on the east side of the island and has some of the best diving reefs and white sand beaches. It takes a flight or a six hour boat trip to get to, so not touristy at all.

Playa Santa Lucia is a thirteen mile beach, with calm water due to the reef, and turquoise sea. Probably the most popular of the beaches mentioned but never feels crowded due to its size.

All of these beaches feature hotels eminently suitable for a Cuban vacation and certainly a Cuba Vacation Package can be arranged.

For those tourists who are looking for more culture, then culture vultures will love Havana. There are museums, and then for the music lovers there are salsa clubs and live jazz.

On the other hand you can take to the open road and discover open roads, classic cars, and breathtaking landscapes. As an example might be the breathtaking landscapes and charming caves at Vinales Valley.

For goodness sake hire a car, the roads are deserted, or perhaps do some horse riding. On the other hand there are significant numbers of wrecked ships to scuba dive and explore.

Cuba is exciting, and an amazing place considering it is still Communist, but nevertheless a Cuban Vacation will open your eyes to a perfect tourist destination, and you should be able to enjoy a great Cuban Vacation Deal.

- caribbean-vacationspots.com -

France Map - Great Holiday Ideas

2008-11-08T18:41:00.002+07:00

Be ready to get impressed on your travel France as the country has everything that one could expect from a holiday. Amongst the five top most tourist destinations in the world, facts about France let you see why it is so. It has the fashion capital Paris as its capital city, beautiful nature, beaches, the mountain scenery, and monuments all make it a great tourist destination. Moreover, the experience of visiting the country can vary as to the place you select for your holiday. Holidays on a beach, in the countryside, the big cities to the beautiful villages, all have something on offer for its visitors. There is plenty to explore and discover, loads of activities to get involved in and certainly life long memories to take back home. A great destination, France provides number of holiday ideas a few are mentioned here.

• Adventure Holidays

Take on an adventure holiday to see the real France. For those who love adventure travel, adventure holidays can be a fantastic option. Get a taste of the place, meet the local people when you head on an adventure holiday. On offer are all kinds of different activities that one can pick from like from the extreme sports to the more ordinary. These holidays come in complete package holidays, and tailor made for adult only adventures or for a family holiday that can cater for all ages of children. It’s the horse riding that catches your fancy, mountain biking or is it the hiking, you can find all this and much more for your holiday.

• Cycling holidays

With cycling being a national pastime in France, the organized cycling holidays are becoming very popular. These holidays provide with an opportunity for the visitors to cycle their way into the country and explore the region while having a go at the sport. This year round activity is a very popular among all ages and weather has a big role to play. In addition there are quite and beautiful countryside, with number of roads available for cycling. The well-maintained roads provide excellent cycling areas for cycling. Tour de France, the greatest cycling event in the world takes here in the country. For not the regular cyclists there are organized cycling trips, which combine cycling with accommodation, visits to the areas along the route.

• Skiing holidays

If you are on travel France for a skiing holiday then you will find the country has some of the best ski areas and ski resorts. France is a very popular destination among the tourists and if you skiing is your cup of tea, then Alps provide with excellent ski areas. With many ski classes made available for the tourists who are beginners, everyone can enjoy. Tourists can choose from a wide range of ski accommodation from ski resorts, private ski chalets, chalet apartments to hotels. The ski accommodation meets the needs of all skiers.

• Golfing holidays

France can turn out to be an excellent choice for a golfing holiday for both the professional and amateur golfers, as the country has a variety of golf courses. Playing golf amidst snow-capped mountains or Mediterranean views, it is a wonderful experience. France is a fantastic destination for golf holidays all the year round and plenty of sunshine adds on to the charm of the place. There is a lot of choice as the France map is dotted all over with golf courses. With the specially designed golf holidays, wherein one stays in a luxury villa, a private golf course and this blend of comfort and quality with golf is a quite experience.

• Holiday on a River Cruise

With the varied landscape that France has, a river cruise holiday is a perfect way to enjoy the countryside, the history and the culture as one travels from one place to another. It is the right idea for a relaxing and a different kind of holiday. A river cruise lets you experience, what you can never otherwise see, with every region having its own specialty and beauty.

• Camping holidays

Travel France for a great camping holiday, which is a great holiday idea for fun and adventure. In the recent years, camping has caught on with the tourists and with thousands of campsites available, it is all the much easier to embark on a camping holiday. One will get easily spoiled for choices, with so many to choose from, right from hiring your own tent, caravans, or even a mobile home, is a great way of touring the country. The campsites are well maintained and organized, offering all the facilities for relaxing and entertaining holidays.

Wherever you travel a France map would be a handy tool and should be your accompanist all through your holiday.

- quickbooker.com -

I Love Touring Paris - The Fifth Arrondissement

2008-11-07T22:54:00.002+07:00

The 5th arrondissement is on the Left Bank of the Seine River in central Paris. It is often known as the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) although it's been a long time since many have spoken Latin there. Its population is slightly under sixty thousand and the district provides almost fifty thousand jobs. It is fairly small; less than a square mile (about two and a half square kilometers). This is one of the oldest districts in all Paris and offers some attractions dating back to the time of the Romans who never called it the Latin Quarter. The Roman town Lutetia was built in the First Century BC.

The Arenes de Lutece (Lutetia Arena) once held at least fifteen thousand spectators and considerably fewer gladiators. It was built in the First Century AD and included the longest Roman amphitheater. The 135 foot (over 40 meter) long stage hosted both plays and gladiator fights. There were probably animal cages as well, surely not for the plays. The upper level held the poor, the slaves, and women while the lower level was reserved for the big shots. Just in case the spectators got bored they did have a great view of the Seine River.

The city was sacked by barbarians in the year 280 and some of its stone was removed to build up the defenses. The arena was subsequently transformed into a cemetery, and then filled with the construction of city walls in the early Thirteenth Century. The arena was more or less forgotten; nobody knew where it was but neighborhood kept its name. The arena was accidentally rediscovered in the 1860s during the construction of a streetcar depot on the site. The famous Nineteenth Century writer Victor Hugo played a major role in preserving these ruins. The area became a public square in 1896 and is open to the public daily and evenings in the summer.

The Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) was established in 1980 by eighteen Arab countries and France. This Institute provides extensive information about the Arab world and promotes its cultural and spiritual values. The Institute also supports cooperation and cultural exchanges between France and the Arab world, especially in science and technology. In 1989 it won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The Jardin des Plantes is France's main botanical garden. It includes an aquarium, and a small zoo founded with animals from the royal menagerie at Versailles (not the two-legged variety). Its gardens include a rose garden, an alpine garden, an Art Deco winter garden, Australian and Mexican hothouses, and a maze.

The Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle (National Museum of Natural History) was founded during the French Revolution. It was quite a center of scientific research. One of the winners of the 1903 Nobel Prize for Physics, Henri Becquerel, held its chair for Applied Physics when he accidentally discovered uranium's radioactivity. Four generations of Becquerels held this chair from 1838 until 1948, which must be some sort of record.

The Musee de Cluny, officially known as Musee National du Moyen Age (National Museum of the Middle Ages) is perhaps the most outstanding medieval building in Paris. It was the town house of the Abbots of Cluny, dating back to 1334 but was rebuilt in both Gothic and Renaissance style starting near the end of the Fifteenth Century. The Musee de Cluny has a fine collection of important medieval artifacts, in particular tapestries, Gothic sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts. Herman Melville mentioned this museum in his famous novel Moby Dick.

The Thermes de Cluny are what remains of Third Century Gallo-Roman baths. Its best-preserved section is the frigidarium, the cold-water pool in which bathers dipped to close their pores after enjoyed the hot-water sections. Some of the original decorative wall painting and mosaics remain intact. These baths were poorly defended and probably destroyed by barbarians, those dirty barbarians, towards the end of the Third Century.

The Pantheon (from a Greek word meaning all the Gods) was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. It sits on top of Montagne Sainte-Genevieve and overlooks all Paris. While this is a great-looking building the architect died before its completion, and not all his plans were followed. The building was intended to be a church in honor of King Louis XV's recovery, but the French Revolution intervened and the Pantheon was transformed into a mausoleum. In alphabetical order, some of the great buried here include Braille, Dumas, Hugo, Marat (French Revolution leader disinterred after little more than a year), Moulin (French Resistance leader), Sklodowska-Curie, Soufflot (Pantheon's architect), Voltaire, and Zola.

The Latin Quarter is home to many universities and other centers of higher education, and naturally scads of bars, bistros, restaurants, and nightclubs. Some schools have relocated to more spacious quarters in other parts of the city or region, surely to the regret of their student population.

Of course you don't want to tour Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. My article I Love French Wine and Food - A Maconnais (Burgundy) Chardonnay reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Pate en Croute de Grenouilles au Bleu de Bresse (Frog and Bresse Blue-Cheese Pie). For your second course savor Poulet de Bresse a la Creme-Trompettes de la Mort (Free-Range Bresse Chicken in Creamy Sauce with Horns of Plenty Mushrooms). And as dessert indulge yourself with Ile Flottante (Floating Island, a Meringue Island in a Custard Sea.) Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.

- travelitalytravel.com -

Encountering Nature Through the Twelve Senses

2008-11-06T23:31:00.002+07:00

Silence stillness immensity

forest stretching endlessly

snow covered, quietly breathing its tremendous, wide, conifer expanse

And the sough of wind rising and falling

Most beings here - plant or animal - are melded into this spacious and soul-purifying landscape

As is the human

But the human is also, at least in part, separate from the land.

And human nature can discern, by way of the 12 senses, aspects and nuances of the natural world through these 12 portals.

The snow sifts down into the forest, falling windless and so light as to seem almost weightless, afloat in place. A deep silence holds sway, an ocean of stillness that invites entry. And there is space enough here for any size contemplation.

In the northern, boreal realm, across this endless range of semi-homogenous evergreen forest radiating its steadfast and grounded, robust energy - across the conifer deep - here and there, an accent counters the etheric expanse with an astral focus, an animal being - raven, jay, squirrel-hunting marten, wolf, moose, or chickadee.

Tracks in the snow tell the stories. A snowshoe hare nips birch tips from a fallen tree. A luxuriously furred marten pursues a red squirrel. Unless the squirrel quickly makes it to one of its underground dens it will become the marten's meal.

Sometime in the night the wolf came near. It came to investigate who was howling in the evening, howling like, yet unlike, another wolf (it's own sense of language revealing that, although the sound of my howl seemed very similar to a wolf's, there was a subtle difference). It came near enough to discern the scent of human presence, approached as near as it dared, always keeping a periphery of safety as it circuited the area of the cabin.

What curiosity was left unquenched? And in the daylight I could feel the wolf watching me from somewhere in the woods, as I went out on the frozen lake to investigate the passage of its own movement, the story told by its tracks.

Surely, from the wolf's point of view, it experiences the most challenge of interpretation (in a sense, the wolf's level of conceptual sense) from the human community. As is well known, the wolf can read, very intimately, the comings and goings, the various aspects of, the moose, and other inhabitants of its immediate neighborhood. But the human being becomes rich in enigma, embodies a broad range of Unknown in the sphere of the wolf's experience.

Snow-shoeing through a forest during a snowfall can be an ideal setting to attune to the landscape. Distractions are reduced - sound is muffled and visibility is confined to a radius of a few feet (of course it goes without saying that one has to exercise care, bring a compass and be good at orienteering, or you can end up in oblivion!)

Overall, the Spirit of the boreal forest - the heart of the boreal forest landscape, like the heart of one of its trees, one senses, is golden, intricate, warm despite the climate, perhaps because of the climate, to counterpoint the cold.

In sharing this encounter with nature through the twelve senses, I will begin with the outermost, least penetrating sense and proceed to the deepest-registering sense (please note that the following presumes a basic understanding of the 12 senses. If the reader wishes to prime him/herself on this subject, use the links under "Further Resources" at the end of the article. Alternatively, information is readily available by entering an internet search via "12 senses" - and adding "Rudolf Steiner" can be helpful):

Touch.

The longer I touch the snow and ice here, the number grows this sense. Then, in turns, it is awakened by prickle of conifer needle, rasped by bark, or caressed by the soft feel of usnea moss. Whatever the sensate experience of touch, I have to admit that it defines my separation, the self's bounds, or at least the physical body's self-bounding. I do touch nature with this sense, but only her outermost surface, a Braille of rebuff, no entry past the outermost edge. As we continue down this list, we enter, increasingly, into the inner nature of things. But the sense of touch is the most external.

For example, when the wind gusts across my face, my sense of touch feels the impact of that gust, but my sense of temperature registers how cool or warm it is.

A manatee, with more brain space dedicated to touch than any other mammal, has a long-distance sense of touch. Whisker like hairs all over its body act as sensors, so that it can, in effect, "touch" from a distance.

Life.

After a long day of snow-shoeing my sense of life feels drained, very low in energy/chi, even despite practicing energy-enhancing Qi-gong along the way (I'm not by any means a master in the art yet).

Overall, as I undertake this trek, my sense of life is both enhanced and exhausted. My constitutional energy is put to the test, the body forces are working at their limit. However, the etheric energy of the forest is so resplendent that there is a constant influx of vitality. An interesting point to be made here is that in urban areas people have to enhance their life sense due to the lack of nature-borne vitality. In consideration of this, we can say, if asked what is truly the most valuable property in, say, New York, the answer is that Central Park has more worth that all the rest of Manhattan combined!

Migrating birds can detect and use magnetic fields of the Earth to navigate by. Is this so-called "magnetic field" actually part of the sense of life of the planet streaming forth? And are the birds, in a way, projecting their own sense of life outward to detect the Earth's energy in this manner?

Wolves are known to stare into the eyes of their prey before opting to attack, reading in their potential prey the nature of their sense of life, their overall constitutional strength and condition of health.

Movement.

This sense of awareness of the body-in-motion enables us to know where any part of our body is even with eyes closed. It is a sense that can be refined and enhanced, as in the case of intricate choreography.

When projected outward, we can sense movement in others. One evening, as I was bent over a campfire, cooking a meal, I could sense something passing over above me. As I looked up I saw an owl flying in the trajectory I had been sensing. The owl, as we know is capable of flying quite silently. I did not hear its passage, nor could I see it in any way, until after I looked up.

Tracks of a solitary snowshoe hare enter the woods, appearing to have crossed the frozen lake - a distance of about 2 miles. What could have drawn the hare across such an long open distance? Its progress would have been little noticed as its coat matched the snow so well (here again, a developed sense of movement projected outward would have helped to sense the hare's passage.)

Does the weasel sense the movement of mice and voles in the sub-nivean chamber beneath the snow, before it dives in?

Often have I watched a flock of shorebirds, or snowbirds, as they fly in complete unison, twisting, turning, diving, swooping as one. Here, the sense of movement has been refined and con-joined to each member of the flock, as though a single being is operating every nuance of movement. This particular example can also shed light on how the sense of ego operates within the realm of nature - more on that below.

Balance.

The human sense of balance is conveyed through inner ear structures. In animals, "otoliths" serve a similar purpose. In nature, we are often challenged to refine our sense of balance, as the terrain is often rugged and variable.

As with movement, deep appreciation of a dance presentation actually requires us to project our sense of balance, as we extend ourselves into the performance.

Within the animal kingdom, exceptional acrobatics in the balance arena include the cat and squirrel.

Smell.

A blossom permeates the air with it's gaseous aroma. Forces of will meet, from outer (e.g., the rose's "will") and inner, as our own will streams out to meet it.

Desert animals can smell water vapor over a great distance. A wolf's nose has been estimated to be from a hundred thousand to a million times more sensitive than a human's. The bear has one of the most sensitive olfactory capacities of the animal kingdom, and is able to track through water, or read information from a scent trail several days old.

Taste.

Just as the sense of smell operates via the airy element, taste depends on the liquid element. A substance must first be partly dissolved before we can taste it. Nature has a way of producing the most flavorful tastes, for example, in fruits that evolve in natural conditions. Despite humankind's most lengthy and deliberate attempts to improve crops in this regard, nature cannot be topped. Notice how the smallest fruits, such as a wild strawberry, have the most incredible taste. The larger agri-business causes its fruits to grow, the more the taste of its products seems to fall bland.

Salmon are famous for their ability to taste their way back up to waters from which they originated. Some fish can detect substances diluted to one part per billion. Bees have taste receptors on their jaws, forelimbs, and antennae.

Vision.

One night, as I lie in my sleeping bag, I am enchanted by a pre-sleep show courtesy of Aurora borealis. I look through the window up into the night sky, past willow and spruce to the backdrop of stars and drink in the Aurora ribbons, the northern angel flights, radiating, dancing in striations that breathe in and out in fanning coruscations.

Vision is a sense that begins to penetrate further than the foregoing senses. When our eyes perceive the blue-green color of the spruce tree, compared with the yellow-green color of the pine tree, we begin to discern something about the inner nature of these different trees.

Bees, birds, and some animals can see in the ultraviolet range. A hawk has 20/5 vision - it can see from 20 feet what most people can see from 5 feet. A falcon can see a 10 cm object from a distance of 1.5 kilometers. A buzzard can observe small rodents from an altitude of 15,000 feet.

Temperature.

We can sense outer surfaces via touch, but we actually use another sense when it comes to detecting temperature variations. As stated above, the wind is physically felt on one's skin, but its relative cold or warmth is sensed via our sense of temperature.

Because an object is permeated by its warmth or cold, the sense of temperature reaches still deeper than vision, further into the foundation of things.

Pit vipers, and some boas, have a heat sensitive organ between their eyes and nostrils, with which they can ascertain body heat in another organism.

Hearing.

As I journey on, I can hear the rise and fall of the wind through the trees, and the crunch of my snowshoes atop the crusty snow.

Resonance, the sound quality that permeates an object, in its vibrational tone reveals much about the nature of the object. Consider candle ice clinking together. The tone the snow gives forth when walking reveals a lot about snow conditions underfoot. When sawing firewood, the sound of the particular log reveals much about the wood's quality. As we listen to the sounds of both things and living beings, in a certain way hearing begins to tell us something about the soul level of what we are encountering.

A pigeon can detect sounds in the infrasound range far below our own limit, as low as 0.1 Hz. Bats can hear through a range from 3,000 to 120,000 Hz (compared with the human range - 20 to 20,000 Hz.).

Language.

Language is a sense that goes beyond merely hearing something spoken. By the sense of language we are able to perceive meaning behind an expression. Language in nature is a great challenge to de-code. The language of animals and birds, the language of a landscape. Once some familiarity is attained in this area, the human element of language interpretation (that is, truly understanding another in one's native tongue) becomes more facile.

One morning, a ptarmigan singing its dawn poem became a particular challenge to interpret. As the sun began to rise, and the ptarmigan began its song a few meters from the cabin I was waking in, I could sense an intricacy to what it was voicing. But my own sense of language, being not yet sufficiently developed, wasn't up to interpreting its message. However, in my research I have discovered that within the human community there are individuals who are becoming increasingly adept at this level of communication.

Besides the human capacity to interpret language, within the animal kingdom there are some who can use this sense fairly effectively - e.g, the gorilla. However, on a deeper level, all animals have a Spirit of the species aspect that is as egoic as ourselves, and thus capable of fully exercising this faculty. And so, by evoking connection with, say, the Spirit of the Wolf, we can begin to enter into a viable level of communication.

Concept.

As with language, the sense of concept is an arena in which individual animals reach a limit. "One can be directed by intelligence without possessing it, and that is how if is for animals," according to Rudolf Steiner. Here, he is referring to how the over-lighting being, the Spirit of an animal species, can utilize the higher senses - language, concept, and ego - on a par with human capacities, but not in the case of a single animal.

This is not to say animals are not intelligent - only to acknowledge a level of conceptualizing that differs from human. The Spirit of an animal is, indeed, intelligent, and has much to offer in ways that can deepen our understanding about our sojourn upon Earth.

Sense of concept can be a potent arena due to the way in which prana/chi has moved from its traditional forum (the breath) to thinking. Once we learn the ropes, through our thinking life we can enhance our energetic levels.

Nature causes me to conceptualize in particular ways. One key mode is to reflect on the spiritual ecology of aspects of nature. How does the spruce tree part of me have its being? The wolf? The squirrel? The forested part of my inner terrain? the spring? The lakeshore part? The starry dome? What does the magic of Aurora borealis evoke in me?

Ego.

Sense of ego - among ways of getting to know oneself further - that is, using one's sense of ego upon oneself - relating to others is primary. But so, also, is spending time in nature in solitude. Nuances of one's individuality can be explored. How do I experience solitude over a duration? What issues arise? What fears are met and what are my individual "edges" therein? For example, fears related to loneliness, or provision (as one's food stock depletes), of the darkness (what shapes form in the dark out of fear?), or what mid-life issues still prevail?

Central to this line of questioning is - how am I in the face of prolonged silence and stillness, the great leveler of humankind and human aspiration. In what ways does this sabbatical from my life cause me to reflect on my life? What things to strengthen? Or to change? Or to come to terms with? Or seek more understanding about? How do each of the animals, plants, etc I encounter resonate with various parts of my being?

Addendum

In reference to animals, the world is in a state of spiritual evolution, meaning that while we humans are evolving toward a fifth kingdom level of being, animals are also becoming more egoic - individualized, and more and more capable of abilities that were once attributed only to humans (or to the overall species level of the animal). Especially those animals who are spending time with humans, pets, are advancing more rapidly in this way.

All forms of life are advancing, including the other two realms of life on Earth. as plants develop more astral qualities, and the mineral kingdom becomes increasingly etheric.

Hearing and vision - nature automatically creates aesthetically beautiful forms in both aural and visual arenas. Humanity chooses to create beautiful, or not-so-beautiful forms. The more one spends in nature, the more one is immersed in aesthetic beauty.

Projecting one's sense of motion onto the snowflakes, and there is a feeling of softly sifting down through one's being.

Projecting to high mountain peaks, there is a feeling of excarnation, or moving up out of one's body, in a sense.

Similarly, on the West Coast, where the energy is experienced as diffusive - all the rain and sea and growth and abundance of plant life, rainforest exuberance, calls for an extra degree of focusing to counteract the diffusion.

The 12 senses referred to here pertain primarily to the physical aspect of humanity. Other senses come into play as we enter into our spiritual nature, including the human astral body. Steiner refers to some of these metaphysical senses as imagination, inspiration and intuition. Earth Vision proposes to delve into this subject, along with a more extensive examination of the 12 senses in relation to the natural world - a book will likely result in the foreseeable future. If you would like to contribute to this project, please contact author Josef Graf through the email on the EV site.

- mercurius-international.com/ams_index.php?twelve_senses=1 -

Honeymoon In Belize At An Ambergris Caye Resort

2008-11-06T11:21:00.003+07:00

A Honeymoon in Belize is becoming a popular option, and the hard part then is putting together a honeymoon package, after deciding where to stay. A good choice would be the Xanadu Island resort on Ambergris Caye.

A Honeymoon resort benefits from being small, and Xanadu Island resort has only eighteen rooms, right on the beachfront within ten minutes walk of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye

The kind of accommodation you might decide to take on your honeymoon package could well be Suite number two which is an oceanfront loft with views to die for. Get up early, about half past six, make a cup of coffee in the kitchen, go outside onto the deck, and watch the sunrise, and if you do this once, you’ll do it everyday.

Ambergris Caye is a real island getaway, and Xanadu Island resort even more so. It is hidden on a beach lined with palm trees, and what you see from your dawn and daily outlook is the turquoise Caribbean, and the white line of the reef.

The breakdown of the accommodations is a Studio, Loft, or 1,2,or3 bedrooms. Each suite is airconditioned, plus ceiling fans, cable Television, unlimited internet access, as if you’d want that on your Belize honeymoon!!

Added to that hairdryers, safe, beach towels, and not forgetting your own private deck which is shaded from the sun.

There is a long pier with a thatched shade at the end and a swimming platform, so you can snorkel over the hotel’s own man made reef. There is a lovely pool, and loads of hammocks and sunbeds around the pool and on the beach.

The complimentary bikes and kayaks allow you to explore Ambergris Caye, and the bicycles are especially useful to take you into San Pedro to the great restaurants there. If your honeymoon in Belize isn’t to be just relaxing at the Xanadu, but you wish to be more energetic, then why not try Scuba Diving, sailing, fishing or take a guided eco tour to the rainforest.. In addition tours to Mayan ruins can easily be arranged.

Whilst there is no restaurant at the resort, this won’t detract from your honeymoon vacation at all, after all who needs boring hotel restaurant food anyway. There are two local markets close by, so snack meals can easily be organised in the kitchen which is very well equipped.

Some suggestions for feeding yourself are George’s for breakfast, Casa Picasso for dinner, Crazy Canuck’s Bar on the beach, and Monkey Bites for breakfast or lunch

The management team at the Xanadu Island Resort go out of their way from even before you arrive for your honeymoon in Belize to ensure you have an enjoyable and stress free time. From the immaculately maintained property, well looked after rooms, nothing is left to chance, even ensuring flights and taxis are all there when you need them.

Xanadu Island Resort on Ambergris Caye could give you the perfect honeymoon in Belize, and research shows that most people who have gone there for their Belize Honeymoon would return.

- caribbean-vacationspots.com/categories/Belize -

Portugal - Silver Coast. A taste of life and hospitality

2008-11-05T11:25:00.002+07:00

All of this is now less than an hour drive from Lisbon International airport along the new A8 motorway, linking the vibrant capital of Portugal with historic Oporto in the North. As there is also a proposed new international airport to be located at OTA, this little known region is opening its doors to the outside world. For decades the Algarve has been the only realistic location for overseas buyers to enjoy the unique hospitality of the Portuguese, but prices there have put it out of reach for most. Now we are pleased to invite you to experience the heart of Portugal - a secret we can all share.

A region for life

Exploring the tranquil towns, villages and countryside of this beautiful region will confirm to you that here is a place that genuinely has the best of both worlds. Whilst offering a life of rural calm amidst the spectacular scenery, at the same time it is perfectly equipped with access to all the modern facilities of transport, healthcare, education and leisure that make life a pleasure for all generations. The Western Region enjoys entertainments and events throughout the year: concerts, art exhibitions, the Torres carnival - 'the most Portuguese event in Portugal', the Caldas da Rainha ceramics and fruit fairs, the Bombarral wine festival, Peniche's Festas da Nuestra Senhora da Boa Viagem, the Montejunto popular festival (Cadaval), Alenquer's Feira da Ascensao, festivals in Sobral, Monte Agraco and Arruda dos Vinhos, Feiras da Cebola e das Tasquinhas and hundreds more fairs, festivals and popular gatherings. The region has many hotels with superb facilities and innumerable restaurants, bars and lively venues which ensure that one's first visit to the Western region is never the last.

For golf enthusiasts the Western Region is the new destination in Portugal. Golf Courses at Praia d'el Rey (18 holes)and Rio Maior (18 holes) are complemented by 9-hole courses at Consolação and Porto Novo - Bom Sucesso and Perola da Lagoa 18-hole courses are actually already under construction and the brand new project of the 18-hole course of Foz do Arelho, which will be the hugest should begin within the year 2007. The natural abundance of the area is enhanced by beautiful fine-sanded beaches, where the sands shimmer like silver, at Santa Cruz, Porto Novo, Areia Branca, S. Bernardino, Consolação, Peniche, Baleal, Foz do Arelho and Salir do Porto. Local crafts can be found in Peniche, which is notable for its lace, and in Caldas da Rainha, which is one of the most important centres for ceramics in Portugal. The new Peniche recreation centre is a base for water sports, with a haven of fishing and scuba-diving in Berlenga. Santa

Cruz and Peniche (Supertubos beach and Lagide beach) are the places for surf lovers. The Obidos lake has sailing, rowing and windsurfing. Montejunto, Serrado Socorro and Santa Rita beach are the main locations for paragliding and hang-gliding. The Santa Cruz aerodrome, with its flying school, offers flights in light aircraft and gliders. There are equestrian centres in the Hotel Golf Mar, in Marquiteira (Lourinha), in Atouguia da Baleia - at the Quinta das Tripas and the Quintas de Bom Sucesso - Lourinha, S. Sebastido - Arruda dos Vinhos, Quinta da Ferraria and Cortisada - Rio Maior.

A region for health

Healthcare facilities are modern and efficient and offer a good range of public and private services for all your requirements. In addition the region offers several thermal baths: Vimeiro (digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system and skin), Cucos (metabolic and endocrine systems, rheumatics, muscular and skeletal systems) and Torres Vedras and Caldas da Rainha - the oldest in Europe (respiratory system, rheumatics, muscular and skeletal systems).

A region for Gourmets

Gastronomy in the region is rich and varied: there are many delicious pork dishes, oven baked kid, stewed rabbit with rice, celebrated fish stews, baked or boiled sea bream and rock bass from Peniche, eels and cockles from the Obidos lake and shellfish from the beds at Porto de Barcas (lagosta suada - 'sweating lobster' - is a delicacy which can only be found in the Western Region). The gastronomical influence of history is evident in trouxas de ovos, lampreias de ovos (sweet dishes made with eggs) and cavacas (light crisp cakes) from Caldas da Rainha, bean pies from Torres Vedras and paes de lo (sponge cakes) from Landal, Painho and Rio Maior. All are complemented by the taste and aroma of apples and pears.

The Western region is also one of the largest wine growing areas in Portugal and indeed the world. The area boasts full-bodied, aromatic red wines with excellent alcoholic content: the wines of the south (castas Camarate, Periquita and Tinto Miudo) are lively when young, intense yet well balanced and with an exquisite bouquet when aged. The white wines of the north are deliciously fruity (castas Arinto, Fernao Pires, Vital). Out of this diversity, the wine-growing areas of Obidos and Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos and Torres Vedras were born in 1989. The region is also known for its light wines with lower alcohol content, and for the only DOC (controlled standard of origin) classified brandy in Portugal - Aguardente Vinica from Lourinha.

PORTUGAL - COSTA DE PRATA - THE SILVER COAST

Aveiro in the north is unique: it is criss-crossed by canals grandly embroidered with art nouveau houses and spanned by hump- backed bridges. Here in colourfully painted 'moliceiro' boats, seaweed is gathered in the vast saltwater lagoon. Further inland you can sample the curative waters of the elegant thermal spa towns of Luso and Curia, fashionable since early this century. And in the Bucaco forest nearby, stands the Palace Hotel, resplendent with turrets, arched galleries and an enormous marble staircase: a perfect hideaway for romantics.

The lively University city of Coimbra is a mixture of ancient and modern. Its streets are filled with the chatter of black-caped students and the soulful tones of fado. The university library, one of the best in Europe, is a Baroque fantasy where the rooms each lead into the next creating a telescope-like effect. The old Cathedral is one of the most important examples of Romanesquc architecture in Portugal. In the Marchado de Castro Museum, you'll find religious art treasures and can actually explore the ruins of the Roman crypt over which the museum was built. An even more impressive sight is the nearby Roman city of Conimbriga. On the west coast, the town of Figueira da Foz has vast beaches and a famous casino.

Further south is the charming town of Leiria with its crenulated walls towering high above an almost perpendicular rock. From May to October, the roads nearby are lined with pilgrims - many on foot - visiting the famed shrine of Fatima where three shepherd children claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary.

Thirty four kilometres east is Tomar where the bastion of the Knights Templar later became the Convento de Cristo. Tales of mystery and hidden treasures echo around it's cloisters and its crowning glory is the ornate Manueline window.

Another magical place is the Castle of Almmourol, just south, which stands on a tiny island and is steeped in legends of giants and knights.

Further opulent architecture can he discovered at Batalha in the Santa Maria da Vitoria Monastery, with its flying buttresses, gargoyles, pinnacles and the intricate stonework of its cloisters. Close to this is one of Portugal's most awe-inspiring monuments: the Monastery of Alcobaca, which has been given UNESCO world heritage status. The kitchen, with ovens big enough to roast six oxen at once, even has two streams converging through it into one. The monastery also contains the tombs of King Pedro and Ines de Castro whose passionate love story has inspired writers and poets all over the world. Many of the farming methods and agricultural science of the region introduced by the Cistercian monks are still in evidence today.

The delightful town of Obidos, with white houses adorned with bougainvilleas and honeysuckle was captured from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1148. D. Dinis later presented it to his wife, Queen Santa Isabel. From then until 1883, the town of Obidos and the surrounding land was always the property of the queens of Portugal.

Encircled by a ring of medieval walls and crowned by the Moorish castle rebuilt by D. Dinis, which is now a pousada, Obidos is one of the most perfect examples of our medieval fortress. As in olden times, the town is entered through the southern gate of Santa Maria, embellished with eighteenth-century azulejo decoration.

Inside the walls, which at sunset take on a golden colouring, one can sense a cheerful medieval ambience of winding streets, old whitewashed houses bordered with blue or yellow, Manueline embrasures and windows, reminding us that King D. Manuel I (sixteenth century) carried out major works here, and masses of colourful flowers and plants.

Be sure to visit the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria (Parish Church of Santa Maria), the pretty Capela de Sao Martinho (Chapel of S. Martinho) and, outside the town walls, the Igreja do Senhor da Pedra (Church of the Senhor da Pedra).

Among the events that take place every year in Obidos, the most important are the Holy Week Festivities (recreating the steps on the Way of the Cross), the Ancient Music Festival in October and, for the more gluttonous, the International Chocolate festival in November, which includes an international competition in which the recipes are judged by an international jury of experts.

Fatima - With its origins deep in history, it was during the Arabian occupation that this settlement developed and was named. According to legend, during the Christian Reconquest, the Templar knight Goncalo Hermingues, also known as Bringer-of-Moors, fell in love with Fatima, a Moor captured in the course of an ambush. Reciprocating the love, the young woman converted to Christianity and adopted the name Oureana.

In the sixteenth century, the settlement became a parish in the collegiate church of Ourem within the Diocese of Leiria.

Its subsequent development dates from the events known as the Apparitions of Fatima, in the early part of the twentieth century. It has become one of the key centres for the Cult of the Virgin Mary in Portugal and has been recognised world-wide by the Catholic Church.

The first apparition took place in 1917, in Cova da Iria, at the site of the current Sanctuary. The most important celebrations are held on 13th May (including the Candlelit Procession on the night of the 12th and the Farewell Procession closing the event on the 13th) and 13th October. Furthermore, the 13th of every month between these two dates is also a day of devotion.

For those interested in the historical context of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, visits can be made to the houses of the shepherd witnesses in the village of Aljustrel.

In the gardens of Casa de Lucia, there is a monument commemorating the second apparition of the Angel of Peace and the end of the Via Sacra which begins in the Sanctuary.

Along this route, there are 14 chapels donated by Hungarian Catholic refugees in the West. Of particular note is Valinhos, 400 metres from the village where monuments commemorate the fourth apparition in 1917 as well as the place chosen by the angel. Here, in 1916, the shepherds saw the Angel of Peace for the first and third times.

On the coast is the fishing village of Nazare where you'll find fishermen in knee length plaid trousers, and women in full skirts and seven petticoats, mending nets. The walled town of Obidos should also not he missed, with its narrow streets of brightly white-washed houses and striking towers of the Castle that's now a splendid Pousada Take just a short trip south and you can explore the active fishing port of Peniche which has a dominating 16th century fort built for protection against marauding pirates. The Silvercoast is one of the most peaceful and romantic places of all.

Buying Property in Silver Coast Portugal

Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal is currently popular with Europeans, but as of yet, not so much with the British property buyers. This is because properties are relatively inexpensive and transport links to/from the UK are getting better and cheaper to the Silver Coast. Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal offers superb beach holiday facilities with a great summer climate, great culture, architecture and history. Also, the Silver Coast is tipped to see significant capital property value rises in the coming years.

Portugal is an evergreen in the overseas property market. Build quality is high, property prices have grown a steady 10-15% per annum since the Millennium, and there's a broad choice of property across the price range and country - within the Silver Coast the price grow within the following years will possibly reach the 25 - 35 %.

Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal offers good prospects for rental from both the local market and from holidaymakers, and with the potential of significant property price rises on the Silver Coast Portugal, this could be the ideal place to invest in a holiday home.

Buying property in Portugal still has great appeal as it has a benign tax system which allows avoidance of the worst effects of capital gains and inheritance tax and can put you in a lower tax band.

Why buy in the the Silver Coast

Property experts have been advising clients to look beyond the Algarve, with its pockets of overgrowing, and invest instead in homes 45 minutes' drive from Lisbon on Portugal's Silver Coast. Maddison says, "The Algarve used to be the most popular area. However, it is now rather overrun with Brits and over commercialized. In other words it is too popular now, with many of those looking to purchase in Portugal now looking elsewhere."

According to international property specialists the Silver Coast is now the up-and-coming area in Portugal. "Many Brits are selling up in the Algarve and moving up to the Oeste Region, which is located just north of Lisbon. This area is still very Portuguese, with farming the main source of income for the locals. It does not die in the winter because most of the locals are Portuguese. The cost of properties is so much cheaper than on the Algarve - so there is still room to make money in this area".

But what of the place itself? The Silver Coast stretches from Porto down to Portugal's capital Lisbon and hugs the North Atlantic coastline; it is home to beautiful beaches, amazing cliffs, quaint fishing villages, lush rolling countryside and some of the most fascinating historic sites in Portugal. Here you can discover pretty villages and a real Portuguese way of life. The Silver Coast is a particularly good bet for those with holiday lets in mind, thanks to the new A8 motorway which has cut journey times from Lisbon to the Silver Coast considerably, opening the atmospheric towns of Caldas da Rainha and Turcifal, and pretty villages, such as Peniche, up to tourists and investors.

There is a wide range of property available on the Silver Coast. You can find traditional farmhouses in need of renovation, but there has also been a fair amount of developments popping up and luxury villas with pools and apartments in complexes are easy to find.

Access to the area is becoming even easier as more and more airlines now offer frequent flights to Lisbon.

- silver-coast-properties.net -

Welcome To Miami

2008-11-05T11:21:00.001+07:00

Miami is a sub-tropical city, climatically very different from most places in the USA. The city is a cosmopolitan playground that attracts more visitors than any other US destination.

Miami appeals to holiday makers wanting warm sun, clean sandy beaches, a laid back lifestyle, sophisticated entertainment in clubs and bars and a mix of art, music and international cuisines.

Travelers visiting Miami may actually spend their time in Miami Beach, a separate municipality situated 4 miles (6 km) across Biscayne Bay from downtown Miami. The combined greater Miami area includes several ethnic neighborhoods such as Little Havana and Little Haiti.

The population of the Greater Miami Area is a 50% mix of assorted Hispanic and the diverse cultural mix is evident in Latin American languages, cuisine and music throughout the city and. Dining in Miami offers the opportunity to visit a different ethnic restaurant every night and enjoy diverse international cuisines.

Once upon a time, Miami attracted mostly retirees turning their backs on snowy, colder climates but nowadays it attracts the ultra-chic glitterati, cashed up yuppies, the boating and yachting fraternity and Cuban immigrants.

** Miami Vacation Attractions

Greater Miami is a great base for access to several major Florida holiday attractions. The northern tip of the Florida Keys is just off shore, the Everglades are just a short distance inland and the affluent enclaves of Palm Beach and Boca Roton are just a short distance along the coast.

The Miami Beach Promenade, aka South Beach, is a favorite spot for cyclists, skaters, joggers and skateboarders. This is the most instantly recognized beach front location in existence and the place to be seen if appearances are important.

Many of the early Miami buildings from the early 1900's have been restored. A walking tour around the South Beach precinct is recommended to see the spectacular rejuvenation of the 1920's buildings in the Art Deco Historic District.

Miami boasts fine museums, galleries, historic gardens, zoos, sports stadiums, spring fed natural pools and of course, the ever present golf courses. Greater Miami has lots to brag about when it comes to world class golf courses and is home to some of the most testing courses in the world.

** Miami Vacation Cruises

The busiest cruise ship center of any city in the USA is the Port of Miami with holiday cruises to the Caribbean and Latin America making up the bulk of these cruises, but there are also cruises to all parts of the world.

Cruises are usually well equipped for gambling and casinos open as soon as the ship passes into international waters. Non stop food, games, movies and onboard activities ensure guests are always entertained and well fed.

** Miami Hotels & Resorts

Miami visitors are offered a range of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals to satisfy all tastes and budgets. There's accommodation and prices to suit everyone, ranging from the restored boutique hotels in the Art Deco and South Beach district, modern glass and chrome high rise hotels, budget hostels, beach front condos and villas, serviced apartments, inns and guesthouses... it's your choice.

** Miami Vacation Transport

Miami International Airport is one of the major airports in the USA, and a major hub city for American Airlines. Major domestic airlines such as Delta, Northwest/KLM, United and US Airways and Continental all servive Miami as well as several economy carriers.

There are two Amtrak trains that run daily from New York down to Miami and the travel time is approximately 27 hours.

The Metro-Dade Transit Agency runs two Miami rail systems, one being Metrorail which is a modern elevated commuter train that connects downtown Miami and the southern suburbs. Metromover is an elevated line looping the downtown precinct and connecting with many of the important attractions, shopping and business districts.

Tri Rail is the south Florida commuter train service that connects Miami with North Palm Beach and all centers in between.

- go-florida.net/miami.htm -

Where to eat in Puerto Vallarta? The best places to enjoy as you learn Spanish in

2008-11-03T12:31:00.002+07:00

Learn Spanish in Mexico and experience the traditional food of the country in Puerto Vallarta, one of the finest coastal destinations in the globe. Puerto Vallarta also offers a wide range of international restaurants so that you eat whatever you feel like eating as you learn Spanish in Mexico.

If you are a meat lover and wish to taste local flavours, your pick should be one of the many all-you-can-eat restaurants. Learn Spanish in Mexico and enjoy high quality cuts of meat cooked in an open fire. An example is the renowned Brazil Steak House. If you wish to admire the mountain landscape while eating, you should visit Cilantro restaurant on the high regions of Puerto Vallarta. Learn Spanish in Mexico and enjoy tasty meals and cocktails with a striking city overview. For a tropical breakfast full of juicy fruits and fresh vegetables typical from the region, your pick must be Citrus restaurant and Coco Tropical, with beachfront terraces.

As you learn Spanish in Mexico enjoy seafood at Don Emiliano�s restaurant, with offers that range from oysters to crab and lobster. El Set is an incredible place to have a romantic dinner watching the coast as the sun sets. Learn Spanish in Mexico and watch how the sun disappears while the quiet wind plays with the palm leaves. Another romantic spot that seems to be taken from an old movie scene is Bogart Restaurant. Learn Spanish in Mexico and celebrate special occasions in this magical atmosphere with a sensation of being in a fantasy world. Felipe�s Restaurant is another of the kind to visit as you learn Spanish in Mexico.

Another offer to enjoy as you learn Spanish in Mexico is Archie�s Wok, to taste Mai Thai delights mixed up with tropical flavours of Puerto Vallarta. If you wish to encounter with the most incredible wines of the region and an extensive menu of renowned dishes, you must go to the 96Resturant while you learn Spanish in Mexico. This place has been honoured with the Five Stars Diamond award and the prize of excellence of the Wine Spectator.

On the other hand, if you have come to learn Spanish in Mexico and want to have fun and enjoy sports, your place is definitely the Champions Sport Bar. It counts with wide screens for live sports, a typical American menu and a great atmosphere to have a hell of a time in Puerto Vallarta.

For a more casual ambience in the coast, visit La Palapa Restaurant as you learn Spanish in Mexico. It offers seafood in the incredible region of Los Muertos Beach.
Murales is a fantastic offer if you wish to taste local food and enjoy Latin live music. Here you will also have the chance to go around famous local art works as you learn Spanish in Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta is a perfect destination to learn Spanish in Mexico. Take part in wildlife excursions, guided tours, extreme sports, beach days and the most outstanding restaurants along this coastal region as you learn Spanish in Mexico.

- Enricque H -

How a Serviced Apartment Can Enhance Your Next London Visit

2008-11-02T19:14:00.001+07:00

When you are planning a visit to London, your first inclination is likely to book a hotel room in which to stay for the duration of your trip. The fact is you have another option that you may not be aware of for lodging; you can stay in a serviced apartment instead.

What Is a Serviced Apartment?

A Serviced Apartment is an apartment that has been made available for the use of travelers from all over the world either for a short term accommodation or long term accommodation. Such serviced apartments can be rented either directly through the owner company or through internet online. Serviced Apartments like this are located in many different popular London places, including Paddington, Earls Court and Kensington. And you can find serviced apartments in London ranging from one-bedroom apartments to two bedroom apartments for a single person, a couple or for the whole family.

Save Money by Staying in a Serviced Apartment

There are many benefits to staying in a Serviced Apartment instead of a hotel room, and the primary one is cost. When you rent a home for your visit to London, you will be paying a flat rate for a spacious place that has bedrooms for everyone, attached bathrooms/toilets, a fully equipped kitchenette area (cooking range, dishwasher, grill oven, microwave, refrigerator and oven). Some of the Serviced Apartments in London also give facilities of exercise equipment or a gym in a condo complex.

You can save even more money with a London Serviced Apartment by cooking some of your meals in the kitchen rather than by going out to restaurants every night i.e. many of the serviced apartments also provide self-catering facilities. Simply stop by the local grocery store for some basics - you can even stock the freezer with ready-made meals to save time, as most of the serviced apartments have microwaves available.

Additional Benefits of a Serviced Apartment: Amenities, Convenience, and Privacy

A wide range of Serviced Apartments includes amenities that hotels simply can't match, such as a coffee/tea making machine, a satellite television, high-speed Internet service, a Wi-Fi, hairdryer, refrigerator, all for your family's personal use during your visit to London. Most of these extras are included in the basic cost of your rental, although you may have to pay an additional daily fee for some basic amenities like car parking, laundry service, dry cleaning service etc. You can easily find out on websites online what will be included in the rental fee when searching for a Serviced Apartment in London.

Another great benefit of a Serviced Apartment is the convenience factor, particularly for families. Many of the Serviced Apartments are in close proximity to major theme parks, shopping centres, museums, theatres, restaurants, easy transportation access, which can save you a lot of travel time - and therefore increase your time spent enjoying your stay at London, rather than sitting in traffic while traveling from an out-of-the-way hotel. Plus, when you're done sightseeing with the family, you will have all of the space you need to get away from the kids for some peace and quiet - they'll have their own bedroom and you'll have yours!

Renting a home is the perfect option for couples taking a visit to London as well. A Serviced Apartment offers privacy that you can't get at a hotel (or even at a bed and breakfast). You can enjoy the amenities and facilities with which the Serviced Apartment is stocked - and you don't have to speak to another person for the duration of your stay, unless you want to!

How to Rent a Serviced London Apartment with Confidence

You can find a Serviced Apartment through websites online with confidence. You don't have to worry about whether the Serviced Apartment exists - or whether it's been maintained well. If you are booking a serviced apartment online from a website, you will get all the information about the apartments, the dates of availability, the facilities and amenities it is providing, local attractions nearby and all the necessary information and you can even make a call to them to get all the information.

Treat the Serviced Apartment with Respect

Bear in mind that there is a weekly maid service available with a Serviced Apartment, not daily - you'll be in charge of changing the sheets and washing the towels yourself daily. If you want to have a daily maid service then you have to pay for it. It is best to always inform the Manager of the Serviced Apartment of anything that is broken when you arrive - and anything that may have been broken by the time you leave. Remember that while you are enjoying your stay at a London Serviced Apartment, you should always treat the apartment the same way you would treat your own home.

Travel Insurance Can Give You Peace of Mind

Finally, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before embarking on your visit to London. Unfortunately, without insurance, you have little recourse if you have to suddenly cancel your trip due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. With travel insurance, you can recoup some or all of your costs in case your plan to visit London changes. Travel insurance is very affordably priced, so make sure to ask your travel agent or your booking company for more information about your options.

The experience of staying in a Serviced Apartment rather than a hotel can be a rewarding one. As long as you book through websites online, you will get all of the information that you need online at one place, and that you will enjoy your stay at a Serviced Apartment in London in comfort and style.

About Author (Apartotels)

Esther is a contributing author to the website http://www.apartotels.com. Apartotels was established in 2004 and since then is operating over more than 3000 serviced apartments which are situated in all the important locations of London, Paris and Europe. The serviced apartments are suitable for a single person to a large family and for all type of businesses for short as well as long term stay.

- apartotels.com -

Cottages in Warwickshire

2008-11-02T19:11:00.001+07:00

Warwickshire is located in the west midlands of the United Kingdom, it is split up into five districts which are known as Warwick, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby and Stratford on Avon. One of the most popular and common is Stratford on Avon as this was the birth place for the notorious William Shakespeare.

People tend to live in the north of this county as the southern end is more rural and only contains one small village called Cotswold. Warwickshire is a very historical place with loads of attractions to visit and has been around since the beginning of the 11th century.

If you were to visit Warwickshire today you will have over 30 attractions that may be of interest to you. Some of the popular ones are Arbury Hall, The Belfry, Brinklow Castle, Warwick Castle, Coventry Canal, Lunt Roman Fort and many many more. Be sure to look into them all as you won�t be able to visit them all in one go, you will have to return to Warwickshire with your family to get the full potential is has to offer. There are many tours which you can enrol in to make sure you visit the beautiful scenery it can provide you, it doesn�t matter if you�re on a budget. Some of these attractions will cost you absolutely nothing if you can navigate your own way around.

If you�re planning on stopping overnight in Warwickshire (which you will have to if you want to make this a vacation to remember) you have the choice of where to stay. There are many cottages that are available to rent so you can make it your home away from home, bring the whole family down and rent cottage to be able to ensure privacy. This will no doubt bring your family closer together as you can take part in the events as a family, there is something to do that will suit everyone�s interests and hobbies.

You can also find a bed and breakfast or go self catering, this has the advantages of being able to find a place you don�t have to look after as much. These are ideal if you don�t plan on spending much time in your room. You need to check your schedule to see what you have planned as more time than not you will only be sleeping in your room so there is no point in renting a whole cottage unless you are staying for a longer period of time.

For more information on Cottages in Warwickshire, please visit this Warwickshire Cottages website where you�ll find information on holiday, self catering and country cottages.

Discover Sydney - Top 7 Caravan Parks

2008-11-02T19:09:00.001+07:00

Sydney offers the selective traveller a wealth of sightseeing choices, and diversity of caravan / holiday parks suitable for all types of travel, whether an overnight stay through to a home away from home. We have chosen parks based on the high standard of service, facilities available and close proximity to beautiful places just waiting to be explored.

A campervan holiday is not the same if you end up in a drab, unfriendly tourist park which ends up much less than anticipated. To maximize your 'Sydney and surrounds' adventure, check out these recommended parks, each with a unique flavour and drawcard, to top off a visit to one of Australia's most loved and attractive cities.

1. Sydney Gateway Holiday Park : 30 Majestic Drive Stanhope Gardens 1800 080117

This is a popular destination for many reasons, mainly the accessibility to Sydney's event centre, as well as being only half an hour from the city centre. In Sydney, this is still close. The facilities are have a resort atmosphere, with a night lit swimming pool and heated spa, games room and open air picnic complex just some of the highlights. Nearby attractions include the Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney Olympic Park and Parklea Markets. Powered sites are surrounded by gardens and close to all amenities. This is an ideal base for those wanting to experience Sydney at its best.

2. Lane Cove River Tourist Park : Plassey Road North Ryde 1300 729 133

Adjoining Lane Cove National Park and based in Sydney's inner west just ten kilometres from the city Centre, this is an attractive park fantastic for any length of stay. We stayed here for a week with our three children, and the natural attractions, wildlife and nearby shopping centre all contributed to an enjoyable stay. An ideal base if you are keen to visit the city attractions yet prefer to relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city, here you get the best of both worlds.

3. Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park : Lake Park Road North Narrabeen 1800 008 845

Located in beautiful Narrabeen between the beach and the lake, this is an ideal base for travellers wanting to combine a beach holiday with city attractions. There is something for the whole family here, with calm waters for the kids and close to twenty beaches to choose from for a stroll or swim, or why not explore the national parks and walks nearby? Set in thirty acres of landscaped gardens with excellent facilities, this will be a holiday to remember. The city centre is also an easy drive away or you can hop on the ferry for a different perspective.

4. Ocean Beach Holiday Park : Sydney Avenue Umina Beach 1800 611 522

Only one hours drive from the city, the Ocean Beach Holiday Park is another beachside location with a difference. There is everything here, from kids club, adventure playground, resort pool and rejuvenation spa, to the natural surrounding beauty of the beaches and Brisbane Water National Park. Once you have experienced everything the park has to offer, you will be relaxed and ready for a day trip to the city. You might prefer to stay 'home' the next day, or head out to the Sydney hinterland the next day. Close enough to visit the main attractions, and far enough away to completely relax, it's close to perfect.

5. Dural Village Caravan Park : 269 New Line Rd Dural 1800656017

Only thirty minutes easy drive to the city, the Dural Village Caravan Park is located in a leafy neighbourhood close to Castle Hill and Parramatta shopping centres. The Olympic Stadium is also a close drive away, with the Blue Mountains, National Parks, beaches and famous Hawkesbury River all perfect for a day trip. This is a clean, economical and relaxing park, central to everything Sydney has to offer, and with all the facilities you expect, as well as a tennis court, adventure playground, shop and swimming pool.

6. Del Rio Riverside Resort Hawkesbury Valley: Chaseling Road Webbs Creek 02 45664330

The Del Rio Riverside Resort is a Hawkesbury gem, with a wide range of activities and attractions to choose from once you have set up your home away from home. With activities including bushwalking, tennis, fishing, cycling, golf and waterskiing, you won't have much time left to see the city highlights, although they are close enough for a full day trip. There are kid's activities throughout the holidays, and a sports club for the kids at heart. What I love most here are the large tree lined grassy sites, the perfect location for your campervan. This is an ideal destination especially for the family and adventure lovers.

7. Grand Pines Tourist Park: 289 The Grand Parade Sans Souci

See Botany Bay close up as you get the best of the city and the foreshore. The city centre is just an easy half an hour away yet this park is peaceful and close to idyllic surroundings. Throw out a line at Ramsgate Beach, go for a leisurely circuit walk at dusk, or enjoy the nearby cafes. The beauty of this park is its proximity to Sydney's attractions and airport, combined with excellent facilities and service. A great choice for your city adventure!

- Jenny B -

Tips for a Perfect Holiday

2008-11-02T19:08:00.001+07:00

Wanna get away from that hectic schedule of yours and spend some time with your family? People often dream of a perfect holiday with white sands, blue beaches, palm trees and so on. But traveling or sometimes even planning a trip can be more of a stress. So many things have to be considered before planning for that perfect holiday - accommodation, places to visit, What to buy?, etc. Here are some tips to make your holiday a memorable one.

Set a Budget: Before chalking out a plan for the holiday, the most important thing is to set a budget. It helps you to plan and enjoy the trip within your limits. Always estimate a little more than what you might need.

Plan Ahead: The first thing you need to do is to be sure of what you need from this trip. Do you want to experience the local culture or just have fun on those sandy beaches? Do you wanna mingle with the locals or fade away from busy people and the world? Strategize your trip according to your needs and likes.

Read Up Before you Go: Prepare yourself before plunging into an unknown holiday destination. Buy a good guidebook and read up on the culture, history, local attractions of the destination. You can read the local publications on-line or surf the net for more information. The more you know, the better you can enjoy or appreciate the place and their traditions.

Pack Light and Right (Pack Only the Essential Things): Avoid carrying unnecessary things around. A heavy luggage may sometimes dampen your holiday spirit. Carry clothes that are comfortable and right for the season. As much as possible try to stuff everything you need in a single carry-on bag.

Always Reserve your Stay: It's always better to book your stay if possible because all you need is a good night's sleep after an exciting day.

Have Realistic Expectations: Unreasonable expectations can lead to unwanted stress, so enjoy the holiday by managing what you can with the time you have. Embrace each moment, whether good or bad.

Hope you find this article just before you plan your next holiday!

- Ajax Z -

7 Tips for a Fun Filled Family Holiday

2008-11-02T19:03:00.001+07:00

With five children ranging from four through to sixteen, I have experienced some of the best and worst of travelling with children. Tempting as it often is to postpone our annual trips away together, albeit with backseat fights, clothing of every shape, colour and size hanging out of seven overstuffed suitcases, and of course the never ending hunger pains, we seem to forget all the reasons why we shouldn't do this thing called the 'Family Road Trip', and continue to plan our next great adventure into unchartered Australian soil and what undoubtedly becomes the making of memories.

Below are some tips we have learnt along the way for a more enjoyable family campervan holiday:

TIP 1: Choose a family friendly destination. This should be common sense, but many parents don't think carefully enough about where they are going and what route they are taking with the kids in mind. Travelling Australia in under a month is a great ideal, but little children may not appreciate the hours upon hours of sunburnt country as much as you. Setting up camp next to the 'Beware of Crocodiles' sign in the Outback Aussie Caravan Park also might not be the best choice.

Do some internet research and find some family friendly parks that offer children facilities, or base yourselves near some great family attractions that will become an exciting part of the holiday. Talk about where you are going as a family and get the children involved in the research and planning. This will double the anticipation as well as provide some extra information along the way.

TIP 2: Preparation. Lists are my sanity savers. Write them weeks in advance of your packing frenzy. Stick them on the fridge or on the toilet door if that works. Food lists, what to bring and what to buy lists, what to do with the pets lists. The list goes on. Once you are on the road and away from your day to day routine you will be glad you put a lot of effort into your luggage.

Being organised does not come naturally to me, so this step is always a long and arduous process, and then once we pull out of the driveway, I allow myself a few deep breaths before someone remembers that inevitable item that Mum forgot to add to the list.

TIP 3: Make it fun. This is a must do in our family. What is the point of a holiday if there's no fun involved? Of course there are always the moments that sneak up on us (usually in the back seat) but the general plan is to have as much fun as possible even when circumstances don't go as much to plan as we expected.

Rain can be one primary dampener of fun, but children are adaptable, and having to resort to Plan B, or C, won't wreck the holiday. Travel games, packs of cards and some books for a possible few days inside the campervan are always a great idea. Turning up to an attraction on the one day it's closed for maintenance doesn't have to spoil the fun either. Head to the nearest information centre and make the most of your day together. Being flexible is the key to a fun family holiday.

TIP 4: Shorter trips and longer stops. Being a very relaxed person but having a big family means there still has to be a daily plan, even if we don't have to stick to it. Writing up a day to day schedule allowing enough time for day to day tasks helps to minimize the stress of travelling, and the children will remember a more relaxed holiday.

Allow enough time for everything, from getting all the kids up in to morning to preparing dinner. Instead of leaving at 6am to make the most of the day, leave refreshed a few hours later with a happy family in tow. A more leisurely itinerary with longer stops will give you a chance to enjoy the moments, the scenery and your time together, instead of rushing around and getting stressed. There are always days when you need to get up early, but if you incorporate a few relaxing days you will be glad.

TIP 5: Lots of good food. The family holiday is not the time or place to start a weird diet or health kick. Before you shop, ask everyone in the family what favourite meal they would like, and try to slot it in somewhere. If you are eating in, allow for lots of extra treats and a change from meals at home. There is something about holidays that increases the appetite. Maybe it's the salt air, or change in routine? Whatever it is, embrace the moment and enjoy your dinners! If you are eating out, choose a family friendly restaurant or take away so that everyone is enjoying themselves. Stock up on delicious good food, and of course buy plenty of snack food for any lengthy road trips. Some of my best family memories are eating ice creams together on the beach, a simple tradition that we made sure took place every holiday.

TIP 6: Exercise. Children need to exercise every day, its that simple. A family holiday is a great opportunity to get out in the sunshine and play together. Pack a soccer ball, tennis racquets or fishing rods and enjoy the outdoors with the people you love most. Choose a destination with plenty of walking tracks, or close to the beach. Visit attractions where there is exercise involved, or just make sure you visit a park daily and play. There are many tourist parks offering kids programmes that will get them out and about and also give you the break you much deserve. Interacting with each other as a family is what your holiday should be about anyway, and its so easy to do.

TIP 7: Record your holiday. It doesn�t matter how you do it, but in this modern age we live in, there are so many ways to preserve your holiday for years to come. Video footage from your children can be the funniest to watch when you get home, and captures the moment from their perspective. Take plenty of photos and use them as a slide show on your laptop later on. Buy a visual arts book for your child/children and suggest they write a travel journal. Every night before bed they can draw or write about their day. This is a great way to get them asking questions and writing, even at an early age. Collecting mementos from every place visited is another fun idea and will end up as holiday treasures when they get home.

A campervan is the perfect choice of travel for the family getaway, and with a lot of kids in tow, the savings in accommodation and food alone is a drawcard for us. Our travel costs are almost halved when staying in a campervan as we would normally require two motel rooms each night. Multiple beds, a kitchen and a loo on wheels, what more could you ask for? Wherever you decide to travel, plan carefully, have lots of fun each day and eat lots of good food. This will ensure you are on the road to great family holiday.

- Jenny B -

Unique China

2008-11-02T19:00:00.001+07:00

China is a vast and sprawling land home to countless groups each with its own culture and traditions. But for all its diversity, certain threads run through China's long history - dragons, jade, silk, porcelain, to name a few. To examine the facets of China, we'll look at 3 of its repositories of ancient tradition - Shanghai Museum, Beijing Jade Museum and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

Shanghai Museum is home to a fabulous collection of ancient Chinese art in its 11 galleries and 3 exhibition halls. The permanent galleries showcase artifacts representative of the major sections of Chinese art, namely, ancient bronze, ancient ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, ancient sculpture, ancient jade, coins, ming and qing furniture, seals, and minority nationalities.

A look through Shanghai Museum allows you to see the many innovations of the Chinese. For example, China was one of the first countries to use money as a medium of exchange. The Gallery of Chinese Coins contains almost 7000 exhibits of early coins.

China's celebrated ceramics on display at the Shanghai Museum include tri-colored pieces from the Tan Dynasty and blue, white and black glazed and pointed porcelain from the Song, Jin and Liao dynasties. A visit here is a must for any connoisseur of Chinese culture.

Other quintessentially Chinese treasures you can see at Shanghai Museum include Chinese seals. The latter are stamps containing Chinese characters that were imprinted on documents, contracts, and works of art to prove identity and authenticity. The oldest ones date back 3000 years.

And now to our second museum, the Jade Museum in Beijing's forbidden city, once the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Since 1924, it's housed the Palace Museum which houses an extensive collection mainly from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Jade has been central to Chinese culture for millennia. In ancient China it was referred to as "the essence of heaven and earth" and "the royal gem". Its value surpasses event that of gold and for the Chinese it symbolises nobility, perfection, constancy, and immortality.

The jade collection at the Beijing Jade Museum is a wonderful place to admire items made from this most Chinese of materials. The display comprises around 30000 pieces, with the earliest dating from the Neolithic period.

Hong Kong is a very special part of China as from 1841 to 1997 it was administered by another country, Britain. During these 156 years of colonial rule, Hong Kong developed from a fishing village to the economic and financial powerhouse of Asia. Today's Hong Kong still has a frantic boomtown feel but also offers oases of calm in the form of parks, temples an islands. To explore the past of this special place, visit the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in the Sha Tin disctict.

Housed in a 3-storey purpose-built structure that has the form of a Chinese ancestral hall, Hong Kong Heritage Museum features 6 six permanent exhibition galleries - New Territories Heritage Hall (with models of traditional shops and a Hakka fishing village), Children's Discovery Gallery, Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall, T.T.Tsui Gallery of Chinese Art, displaying artifacts from the former Tsui Museum of Art, and the Chao Shao-an Gallery. There are also six thematic galleries for temporary exhibitions.

It's easy to get overwhelmed in China and get the feeling you leave knowing less than when you arrived. But visit these great museums in China and you'll find this great country is not so inscrutable after all. Before travelling to China, make sure that the hotel reservations are in place. Hotels in Beijing and hotels in Hong Kong can easily be booked in advance through the Internet, and then you will be able to enjoy China at the best.

- Richard G -

Learn Spanish in Argentina and get the most of Bariloche in winter and summer

2008-11-02T18:56:00.001+07:00

If you travel abroad to learn a language, choose to learn Spanish in Argentina and enjoy the incredible destination of Bariloche. I had the opportunity to learn Spanish in Argentina and I have visited Bariloche two times already. During my both stays I found two different cities, one during winter and another during spring.
Fully covered with snow, Bariloche in winter receives thousands of visitors that come to practice ski in internationally renowned resorts. Learn Spanish in Argentina and enjoy trips to Mount Cathedral, the most visited ski resort. Go further and amaze yourself with Mount Bayo as you learn Spanish in Argentina. This mountain is steeper and fully equipped for professionals. All ski resorts count with cable cars that will take to the top of each peak; the picture of Bariloche from above, all covered with whiteness, is just astonishing. Learn Spanish in Argentina and reach the top of the hill, where you can enjoy a hot chocolate with croissants or have lunch in one of the many incredible restaurants built on the solid rocks.
If you have the chance to learn Spanish in Argentina and visit Bariloche during summer you will encounter a different landscape but as attractive as the one found in winter. During spring and summer the image gives a sudden turn, now landscapes are fully covered by colorful and varied flowers. Learn Spanish in Argentina and go around natural paths among pines and woods that are excellent to practice mountain bike or just to stroll and relax. As you learn Spanish in Argentina take your time to discover the natural species that flourish in Bariloche, including the Arayan, Cypress and Cohiue trees. Flowers are found everywhere, roses, lilies, lavender, geraniums and many more.

Learn Spanish in Argentina and take a boat trip around the large Nahuel Huapi lake, a distinguishing feature of the Bariloche landscape. Its deep blue waters are surrounded by high peaks and mountains and rocky coasts. Besides practicing water sports as you learn Spanish in Argentina, you will learn about the legends and mysteries of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. One of these legends affirm that a huge monster, similar to the Lock-ness monster, lives submerged in under the dark waters. So if you enjoy adventure and mysterious regions, Bariloche is definitely the best place to learn Spanish in Argentina.
Learn Spanish in Argentina is a wonderful experience, you can make lot of friends in the incredible discos and pubs full of young people that come from all over Argentina. It is a tradition in Argentina that after finishing school, students travel to Bariloche to celebrate their achievement. So while you learn Spanish in Argentina you will find students from every province of the country coming during summer or winter vacations, giving you the perfect opportunity to know people from every corner of Argentina and get to know different cultures and customs in just one place.
Whatever the season you choose to learn Spanish in Argentina, Bariloche will always surprise you with diverse and fun activities during every month of the year.

- Enrique H -

Amazing Avoca

2008-11-02T18:53:00.000+07:00

If you are looking for brilliant blue waters lined by a rugged coastline and long white beaches, look no further than Avoca Beach. Located on the Central Coast of New South Wales just 100 kilometres north from Sydney, sun seekers from far and wide choose this coastal jewel as their holiday destination. Your rental car is ideal with so much to see and a plethora of beautiful spots to call your home away from home.

Families and tourists of all ages head to the beaches, lakes, lookouts and art galleries to enjoy the remoteness and beauty of this hidden paradise. Drive to the hills if you are looking for some solitude, with only the birdlife to disturb your peace.

Once you have settled, head straight to Avoca Beach to enjoy the long walks and beauty of this area, and if you are keen take a fishing rod with you as you will more than likely be joined by some keen locals. Head to the local lifesaving club for some fresh seafood and enjoy the pristine views.

You could spend all day here with a multitude of walks to choose from, or the appealing option of lazing on the sand and enjoying the invigoration of the surf when you need to cool down. Surfers also flock to this area with many
beaches to choose from, the northern end of Avoca Beach a popular retreat.

Another well known spot is Copacabana Beach. The name itself has a tropical appeal, and it is worth the visit to enjoy this patrolled beach which is also popular for surfers. MacMasters Beach is a haven for families as right behind is Cockrone Lagoon, fantastic for paddling and water play. It is an ideal spot to set up camp and head around the beach for a lengthy and captivating walk.

Once you are beached out, head to Avoca Lake for a picnic and enjoy the beauty of this beautiful attraction. The Avoca Drive Bridge separates the Lake into two, and as it is close to the Avoca Beach is an ideal alternative if you prefer the still waters with some space to throw a frisbee.

The Captain Cook Lookout is a must see, with unparalleled views up and down the coastline. You can reach it from First Point headland, and it is an easy walk with great rewards. Avoca Beach is one of those spots that have ample diversity in attractions, yet all is in close proximity to each other.

Art lovers and those with creative flair will be including the Avoca Art Gallery on the list, with a large selection of local artworks and handicrafts available to be enjoyed and more than likely inspire you to start on your own. If you are looking for more, than Gallery460 will captivate you with its eight hectare sculptor park.

The Avoca Beach Caravan Park is easily accessible and only a few streets from the beach at The Round Drive, although along the coast there are some fantastic places to stay. Head further north to The Entrance, which is host to thousands of tourists flocking to its waterways, restaurants and diverse accommodation parks. You could base yourself here and explore Avoca, Terrigal and the surrounding coastline at your leisure, or visit as a day trip from Avoca.

Sun Valley Tourist Park, located at Bateau Bay, is another winner. You don't get closer to the beach than here with superb blue waters at your doorstep and enchanting scenery up and down the coastline. There is plenty to do within the grounds of the park that will keep the children entertained if you prefer to put your feet up and enjoy the pleasure of doing.nothing.

For many the ultimate holiday destination is a combination of sun, surf and beautiful surroundings. You have all of those ingredients and more at Avoca Beach and the adjoining coastline. The Central Coast offers natural beauty and wildlife which is hard to equal anywhere else, and once you have visited once, it will be hard not to come again.

- Jenny B -