Four Seasons Resort
Honoring the base of Blackcomb Mountain; the Four Seasons Resort is located 400-meter away from the Blackcomb ski lifts and a short shuttle to the village and Whistler Mountain. The Resort brings the spirits alive, incredible sights set forth by the wonderful mountain views, with cosy wood interiors, stone fireplaces and terraces with balconies in every room. Each of its 273 guest rooms, suites, townhouses and 37 palatial residence units are designed to offer great relaxation to its guests. Canadian holidays in this hotel will be unforgettable, a delectable dining experience is offered at the restaurant with a casual bistro ambience.
Clayoquot
Built near the lovely village of Tofino, Vancouver Island and can be reached by a peaceful scenic seaplane transfers from Vancouver only 45 minutes or a 30 minute boat ride from Tofino, rests in the exclusive eco-safari destination Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. When you think ‘Canada vacations’ think of this 21^st century safari style enclave lend as a wonderful and luxurious experience, sleeping and dining tents for two to twenty guests.
The Fairmont Jasper Park

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is located just 15 minute away from the town site of Jasper, on the banks of Lac Beauvert. The hotel features beautiful 446 guestrooms, suites and speciality cabins that are ideal for perfect romantic getaway or family vacation. Besides, the guests can relish in the Warm Albertan hospitality, the restaurants offer unique outdoor dining locations and a culinary tradition rich in history. Luxury holidays at the Fairmont Jasper Park offer an extensive selection of shops and boutiques.
The Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Springs is located in the middle of the Rocky Mountains and can be reached in just 15 minutes from the Banff town site, which is close to the Banff Hot Springs. It is recognized as the ‘Castle in the Mountains’ provides amazing views over the valley. A Canadian vacation in this accommodation will connect you with variety of world class services.
The Fairmont Chateau Frontenac
Constructed just a few steps away from the entire major attractions in Quebec; Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is situated in the heart of Old Quebec City and next to the Dufferin Terrace on Cap Diamant. This hotel is a true masterpiece of late 19th century by Canadian Pacific Railways, the hotels architecture is motivated by architectural styles of the middle ages and the Renaissance. Visitors can relax in the Health Club equipped with indoor lap pool, whirlpool, Children’s wading pool, steam rooms and a fully equipped exercise facility.

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Underground restaurants which were initially popular in Latin America are popping up all over the United States. These eating establishments are operated outside of the constraints of the mainstream hustle and bustle by people who love food and more importantly love to experiment with food. Generally, the locations are top secret and passed on through word-of-mouth, however for tourists looking to join in this hush – hush trend, here are 6 of the best underground dining clubs that also have an online presence so you can get your invitation!

Cloak and Dinner

This exclusive underground supper scene creates dishes inspired by the Art world. Prepared to be amazed as you tuck into a Jackson Pollack inspired garlic bread/pizza or admire the presentation of the Monet’s Water Lily Oxtail Consommé, other dishes are inspired by Picasso and Chihuly. You will eat outside overlooking the City of Angels so don’t forget your camera! The meal includes two cocktails (with the option for you to bring your own liquor of choice) and five courses for approximately $50 per person. Generally, they can seat 10 people and have two seating times, so you can choose when you want to eat. Each meal takes approximately two hours. To sign up, visit www.cloakanddinner.com, schedule a reservation and cross your fingers that they draw your number.

The Ghetto Gourmet

The creators of the Ghetto Gourmet were one of the first to start of the social dining experience with random locations in LA. Foodies from all over the world who share a love of good cuisine and eclectic conversation look up this joint after hearing about it through friends and fellow travellers. Enjoy the evening in a gypsy style setting with pillow seats on the floor; you can bring your own! The food is meat, meat, meat cooked with experimental flavours, they change up the dishes every night so be sure to join in more than once. Visit www.theghet.com to browse the upcoming menus and to reserve a seat.

On the Lamb

Run by three very cool women who love food and enjoy tempting visitor’s taste buds, On the Lamb offer a unique pop up supper club held in obscure locations around Los Angeles. The best thing about this club is that they create a beautifully decorated theme at every location so you never know what you’ll walk into. This club is invitation only so you can mingle with like-minded people who, just like you, are looking for a touch of something creative. They also create private services including breakfast in bed, picnic basket meals and cater at film screenings. Learn more at www.onthelambfb.com.

Chicks With Knives

Chicks with Knives is run by two chefs who are graduates of the California Culinary Academy. Passionate about food, where it comes from and how it’s prepared is emphasized at their dinner parties which incorporate local seasonal food. They host their parties at local culinary institutes and homes throughout LA, for a snoop through their exciting menus Visit www.chickswithknives.com and learn about their next dinner is held.

Taste of Pace

Run by professional caterers, cooks and cooking teachers, Taste of Pace hosts monthly underground dinner parties. They use seasonal ingredients from Farmer’s Markets to construct decadent and unique meals for your enjoyment. They host the meals in friends’ homes and hidden art galleries. You’ll enjoy three course meals and a complimentary cocktail while listening to local musicians play. Visitwww.tasteofpace.com for a truly rich and cultural dining experience.

pHeast

pHeast is an underground supper club that serves up Michelin style cuisine. Guests can enjoy delicious meals and spiced drinks and you have to try their tasty multifaceted dessert made up of decadent ingredients like Strawberry, elderflower, pistachio and rose! Eat up whilst enjoying the melodious sounds of a live DJ. The creators update rustic recipes to make them more interesting for the contemporary diner. Visit thepheast.tumblr.com for more information and to register for the next meal, a seven-course Valentine’s Day “pHeast” serving 15 lucky guests for only $75 per person.

Whatever your taste, the underground dining scene is ready to explode in an enigmatic manner of course! Take a ‘eat’ on the wild side! Book a flight; find a, cheap hotel in Los Angeles you’ll have all the more $$$ for food and sign up for the greatest thing since sliced bread!

Who does not have a dream of travelling the world, but word “budget” restricts it. Luxuries like exotic islands, Fancy cruise liners, spas, and adventure spots seems to be so enticing but the money expenditure attached with them comes to your mind all that thoughts vanishes.

But there are some ways through which you can fulfill your dream even spending a penny on them. Surprised!! So let’s discover them:
Check out these ways to make your vacation self financing.

Manage To have A Working Vacation:

Working vacations are the best kind of vacations which not only comes as a free vacation but also gives you opportunity to earn on vacation. Plus the ones sending you on a working vacation will sponsor your travel, food and stay. The main idea behind a working vacation is to have fun with work. So make schedule of your work and manage it accordingly. So that you get ample free time in which you can manage to go on a shopping spree, little sight-seeing, dine out in popular places. Keep your weekends free for whole day outing.

Enroll for A Student Exchange Program:

Teenagers are the one who have wanderlust more than anyone else. Then enrolling in a short term exchange program with foreign universities is the best option. In such kind of exchange programs care will be taken of all your accommodation. Travel expenses have to be bear by the students themselves.

Such knowledge lass programs not only give students an opportunity to see new country but also make them learn new language, get to know about new culture, meet other students. It will be an overall personality development experience.

Take Part in Volunteer Vacations:

Volunteer Vacations is a new concept, which is not known by many. In this you have to become part of social or noble causes overseas like saving animals, HIV awareness spread programs and many such. Lookout for such volunteer programs going on related to your profession or passion.

Be Part of Company’s Overseas Project:

If the company you are working for have overseas branches then most probably they send their employees for on-site projects there. With your hard work and dedication convince your company to send you on such overseas project. Such projects can last from 6 months to 1 year or even more, depending upon the project you are working on.

The company will pay all your expenses; provide you accommodation and transport to commute locally. Some companies let you take your family along with you.
So don’t let Shoestring Budgets stop you from going to your dream destinations for a vacation. Lookouts for any of the opportunities explained above and go have a fun vacation.

About the Author: Catherine Jones writes for Mitsubishi Dealers AZ. She enjoys content and writing about the social sphere.

What’s going on at Ibiza DC-10 this summer???

This year there is very little on the calendar of the DC-10, apart from the weekly event Circo Loco, every Monday. There is only one other event called ‘Better Late Than Never’ on a Wednesday but that is all for now. I’m sure as summer approaches the calendar will become fuller, but there is a lot of talk and second guessing on most of the popular Ibiza blogs, and a lot of general anticipation. I think general anticipation is always present this time of year anyhow, just because everybody is getting geared up ready for the summer, and worrying about fitting as many awesome parties as possible into their schedules whilst being on the ‘White Isle’.

Circo Loco is where its at!

It may be predominantly Circo Loco in DC-10 in the calendar, but it is without question the best event that happens there. It is the clubbers start to the week, and its opening party for 2012 is kicking off on the 28^th May. It is an integral happening of the Ibiza club scene and one not to be missed. As well as the terrace which faces the huge (often lined with gorgeous dancers) DJ Booth, the DC-10 has the obligatory smoking area (or talking area as I like to call it), plus a further 2 dance floors. Its décor tends to chance season to season and is the antithesis of all the other Ibiza clubs, which is nice as it gives it a feeling of individuality.

Get your tickets now!

DC-10 was the iconic club of the 00’s, Circo Loco being the driving force behind it. It is an Italian inspired affair, a rave super-club of monolithic proportions. 2009 and 2010 saw enforced closures for those years, so last year the greatly missed party was avidly welcomed back with open arms, as it is very much has always been at the beating heart of Ibiza rave culture. The Circo Loco starts on Monday morning and generally goes right the way through to the wee hours of Tuesday morning. You can expect beautiful podium dancers, the best in current rave, Techno and house with some of the finest DJ’s in the world, amazing visual shows and just a general revelation in your clubbing experience.

Kelly is a frequently partygoer to Ibiza’s shores and tries to make it out there with her friends at least once in the summer, click here for some great villas that make group holidays even cheaper!

London
There are so many sights to see in Britain’s capital city that they could fill a top 10, several times over, all on their own. So try to make sure that a visit to London crams in as much of these sights as possible, from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye to Buckingham Palace. There is so much to do and see in London that you may find you spend most of your time there, but it will be time well spent.

Stonehenge
One of the UK’s great mysteries, there is much rumour and speculation surrounding exactly why Stonehenge was built and what it actually is. Having stood for over 5,000 years, this historic site is set against the picturesque Wiltshire hills and simply has to be experienced.

Portmeirion
Built between 1925 and 1975 on the North Wales Coast, Portmeirion is a place like no other and has to be seen to be believed. In among its striking architecture are hotels, restaurants and tea shops that make this a most peaceful retreat.

Liverpool Waterfront
One of the world’s most recognisable waterfronts, this is another of the UK’s World Heritage Sites and the Albert Dock has the country’s largest collection of Grade I listed buildings. There is something for everyone here as this stretch of coastline is also home to museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants.

The Giant’s Causeway
Another World Heritage Site, this series of around 40,000 interlinked basalt lines formed from volcanic eruptions lines this part of the Northern Ireland coast and is one of the most striking natural formations in the world.

Chatsworth House
Located in Derbyshire, this has been a residence of the Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire since 1549 and its vast collection of artworks and stunning gardens make it one of the UK’s most amazing country residences.

Lake Windermere
The UK’s largest natural lake stretches for around two miles and is part of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. There is an abundance of beautiful scenery and wildlife here and the speed restrictions on the lake make it perfect for canoeing holidays.

Hadrian’s Wall
This World Heritage Site runs for 150 miles between South Shields and Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast and is the site of some amazingly well-preserved forts. The wall itself is still visible at certain points. This also makes for a great cycle route.

Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital city is steeped in history and a trip along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle perfectly illustrates this. It is also worth taking in one of the city’s many ‘ghost tours’ to learn about the often bloody history of this great city.

Scottish Highlands
The far north of Scotland has some of the best landscapes and scenery you could ever wish to see. You can visit the remote islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides or stay on the mainland and visit the small fishing villages or the excellent beaches which are perfect for anyone interested in sea canoeing holidays.

Author’s bio: James William is an experienced writer, primarily focusing on travelogues and adventure trip tales. He has travelled to different places across the globe and takes interest in sharing his experience with the readers.

Located in the north west of France, Brittany is a fabulous choice for a French beach vacation. With pristine beaches, convenient facilities and historic landmarks like the pre-historic stones in Carnac, Brittany is the place to go for a classic summer French vacation. Camping holidays to France can be booked through Thomson Al Fresco.
Dinard, located just across the water from St. Malo, is a posh location with a high profile social calendar. It’s white sand beaches and blue water gives this beach a riviera feel. The main beach in Dinard, Plage de l’Ecluse plays host to a world class casino and the beach’s coastal walking trails will lead to spectacular views of the bay.

Carnac-Ville and Carnac-Plage make up an extremely popular beach destination for summer holiday goers. Home to 5 Brittany beaches, the Carnac region has a location to suit every need. The two most popular beaches, Plages Men Du and Beaumer, are heavily wooded and offer plenty of sun protection. La Grande Plage and St. Colomban beaches in the Carnac area offer supervised swimming in the summer.

Ile-de-Batz, situated across from Roscoff (1000 meters during high tide, but only a short 200 meters during low tide) is easily accessible by ferry. The island is very small and is perfect for a romantic stroll or cycling tour. Ile-de-Batz is most famous for the Jardin Exotique which boasts over 3000 species of plants from around the world.

The Quiberon coast is aptly nicknamed the Cote Sauvage or ‘wild coast.’ Here the sea swells against the shore, creating ideal conditions for surfing. While the port town itself has a quaint beach appropriate for families, a more adventurous site seer should take the ferry 45 minutes over to Belle-Ile. Rent a bicycle in the port town of La Palais and see it’s thriving biodiversity at your leisure.

Just east of Benodet is the resort town of Concarneau. One of France’s largest fishing ports, Concarneau is home to a world class aquarium, sailing schools and pleasant beach front trails. While in Concarneau be sure to visit the Ville Close, a 13th century citadelle that towers over a rocky islet in the bay.

Brittany is a fantastic choice for a proper French beach vacation. From pleasant strolls along picturesque promenades, to ancient castles and lush gardens, the Brittany coast is not to be missed. Whether you are travelling with children or on a romantic getaway, the beaches of Brittany are sure to provide memories to last a lifetime.

This article was written by Sarah Clarke – She loves blogging about camping on the continent with her family.

Photo via telegraph.

But few points are there which one should keep in mind before heading out on their backpack trip:
Destination should be chosen Before Hand: When one thinks of a holiday many places strikes in your mind. Depending on your choice one day you wish to travel to place with beaches, another day you might like to visit a place with beautiful natural sceneries. In such a case do little research and find a place which gives you the pleasure of both.

If your backpack trip is in a group then first discuss among everyone the places you all can visit. Listen to everyone’s choice and make the selection which strikes a correct balance for all.
Gel with Your Partner: In a group backpack trip it’s very important to have a bond between the ones who are travelling together. If your travel partner does not agree with in right from hotel selection, to dine out place then this disagreement can ruin your whole trip. So select the person with whom you can be frank.

Design a Blueprint of your trip: Backpacking requires more planning than any other holiday trip. If you have decided to visit some foreign country than it require lot of brainstorming. It needs to be started six months before you start your excursion. Chalk out your itinery, your flight and hotel booking should all be done in advance. This gives you benefit of getting discounts also.

That gives me my next point and i.e.

Spend intelligently: In a backpack trip it’s important that you save a single penny at place where you can. From selecting a budget hotel, to finding the cheapest restaurant to have your dinner, saving money should be the motto. If money can be saved, then drink normal water and save on mineral water bottle costs. Carry some snacks and light meals to have between meals. If you are travelling in a foreign country then do check to three places before getting the currency exchange. Negotiate and bargain for the best deal.
Do complete research of the place: Before selecting on the budget hotel read up-to few travel forums to know the users review about it. Do a research about every detail of the place from weather conditions to sightseeing places. Read up about the markets there, mode of transport to travel, interesting restaurants. Note every detail you can gather about the place. Make a checklist of all the days you are planning to stay there. What all you need to do, what all places you can cover ion which day. Make complete list of all the activities you have planned for.

To ensure the security make several copies of your itinerary, checklist, pass post and other visa details. Keep everything in a systematic manner.

Stay Connected: As you are on a holiday leave all the details about your whereabouts with your family and friends. Give them the copy of your itinerary, address and contact number of the hotels you will be staying in. It is advisable to buy the local phone sim of the place you are visiting as it will be a cheaper calling option.

Carry as less as you can: backpack trip means carrying your entire luggage in a backpack. You will not be showcasing your best of the fashion clothes there. So pack the ones which are most comfortable and handy. As backpackers you need to be walking most of the time so it will be good if you are carrying less weight on your shoulders.

Essential Items To Carry Along: Do not forget some important items like map of the place or country your traveling to. Essential medicine and first aid box in case of a medical emergency. Comfortable shoes for walking, extra money, a compass. Do carry a sleeping bag along with you also.

So this summer backpack and enjoy a vacation even on a tight budget. Just remember the tips and enjoy your backpack trip with ease and comfort without spending a fortune on it.

Travelling has never been so much fun!!

Author: Kelly Jones writes for Tustin Auto Center. She is a freelance blogger and likes to write about various topics like social media, latest technology trends.

Varadero Beach

Among some of the best beaches in Cuba is Varadero which is the main beach destination in the country. With more than 20 kilometers of white sandy beach, clear blue waters and a tropical postcard quality, Varadero stuns visitors within moments. The beach also offers several great water sport options and a great nightlife, as well as several shops where you can get some souvenir beach gifts to take home.  Varadero is also a preferred holiday destination for the locals and is only two hours away from the capital.

Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco

Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco are two serene and unspoiled beach destinations located a little north from the main island. The islands are connected to the mainland by a causeway and offer beautiful beaches with good coral reef for those who like scuba diving. With various options available for water sports, both of these serene beaches are among the best in Cuba.

Playa Megano, Playa Ensenachos, Santa Maria and Cayo Las Brujas

Cayo Ensenacho is one of the islets among the 500 odd islets located north of Cuba. This cay is simply 2 square kilometers in area but has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country with clear waters, fine powdery white sand and a large range of fauna which makes it a very popular romantic getaway and is preferred by honeymooners. Cayo Ensenacho is considered to be a jewel in Cuba. Cayo Las Brujas is another island that offers virginal unspoiled beaches, very clear water and an exotic range of fauna and flora making it a very impressive and unique vacation destination in Cuba.

Cayo Saetia, Playa Yuraguanal, Playa Pesquero, Playa Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda- The Holguin Beaches

The Holguin beaches are known to be among the best in Cuba. All of these beaches are great and choosing one among them can be very difficult. The beaches are known for their pristine, powdery white sand and clear waters with the right temperature and the warm climate that they offer. Other than several deserted beaches, Cayo Saetia is also a great place to explore tropical nature, such as the marine life depicted in the famous Guy Harvey Jewelry.  There are several good beachside resorts and water sports activities in the area that makes it a great place to spend a tropical holiday at.

Playa Santa Lucia

La Sagrada Familia Cathedral

The most famous of Gaudi’s works and a must see on city breaks to Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia has been under construction since 1892, and is not expected to be finished until around 2030. The cathedral is Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The church was built with an overriding theme of nature and religion – as was the case with many of Gaudi’s designs – and even from the outside you can see incredibly elaborate stone carvings of scenes from Christianity, including the Nativity and the Passion of Christ. Each of the beautifully ornate spires represents one of the Twelve Apostles and the Evangelists, as well as Jesus and Mary themselves.

Inside the Cathedral, perhaps the most striking features are the brightly-coloured textured columns, designed by Gaudi to “branch” at the ceiling, giving the impression that you are standing underneath a canopy of trees. In true Gaudi style, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single flat surface, as the intricate decoration continues throughout the building. Make your way up the tower to see the spires’ amazing nature-themed sculptures up close, and discover stunning views from 500 feet above the city. The Sagrada Familia is nothing short of magical, a must-see during a Gaudi tour of Barcelona.

Parc Guell

Eusebi Güell, a great Catalan entrepreneur, employed Gaudi on several occasions to design unique buildings and structures. Parc Guell is a public park built in the early 1900s, originally as a high-class housing development, away from the smoke and noise of industrial Barcelona. The development fell through, but the park remains as much of a retreat from the city streets, and is still perfect for a day’s exploring. Gaudi’s influence can be seen from the moment you step through the gates, from the two gingerbread house-like buildings at the entrance to the park, with spiked rooftops and attractive spires, to the incredibly elegant main terrace. The terrace is constructed to look like a sea serpent, complete with colourful mosaic design and a sweeping wall, with built-in benches and look-out points. The gardens themselves offer a beautiful and strange mix of plant life, with even a few palm trees dotted along the footpaths. Inside the park you’ll also find Antoni Gaudi’s former home, which now houses a museum dedicated to his life and some of his smaller pieces, including furniture and designs.

Residential Buildings

Gaudi was commissioned to build or renovate several residential buildings throughout his career, whether as family mansions or stylish modern apartments. Gaudi applied his own inimitable style to each, and the houses remain monuments to his early work.

Casa Mila

Casa Mila, otherwise known as la Pedrera, is a commanding apartment building of stone with wrought-iron balconies and windows, and a wave-like facade that makes the building stand out on the Gracia district’s main promenade. Controversial at the time for its heavy use of religious iconography, the attic and terrace is now open to the public, where you’ll find a reconstructed modernist apartment, beautiful indoor courtyards, and a characteristic rooftop with colourful stone chimneys and excellent views.

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló has been locally dubbed “the house of bones” thanks to its eerily skeletal facade, made up of bone-like columns and stone window terraces. Broken ceramic tiles make up the orange and blue front exterior, while the shining blue and green roof tiles have been compared to the scales of a dragon, giving rise to the theory that the whole building is a symbol of Saint George’s battle with the dragon. Inside the building, you can explore the Batlló family stately home, an equally surreal design of unconventional shapes and colours.

Casa Vicens

Casa Vicens was built in the late 1800s and served as Gaudi’s first important large work. Rather than the organic, life-like designs of his later years, Casa Vicens is relatively formulaic, with a flat facade flanked by two corner pillars and small spires; however, the blend of Modernism and Orientalism employed still makes it instantly noticeable as a Gaudi design. The brickwork and ceramic materials on the front of the building pay tribute to the owner of the building, Manuel Vicens, who ran a brick and tile business, and floral and chequerboard patterns can be seen covering the whole building. Casa Vicens is still a private residence and therefore the inside cannot be visited, but the building is an important landmark in Gaudi’s career, not to be missed.

Barcelona’s cultural influence on Catalonia can be directly attributed to the work of Antoni Gaudi, who created so many icons of the region’s capital city before he passed away in 1926, seeing his works has become one of the best things to do in Barcelona. His legacy was carried on long after his death, and the Gothic-Modernist spires and rooftops across are a clear example of the architect’s effect on the city’s art and design community. Explore on your own, or pick up a Gaudi tour ticket, to see as much of his work during your time on your Barcelona holidays.

 All images via Wikimedia Commons.