travel insurance info

Shopping for a Trip

2009-06-25T05:31:00.001-07:00

A little planning and some judicious shopping can go a long way
towards making travel pleasant.

Of course, I am famous for being the one who just grabs a few
things, tosses them into a backpack, and takes off. This is
because I used to travel a great deal, and have learned which
things are absolute necessities for me.

The list of necessities will be different for different people
and for different trips, of course. Things that will serve a
business traveler going to a meeting out of town and staying
little more than overnight, will be different from the things
you would need on a lengthy cruise vacation.

There are a few things that are simply essential. Many of them
come in small travelers kits, which are perfect.

I found that a travelers sewing kit, which usually includes a
few safety pins, needles and thread, can be invaluable. You can
buy a very small one at almost any dollar type store!

If you are in the habit of taking vitamins, you know that you
can very quickly feel the difference if you go a few days
without them. However, carrying around bottles of what looks
like drugs can upset the customs officials. Buy childrens
vitamins - the brightly colored ones in different shapes.
There\'s no arguing with what those are.

If you do take a prescription drug on a regular basis, be sure
it is in the proper bottle with your name and your doctor\'s name
on it in case there is a question. Over the counter drugs should
be in their original container. Many of the more common remedies
can be purchased in small handy travel containers.

Many people can use the small bottles of shampoo, soap, and so
on at the motel or hotel. Sometimes you may not be going to stay
at hotel or motel that has them. Those of us who have allergies
have to plan ahead and take our own. Almost every brand of
personal care item these days does offer a small travel size. If
yours does not, and you travel often, go ahead and snatch a
couple of those little bottles from the hotel, or buy a small
size of another brand, rinse them out thoroughly, and refill
with your own brand for the next trip.

The same applies if you have a particular facial care or make up
item you use daily. Men, don\'t forget your shaving things.

Another quick hint for those with allergies. If you share my
allergies to certain laundry soaps, you will find that the
sheets at some hotels will irritate your skin. This isn\'t much
fun. I got around it by taking a blanket that rolled up into a
small bundle with me when I traveled. (Sometimes blankets of
this sort are sold as \car blankets\, which you would keep in
the trunk of your car should you be stranded in the cold) Not
only can you roll up in it and sleep on top of the bed clothes
if you find they irritate you, if you get cold on the train or
plane (as I often do) you can snuggle down under your own handy
blanket.

I think at least one nice fluffy mindless novel is required
equipment for any trip. No matter how well planned, trust me, at
some point you will end up sitting around waiting with nothing
to do. When you are done with that novel, leave it behind for
another bored traveler (register it at bookcrossing.com first!) and
pick up another one at the next store you come to.

Good luggage will go a long ways towards making your trip
enjoyable. I\'ve traveled with my junk stuffed in a black plastic
trash bag - and with one of those great new suitcases with the
wheels on the bottom and an adjustable handle. Guess which was
more fun! You don\'t want to spend half your trip worrying if
your suitcase is going to spring open or disintegrate, or
dragging around something that is cumbersome to move around.
Quality luggage is one item you should not skimp yourself on.

Bargains can be had on quality luggage. If you have plenty of
time, check out your local Goodwill or used items stores.
Sometimes someone will buy a new set of luggage for a special
trip and then never use it again. Eventually, it winds up at the
Salvation Army store, or in their garage sale, or on eBay.

Shopping for clothes for your trip is a whole different subject,
and will depend largely on where you are going and how long you
plan to stay. Keep in mind you want things that are as light as
possible, and that will roll up into a smallish bundle for
packing. Items that you can mix and match will make a long trip
easier to pack for. Materials that do not wrinkle easily are a
good idea, especially if you have a special occasion you will be
dressing for.

Make a list of the things you need to take well ahead of time.
You will probably find yourself adding things as you think of
them! You can use this for a shopping list before your trip if
there are items you need to purchase before you depart. Then as
you begin to pack to leave, you can go down your list to be sure
you haven\'t forgotten anything.

Nothing like getting to the beach and discovering you forgot to
pack your swimsuit.

Have a great trip!

What you need to know about Switzerland travel

2009-06-24T10:32:00.001-07:00

Since time memorial, Switzerland has proved itself as one of the most cherished tourist destinations. Every part of this country seems to be caressed and lying in the lap of nature. The land of magical Alps Mountains, Lake Maggiore and the home of cities like Zurich and Bern need no introduction.

An Encounter with the Swiss Cities

Switzerland greets you with one of the most beautiful cities on earth-Zurich. This metropoplis is a significant financial center in the world. Apart from its blessed location at the tip of Limmat River, the city has some of breathtakingly wonderful attractions that include Gothic Fraumunster, the Church of Our Lady, the Fluntern Cemetery where the soul of famous Irish writer James Joyce rests in peace. You can take some of the most expensive items home from the Bahnhofstrasse Street meant for the rich. Accommodation is not a problem in this city for there are many a great hotels like The Widder Hotel, The Baur au Lac Hotel, Arabella Atlantis Sheraton Hotel and the like that provide the best of all amenities.

Cuddled up on the shores of river Geneva is the historical city of Switzerland-Geneva. Amongst a multitude of pulls, the city is known for possessing the world's tallest fountain, a beautiful flower clock (Hologe Fleurie), the archaic Cathedrale de St.Pierreand the renowned Musee de L' Horlogere that enhances your knowledge about the worldwide recognized Swiss watches.

The great Luzren's Lowendenkmal, also known as Lion Monument can be gazed in the city of Luzren. The city is endowed with beautiful surroundings that include villages and mountains. The Luzren city happens to be at the spot where the River Reuss flows out of Lake Luzren. The bees are related to honey and water to bridges. So there are some grand worthwhile bridges here. For instance The Chaff Bridge, the Kapellbrucke or The Chapel Bridge that

If you are stunned with the popularity and status of 'bears', you have stepped in the metropolis Bern. Bern is a delightful city that is the capital of Switzerland and is nestled in a curve in the River Aare. The ancient exotic fountains, the majestic arcades that seem to be eternal and caring, the Kunstmuseum or art Museum with the original magnum opus of the genius Swiss painter Paul Klee, are some of the outstanding features of the Bern city. Some more museums like Bern Historical Museum that presents exclusive archaeological artifacts; 15th century tapestries etc., The Natural History Museum, the Communication Museum and the Kunsthalle Bern Museum always receive the vacationers' attention.

The Bernese Oberland region of Bern is an evergreen tourist destination. The area has some of the captivating spots like Interlaken town that is bedecked by three mountains namely Jungfrau, Monch and the Eiger. The spectacular Grindelwald Glacier near the recognized Grindelwald resort never lets one take off his eyes from it. To elate your spirits the Trummelbach Falls that can be distinctively viewed via an elevator built in the rock and the Staubbach Waterfalls await your visit.

To rock your body on the pulsating music, celebrate with the Swiss their highly acclaimed Montreaux Jazz Festival in the Montreaux city. What can also be relished is the amazing work of art of the mentally ill and criminals at the distinguished Collection de l'Art Brut museum that is to be found in the city of Lausanne. The town of Klosters is swarming with visitors for its fantastic ski resort that too is known as Klosters. Skiing can also be enjoyed at the popular skiing resorts in the town of St. Moritz. Since the town rests on the southern side of Alps Mountains at an altitude of 6000 feet, it is all the more appealing to the visitors.

About the author:

Mansi gupta writes about switzerland travel topics. Learn more at http://www.discountswissvacations.com.

Travel Will Create 144 Million New Jobs By The Year 2005!

2009-06-23T15:31:00.001-07:00

This has in turn created one of the hottest and most lucrative
business opportunities in the World!

John Naisbitt, the world\'s leading authority on trends, defines
in his book \'Global Paradox\', one of today\'s most important
trends - Travel - currently at $4.9 TRILLION annually, the
world\'s largest industry. It employs 10.6% of the world\'s
workforce and is growing 23% faster than the world economy!
Travel will create 144 MILLION new jobs by the year 2005.
According to Opportunity Magazine in the January, 1998 issue the
T.I.A. (Travel Industry Association of America) said travel
sales hit an all time high and were estimated at over $4.4
TRILLION dollars (1998)! Vacation and Travel is now the third
largest retail industry in America! Trends such as this lead to
financial success and define our lives. We either make money or
spend money on trends depending on where we position ourselves.
A good example of this is Bill Gates, who maintains the elite
status of being the richest man in the world because he
positioned himself in front of one of these hot trends: The
Computer Revolution!

To take maximum advantage of this amazing trend, over eight
years ago a Board of Directors committed themselves to
researching and building business relationships with travel
companies that possess a proven track record of customer
satisfaction and industry credibility. The result? Coastal
Vacations.

Stability And Service

Coastal Vacations continues to offer Membership Benefits and
Services that are unparalleled in the industry today. Offering
an incredible Vacation Package that has unbeatable value to the
consumer, as well as tremendous financial rewards for the
marketing team.

Working with thousands of resorts and leaders in the field of
travel and leisure, Coastal Vacations pursues this commitment by
consistently seeking out the best

vacation and travel values in the industry and making them
available to clients at rock bottom prices. The Companies chosen
to fulfill the benefits and services in our packages are of the
highest caliber. Most are publicly traded companies, licensed
and bonded, with a track record of 12 years or more. Our
Independent shipping facility has 25 years of proven experience
in the industry. Is Room For You?

Regardless of your previous work experience, you have an
excellent opportunity to be extremely successful with Coastal
Vacations. Our commissions of $1,000.00, $3,000.00 and $7,000.00
can quickly replace an existing income or add to it nicely!

Our marketing program is truly \turn-key,\ in that much of the
sales and training needed to build a large income is provided by
the SYSTEM itself. From business professionals to homemakers,
factory workers to executives: thousands are experiencing
amazing results with this tremendous opportunity!

JOIN US TODAY!

Before you leave our site, make sure you print out their Free
Report in the Printable Profile to take with you.

You can get it by going here:
http://www.coastalincome.com/1homebusiness

coastal Vacations is an association of entrepreneurs,
professionals and home-based business owners dedicated to
providing the highest quality vacation values and travel
benefits on the market today, and making them available to their
clients at rock-bottom prices. This has in turn created one of
the hottest and most lucrative business opportunities in the
World!

You will need Adobe Reader, a popular FREE program to view and
print this form. If Adobe Reader is installed on your computer,
the document automatically opens up to view and print from
within your browser window. If it doesn\'t open, download and
Install Adobe Reader by clicking the icon below.

The Lobster's Tale: Through the Eyes of a Cape Cod Lobsterman?

2009-06-22T20:32:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time if Cape Codders wanted a grand lobster feast they merely walked down to the shore, waded in and plucked all they could carry by the armload. In fact, the Pilgrim Miles Standish reported that, after a good nor\'easter, lobsters could be found in piles eighteen inches deep at the water\'s edge and gathered without anyone even getting their toes wet.

Homarus Americanus, alternatively known as the New England, Maine, or Atlantic lobster, once thrived in such profundity here on Cape Cod that the colonists actually used them, not as food, but as fertilizer for their crops or as bait for their fish hooks. As sustenance, lobster was little more than \poverty food,\ fit only for feeding indentured servants, slaves, children or cows, in that order. Here in Massachusetts, the servants did finally rebel and won an amendment to their contracts- No longer would they be forced to eat lobster more than three times a week.

Today of course, the lobster ranks as the king of all summer foods, more a celebration than a meal. For lobster-lovers a lazy summer day baking at the beach is merely prelude to the height of indulgence- tying on the lobster bib, unwrapping the special forks, picks, and claw-cracker, and consulting the place mat with its numbers outlining, step-by-step, how to dismember your lobster to extract its full contents.

We New Englanders so love the lobster that Logan Airport has its own lobster pool, whose feisty inhabitants wait to be shipped to all points of the globe by air express. It was not always so. In fact there is little about the history of this pugnacious crustacean that would predict its exclusive rise to popularity in the American diet today.

The History On a journey to the Cape guided by Squanto on September 18, 1621, Miles Standish was struck by the omnipresent hordes of lobsters. He found \savages seeking lobsters\ in Barnstable, and, at daybreak the following morning in Nauset Harbor, he moved to acquire some of his own:

\There we found many lobsters that had been gathered together by the savages, which we made ready under a cliff. The captain set two sentinels behind the cliff to the landward to secure the shallop, and taking a guide with him and four of our company, went to seek the inhabitants; where they met a woman coming for her lobsters, they told her of them, and contented her for them.\

The potential for the creature in the American diet was noted not only here on Cape Cod, of course, but all along the New England coast. In June 1605 Captain George Waymouth, on a trip to Maine, was also struck by the teeming populations of American Lobster, a close cousin to the smaller Spiny lobster of Europe:

\And towards night we drew with a small net of twenty fathoms very nigh the shore; we got about thirty very good and great lobsters... which I omit not to report, because it sheweth how great a profit the fishing would be.\

Nevertheless, lobstering as an industry began, not in Maine, but right here on Cape Cod. Populations were so high that the typical lobster went for a mere two or three cents each. In fact, lobstermen on Monomoy\'s Whitewash Village are said to have made a decent living at a penny apiece. The crustaceans grew to such size that they were often reported up to five and six feet long in the markets of Boston. One gargantua reached a weight of nearly forty-five pounds.

Unlike other kinds of fish, lobster must be shipped alive. Uncooked dead lobsters develop poisonous toxins that will sicken or possibly kill anyone who eats them. Therefore the lobster industry, as we know it today, did not become possible until the early nineteenth century with the development of lobster smacks, sailing vessels with seawater tanks in their hold. By 1840 Provincetown had five of these smacks devoted full-time to shipping lobsters between the Cape and New York City. The industry was given further boosts by the development of canning factories in New England in the 1840s, and also by the coming of the railroad and improved methods of preserving food with ice.

Cape Cod initially provided all of the lobsters for the inland urban markets, but, by the Civil War, populations had been fished so low that buyers turned to the waters of Maine to fulfill demand. As lobstering became a tireless and full-fledged New England industry, regulations were similarly enacted to restrict the size and season of the catch, and populations for the last century have remained remarkably stable.

Cape Cod Today At Chatham Harbor on a shimmering summer day, with little wind and no sea running, the picturesque view of lobstermen tending their colorful pots close to shore conjures up an ideal way of life. Even within the fishing industry itself, lobstering is enviously referred to by fellow longliners and gillnetters as an easy \gentleman\ fishery.

\Well, we are lucky here in Chatham,\ says 30 year-old Chatham native and lobsterman Ben Bergquist. \A lot of the best fishing is just 8 miles from shore and, generally all over the Cape, we have very good lobster habitat with good bottom -- all within twenty-five miles. It is a fun fishery when it\'s good, but it\'s like anything else-- when it\'s not going well, it\'s absolutely miserable, and persistence counts for everything. Everybody who makes money from the ocean has to work to make that money. It\'s all up to you if you want to get out of bed in the morning and work or not, no matter what the fishery, and lobstering is no different.\

In a fishery plagued annually by predictions of crashing lobster stocks, Bergquist, who began helping his father at the age of eight and took over the boat, the Benjo, in 1996, says that for himself every year has gotten better. Though he has a Bachelors degree in Environmental Science and the option for a more traditional career on-shore, he sees a strong future for himself in lobstering.

With a young wife, two daughters aged one and four, a mortgage, and a sizeable investment in gear, he has found that hard work and perseverance has paid off just like any other business.

\Well, for sure, the successful days are averaged by an equal amount of hard-luck. Everything\'s trial and error, and every year\'s different. You can never count on the same things happening twice. But at the end of the year it all comes out in the wash. Last year August was great and July was not, but that\'s not always true. They (lobsters) were just nowhere to be found in July. And overall we caught them deeper than normal because, for some reason, I think the water was warmer deeper than in shoal water. Once it gets colder, they either hibernate or take off. Water temperature has everything to do with it, and that varies throughout the year and from year to year.\

Thus, in order to survive, lobstermen cannot afford to mindlessly return to the same grounds that were successful in the previous year. They must constantly update their information by learning the lobster\'s habits and appetites well enough to outsmart him.

Ben\'s work-day actually begins the previous night when he checks the weather. If the fierceness of the wind and waves prohibits actual fishing, he\'ll stay on shore, building or repairing traps, working on his boat, or hunting for bait, something of which he never has enough.

\I get bait from four or five different boats and some from the markets. Codfish heads or racks seem to work best. We also use bass, bluefish, flounder, swordfish, tuna. Any scraps at all will work. It\'s amazing how good lobsters taste with their diet, that something that will eat essentially any garbage in the ocean, can taste so good. I have a freezer so I can stockpile the bait, but it is a real pain for sure.\

His sternman Chris Nash, also of Chatham, not only helps on the water with hauling, rebaiting the traps and sorting the catch, but also with the tedious and ongoing shore duties.

\Chris and I alternate days on getting the bait, so it works out -- but it is time- consuming. A tote of bait costs three dollars, and you can bait 30 traps with that. It\'s relatively cheap, but I\'ve got 800 traps and that\'s a lot of bait. We start fishing in April and we\'re done in December, but the rest of the year we spend doing gear work, building new traps and fixing old ones. I still work with wooden traps, even though I\'d rather fish wire. The maintenance is easier, but they don\'t seem to catch as much -- so seventy-five percent of my strings are still wood.\

Lobsters in the wild are every bit as pugnacious as they look and are notoriously cannibalistic, so Bergquist neutralizes the larger \'crusher\' claw and the smaller \'ripper\' claw with tight rubber bands. He prefers the bands (introduced in 1951) because they do not pierce the meat of the lobsters claws like plugs, and thus provide a more handsome lobster in the market.

\They\'re very aggressive, especially egg-bearing females, or males fighting over food or females. Eggers will really eat everything down to empty shells and attack everything in sight.\

Fuel is the lobsterman\'s biggest expense , and then there is the gear investment. Losing a string of traps to a storm or having a line cut by a passing propeller are considered outright losses. There is no such thing as insurance for a lobster trap, and, at fifty dollars a trap, a loss of an entire string is not cheap. A thirty percent loss of pots per season is not uncommon.

Bergquist fishes 800 traps, hauling through it completely every 4 days. For a lobsterman, he says, there is always that fragile moment of suspense when the incoming trap breaks the surface and the lobsters are either there or not there.?

\Sometimes all you see is a big orange glow coming up and the trap will be just completely filled, and that\'s real exciting to see that many in the trap. I had one where there was a big 12-pounder, not able to fit, but he had stuck one claw into the trap and, when I hauled him up, he was hanging onto the bait bag with everything he had. I almost went overboard trying to grab him. (Scenes from Lobstering on the Benjo with Ben Bergquist can be seen at http:// www.MooncusserFilms.com)

But my worst day lobstering was the first day I ever hauled as a captain. I couldn\'t find any of my pots. At first I thought that everything was gone, it was so foggy and rainy. So I just drove blindly around in circles, looking and looking. Finally I found a buoy and realized that my LORAN was mis-set. I turned it off, then back on, and we were back on track. The day was salvageable, but it sure didn\'t start off too special. And I have days where I come back with only 40 pounds. Those are never good days but, like I said, it works out.\

Bergquist\'s boat, the Benjo, has a seawater tank in the hold that is maintained by a pump that circulates oxygen in the same way as a household fish tank. This is where the lobsters are kept alive and fresh until delivery to the lobster pools of fish markets on shore, and it\'s the real key to their freshness.

\If you\'re buying a lobster, it\'s either alive or dead, and if it\'s alive, it\'s fresh. Sure, it\'s kind of neat to buy them right off the boat, but any market on the Cape should be the same. I sell mine to Nickerson Fish & Lobster, which is right on the pier, five feet from where I land. You might say that\'s fresh.\

While unloading at the Chatham pier, Bergquist is often approached by those on the upper observation deck seeking what they perceive as a fresher alternative to the restaurant or market lobster pool.

\People ask me, \'Will you sell me some lobsters?\' and I say, \'Sure, what do you want?\' I give them a lower price than they will pay in the market, but a higher price than I will get. A lot of time people will be so shocked that I said \'yes\', they\'ll get all jammed up about it. They don\'t know what they want exactly or they bicker, and I don\'t end up selling to them.

And I also get calls from friends, \'Ben, I\'m having a party and I need 20 lobsters!\' But it\'s not a big part of my income. I could have a tank at my house and a big sign that said \LOBSTERS,\ but when I get in, I\'d just as soon be done with it.

The majority of Bergquist\'s lobsters are eaten right here on the Cape, but his father once shipped internationally to Scandinavia in large quantity, driving right onto the runway of the airport with the good hard-shell lobsters packed in sturdy Styrofoam boxes. That sort of thing is still big business here on the Cape, with a host of mail- order and dot com companies willing to air ship lobsters alive and kicking to your door, complete with Cape Cod seaweed, clams, and corn and potatoes.

According to Bergquist, the best way to keep a lobster alive is right in your refrigerator or on ice in a cooler -- anywhere cool and wet so long as the lobster is not sitting in freshwater, where it will drown. To cook them, Bergquist recommends steaming or grilling, not boiling, them. The right amount of time, which depends on their size, should never exceed twenty or thirty minutes.

\Head first or tail first it doesn\'t matter. My wife doesn\'t like to be in the room either way. I like butter, and cocktail sauce is good too. I\'m a Cape Codder. I eat it with butter, and beer -- that\'s really the key ingredient.\

Lobster-lovers are concerned, of course, not only with freshness but with price, and Bergquist is visibly uncomfortable when talking prices, \I get about seven bucks a pound, so a 21-pounder, the largest I\'ve ever seen, would get about a $140. I\'ve never had one in a restaurant. I hardly ever pay attention to restaurant prices. I get $5.50 for a select lobster and that same lobster might go for $30. But wholesalers have a lot to deal with -- lobsters that nobody wants, or fatalities.\

He is careful to point out that, though he feels prices are fair to the lobstermen, it\'s no get-rich-quick scheme. Lobstering is good steady income in a fishery that is unpredictable at best.

\You can make a whole year\'s pay in 3 months, but it goes the other way too. If you can deal with that fluctuation mentally, you\'ll be fine, but you have to like it to do it. There are brutally cold mornings and times when the fish just aren\'t there, and you make the best of it. If the government lets me fish, I think it\'s possible to fish the rest of my life. I\'d like to go another ten years for sure, I know that much. But I hope by then everything\'s paid for and I can get out if I want.\

The number of lobstermen on Cape Cod has dropped steadily from a high of 1,865 in 1988 to around 1,500 today. But nearly every town on the Cape, from Sandwich to Provincetown, still supports men like Ben Berquist, from whom you can land your own cooler full of lobsters, bypassing the restaurant and market pools altogether.

\In the summer I get in between one and four in the afternoon,\ says Berquist, adding quickly, \Then again, in the fall we can be in by noontime. It\'s really tough to pinpoint.\

So it may be that if you can intercept a lobsterman, in his uncertain daily round here on Cape Cod, you have learned something of the lobster himself. For the lobsterman, like his quarry, takes some hunting, a bit of planning, and a touch of luck to catch.

Christopher Seufert is an author and filmmaker based on Cape Cod. He manages Chatham\'s Online Guide http://www.MyChatham.com and Cape Cod\'s Online Gift Shop http://www.ChathamGifts.com.

Grand Canyon National Park

2009-06-22T01:26:00.000-07:00

Grand Canyon National Park, a World Heritage Site, encompasses 1,218,375 acres and lies on the Colorado Plateau in northwestern Arizona. The land is semi-arid and consists of raised plateaus and structural basins typical of the southwestern United States. Drainage systems have cut deeply through the rock, forming numerous steep-walled canyons. Forests are found at higher elevations while the lower elevations are comprised of a series of desert basins.

Well known for its geologic significance, the Grand Canyon is one of the most studied geologic landscapes in the world. It offers an excellent record of three of the four eras of geological time, a rich and diverse fossil record, a vast array of geologic features and rock types, and numerous caves containing extensive and significant geological, paleontological, archeological and biological resources. It is considered one of the finest examples of arid-land erosion in the world. The Canyon,
incised by the Colorado River, is immense, averaging 4,000 feet deep for its entire 277 miles. It is 6,000 feet deep at its deepest point and 15 miles at its widest. However, the significance of Grand Canyon is not limited to its geology.

The Park contains several major ecosystems. Its great biological diversity can be attributed to the presence of five of the seven life zones and three of the four desert types in North America. The five life zones represented are the Lower Sonoran, Upper Sonoran, Transition, Canadian, and Hudsonian. This is equivalent to traveling from Mexico to Canada. The Park also serves as an ecological refuge, with relatively undisturbed remnants of dwindling ecosystems (such as boreal forest and desert riparian communities). It is home to numerous rare, endemic (found only at Grand Canyon), and specially protected (threatened/endangered) plant and animal species. Over 1,500 plant, 355 bird, 89 mammalian, 47 reptile, 9 amphibian, and 17 fish species are found in the park.

(This information was obtained from the National Park Service.)

About the Author

Webmaster of http://www.national-parks-hotels-lodging.com/

Adult Singles Cruises Could Be The Adventure You're Looking For

2009-06-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

If you don\'t have someone to take with you on a cruise vacation, you may just find that someone instead, on an adult singles cruise. The cruise lines today are realizing that there is a huge market of singles that would like to get to know others in a friendly fun atmosphere, and so they are arranging for all kinds of cruises that cater to singles. These can include cruises for black singles, cruises for jewish singles, cruises for christian singles and much more. They often try to theme the cruise as much as possible to help singles meet others that they may have more in common with.

All of the cruise lines have different offerings available for singles, and that is why it is good to check with each line to see what they offer that could appeal to you. If you want to save money while you cruise, several lines allow shared usage of the staterooms by persons of the same sex and then each one pays the per person rate for that room. That essentially cuts the costs of an adult singles cruise in half for each individual, which leaves them more money to spend on having fun instead.

While on the cruise there are often special activities and programs to help singles be able to meet others including singles cocktail parties, group shore excursions, wine tasting and much more. This allows singles the opportunity to meet and greet others and get to know them on a social basis while the trip is taking place.

Of course, some singles don\'t really want to meet someone else special while cruising and that\'s alright too. There is plenty on board to keep a single person busy and involved without having to mingle socially including the beautiful swimming pools, spas, jacuzzis, elegant dining and more.

So if you always thought that you couldn\'t go on a vacation cruise because you were single, that is just not true anymore. There is plenty that modern cruise lines have to offer both singles who want to meet other singles, and those who are just want to stay single but still have a great time.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including vacation travel. You can find out more about royal carribean cruise lines and adult singles cruises by visiting our Vacation Guide website.

Alaska's Alyeska Resort Family And Ski Vacation Extraordinaire

2009-06-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

The \Land of the Midnight Sun\ has always been an amazing source
of raw, rugged beauty and many think of Alaska only as a great
summertime vacation destination. On the other hand, if you like
to ski you may want to consider Alaska when planning your next
ski vacation because it has some of the best skiing in the world.

And one of the top resorts in all of Alaska is the Alyeska
Resort. Alyeska has a top elevation slightly above 2,700 feet, a
vertical drop of 2,500 and the area gets an average annual
snowfall of 631 inches.

In addition to offering some of the best skiing in the world,
another nice benefit of Alyeska is that you won\'t run into long
lift lines or overly crowded slopes. There are nine lifts,
including six chair lifts, two surface lifts and one cable car
line. The majority of their trails are designed for the
intermediate skier but with 68 trails they also have countless
runs for both the beginner and expert.

Night skiing is not only allowed but it may be one of most awe
inspiring ski experiences you\'ll ever have. Snow capped
mountains, hanging glaciers and the infamous Northern Lights are
just a few of the visual bonuses of night skiing at Alyeska. It
was ranked number nine in Skiing Magazine\'s annual top
twenty-five killer ski trip reviews.

The season begins in mid November and runs through mid April at
Alyeska and with close to sixteen hours of daylight each day
during April, this area of Alaska boasts the longest period of
daylight anywhere in the United States. On the other hand, in
December, there are only about seven hours of daylight but with
their fabulous night time skiing it\'s really not an issue.

The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the wonderful place to stay. You\'ll
enjoy elegant rooms, fine dining and nightly entertainment is
also available. In addition, there are other nightlife watering
holes in the area that are not associated with the hotel.

If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier Tubing Park
is an absolute must. It features two lanes of terrain and a
surface lift and everyone in the family will enjoy spending time
at the tubing park. The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for
snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities that can be
enjoyed in and around the Alyeska Resort include flight seeing,
heliskiing, ocean cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing,
back country skiing, mountaineering and polar bear watching
tours.

The Alyeska Resort not only offers some of the best skiing on
the continent but when you consider the broad range of available
winter activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family, it
represents one of the best winter vacation destinations in the
world - bar none.

This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.

Luxury Cruise Expert Guide

2009-06-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

What could be more enjoyable than relaxing by a pool and being served with chilled champagne and caviar while soaking up the sun under deep azure skies? It\'s a dream that many people have, but on a luxury cruise this dream is a reality. If you want high-class pampering, attentive service that is second to none and spacious accommodation with all those \'little extras\' added in, you\'ll simply love luxury cruising.

A luxury cruise really is in a different league. On a luxury cruise you\'ll be offered nothing less than a spacious ocean view cabin as entry level accommodation. It will be nicely decorated with plush furnishings and quality bed linen, along with modern entertainment equipment such as a TV, video and DVD player. You\'ll have exclusive use of your own private balcony, as well as a fully-stocked bar and mini-fridge. Many cruise lines even offer personalized stationary, desk and writing equipment as standard in their cabins.

Quality of service is really out of this world on a luxury cruise. Most luxury cruise ships insure that crewmembers address customers by name from day one on board the vessel. Every need is catered for 24/7, and no task is too small (or too big). If you want burger and fries at 4 in the morning, then the crew will get you burger and fries at 4 in the morning!

The cuisine on a luxury cruise is as you would expect - heavenly! There is a wide variety of menus available on board, offering an array of exotic dishes prepared by some of the finest chefs in the world. Champagne and fine wines are on hand day and night, and you can even choose to have a first-class dining experience in the privacy of your own cabin, or sat out on your private balcony.

Naturally, a luxury cruise ship provides its passengers with an excellent selection of cruise destinations and port excursions. Visits to private islands, secluded beaches and exclusive haunts of the rich and famous are all part and parcel of a luxury cruise. Additionally, luxury cruise ships generally have fewer passengers on board than do regular non-luxury cruise vessels. This makes for a more pleasant experience when alighting from the ship at port on arrival or boarding the vessel again for departure.

Whether its accommodation, service, cuisine, entertainment or excursions, you\'ll find that a luxury cruise is a lot more inclusive than a standard cruise. There will in fact be very little that you have to pay for in terms of extra cost while on board - most of it will be covered in the price that you have already paid for the cruise.

But a luxury cruise is expensive, right? Not necessarily. When you add in everything that\'s included in the price you\'ll find that a luxury cruise is a lot more affordable than you think!

John Metcalfe is the author and web publisher of A to Z Cruises your #1 source
for cruise information, discounts and great deals! Visit http://www.azcruises.com
now to book your very own dream Luxury Cruise vacation.

Scenic Train Rides

2009-06-18T21:26:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure why on scenic train rides you can have a beer, but you can't on a bus. In any case, this is one of the reasons to take a train ride. Another reason is that they go where the roads don't, so you'll see scenery you miss when driving. Trains don't have to stop at traffic lights, and you can get up and walk around. Finally, trains are relaxing for all the reasons above AND the rythym of the rails.

Amtrak has scenic sections, and there are also numerous dinner trains operating around the United States now. However, the most scenic train rides are the classics. Below are a few to whet your appetite.

The Silverton-Durango Narrow Gage

I first caught this train far from any road. I was in the Weminuche Wilderness Area, next to a footbridge over the Animas river, where they stop if backpackers there flag them down. More recently, my wife and I took the train from Silverton to Durango. Wherever you catch this train, it will be an experience you won't forget.

It is a classic steam locomotive that goes through Colorado's San Juan Mountains, along the Animas river. At times you'll look out the window, over the edge, to the water hundreds of feet below. In Silverton you can eat good food, buy souvenirs, and see an old-west mining town that hasn't much with time.

La Nariz Del Diablo

Train rides on this line, which goes from Riobamba to Alausi, Ecuador, are scenic and adventurous. On our recent trip, my wife stayed inside, but I rode on the roof for the first half of the ride. Despite the occasional rain, there were twenty other travelers up there. I highly recommend you pay the dollar to rent a pillow to sit on. Your final destination is a valley with a view of a rock formation high above, called La Nariz Del Diablo, or The Devil's Nose.

Be careful of tree branches if you're on the roof, and be prepared for a five-hour ride. It starts in downtown Riobamba, in the highlands of the central Andes Mountains. You'll travel through cloud forests and finally down to a much warmer climate. Interestingly, the train descends some streches of track caboose-first. There's a lunch stop in one of the small mountain towns. When we took the train (May 2004), it was limited to 40 passengers, and tickets sold out quickly.

Agawa Canyon Railroad

One of the more scenic train rides in the north, starts and ends in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario, Canada, just over the border from Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. It's an all-day trip that goes through a rocky and heavily-wooded wilderness, along the Agawa River, to Agawa Canyon. At the canyon, you can have a picnic in a beautiful meadow, or just relax and enjoy the scenery, before reboarding for the return trip.

Autumn, when the maples have all changed color, is the most beautiful time to take the train. It's also the most difficult time to get tickets, so plan far ahead. The route is also run as the scenic Snow Train, in winter.

The Thunder Mountain Line

Thunder Mountain Line has scenic train rides that take several routes in Idaho, starting from Horseshoe Bend and Cascade. Depending on the route you choose, you'll travel through dramatic narrow canyons, sagebrush-covered hills, mountain meadows, or pristine evergreen forests. The tracks follow the mountain trails settlers used a hundred years before. You may see deer, fox, elk, blue herons, osprey, and bald eagles. Rides vary from three to five hours, depending on the route.

Amtrak's Scenic Train Rides

The California Zephyr, Amtrak's train from Chicago to San Francisco, passes through the Rocky Mountains and the more beautiful (in my opinion) Sierra Nevadas. The Coast Starlight goes from Seattle to Los Angeles, with views of snow-covered mountains, thick forests, and long stretches of Pacific Ocean shoreline. Amtrak's Auto Train is a unique scenic train ride that allows you to take your car with you from Lorton, Viginia, to Florida.

About the Author

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. To read their stories, tips and travel information, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com

Italian London

2009-06-18T02:26:00.001-07:00

Italians have been coming to live in London for hundreds of years, including Canaletto, the famous Renaissance Artist whose works can be seen in the National Gallery and Buckingham Palace. In the first half of the 19th century, there was an influx of political refugees into London. By 1854 London\'s first Italian community of about 2000 was formed in Clerkenwell. Many opened businesses in the catering industry, or worked as artisans, street vendors or street musicians.There is still a large Italian community in Clerkenwell, and this area is also home to the Italian Church, St.Peters, which holds Italian events and youth clubs for the Italian community. It is also the area of London that has most of the original Italian businesses, shops and cafes.

When Italian immigrants formed the first Italian community in London over 150 years ago, they had no official church of their own, and used to attend prayer at the Royal Sardinian Chapel at Lincoln\'s Inn Fields. The 1st Archbishop of westminster, Cardinal Wiseman, invited St.Vincent Pallotti to establish an Italian Church in London. Helping in the task, were Fr.Raffaele Melia, the Italian chaplin to the Sardinian Church, and Fr.Giuseppe Faa\' di Bruno, a priest from Turin.By 1853, enough funds had been raised to buy a site for the Italian Church of St.Peter\'s in London\'s \'Little Italy\'.St.Peter\'s opened in 1863, and at that time, was the only church in Roman Basilican style.It remains an important focal point for the Italian community in London, and many regularly attend prayers and mass, as well as celebrating important events in the church\'s calendar.

Other \'Italian areas\' of London now include Islington,Battersea, and in particular Kensington and Chelsea.

Juliana de Angelis is a travel writer about Italy...read more articles, travel guides and information about Italy, its people and culture at her website: http://www.madaboutitaly.com/

Book flights, hotels and shop for Italian products at http://www.italianshopsonline.com/

Manilva An off plan opportunity in Spain?

2009-06-17T07:26:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that with just a five minute drive away
from the touristy Port of Duquesa, you are in an authentic
Spanish village. Manilva has all the benefits of any rustic
village in the 'campo', without feeling isolated from the
'necessities' that we are accustomed to.

We live in Manilva and appreciate the sense of 'being away from
it all', with the knowledge that Marbella with its city
lifestyle is just a twenty minute drive away, should we crave
it. We don't even need to travel as far as Marbella, as the
cosmopolitan town of Estepona offering choice and variety is ten
minutes down the N-340.

Having said that, Manilva, is very self-sufficient. If you go
for a walk through its charming, white washed lanes, around
every corner, shops hidden in houses surprise you. Many don't
bear signs outside; locals just know that they are there. The
beaded curtain is usually a giveaway. Like little Aladdin's
caves, they are often dark, cramped and stuffed with objects
from glue to carrots.

Non-drivers are catered for with a doctor's surgery, a dentist
and opticians at hand. There is also a bus service which takes
you to the local coastal village of Sabinillas. Nevertheless,
anybody living in Manilva without wheels might start to go a bit
stir crazy!

One of the most attractive features for off plan buyers is the
price. The village is rapidly expanding and the prices of the
houses and apartments being built are very competitive compared
with other parts of the coast. Luckily, the architects working
on the construction projects are designing buildings which
incorporate the local, traditional features.

It is still quite an underrated and overlooked little place on
the Costa del Sol. In fact, it is such a tucked away little
treasure that I hesitate to reveal it. I, personally, feel very
fortunate to have discovered it through a mixture of accident
and nosiness, two and a half years ago. Today, I am ashamed to
say that I often take the breathtaking views from the outskirts
of the village for granted. So, when the pace of Andalucian life
frustrates, I remind myself how lucky I am to live in Manilva.

Enjoy Ecotourism and Farming Activities in Chilean Patagonia

2009-06-16T12:26:00.001-07:00

Patagonia is known for its beauty and tradition, flavour and amazing landscapes. Torres del Paine National Park is a very known place visited for more than 100.000 people each season. Patagonia has a lot of interesting things to do and wonderful treks and sights to enjoy. There is a lot of history around... Fernando de Magallanes discovered this lands years ago baptizing its channel as the Straits of Magellan.

Farming activities are common in these lands. There are places like Rio Verde, Skyring Sound, Tierra del Fuego and many others where they produce lamb wool to export. The farming activies have become more and more interesting and it is not easy to enjoy watching these activities unless you are a relative person to a farm.

But there are some \estancias\ open to public so you can visit them and see how they work or a representation of how a typical estancia or farm works. I have bee in Skyring sound making some photography for a customer and it was really beautiful. Feeling the contact with the animals and the people, just great!

I have enjoyed from visiting El Galpn, a tourism center near Punta Arenas where they represent the typical farming activities like sheep shearing, short trekking trails to know native flora and tasting the exquisite flavour of the \in the stick\ style roasted lamb. This is really the best meat i have ever tasted. We can cook lamb at home but the flavour of the traditional roasted lamb cooked in the fire with a stick throughout makes me feel like going again soon.

El Galpon was established in 1920 as the Dairy of Bellavista Farm. Toms Dick impulsed it in the 50\' s and currently, keeping its original structure has been transformed it into \El Galpn\, a get together place to enjoy Patagonia\'s traditional cooking.

Fine Chilean handicraft items such as sheep and llama woolen garments can be purchased and a regional music group which sings and dances shows the typical Chilean folklore and there is a video where you can learn how Magellan was colonised.

I also enjoyed a panoramic view of Punta Arenas, the Straits of Magellan, Tierra del Fuego and Darwin mountain range; and i have seen the most representative species of grass, bushes, flowers and trees of the Patagonia.

I reccomend all of you to think about going to these faraway lands... it is a magnificient experience. If you want more information about it visit www.elgalpon.cl

Welcome to Patagonia

Marcelo Kunstmann
Graphic Designer, photographer and lover of Patagonia. 32 years old, married.Lives in Punta Arenas, 300 kilometers to Torres del Paine National Park in souther chilean patagonia.Close relationships with tourism companies in this areas.Graphic service provider to many of them.

Visit us in http://www.welcomepatagonia.com for more information on travel to Patagonia.

http://www.welcomepatagonia.com/puntaarenas/hotels.html
All about hotels in Punta Arenas

Happy Birthday Las Vegas you've come a long way baby!

2009-06-15T17:26:00.001-07:00

Las Vegas is celebrating its 100th Birthday this year.

What would it take to entice people to an arid, dusty, brown spot of the country? A land auction started it off, in May of 1905 you could buy a parcel of Clark's Las Vegas Town site for $200.00, these were exceptionally far-sighted people if you ask me. First of all can you imagine being in Las Vegas in the early 1900's without air conditioning? This was not a deterrent to these hardy pioneers. Just one-year later Miller's Hotel was built and the rush was on, because after all now people had a place to stay. Miller's was on the corner of Fremont and Main. Today, renamed The Golden Gate Hotel, in deference to the earthquake that nearly destroyed San Francisco in 1906 still stands on the corner of Fremont and Main and they still serve their signature 99 cent shrimp cocktail, which is a much better bet that it was in those days.

Las Vegas was incorporated in 1911, gambling, drinking and prostitution were declared illegal...but divorce was not and in the 1920's dude ranches started popping up around Reno, the rich and famous could establish residency for six weeks and get unhitched from whatever mate they may have had. This was the publicity that started to put Nevada into the limelight.

Another big attraction occurred when gambling was legalized in the early 1930s. The government started work on Hoover Dan and brought thousands of workers to the area. Just think about being stuck in the middle of the desert with nothing to do with your money, so bars and casinos were thoughtfully provided.

In the early 1940s, what would become know as The Strip was a 3 mile stretch of Highway 91, on the new road to and from California. El Rancho was the very first casino to open in 1941 on what would later become know as The Strip. Their address was Highway 91, Las Vegas Nevada with their Opera House theater restaurant, and Monte Carlo casino...and also in 1941, El Cortez opened in what is today downtown Las Vegas. El Cortez advertised that they were Big enough to serve you - Small enough to want to. How's that for an advertising slogan? They also touted a Coffee Shop, Casino, Cocktail Lounge and Bar, and Complete Dinners from $2.95 In the meantime, back on The Strip, the New Frontier opened in 1942 and The Flamingo, Bugsy Siegel's dream opened in 1946. Las Vegas was on its way.

The next major milestone for Nevada was Atom Bomb Testing, this brought scads of tourists to Vegas in the 1950s, they also discovered Las Vegas, along with the mushroom clouds. Vegas Vic, the neon cowboy on Fremont Street would just wave them on in.

The 1960s were the glamour days in Las Vegas, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis and the Rat Pack ruled supreme. The days of cigarettes and martinis (not the glorified watered down ones of today) but the real stuff, where even a drop of vermouth might be too much! Everybody dressed in beautiful clothes; it was the order of the day, no jeans, no shorts, just elegance and sophistication. No kids either! Sinning was in full gear, maybe not out and out, as it was to become in the 1970s, but perhaps more exciting than even today. The lounge lizards were out in force as well, nothing could top sitting in the lounges after the last headliner show and watching the likes of Louis Prima, Keeley Smith or Sam Buterra. It was truly a special time in Las Vegas history. Before the mega hotels or resorts, before the corporations. Great deals on food and rooms.

The 1970s ushered in the ew era of Vegas. Circus Circus opened in 1968, built a 15-story, 400-room hotel tower and 850-seat showroom that opened in 1972. The International Hotel with 1500 rooms opened in 1971, only to be sold to Hilton. It re-opened in 1973 as the MGM Grand Hotel. The MGM Grand had a newly built 26 story tower that housed 2,084 rooms and with 2.5 million square feet and a 2,000-seat showroom set the new standard in defining mega-resort. Nothing was as thrilling as arriving under the marquee with thousands of lights beaming down. Corporate money had entered the scene. The 70s also ushered in the days of Elvis and his long-term performances.

In the 1980s, a new name came on the scene in the guise of Steve Wynn who ushered in a wave of luxurious hotels and casinos, as the world had never seen. The Mirage opened in 1989 and Steve Wynn's name went down in history.

Baby Boomers who had kids in tow by the 1990s thought it would be great fun to take their kids to Vegas. The hotels responded and built kid friendly attractions. Wet n Wild water slides, cartoon characters, humongous swimming pools and video arcades ushered in the kiddies era. Hello, what was everyone thinking? If you're pushing baby strollers you sure aren't gambling and you've changed the atmosphere from exciting and different to old hometown. The Bellagio Hotel (another Steve Wynn masterpiece) opened in 1998 (with the distinction of being the most expensive hotel - at the time) banned any persons under age 18 who were not registered guests of the hotel. The Stratosphere hotel (tallest building west of the Mississippi) opened in 1996. 1997 brought New York, New York with its roller coaster. Mandalay Bay opened in 1999 with 3,300 rooms. In 1999, phase one of the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino opened with 3,036 suites. And in 1999 Paris Las Vegas Casino opened.

Rod Stewart, Bette Middler and Tina Turner, Las Vegas Boy Wonder Wayne Newton and other notable stars ushered in the millennium.

With the long awaited opening of Wynn Las Vegas, Steve Wynn scores once again with a new level of opulence, this may not be the biggest hotel in town, but it's the only one with a full-service Ferrari and Maserati dealership and it's own museum and art collection. Wynn also features a 100-foot mountain overlooking a 3-acre lake, what must Howard Hughes be thinking?

The turn of the century has brought Las Vegas back to its senses, once again sin is in, the main attraction is alive and well! Who knows what the next hundred years will bring?

Maybe it's time you planned a Las Vegas Trip. Book Las hotel room discounts at http://lasvegas-wow.com.

Copyright @ www.lasvegas-wow.com

About the Author

Joan Ewart, an artist, a writer and world travler, devotes many hours to authoring and maintaining major travel web sites. Publishes many articles on travel spots around the world. You'll find this and much more Las Vegas Information at www.lasvegas-wow.com

How Old is Old?

2009-06-14T22:26:00.001-07:00

A human life-span, even a hundred years pales into insignificance against the life span of some trees. It takes 100 years for a eucalypt to develop hollow branches or trunk sufficient for a bird to nest in, or to house a sleepy possum.

Many quite ordinary rainforest trees live for hundreds and even thousands of years. Some quite small rainforest trees, perhaps only waist or shoulder high can be, perhaps, ten or twenty years old, just waiting in a state of limbo for a nearby forest giant to fall. With the sudden breaking of the forest canopy allowing sunlight to enter, this tree is poised ready for action growing to fill the void.

At Quamby Falls Lodge, a couple\'s retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland, there is an ancient Brush Box, Lophostemon confertus, which is older than the rainforest surround it; Normally growing in the sunny marginal forests, this tree and some it it\'s companions date to a different climatic period when rainfall was less and the forest more open. No young trees of the same species grow in the forest. They are all mature and ancient. This particular tree is hollow and you can enter by stooping through a narrow opening in the roots. With a girth of 8 metres (26ft) you can stand inside the hollow trunk and with arms fully outstretched not reach the sides. Looking up, 30 metres above, there is a window to the sky where the top has been sheared away by the wind at the level of the surrounding forest canopy.

Six thousand years ago during the last ice-age the climate was colder and drier. Aborigines roamed and hunted on the alluvial coast plains now submerged beneath the ocean as the continental shelf, and Australia was connected to the rest of the world.

Gradually, as the ice melted and the climate became warmer, the sea level rose. Australia\'s mountainous Great Dividing Range became closer to the coast and rain patterns changed. Vegetation and forests changed. Rainforests gradually developed where there were none before,and receded elsewhere. Four thousand years ago Egyptians built the Pyramids at the dawn of recorded history.

Two thousand years ago Christ was born. Two hundred years ago the first white settlers came to Australia and tree began to be felled.Fifty years ago logging reached its peak in Australia with massive trees felled and milled, or cut for woodchip.

Somewhere in that time, two thousand years ago, perhaps four thousand years ago when the Pyramids were being built, this ancient tree started life as a tender green seedling in a quite different forest environment. To stand inside it now, a living tree with a healthy green canopy gives a different perspective on life, history and the importance of preserving our environment. Taking hundreds, thousands of years to grow, a tree can be cut down and destroyed in minutes by the hand of man.

If you examine the end grain of a log or a piece of timber you will be astounded by the number of annular rings, one for each year it grew as a tree. At one per millimetre a tree of 200mm diameter, 100mm radius could be a hundred years old; a half meter diameter, 250mm radius 250 year old. Not all trees grow at the same rate, of course, some are faster, some slower.Examine a piece of firewood before you throw it on the fire, or the polished end-grain of a piece of furniture. You will be astounded by the age revealed. But it is more than that, it is also a calendar of climate recording the wet year when growth was rapid, and the droughts when the growth rings were close together, tight and hard.

A tree is not just timber, firewood, a view, or part of a forest. It is also part of history growing long before we were even thought of, and perhaps long after we have passed. Faithfully recording climate and rainfall, drought and fire.

It makes you think!

Ian Gasking has a website http://www.quamby.net Normally Ian and his wife Normajean give people unforgettable experiences on their 50 Rainforest property. After a walk through the rainforest, you will never look at the environment in quite the same way!

Four Ways to Free/Low cost Travel Around Greece...and not on

2009-06-14T03:26:00.001-07:00

FOUR WAYS TO FREE/LOW COST TRAVEL AROUND GREECE...AND NOT ONLY!

By Liana Metal

1.Free lodging!

Find a pen friend. Maybe you haven't thought of this. It's the best solution to your budget problems, but you can't have it overnight! Greek people are hospitable and so are other countries' people if you become friends with. It's the simplest thing to do if you like writing letters or just exchanging cards and souvenirs. I've done it and a lot of other people have, why not you? Your friend will probably be happy to put you up for a couple of nights and show you around as well. The other alternative is to exchange your house/flat with somebody else's abroad. There is a site online that will help you find a place . Try www.welcometraveller.org , they advertise 'exchange homes free of charge'. Try also www.bigworld.com for offers and discounts.

2.Low cost travel

Stay at campsites. The cheapest alternative to free lodging, at least in Greece. You save money and have fun . Find a campsite at
www.greecetravel.com/campsites

3.Invest on a bike.

If you like cycling, then you can do it. In Greece you can cycle to most places and see areas that are worth visiting. You can easily rent a bike , and if you are in Corfu you can try
www.mountainbikecorfu.com

4.Rent a room in a village or at the port

There are families who rent rooms in their own house ; cheaper than hotel rooms but you have to follow the rules. Where can you find them?
Watch the port area if you come by ship. There are people who approach you and tell you about their own rooms around the area, at low prices. Sometimes you can even bargain to get a better price.

Well, if all these don't suit you and you may own a caravan , you don't have to worry about lodgings. You can stay at campsites at low cost, at the side of the road or even in a field for free. You can also hire a caravan and share the expenses, if you travel with friends.

Don't know where to find one? In Greece you can try

www.greecetravel.com/carrentals

Greece is ideal for traveling at low cost. But you must be inventive and explore all the sources available. Visit www.google.gr
This is a search engine that will help you find all the info you want. Just type the word Greece and click on Search.

GOOD LUCK!

415 wds

About the Author

Liana Metal has been writing fiction , non fiction and ebooks, reviewing books and painting. Visit het at htp://lianametal.tripod.com
and become a contributor.

How to get the cheaper vacations!

2009-06-13T08:26:00.001-07:00

Did you know that even the best discount travel sites list prices high above wholesale? Because they need to make a profit, just like everyone else.
So how could you get prices this low, without being a reseller yourself? Without having to BUY the rights to these prices, meaning you pay money before you even buy anything? Travel Packages are quite often a viable answer. Many companies offer these packages at a low rate, offering you tons of vacations for less than the cost of one single trip.
But here's another problem - what if you don't like all of the vacations in the package? Most of them are not transferable. You could re-sell them on online auction sites or similar places, but the best solution is to read the fine print first. If you are going to buy a vacation or travel package, always read the details. They are few and far between, but you CAN find discount vacation packages in which everything is transferable. Meaning you're not paying for anything you don't want - you can give them away as gifts, sell them individually, or - if you own a business - use the unwanted trips as employee incentives. How would you like to get a luxury cruise just for being employee of the month? I know I would like that.
So, as you can see, it is NOT impossible to get cheap, or even FREE vacations. You just have to look! I've done some of the looking for you. Here is one package I purchased (I bought the Level II package) and have never looked back! Check out their website. http://coastalvacations.f2g.net

About the Author

After working in the customer service and travel industries for quite some time, Cheryl has been able to gather a wide variety of insider knowledge. She now makes a living using her 10 years combined experience to do motivational and informative speaking.

New Zealand's National Parks North Island

2009-06-12T13:26:00.001-07:00

New Zealand is a land of awe-inspiring beauty. Sea, sky and mountain come together in a visual collage that is both breathtaking and humbling - it makes you glad to be alive! Humans have been present in New Zealand for less than a thousand years. The amazing landscapes of this country are therefore relatively untouched by mankind, offering visitors the opportunity to commune with nature.

New Zealand's natural heritage is preserved for all to see in 14 different national parks across the country. On the North Island there are four parks, with the remaining ten being present on the more mountainous South Island.

Te Urewera is the largest of the parks on the North Island, and is the country's fourth largest park overall. At a height of 3000ft above sea level it straddles the Huiarau Range - a northeast-southwest alignment of mountains that runs through the heart of the North Island. The park protects a vast swath of ancient forest, which is dominated by native trees such as red beech, rata, tawa and rimu. It is a sanctuary for wildlife too, kiwi, blue duck and the great New Zealand Falcon (karearea) being resident in the mist-shrouded mountains.

In the south of the Te Urewera National Park is Lake Waikaremoana - a beautiful inland lake that resembles a Norwegian Fjord. It was formed more than 2000 years ago and is 800ft deep in places. The lake is now a centre for nature tourism as well as for inland watersports.

Travelling on westwards past Lake Taupo we find arguably the most exhilarating of all the National Parks on the North Island - Tongariro National Park. Located roughly in the centre of the island, Tongariro consists of a series of active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Snow covered for most of the winter, the volcanoes provide a unique skiing and snowboarding experience during the winter months, enthusiasts having to pick their way around steaming vents and geysers. During the summer the snow recedes to reveal a delightful network of paths offering hikers some exquisite views of the park.

Close by to Tongariro is the Whanganui National Park. It encompasses one of New Zealand's longest navigable rivers - the Whanganui River - and offers spectacular countryside views that take in forest, snow capped mountains and razor-edged ridges. You can book a cruise down the river in a paddleboat, or for the more adventurous there is the opportunity to navigate the waters by canoe.

Further west again we arrive at the magnificent Egmont National Park, the last of our park quartet. Egmont is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's finest gems, its centrepiece being the 8250ft high volcano - Mt Taranaki. With its perfectly formed cone shape Mt Taranaki is one of the most impressive sights on the North Island. Often snow-capped the mountain is a huge draw for hikers and mountaineers alike. The lowland forest that surround the mountain's lower slopes and the enchanting 'Goblin Forest' on the volcano's mid-slope area are also not to be missed.

To enjoy the splendour of the National Parks on New Zealand's North Island it is recommended that visitors hire a vehicle, preferably a 4x4. Car hire can be booked in advance to pick up from Auckland International Airport, or from the regional airports at Taupo and New Plymouth. Hire car details can be found at http://www.your-carhire.com

About the Author

Seb Jay is a professional copywriter specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com

What To Look For In A Backpack

2009-06-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

Do you know what to look for in a backpack? Now that your child has to carry a heavy load of books and other supplies back and forth from school, you need to think about buying her a back friendly pack. She of course wants a backpack in cool colors and you want her to have an ergonomically sound backpack that will last her for years.

This time you need to stand your ground. Let her choose a color from among the choices the company offers but she must have a back friendly pack. Pediatricians and parents are reporting an alarming increase in complaints of back, shoulder and neck pain, sometimes accompanied by reports of numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, which cannot be attributed to any injury or disease, other than too heavy or improperly worn backpacks.

The backpacks we see on most kids are not back friendly. The shoulder straps are narrow and not padded, which can put pressure on the nerves in the back, which can cause the tingling problems mentioned. There is no padding allowing the pack to bounce against the back as the child walks, also there is no anchoring system which also contributes to the bouncing which can cause repetitive impact injury to the back.

When you are shopping for your daughter's back pack, look first for wide padded straps and a padded back in the bag itself, at the very least, it should have a waist belt which stabilizes the load and prevents it from shifting or bouncing. There are backpacks that offer additional protection, such as chest belts and side straps. The chest and waist belts put the weight bearing on the two strongest muscle systems in the body, the abdominal and back muscles.

Also look at the warranty. Some of the best backpack retailers offer lifetime warrantees. So ten years from now if a zipper breaks you can send it to the company for repair or replacement. No questions asked. One manufacture is using mini frames in the backpacks to help stabilize the load and reduce pressure on the user's back. Obviously these packs cost more than the standard backpacks you get in a department store. And yes the extra features are well worth the increased cost, when you put it up against, the risk of possible damage to your child's back and the cost of buying a new backpack every year.

There is more than one company that offers back friendly packs and have the repair or replace warranty, and all of the safety features, so shop around until you find the backpack you and your child can live with. Do a web search for back friendly backpacks, safe backpacks or ergonomic back packs and you will get dozens of sites to buy your backpack from, and links to articles bout back friendly back packs. Also look search for wholesale backpacks, you can save mega bucks buying from a wholesaler.

Just remember that not all wholesalers will sell a single unit, especially to a non-retailer. Now that you know what to look for in a backpack, all that remains is to decide how much you want to spend and what level of protection you can afford.

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

About the Author
Elaine Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of School Backpacks,
Backbacks,and more! her numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

German Castles 4 of the most incredible ones Part II

2009-06-10T23:35:00.000-07:00

German Castles -- 4 of the most incredible ones - Part II

Welcome to the second part of my special report of 4 awesome German castles! As I already have told, we have a long history here in Germany and very medieval castles. You can find them all over the country, but those four I have focused on South Germany, so that you do not have to travel hundreds of kilometres/miles and lose valuable time.

I am sure you are hot to get to know them now, so I go straight forward to them:

3. Stuttgart

Stuttgart area has, believe it or not, seven (yes 7!) castles and palaces. I only explain one of them, the new castle, because it is soooo huge, awesome and one of the most beautiful German castles.

The New Stuttgart castle was built in 1746 as a representative baroque residential palace for Duke Carl Eugen von Wuerttemberg (long silly name, isn't it). After over sixty years of construction with repeated interruptions, the interior and exterior were completed in 1807. So much to the history.

When you are finished with the visit of this castle, downtown is not far away and you can explore this too. You will find many interesting restaurants, pubs and cafs.

4. Rastatt

This town is located close to the city Karlsruhe, 70km in the south of Heidelberg (I mention Heidelberg, because it's one of the most known German city).

The Rastatt castle is huge too and you have lots of things to explore there. It is the oldest baroque residence on the Upper Rhine River and has been completely preserved since being built from 1700 to 1707 (yeah, in the year 2000 it had its 300th Anniversary!).

The area is very beautiful and the town spends lots of money in this incredible castle. After your walk through this residence you have a really short way to downtown and to its nice pubs and restaurants.

I hope you enjoyed this special report of 4 of the most beautiful and incredible German castles. If you want to get to know some more insider tips of Germany or more of the rest of our TOP 40 German castles, go to my website and sign up for my monthly special report at www.smart-travel-germany.com/smart-travelogy-germ.html . It's free but with high valuable content.

You'll also find some photos of those castles on my site: www.smart-travel-germany.com/german-castles.html .

I also really look forward to your experiences and discoveries you have made here in Germany. Send me a message and when they are valuable I will post them on my website, so that the world can participate on them too.

I appreciate you and wish you a great day!

Marcus Hochstadt
www.smart-travel-germany.com

About the Author

Marcus Hochstadt travels extensively to countries, continents and Germany itself as a sales manager and entrepreneur since more than 14 years. He knows in almost each German city the points of REAL interest. Watch out for his free monthly special report with more valuable insider tips at www.smart-travel-germany.com/smart-travelogy-germ.html.

A Guide to Taking Your Dream Disney Cruise!

2009-06-10T04:35:00.000-07:00

Experiencing the magic of Disney at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort

Paris is something that is rarely forgotten as a child or as an adult. With a Disney cruise, you can

now recapture that magic on board one of Disney's elite cruise ships.

There are several exotic Caribbean cruise routes to choose from, and with a spread of onboard entertainment

for all the family it is a cruise that will live long in the memory of the young and the young at heart.

All Disney cruises depart from Port Canaveral in Florida through Disney Cruise Lines, and take

guests out on a voyage of the Caribbean. Short 3-night cruises are catered for as well as 7 night

cruises that encompass a larger number of ports around the Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean.

A typical three or four night Disney cruise takes guests out into the Bahamas, and includes a visit to

the sun-drenched beaches of Nassau. Shore excursions include a magical tour to the Discover Atlantis

attraction, which is home to more than 120,000 fish.

A 7-night Western Caribbean Disney cruise adds Key West, Grand Cayman and the island of Cozumel

near Mexico to the list of port stops. At each location a huge variety of shore excursions are offered for

both adults and kids.

On a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Disney cruise, the Bahamas, and the islands of St Maarten and St Thomas

are incorporated into the itinerary. Again, just as with the Western Caribbean Disney cruise you will

have a choice of many excellent excursion options too. But, no matter which cruise route you choose

there is one common port of call - Castaway Island.

Castaway Island is Disney's own private island. It is located near the island of Abacco at the northern

end of the Bahamas, and is a true Never Land. Here you can explore paradise - secluded white sandy

beaches, warm shallow waters and coconut-laden palm tree groves await, along with a whole host of

exciting activities.

You can try your hand at snorkeling while on the island, or go on a kayak nature adventure. The glass-bottomed

boat tour is sure worth an hour and a half of your time on the island too.

Of course, as you would expect from a corporation like Disney, sumptuous catering is on offer on the

island and on board the cruise vessel at all times. Days at sea are a pleasure too with so many activities

to keep adults and kids entertained for weeks!

And, when you're done watching one of Disney's original stage shows, taking your kids to meet Snow White or

enjoying a spot of wine tasting (adults only!), you can kick back in the luxurious surroundings of your cabin

or relax on the pool deck and soak up some glorious Caribbean sunshine...
Looking for Cruise information?

Go to http://www.azcruises.com to find out all you need
to know about taking your dream cruise

Vacation Tips

2009-06-09T09:35:00.000-07:00

Vacation tips are usually ideas that other people have found helpful. If you are an experienced traveler, you would have some vacation tips that others could benefit from.

Traveling as a single young person, you may have some vacation tips that would benefit other single people. For families with small children, your vacation tips are completely different. When children come into the picture, traveling gets a little more complicated.

Vacation tips for families with children are:

>Make a checklist

>Start planning about a week before traveling regarding what you\'re taking

>With older children, get them involved; show them where you\'re going

>Keep positive and don\'t get stressed out

>Don\'t forget to pack your things, mom (I learned the hard way)

If you are staying inside the country vacation tips are a little simpler. If you are going on a trip internationally or even taking a cruise, vacation tips are a little more needed. Did you know that you now need a passport to take a cruise? Yes, that law just changed, so that takes a little more planning ahead on your part.

Biggest vacation tips:

>Plan ahead - way ahead of when you want to take a vacation

>Do your research - the internet is full of information.

>Always confirm and reconfirm reservations

>Remember..have fun and enjoy your vacation

Some more vacation tipsto be able to get the most out of your vacation, plan events or outings before you arrive at you destination. Most places have a web site, and you can book your tours or activities on-line. That saves time, and you also won\'t have unpleasant surprises if the event is already sold out.

Hannah Mason is a netrepenuer and her website is http://www.worthyourtime.net For more Vacation Tips, Homemaking Tips and Stay-at-Home Job Tips check out the website.

Italy Ski Resorts

2009-06-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

This year's winter Olympic Games are taking place in Turin;
whether you intend to watch the games or not, Italy is a great
skiing destination. The Italian Alps are home to many great and
famous ski resorts such as Cortina d'Ampezzo and Courmayeur
(Remember The Pink Panther with Peter Sellers? That's where it
happens). The best ski resorts with the most modern facilities
are found in northern Italy, in the Alpine area. However, there
are some ski resorts in the south of the country too.

Skiing is a very popular activity in Italy. Many Italians take a
week off during winter just to go skiing. It is possible to find
a ski resort for anyone in Italy. There are very luxurious
resorts, and very affordable ones. Some slopes are only for the
well trained, others are moderate enough for beginners or rusty
skiers.

The best way to arrive to Italy for a ski vacation is through
one of these airports: Turin, Milan, Bergamo, Verona or Venice
Treviso. They are all well served by international flights, and
offer the option of taking a city break with your ski vacation.

Turin, this winter's Olympic Games location, is a good place to
arrive to. Going from Turin towards the French border (public
transportation is available), there are Sestriere and Sauze
D'aulx among other busy ski resorts. Sestreiere is a very modern
and fashionable ski resort that offers 20 ski lifts, and ice
skating rink and cross country trails.

Further to the north, on the border, is the area of Valle
d'Aosta. In this area both Italian and French are spoken, and
the food also has a lot of French influence. In this area you
can find some of the highest mountains in Europe: Matterhorn,
Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc and Gran Paradiso. The beautiful view of
pine trees and castles is seen from wooden ski chalets. One of
the most glamorous resorts in Italy is found here - CourMayeur,
at the foot of the Mont Blanc. This resort offers all that a
skier can dream of, even summer skiing. Also in that area is
Breuil - Cervinia

In the north east of Italy are the Dolomites. The Dolomiti
Superski is a network of 12 different skiing areas. A popular
resort in this area is Madonna di Campiglio. This is also where
the famous Cortina D'ampezzo is located.

In the winter, there are opportunities for ski in the southern
mountains. Campo Felice is in the Gran Sasso, east of Rome, also
has a ski school. The Sila massif in Calabria has 35 Km of cross
country skiing, and only 2 downhill slopes.

Tips For the Right Rome Holiday Travel Package

2009-06-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

- Rome holiday travel packages were never made with only one person in mind; no two people are alike, keep this in mind because the agencies that packed them have kept these in mind, use this fact to haggle your way into cheaper or sometimes better deals. Even if there are ready made packages, you can ask for extra perks especially if you\'re staying in Rome for more than a week.

- Be careful of travel agents. Travel agents may give you the best deal for your package, which normally include airfare, lodgings and transportation, but a really good agent can be really flexible. One example would be if you want a rental car for the first half of your Rome trip but you want to get rid of it by the second half, a good agent can arrange this for you, sometimes for a cheaper price.

- Be sure that the package you want is available, you don\'t want to get pulled into something that ends up being sold out, some people give out too-good-to-be-true packages which end up being \sold out\ in the end, so before you make a deal or transfer a morsel of cash, make sure that it is still available.

- Be sure to know exactly what airline and route your taking, you won\'t want those unpleasant layovers which can be a real pain, not to mention delay your schedule.

- A sign of a good Rome holiday travel package is one that is very flexible, as said before, no two people are alike, and a good package should reflect that, it should allow you to choose between airlines, as well as brands and lodgings without changing the price. A choice in which rental car to take is also a sign of a good package.

- Finally, it\'s good to ask for discounts that you might get if you do certain stuff, like stay in the hotel for more than a week, or sign up on the internet instead of by phone. Research first before you cough up the money for down-payment; make sure you\'ve exhausted all possible discount generating ways before you decide on a package.

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

Best wishes for a great vacation,

Les Sheppard

Les Sheppard\'s website gives full information about planning your trip to Rome, including flight deals, Rome accommodation tips, Apartment and Villa rentals,tour planning and tips on all the top Rome attractions: Lets-Travel-Rome.com

You can also grab our free hotel guide and newsletter from the homepage, and keep up to date at our Travel Rome Blog: Lets-Travel-Rome.Blogspot

Treasure Hunting in England

2009-06-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

I have been interested in Metal Detecting since around 1983 when my Mum and Dad introduced me to the hobby. They had been detecting for a couple of years on beaches around the Uk only at holiday time, and it often helped get a few pounds together to help pay for the holiday spends.

On the holiday in 1983 my Mum and Dad had taken Myself and Brother on a holiday to France. Each night we'd go down the beach with 2 detectors between 4 of us and gladly pick up the days droppings. This usually went to pay for our meals and drinks later the same night. On one particular night I was getting rather bored and actually took a rest on the sand whilst the others continued detecting. Whilst sitting in the sand I started sifting with my hands and out popped a 24 carat gold necklace. I was hooked. As soon as we got back to the UK we enquired about our local club and joined straight away.

It is now over 21 years since I joined my local club and I have also been Vice Chairman and Chairman. I have made some lovely finds. These range from Celtic and Roman Coins and Brooches, Old English Silver and Gold Coind going back hundreds of years and lots of Jewellry. I will update you on some of the finds in future articles.I am also a member of the National Council of Metal Detecting and have had articles printed in the press and been on Radio.

In October 2004 I created treasurehunting.tv This website has grown from strength to strength in the six months it has been on the net. It now averages in excess of 100,000 unique hits a month. It has probably the most concise directory of over 400 Metal Detecting Websites. It also has live News Feeds in relation to Treasure Hunting. Add to this the Forum and the dozens of Metal Detecting stories the site is something I am proud of. I am also in the midst of creating a Hoard Database which will have articles and pictures of Hoards found whilst Treasure Hunting.

So next time your walking in the hills of England and you see a guy walking along with a Metal Detector pop over and have achat. It might just be me. And if you'd like to have alook at some of the finds why not visit me on my website.

About The Author

Steve Rice is well known in Metal Detecting circles throughout England and the UK. He is the founder of www.treasurehunting.tv and has written articles for magazines, online and helped with treasure hunting features on radio.

Tennessee Ski Vacations

2009-06-06T05:36:00.001-07:00

Located near Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg is the only
ski resort in the state. It is more than just a ski resort,
however. It is a complete family vacation spot with an amusement
park, indoor ice skating, a bungee tower, an alpine slide, and
many other activities and attractions - there is something to
please everyone.

Gatlinburg is a lovely town in the valley that offers quaint
cottages for rent. Many honeymooners have rented these quiet and
secluded getaways so they could have time to themselves and
enjoy some skiing.

With an elevation of 3,301 feet, and a vertical drop of 600
feet, Ober Gatlinburg features eight trails: two beginner
trails, four intermediate trails, and two advanced trails. There
are three lifts, including two quad lifts, one double lift, and
one surface lift. The season runs from the middle of December
through early March, and night skiing is allowed on all trails
except the Grizzly trail.

Rentals are available for both ski equipment and snowboarding
equipment. Private and group lessons for skiing and snowboarding
are also available through the Smokey Mountain Snow Sport
School. You can also easily find food at the many snack bars,
food carts, the caf, the restaurant, or in the lounge.

You must not miss the longest chair lift ride in the south! You
will see awesome views of the Great Smoky Mountains. You will
also get a bird\'s eye view of some of the slopes, and you can
have your picture taken on top of the mountain. If you don\'t
ski, don\'t worry! You can ride back down the mountain on the
chair lift as well.

Even if you don\'t ski, you can still explore the thrill of
flying down a mountain at a high speed - or a slow speed if you
choose. This is possible with the Alpine Slide. The slide is
approximately 1,800 feet long, and takes you down a winding
wooded slope. You have total control over your speed with the
use of a braking device on each sled. Other attractions at the
amusement park include the Black Bear Habitat, a bungee jump, a
water race, go karts, indoor ice skating, kiddie land, an
arcade, miniature golf, a Spider Web Velcro Wall Jump, water
rides, and a shooting range.

No matter what type of fun or adventure you are seeking, there
is something to satisfy everyone in the family at Ober
Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park. This is definitely a
trip worth taking - especially if you have younger kids or
senior citizens traveling with you.

Lively Montclair New Jersey

2009-06-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

Montclair, New Jersey is New York City in a bag. Well, not really! Located just 12 miles west of Manhattan, the town has the look and feel of New York without the crowds, pollution, or prices. Well, maybe they DO have the prices.

Home to Montclair State University, the town attracts the upper crust as well as the poor. With just 8 square miles and 40,000 residents the town is bustling from end to end. Parks can be found throughout and the seasonal festivals are a blast. May in Montclair is a popular event as well as is their Farmer\'s Market, Art in the Park, etc. Other destinations around the township worth a look include: the Montclair Art Musuem, churches, shopping and more.

For more information, this is the town\'s site:http://www.to.montclair.nj.us/

The university\'s site is located here:http://www.montclair.edu/

The museum:http://www.montclair-art.com/

If you like a good bagel, go to Watchung Plaza in the center of the township. While there, you will find plenty of ethnic eateries as well as the typical greasy spoon. The town isn\'t cheap, so expect to spend your money! Enjoy the antiques, art shops, galleries, and second hand stores too.

Montclair is located in Essex County and is adjacent to Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Verona, and the Oranges.

Matt met his wife of six years at a chapel in trendy Montclair. He manages the Corporate Flight Attendant Community at http://www.corporateflyer.net.

Wildebeest Migration How To Get The Best Seats In The House

2009-06-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

To get the most out of a wildebeest migration safari you need to
know where the best places along the migration route are, the
times you need to be in certain areas and who the top safari
companies are.

The Best Spots On the Migration Route

Have you ever seen those wildlife documentaries that show masses
of wildebeest swimming across a river being shadowed and
sometimes dragged under by huge crocodiles or drowning because
of the crush and fatigue?

And those wildebeest that do make it across safely sometimes
fail at the last hurdle because the bank is too steep and
slippery with mud for them to reach the top even though they
make a huge effort to do so.

This all forms part of the incredible wildebeest migration that
takes part every year in the Serengeti and Masai Mara game
reserves in East Africa.

The best spots to see spectacles like the ones described above
are at the Grumeti river in the western corridor of the
Serengeti because this is the first major river the hordes of
wildebeest need to cross in their quest for sweeter grazing in
the north.

And the massive crocodiles are waiting...

The second and last major river they need to cross before they
get to the Masai Mara reserve is the Mara and this is also an
excellent vantage point from which to watch the drama play out.

But something that few people know is that there is another part
of the wildebeest migration that is just as incredible as the
actual trek north. And this is the annual foaling of about 400
000 wildebeest calves all in about a three week period early in
the year.

This is also an awesome spectacle and the best spot to
experience this is the southern Serengeti in February. You are
also bound to see a lot of the predators like lion, hyena,
leopard and cheetah take advantage of this food bonanza.

Timing Is Everything With the Wildebeest Migration

So how is it possible for a million wildebeest to just
disappear?

This is a question that gets asked reasonably often by people
who go to the Serengeti to see the migration but get the timing
wrong and then they fail to find the huge herds.

The answer is that the million wildebeest are still there but
they are spread out across a wide area on the Serengeti plains
so it just seems like there are fewer of them because they
aren\'t ready to mass for the trip up north yet.

So how can you make sure you get the timing right?

It\'s extremely difficult to predict when the migration will
occur because it\'s all dependant on the rain. And the rain comes
at different times each year but it is possible to make a rough
estimate based on past occurrences so if you are in the Central
Serengeti in April-May you should start to see them move
northwest towards the Grumeti controlled area.

In June you will find them doing their death defying swim across
the Grumeti river and soon after in August they attempt to ford
the Mara river in the north to reach the life sustaining
grassland of the Masia Mara in Kenya.

In November-December the migration starts to move southwards
towards the Serengeti plains again to capitalise on the fresh
grasses that have grown there in the interim.

Top Wildebeest Migration Safari Companies

A very important decision you need to make if you want to
experience the wildebeest migration successfully concerns the
safari company that you choose to guide you. It\'s very easy to
become confused because there are so many operators in the
market.

Make sure they are a reputable company by getting
recommendations from previous travellers that have been on
safari with them in Serengeti wildebeest migration trip reports.

You can also check their membership in various safari
associations - KATO - Kenya Association of Tour Operators, TATO
- Tanzania Association of Tour Operators and ATTA - African
Travel and Tourism Association.

And lastly make sure that they can satisfactorily answer all
your questions about their payment, refund and cancellation
policies and what the exact itenirary will be. Choosing the
wrong company for your wildebeest migration safari can be
disastrous.

Noise Cancelling Headphones Are Not Just A Travel Accessory They're A Travel Necessity

2009-06-03T20:36:00.001-07:00

There is unwanted noise all around us. Without Noise cancelling headphones, there is no escaping it.

There\'s engine and air noise on planes, blaring sounds of city streets, noisy air conditioners, unwanted noise in the office and endless lawn equipment noise at home.

These constant sounds can cause fatigue and sap your energy.

If you\'ve ever enjoyed the effects of a good noise cancelling headphone, you know that it\'s possible to \slip on some quiet\ and have a reprieve form all that unwanted noise.

Once you use a quality noise cancelling headphone, you\'ll wonder how you\'ve ever gotten by without any. The first time I ever tied noise canceling headphones, I was astonished by how well they worked.

Hi, I\'m Pilot Paul, Captain at a major airline. I\'ve been using noise cancelling headphones for over a decade.

At my airline, we bring along an additional pilot on long flights. This allows us to take turns and have a rest break. That way we always have fresh, alert pilots at the controls. We have use of a first class seat for this extremely important rest.

My airline provides a noise cancelling headphone for each first class passenger to use. They love them, and don\'t want to give them back at the end of the flight.

One of the main reasons that I\'m able to rest and sleep during my important rest breaks is the noise cancelling headphones.

If you are interested in my complete article which gives you many tips on sleeping well on planes, please visit: www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/travel-comfort.html

What\'s Special About Noise Cancelling Headphones?

Unlike regular headphones, noise cancelling headphones do double-duty. They reduce noise in two ways:

* Passively- They have comfortable, insulated ear cups that block a lot of outside noise.

* Actively- They electronically cancel out sound waves. They do this by picking up a sound, processing it, and then creating a new sound that effectively cancels the original sound. They work best on loud, monotonous sounds like the rushing air in airplane cabins or engine noise.

These two methods combine to reduce unwanted noise.When you use these, you\'ll experience a noticeable quiet. This is very relaxing and once you\'ve used these, you\'ll wonder how you ever survived without them.

What You Can Expect From A Good Noise Cancelling Headphone

While lessening all sounds, noise cancelling headphones best reduce persistent, droning background noises. They\'re best at reducing sounds like engine and air noise, traffic, the background noise at your office, your neighbor\'s lawnmower.

If you wear these at home (as I often do), and your child screams, you\'ll still hear that. This can be either good or bad, depending on your perspective.

When you first put on noise canceling headphones, you\'ll initially notice the passive effect- all noises are reduced by the comfortable, padded, insulated ear cups.

Then switch on the active cancellation to eliminate the droning sounds. You might not immediately think it\'s a huge improvement- but wait about ten minutes.

You brain has the capability to disregard many background noises. They still are present and cause fatigue, but you become unaware of them. During the ten minutes, your brain will discontinue blocking these sounds from your consciousness.

If you take them off after the ten minutes, you\'ll be amazed by the amount of noise they had been cancelling. These headphones can be used as regular headphones for listening to the plane\'s audio system, movies, or any other sound device. With these, everything will sound even better because much of the background noise is cut out. This will create new levels of listening enjoyment for you.

With a good noise canceling headphone, you\'ll also be able to listen to recordings or movies at a much lower volume. There\'s no competition with the background noise. That\'s good for your hearing.

I frequently use noise canceling headphones with a portable CD or cassette player. I\'ll leave the volume set and later use regular headphones. The volume setting I used with my noise cancelling headphones was so low that when I switched to regular headphones, I couldn\'t hear anything.

You can also use noise canceling headphones by themselves without external audio to make your world much quieter.

Noise canceling headphones are helpful for resting and solitude. That\'s because wearing them signals the people around you that you want to be left alone. If you\'re worried about that over-talkative person in the seat next to you, putting these on can be a great way to discourage them from initiating conversation.

Noise canceling headphones are so effective at reducing noise fatigue that many pilots use them in-flight. Headphones with this technology are great for in-flight radio communications in noisy, propeller-driven airplanes.

Warning! Once you\'ve tried these there\'s no turning back. You\'ll be hooked on them and will want to use them regularly.

What Makes One Noise Cancelling Headphone Different From The Rest and Why Do The Prices Vary So Much?

If you\'ve ever seem ads or displays for noise cancelling headphones, you\'ve likely wondered why the prices vary so much.

I\'ve used two different noise cancelling headphones extensively, and had the chance to try several others for extended periods.

With that experience, I\'ve found two different noise cancelling headphones best suited for all-around use.

There are many on the market, but these two stand out. One is expensive but worth it, and the other is surprisingly less expensive than many others.

I\'ve also found the best places to get each of these.

For a complete review of these as well as more information about noise cancelling headphones, please go to: www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/noise-cancelling-headphones.html

Pilot Paul M. is a captain at a major U.S. airline. He also hosts http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com where an airline captain helps you with your travel needs.

If you would like to learn more travel tips, see travel accessory reviews and recommendations, learn insider\'s secrets, find travel discounts, or receive our FREE newsletter click on the link below:

Click here for Pilot Paul\'s Travel Accessories

Thanks and have a great trip!

Pilot Paul M.

Ireland Carrickfergus Castle

2009-06-03T01:36:00.001-07:00

Towering over the basalt dyke below its foundations, Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim protrudes into Belfast Lough. Almost entirely surrounded by water, this rocky spur provided an ideal platform for a castle. Appreciating its defensive advantages, the Normans swiftly put the site to good use, erecting what is believed to be their earliest castle in Ireland to guard the approach to the lough. While its Gaelic name, Carrig Fhearghasa (the Rock of Fergus), remembers the 6th century drowning of Fergus, the son of Eric of Armoy, the well preserved castle also stands as a permanent reminder of the Norman invasion of Ireland and the tumultuous times of ensuing centuries.

John de Courcy began building a stone fortress at Carrickfergus shortly after storming Ulster in 1177. Over time, his stronghold developed into a imposing triple-enclosure castle dominated, as it is today, by the intimidating three storey keep. By 1204, When de Courcy, then Lord of Ulster, was forcibly removed from Carrickfergus by Hugh de Lacy, the inner bailely had been enclosed with a polygonal wall. The many sides of this wall afforded a nearly infinite number of angles from which to cover the walls from an advancing force. Inside, a great hall occupied the east curtain wall and a 90-foot tall rectangular keep commanded the northern corner.

Split into two sections by a cross-wall, the keep\'s barrel-vaulted basement functioned as a storage area and contained the wellhead. Gross-walls also bisected the upper storeys which held the public rooms as well as the private accommodations with fireplaces and the lord\'s latrine. Spiral staircases provided access between the levels.

In 1210, King John removed de Lacy from the castle and chased him to France. From 1216 to 1223, when the Crown controlled the castle, workers heightened the keep and moved the great hall from the bailey into the keep. During these years, a series of royal custodians were in charge of the castle, including a man named de Serlane, who was awarded the then princely sum of one hundred pounds to upgrade the site. De Serlane ordered the construction of another curtain wall, which enclosed a narrow strip of land on the northern and eastern sides of the castle to form the middle bailey.

In 1227 Hugh de Lacy, now the true Earl of Ulster, had returned from France and once again took possession of the castle; he immediately doubled its size by enclosing the remainder of the rocky peninsula. Commanded by the powerful twin-towered gatehouse and two lengths of sturdy walls, de Lacy\'s outer bailey defended the northern approach to the castle. A drawbridge, portcullis and murder holes effectively barred unwanted visitors.

Originally the cylindrical gate-towers stood twice their present height, but during the 16th century upgrade, the upper levels were demolished to accommodate artillery. This was when Sir Francis Drake was using the castle for his headquarters. Later during the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was further fitted for artillery.

Back in 1264, William de Burgh had acquired the earldom of Ulster and the castle. There was a relatively peaceful period until Edward Bruce took the castle after a year long siege. The English retook the castle in just two years time and held it for nearly four centuries until General Robert Munroe seized it for the Scots. Cromwell\'s army took the castle back in seven years time.

Even though the military used Carrickfergus Castle well into the 20th century, the medieval appearance and general ambiance of Ireland\'s oldest Norman stronghold remained sound. For over eight centuries the castle suffered siege after siege, but like the people of Carrickfergus itself, the castle has bravely endured the passage of time.

Today the Environment and Heritage Service has responsibility for the castle and open it to the public throughout the year for a fee.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Tourism

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell

Ghostly Pennies...

2009-06-02T06:36:00.001-07:00

Ghostly pennies

The state of Arizona attracts millions of visitors all year round from all over the world. Attractions include the Grand Canyon, majestic mountains, Indian ruins, ghost towns, river rafting, horseback riding, cattle drives, and not to be overlooked, the vast appeal of Historic Route 66 and its folklore history. Kingman, Arizona is the heart of the old Route 66 and its past is long on legend and lore. A past that included Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, their marriage in Kingman and their stay at the legendary Hotel Brunswick. Kingman, Arizona was also the home of Andy Devine and the stopover refueling spot for airmail carriers including the promotional visit by Charles A. Lindbergh in 1928.

But back to the Hotel Brunswick and the strange story of the two original owners John Mulligan and J.W. Thompson whose names are still visible on the hotel facade. Mulligan and Thompson feuded over a woman in 1909. The bitter feud resulted in the two owners dividing the hotel in half, one taking the bar and 25 rooms, the other the restaurant and the other 25 rooms. Obviously, neither owner wished to sell and the divided hotel ran under the feuding ownership. Mulligan married the woman in dispute and the couple had a daughter who tragically met her death in 1920 by a fall down a staircase on her tricycle. Pre natural sightings of the little girl wandering the second and third floors leaving pennies for her favorite guests have been made in the hotel from time to time.

Gerard Guedon bought the property in the late 90's and has carefully restored the Hotel Brunswick to its original condition including a few suspected bullet holes in the walls. Downsizing was necessary, however, to bring the hotel up to current standards and the original 50 rooms have now been reduced to 25 rooms. Single bedrooms (called Cowboys and Cowgirls) are affordably priced at $30.00 per night. Regular rooms are $55 being a bedroom and a bath and suites (bedroom, living room and bath) $88. The hotel is a boutique inn complete with restaurant and a bar. Rates include a continental breakfast.

The Hotel Brunswick is great place to stay with a charming, attentive host who candidly admits that he has decided to move on to a new venture and the hotel has been listed for sale with an Arizona broker. You can view sale particulars at http://www.popemakesdeals.com/busandmotels.htm For directions to the hotel please click on http://www.mapquest.com

This property has been featured in Kingman Daily Miner, Standard News, Arizona Holidays, TV 77, Today's News-Herald, The Arizona Republic Travel & Explore

About the author:

Ronald H. Pope is President of Pope Estates Arizona Inc. Business Brokers & Commercial Realtors in Scottsdale, Arizona http://www.popemakesdeals.comHe has authored numerous articles including the soon to be eBook published 'Jack, a Story About a Horse.'

The Fascinating Resort Spas In Asia: Your Perfect Wellness Retreat!

2009-06-01T11:36:00.001-07:00

\Ways of healing need no passports or borders\

This famous quote by Anthropologist Carroll Dunham aptly explains the unquestioned appeal of a spa in Asia in the minds of health and fitness enthusiasts globally. With the wellness retreat that spas in Asia are, more and more people all over the world are learning to make better choices for their beauty and well-being. Years of healing wisdom of the spa-experts and spiritual gurus make health and beauty spas in Asia a haven of natural and organic living. Situated among the tranquil, tropical splendor of the resorts of Thailand, Maldives among others, a spa in Asia, offering a medley of pampering body treatments, massages and other wellness therapies, provides an unforgettable experience for many.

The irresistible Asian spas at resorts and fabulous holiday getaways are based on the 5000 year-old oriental ayurvedic practices those are proved to give complete physical and spiritual healing. In this context, Dunham says, \The traditional systems of India, Tibet and Mongolia share the same basis of categorizing imbalances in the body by the three-element system of wind, fire, water-earth in contrast to the Chinese five element system\. Therefore, holistic ayurvedic treatment inside Asian health and beauty spas combines specific oils, herbs and traditional therapies to revitalize this three-element system and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in the process.

With new and quirky spa treatments (including various signature treatments offered), they act as several ways to bring deeper healing beauty into people\'s lives. Given the stress and strains of the bustling city life, thousands of urban people (mostly the urban professional ladies aged between 30 and 50) today are enjoying the ancient therapeutic treatments of the Asian spas that restore inner calm, aid memory, balance emotion and rejuvenate the body.

Signature treatments offered inside an Asia resort spa: With exclusively designed spa products using herbs and oils from various parts of Asia, an Asia resort spa provides a highly professional massage service, reviving age-old traditions and techniques. These include:

Aromatherapy massage offered in an Asia resort spa, with essential oil blends to help you relax, re-energize.

Hot new treatments, including flower essences, traditional Chinese medicine, crystals and gem therapy, color, light and sound filtering through your body in the steam room.

Spiritual and holistic treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga, Reiki and other healing sessions, including two ancient Asian therapies, Shirodhara (used for centuries to restore inner calm and balance to the emotions) and Udwarthana (used to reduce obesity, strengthen muscles and refresh the body, promote better skin complexion by cleansing, exfoliating, toning the skin).

The famous cranial therapy, in which gentle movements applied to the skull and vertebrae balance the circulation of the liquid that surrounds the brain to release accumulated stress.

Using kitchen ingredients as the food of your skin: Often, top Asia resort spas use natural facemasks, ranging from honey facemasks to papaya masks and sea-salt face-scrubs, natural supplements and healing herbs.

Over the past few years, discerning cosmopolitan travelers have indulged in the extensive range of signature treatments offered by the top Asia resort spas, especially in Thailand, Bali, Singapore and Malaysia. According to recent articles on the Asian resort spas going global, the spa industry in Southeast Asia helps to pull in millions of international tourists each year (10 millions a year only for the spas in Thailand). Over the past few years, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore etc. have pulled in high-profile tourists to soak in rose-petal baths and other luxurious delights of the Asian resort spas.

Besides, independent researches have revealed that in 2002 and 2003, Thai spas attracted 2.6 million international tourists who brought in about US$85 million in revenue. Researches have also revealed that the Asian spa industry is growing at around 20 to 30 percent every year, with a lot of European and Asian visitors. With 80 per cent of total spa visits generated by international tourists, Thailand remains the \'apple of the eye\' for those in the business of resort spas. In India, Kerala being the most favored destination for Asian spas, the enviable destination of the Himalayas also offer the serene tranquility of the spas in Asia. The leisure, lifestyle and business traveler can easily rediscover tranquility in the Indian resort spas, for which the spas are an increasing business in India too.

Its no wonder, then, that that the tantalizing spa treats have appealed to the international tourists not only with their Asian aesthetics, but also with the rejuvenating spa experience that has brought back radiance to their body and harmony among their body, mind and spirit. On the whole, the Asian spas have worked as exclusive retreats for rejuvenation, meditation and for nourishing spiritual mindsets.

Lopa Bhattacharya is a content writer/developer working for various overseas corporate website projects, CD-Rom presentations, brochures, flyers and other communication materials). Has worked on numerous SEO copywriting projects on varied themes ranging from travel, hotel industry, photography, web design and software development to US-based clubs and network communities. Was previously an editorial associate for the news, culture and entertainment portal based on the life and times of Kolkata.

Cruise Vacations Are Better Than Ever For The Physically Challenged

2009-05-31T16:36:00.001-07:00

Most of the newer ships offer wheelchair assessable state rooms and can provide dining room seating arrangements to avoid stairs and raised areas. Just be sure your travel agent notifies the cruise line of your wheelchair usage and any other special needs prior to sailing when making your cruise vacation reservations. Cruise travelers with physical challenges should check with the onboard tour office to ensure that all pre-reserve tours can accommodate their needs.

Cruise travel may be the ideal vacation for an individual using a wheelchair, since it provides the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in a relatively short time. A cruise vacation provides effortless travel between locations without the inconvenience of packing and unpacking. You\'ll appreciate the choice of experiencing the ship\'s destinations or relaxing and enjoying the comfort of being pampered at a \resort at sea.\

Is important that if one of your party uses a wheelchair you want to ask the following questions:

* How many wheelchair accessible cabins on the cruise ship?

* Are the doors to the rooms and elevators wide enough to accommodate a regular wheelchair?

* Can I get my wheelchair out on deck and into the public rooms during my cruise vacation?

* Will I be able to access the dining areas?

In some ports of call, where the ship must anchor, access via wheelchair may not be possible.

Ships generally stock a limited number of wheelchairs but please be aware they must be pre-reserved at the time of your booking.

Due to S.O.L.A.S. (Safety of Live At Sea) Regulations, physically challenged passengers must have partial mobility, and a traveling companion who can assist them, should an emergency arise.

You\'ll find that the newer, larger cruise ships have been built with the goal of full-accessibility. A new ship will have wider corridors, more spacious cabins, more, and larger, elevators and ramps where needed. In addition, the designated \accessible\ cabins on newer ships are outfitted with many of the following features that will make your cruise vacation a more comfortable experience:

* Stateroom and cabin doorways wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 30\)

* Stateroom dimensions and floor space for maneuverability and bathroom dimensions adequate for maneuvering

* No \lips\ or sills into bathrooms

* Sink positioned so wheelchair can roll under it

* Roll-in shower wit a fold-down stool in shower with detachable showerhead

* Bathroom walls with handrails

* Raised toilet seat, at least 17\ inches high

* Pull-down clothing racks

* Light switches at wheelchair level

* Adjustable mirror above sink

* Portable telephone

* Blinking lights in staterooms for the hearing challenged

In some ports, ships must anchor offshore due to size of the port or because of extreme weather (if the weather is too extreme they won\'t stop at that port at all). They \tender\ guests to shore with small boats that may not be accessible to guests in wheelchairs. You\'ll want to check with the shore excursions department to determine which shore excursions are most suitable for you. In some destinations, particularly those outside of the United States, you will not always find accessible transportation and facilities.

Some of the Princess cruise line ships have hoists by the pool so a physically challenged passengers can enjoy the pool. Some of Holland American ships have the ability to tender wheelchairs into ports where they do not dock. Ask your travel agent to inquire with those lines to find the ship that is suitable for you.

There is no reason that anyone who is physically challenged should avoid a cruise vacation. Just remember when you are looking into cruise travel that you have your travel agent find the cruise ship that caters to your needs.

Now that you know that a cruise vacation may be perfect for you, call your travel agent and start packing.

Happy Cruising!

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com, http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com, and http://www.CruisingTips.com or contact her at mhanna@cruisepublishing

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MaryHanna

Austria India Tour Packages

2009-05-30T21:36:00.001-07:00

AUSTRIA

Country Info

Austria is located in the high Alps , alongside the Danube Valley . It is one of the most scenic countries of the world. Previously being the part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this picturesque country dates back to the end of World War I (1918). The architectural beauty of Vienna , the art and year-round musical festivals of Salzburg draw tourists from all over the world.

Austria tours typically include a stop in Vienna, where you might see the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, Heldenplatz and St. Stephen\'s Cathedral. Salzburg, another popular stop for Austria vacation packages, is Mozart\'s birthplace and the site of the impressive Domplatz and the lush Mirabell Gardens, a true horticultural asterpiece. Many Austrian tours stop in Melk for a visit to the Melk Abbey and a glimpse of picturesque Salzkammergut Lakeland

Austria offers numerous outdoor activities for tourists. Conquer the mountain ranges through mountain tours. The Alps cover half of the country making the alpine weather predominant, but in the East it receives scanty rainfall in comparison with the Western alpine.

Major Cities

Vienna : Austria \'s capital city Vienna has a whole lot of tourist attractions. There are more than 50 museums open to the public, including the Natural History Museum , the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum of the 20th Century, the Museum of Modern Art , the Knstlerhaus, the Clock and Watch Museum and the Technology Museum . St Stephen\'s Cathedral, the art collection at the Belvedere Palace , the Chapel of the Hofburg, the Parliament, the Rathskeller (Town Hall), the University and the Votive church along the Ringstrasse are the few added attractions. Don\'t miss the New Year concerts having lavish balls in Vienna followed with February\'s Fasching(Carnival)

Salzburg : The going can never get any better than Austria , for all the lovers of arts. Salzburg is the most elegant city set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery. Austria is home to a marvelous culture, with its classical music festivals in Vienna , Salzburg and Bregenz. The Salzburg International Festival takes place in late-July and August and includes plenty of music by the city\'s favourite son, Mozart.

Innsbruck : Austria \'s town Innsbruck is the centre of internationally renowned ski complex having six major resorts. Innsbruck is the ancient and an 800-year-old town having number of popular buildings dating from Austria \'s cultural Renaissance in the 16th-18th centuries, and a 12th-century castle

Tourist Attractions

The Hofburg Palace - it is also known as the Imperial Palace . The palace is grand in its architecture. You can also witness here a performance of the Vienna Boys\' Choir at the Imperial Court Chapel section. Look out here for the Imperial jewels of the royalty at the Liturgical and secular treasury.

St. Stephen\'s Cathedral The St Stephen\'s Cathedral is a beautifully designed building, a marvellous example showcasing the Gothic architecture. The tower is visible from many parts of the city. It has been a target of may attacks, yet it has survived the tests of time. Te cathedral\'s roof has been designed in an unusual zigzag pattern.

Schonbrunn - this is the summer palace of the Hapsburgs. The palace has one of the finest gardens, built in 1752, which also makes it the oldest surviving zoological Garden. The magnificence of this palace often draws comparisons with the palace at Versailles . Have a look at the fine porcelains and witness the royal splendor at the tours of apartment.

Sandy Kathuria

Austria India Tour Packages

Backpacking in New Zealand How to Get Amongst the Locals & Experience Things Off The Tourist Trail

2009-05-30T02:36:00.001-07:00

A great way for backpackers to get a taste of the real New Zealand is to seek out local events and festivals in smaller towns and communities. Take your time to chill out in one place for a while and you will be surprised how much more you can deepen your experience by getting amongst the local scene.

One festival not to be missed is the legendary Wild Foods festival held annually in a small town on the West Coast of the South Island called Hokitika.

Due to the isolated location of the West Coast the \'Coasters\' have always done things their own way, paying little attention to how the rest of the world lives. The festival is a prime example of this, as it show cases the rather random delicacies of the coast and the local characters that live there. You name it, it\'s on offer and both locals and tourists come from afar to challenge themselves to eat the huge selection of wild foods.

Some of the more memorable dishes at this years festival included Mountain Oysters (goat testicles); huhu grubs that were very much alive; eel spine, marinated duck tongue; semen sauce; cow tit; seagull turd; rotten fish eyes and possum pie. MMMMMM Yuk! Funnily enough there was such a high demand for the live huhu grubs that they sold out. The atmosphere is awesome as everywhere you look people are egging their friends on encouraging them to try the most vulgar of the vulgar wild foods on offer.

A few of the more tame - or should we say edible foods - included \Bambi\ burgers, white bait fritters, homemade fudge, pickled punga (native fern), mussels and wild pork.

Let\'s not forget that there is also plenty of booze and live music (hillbilly style) at the festival for those who like a drink or three and a bit of a boogie. The locally brewed Monteiths Ale was flowing from mid day along with a selection of New Zealand wines.

Hokitika has a population of about 6,000 and with more than 10,000 people attending the Wild Foods Festival accommodation options get rather interesting. So where does everyone sleep? The local fire brigade set up a couple of large camp sites right by the beach which over flows with tents and campervans. The setting is to die for... right at your doorstep is a rugged west coast beach dotted with bonfires as far as one can see which makes for the perfect place to chill out on return from the Hillbilly dance.

On waking early to enjoy watching the sun rise take a stroll and you will discover that the less organised have set up home on the railway track, footpath, under the town clock or in some less fortunate cases in amongst the abundance of porta-loos

There are many fantastic festivals in New Zealand, so be sure to enquire about what is on and where during your backpacking through our beautiful country, Aotearoa - the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Article by Felicity Witters. Felicity is Marketing and Product Manager for Kiwi Experience, a leading New Zealand backpacking bus network. Hop on, hop off flexible bus passes take backpackers & independent travellers off the beaten track to experience the \'real New Zealand.\'

Iowa Tourism

2009-05-29T07:27:00.001-07:00

Iowa is not always the first place people think of when they are deciding where to spend their tourist dollars. But the truth is, Iowa has a lot to offer tourists, and Iowa tourism is on the rise. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Iowa has tourist activities for each season, and there is always something to do no matter what time of year you are investigating Iowa tourism options.

Facts About Iowa

The many sites available for Iowa tourism have lots to offer. These tourism sites are also happy to give some facts about Iowa for tourists to note. For instance, the capitol of Iowa is Des Moines, which is located in the middle of the state and has a population of over 198,000. The state flower is the wild rose, the state tree is an oak, and chances are pretty good that in the spring and summer you may catch a glimpse of the state bird, the eastern goldfinch. Iowa is named for the Ioway Indians that used to live in that region.

What Can You Do In Iowa?

The question should not be what can you do, but what can\'t you do. Iowa tourism is the quintessential travel destination in that it has something for every one. If you like to gamble, you can do it in Iowa. Iowa has some of the best cultural opportunities for tourists. Museums, art galleries, and musical and theater productions are common events in the bigger cities.

If you prefer the great outdoors, Iowa tourism is for you. You can hike, camp, fish, boat and golf on one of the state\'s many excellent golf courses. There are plenty of state parks to explore to your heart\'s content.

Iowa also offers tourists a rich heritage of history. There are historic sites to visit and learn about in every corner of state, especially along the mighty Mississippi.

And if you are just in the market for a good time, check out Adventureland, one of the best amusement parks around. Thrills and excitement are yours for the taking.

What Else Does Iowa Have To Offer?

Iowa has a tourist bureau that is ready and willing to help you plan your business or personal trip to their state. They can help you with family travel, pet-friendly travel, cheap and discount travel options and lots of information for the business traveler, too. They can give you information on everything from lodging to dining to area airports.

So if you have never thought of Iowa as a great travel destination, think again. Check out Iowa, and you will be pleasantly surprised. It\'s no wonder that Iowa tourism continues to grow.

http://iowahq.com Facts about Iowa from tourism to buying and selling real estate.

Belfast City Guide Including Belfast Hotels

2009-05-28T12:36:00.001-07:00

Introduction:

Nestled in a valley and bordered to the east by the Irish Sea, the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is a vibrant and lively Celtic city that lives up to its nickname of \The Hibernian Rio.\ Situated on the River Lagan, the pedestrian-friendly city enjoys a focal point in Donegal Square where the architecturally stunning City Hall dominates the skyline, and elsewhere Victorian and Edwardian architecture can be enjoyed by visitors on foot.

Places of interest:

Belfast\'s glorious seafaring history and place at the forefront of the industrial revolution is evident in the greatest shipyard in Great Britain, where the Titanic was built. The city\'s name is derived from the Irish \beal feirste\ which means \at the mouth of the sandpit\ and nightlife, arts, festivals, dining and shopping are all in abundance in the city. The sea front in particular is now pedestrianised and visitors can enjoy the best of Irish culture in street musicians and theatre against the backdrop of the Irish Sea.

Standing 120 metres above sea level, Belfast Castle offers breathtaking and panoramic views of the city, bay and surrounding areas. Belfast Castle was the ancestral home of the Chichester, later Donegall, family who were descendants of Arthur Chichester who planted the land that was to become the city in the 1600s. The history of the castle, and city, are celebrated in the Cave Hill Visitor Centre in the castle grounds.

Ulster Museum, set over 8000 square metres of grounds, is likely to take up a full day, so extensive and fascinating are its archaeology, ethnography, art, history and natural sciences exhibits. The collections portray and celebrate the history, culture, artistic, scientific and industrial achievements: in short, the story of the Irish people from their ancient roots up until modern day. The museum houses both permanent and temporary collections, and regular, creatively planned tours are offered to distil some of the wonders of the museum into palatable chunks.

For stunning hiberno-romanesque architecture, the Belfast Cathedral is worth a visit, and the exciting, interactive and interpretive St. Patrick Centre tells the story of Ireland\'s patron saint, in his own words.

The Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and City of Belfast International Rose Garden, in the southern outskirts of Belfast features an International Rose Exhibition, as well as gardens, walks, a children\'s playground and live music concerts.

The Linen Hall Library was established in 1788 and boasts a collection of over 20,000 volumes of Irish literature and an enviable Robert Burns collection.

Things to do:

Belfast will never leave tourists wondering how to entertain themselves! Plenty of things to do and see exist in Belfast.

The world class Belfast Zoo features plenty of don\'t-miss attractions, including the monkey park, reptile house and children\'s playground.

Walking Tours of Belfast include The Old Town, Titanic Trail and the City Centre Walk.

The oldest covered market in Ireland, St George\'s Market offers a range of fish and speciality foods that are unrivalled in Europe.

The world\'s largest dry dock, Haarland and Wolfe, is where the Titanic was built and its famous cranes, Samson and Goliath, can be seen from all over the city.

At the The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum a fascinating insight into the history and the daily lives of Ulster people can be found.

The Home Front Heritage Centre features collections that portray the Belfast experience of the Second World War, and is also home to the museum of the Royal Ulster Rifles.

W5 is a world renowned innovative and interactive centre of science and technology exploration, with activities, exhibits and demonstrations to expand and intrigue minds of all ages.

Food & Drink:

If it is excellent food the tourist seeks, they won\'t have to look far in Belfast.

Traditional pub fare in a historical atmosphere is to be found at Belfast\'s most famous pub, the Crown Liquor Saloon in the heart of the historical district.

Altos was rated number one by Yahoo travel for stylish and contemporary cuisine, serving cutting-edge Mediterranean food and featuring an extensive wine list and speciality coffee choices.

The Gypsy Queen Vegetarian Restaurant is on of Europe\'s premier vegetarian dining destinations. All dishes are GMO approved, and organic wherever possible.

For the cuisine enthusiast, Deane\'s Restaurant is a high end, luxurious dining experience, featuring dishes created by one of Ireland\'s top chefs.

Live music pubs are a staple of Belfast nightlife, including the Duke of York, Morrisons and at the docks, Pat\'s Bar Princes.

Belfast Hotels & Accommodation:

As befitting a major European destination, a full range of accommodation options are available in Belfast. Visitors can chose from cosy, family run bed and breakfast establishments, a variety of self catering options and luxury five star hotels to suit every taste, set of requirements and budget.

Ravenhill Guest House

The Crescent Townhouse

Europa Hotel

The Malone Lodge Hotel

Tara Lodge

The Park Avenue Hotel

The Stormont Hotel

The Chimney Corner Hotel

Culloden Hotel

Days Hotel

Jurys Inn Belfast

Ramada Belfast

Parkview Lodge

Ten Square

Entertainment

Nightlife is one of Belfast\'s main attractions, with revellers enjoying everything from world class dance clubs to traditional pubs. The Potthouse, opened in November 2004 was built on the site of Belfast\'s first pottery factory and comprises The Potthouse Bar & Grill, Sugar Nighclub, which plays Top 40, House and classic Disco, and the Soap Bar guestroom. The Fly and The Grill Room and Bar are also notable Belfast nightspots. The Movie House Cinema on the Golden Mile offers the latest cinema releases, as well as arthouse and independent films, and Ireland\'s only 3D and 2D large format cinema, the SheridanIMAX is located on Queen\'s Quay. Fantastic shopping is available in the city centre Donegall Place and the Waterfront Concert Hall hosts concerts and music tours from all over the world.

Belfast enjoys an enviable position at the forefront of Hibernian culture, scenery and history. With an ideal and unique combination of Celtic culture and British industrial influence, Belfast is an ideal seaside destination for family friendly events, educational and historical attractions and a nightlife that is second to none throughout Europe. In common with much of the British Isles, Belfast experiences a temperate and often wet climate, but is protected by the surrounding mountains of Divis Mountain, Black Mountain and Cave Hill.

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

Name: Maria Williams
Website: www.sleepuk.com
Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of hotels in Belfast.

Pilot Paul's Luggage Buying Checklist

2009-05-27T17:26:00.001-07:00

As an airline pilot, I live out of my suitcase quite a bit.

Crewmembers are very hard on their luggage and won't tolerate junky luggage that won't perform well over a long period of time. The best value in luggage is good quality, well-built, highly functional luggage that is backed up with a strong waranty. You'll achieve the best value if something serves you well for a long period of time. That way your cost per use will be low.

This eliminates most of the cheaper discount store luggage. Surprisingly, it also eliminates many of the fancy, high priced designer bags also.

I've carefully inspected many designer bags offered in the boutique designer logo shops. Often these bags have the quality and features of the cheap ones in the discount stores. Their only value is the perceived value of the designer logo.

I've been shocked to find the prices of these bags well over $1000 while they are inferior in quality, duraility, and features of many suitcases costing around $200-$300.

There are only a few brands that I specifically recommend. More on that in a moment.

The following checklist for choosing your luggage should help you make a good purchase decision.

Pilot Paul's Luggage Buying Checklist:

Wheels. These are essential. Think about how much walking with your bags is involved in any trip. It is best to have at least one bag in your ensemble with wheels. The ideal situation is to arrange things so with one wheeled bag acting as a cart, you can be completely mobile with your entire luggage. This will save you lots of time waiting for porters and bellmen, plus tip money.

I highly recommend larger, rubberized wheels with ball bearings- similar to the ones on inline skates. These make a noticeable difference when pulling a loaded bag. They give the best performance and longevity.

Recessed wheels are less likely to be damaged. Often, while doing aircraft exterior inspections, I'll find suitcase wheels that have been broken off in the loading/unloading process.

Handle. Make sure that it is long enough. If it's too short, you'll be leaning sideways while walking.

Make sure that the handle locks down so it won't be damaged if you check your bag.

One thing that leads to handle failures on many bags is lifting a loaded bag by the pull handle. Your bag will last longer if you lift it by the smaller grip handles.

For larger bags, two grip handles make it much easier to hoist, lift, and carry your bag. Think of getting the bag out of a trunk of up into an overhead bin.

Outer Shell. There are three different types: soft-sided, hard-sided, and in-between, semi-soft sided. Consider your needs.

Soft-sided are the most lightweight and expandable. They make the best carry-ons, but your bag's contents are most vulnerable to damage. Think about what you'll pack in one, especially if you plan to check your bag.

Hard-sided bags are the best for protecting your stuff, but these bags tend to be heavier. They also don't give or compress if you're trying to stuff them in a tight place, like the trunk of a car or an overhead bin.

Semi-soft combines the benefits of the other two. These are what I like best. They are partially framed and have expandable tops and bottoms. They weigh less than hard-sided ones, but still protect well.

Material. For soft and semi-soft luggage, nylon or ballistic nylon is stronger than polyester. Look for a tight and dense weave. If denier is mentioned, it refers to the thickness of the fiber. High denier means thick fiber.

Zippers. Metal ones aren't good. The newer, synthetic zippers made of coils can actually self-repair when the slide is moved over the teeth.

Self-repairing zippers is one thing that separates the well-made luggage from the rest.

Since people tend to over-stuff their suitcases (especially if they did some extra shopping), the zipper takes the strain of trying to close and hold the suitcase together.

These self-repairing zippers will do that job better than any others will. A standard zipper can fail under that strain. If your suitcase zipper breaks as you are finishing packing and hurrying to catch a plane, you suddenly have a big problem.

There you are, it's time to go and your suitcase zipper is broken. Everything is falling out and you don't have the time or capability to fix or replace it.

Whatever you buy, make sure that it has a large, self-repairing zipper.

Hooks. Many rolling bags have a hook to carry an additional bag. These are wonderful. With these, you can often easily carry two extra bags - one on the hook and one over the extended handle. The bag on the hook tends to counter-balance everything making the downward load on the handle lighter.

Tip - some hooks are stronger than others are. The most strain on your luggage hook comes when you have a heavy bag attached and you are on an escalator. The hooked bag is unsupported. If this is an issue, look for the elevator.

Other Nice Features. Many pockets inside and out are useful. Many bags have some plastic lined pockets. These are great for wet items like swimsuits or workout clothes. If you are getting a bag that will be outside like a backpack, rain flaps over the zippers help keep the contents dry when it's raining.

Warranty. If you buy a good suitcase and use it for a long time, a good warranty is very important.

A long warranty period is a good indication that the manufacturer believes in their product.

Many higher-end bags have lifetime warranties. While these suitcases may cost a bit more, if a free warranty repair is the difference between more years of service and the garbage, it's worth it.

The smart choice is to buy well-constructed, long-lasting quality luggage. That will be the best value, last the longest, and be the wisest choice.

There are four specific brand of luggage that I personally recommend.

To learn which ones those are and why, please visit my complete luggage ratings web page at: http://www.pilot-pauls-travel-accessories.com/luggage-ratings.html

If you go there, you'll also learn the best places to find these suitcases at the best prices.

Copyright 2005 by Ph.Developments USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Pilot Paul is a captain at a major U.S. airline. He also hosts http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com where an airline captain helps you with your travel needs.

If you would like to learn more travel tips, see travel accessory reviews and recommendations, learn insider's secrets, find travel discounts, or receive our FREE newsletter, please visit us at

http://www.Pilot-Pauls-Travel-Accessories.com

Holiday GuideEnjoy your holidays & be healthy!

2009-05-26T22:26:00.001-07:00

Holiday season is the best among all seasons. Holiday season is
the best for family gatherings, spending time with friends, and
snowball battles. All of us want to enjoy holiday season.
Several people feel migraine problems and severe headaches due
to wrong strategy of spending holidays. You should follow some
guidelines to enjoy wonderful holidays.

Following are some ideas that will definitely help you to make
great holiday season:

During holidays try to eat little of everything whatever you
want because holidays means fun not eating! Eat little instead
of joining a gym after holidays.

Avoid potatoes & stuffed food. You should eat more vegetables
during holidays to be fit and fine.

Don't spend your holidays in watching TV. You should spend your
time with your nears & dears.

Make a list of important activities that you want to do during
holidays. This will reduce your tension and headache.

You should also make a budget for your holidays and be familiar
with your limitations. Don't try to create more social events.

You may also handover some of your important tasks to a
responsible person who is able to perform those tasks
efficiently.

Get familiar with your financial limitations and also don't try
to cross your spending limit.

Don't forget to take rest because you've to go back to your work
after holidays.

Do your regular exercises and drink plenty of water and juices.

Find some different ways that can make you happy. Forget the
difficulties of past and be ready to enjoy your future.

Don't spend a lot on travel. You should try to participate in
the festivals, marriages, birthday parties and other lovely
occasions.

Always spend your holidays with your caring friends, colleagues
and family members. And of course don't forget to laugh.

You can find more tips on how to enjoy your holidays at
bargainholidaysguide.com

There's more to Malaga than just an airport

2009-05-26T03:27:00.001-07:00

Malaga is famed as one of Europe\'s top locations for the more
discerning tourist. With much to offer the golfer, yachtsman or
shopper, Malaga is renowned as a high class sunshine spot.
Although the attractions of Malaga are ample and virtuous, there
is little in the Spanish resort to occupy the more inquisitive
mind.

The city of Malaga offers plenty to while away the hours over
the course of a weekend or short break. But venturing further
into Southern Andalucia can be a rewarding experience for the
free spirited traveller. Andalucia is a heady mix of Spanish and
Moorish architecture - the moors having occupied the region
until the mid-fifteenth century. The illustrious past of the
region is exemplified just a short drive from Malaga where La
Alcazba, an archaeological museum housed in a Moorish fortress
provides a fascinating commentary on the hidden depths of Malaga
and the surrounding area ( http://www.andalucia.com ).

Indeed Southern Andalucia offers one of the most interesting and
varied self drive routes in Spain. Leaving Malaga and heading
West along provides a rewarding insight into the many faces of
Spain. Driving along the coast, the landscape varies as the
tourist savvy Costa del Sol gives way to the more unspoilt Costa
de la Luz.

Heading East into Granada and the magnificent city that gives
the region its\' name is a must on a self drive tour of southern
Spain. Although relatively unspoilt by tourist activity Granada
is dominated by the impressive Alhambra, and offers meandering,
narrow streets - a further legacy of the regions Moorish
influence.

For a more cosmopolitan experience, the capital city of
Andalucia, Seville, lies to the north. Although the drive from
Malaga is not particularly rewarding, Spain\'s fourth largest
city offers the grandeur expected of a major European city. The
city is characterised again by Moorish architecture, but is
dominated by one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and the
impressive Mudejar Palace of Alcazar.

Car hire is readily available and relatively affordable in
Malaga (
http://www.easycar.com/aspx/car-hire/location/Malaga.aspx/EN ).
Driving in Southern Spain has no real pitfalls, although the
mountainous roads of Granada and the twisting coastal roads of
the Costa de la Luz must be taken with some additional care.

After the excitement of the Andalucian adventure, it can be nice
to relax and unwind back in Malaga, taking in a round of golf, a
stroll around the harbour or visiting one of the many
attractions afforded to the city\'s most famous son, Pablo
Picasso.

The Castle on the Hill

2009-05-25T08:26:00.001-07:00

When you think of castles, such places as Windsor, Sterling, and London come to mind. One might not expect that San Francisco, California should be added to this list. Julius castle on beautiful Telegraph Hill is a little known secret; a treasure hidden away at the end of a secluded San Franciscan lane.

This castle was never used to defend a city. No King or Queen ever ruled from a throne here. However, a feast fit for royalty is prepared every night within this modern fortress. Looking out on the water from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge and beyond, Julius Castle provides one of the most amazing views in the city. If the food were not quite so delicious you could easily find yourself lost in a trance staring out at the rolling hills, slow moving ferries, and untouched islands.

Built to resemble a castle using Redwood trees, and maples from the Pan Pacific Expedition, Julius Castle dates back to the 1920\'s. An Italian immigrant Julius Roz envisioned a \castle on the hill\, and his vision became reality when the doors opened in 1922. Patrons of the castle have watched the scenery outside its windows slowly change since then as the Bay Bridge began construction in 1933, and Treasure Island was literally built from the earth at the bottom of the bay for the 1939 World\'s Fair.

In 1947 the film \Dark Passage\ displayed the castle\'s neighborhood for the world to see as Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall sought to help the falsely accused character Vincent Parry evade police, former friends, and small time crooks. The movie\'s setting takes place only feet from where the castle stands and to this day a cut-out of Bogart watches diners as they approach the entrance.

If you find that you have enjoyed too much of the fine food and wine within the castle you may seek some after dinner activity by either venturing further up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, or down the hill via the Filbert Stairs. Located at the very peak of the hill Coit Tower overlooks the city both from its base, and even more spectacularly from the tip of its tower, another 63 meters high. The tower, which was built in 1933 with funds donated by Little Hitchcook Coit, offers more than just the scenic views outside. Painted murals adorn the interior of the structure depicting scenes from California during the great depression and other historic periods.

If climbing the hills of San Francisco has quickly lost its charm then traveling in the opposite direction down the Filbert Stairs may be a good choice. These stairs wind down to Sansome Street, right off of the famous Embarcadero through pristinely kept gardens and beautiful homes. As you marvel at the views on your 377 step journey down the hill make sure and appreciate that you are taking the only means of arriving at the 19th century cottages you pass, as there is no road access! Once you reach the bottom you are a short walk to the San Francisco ferry building, or Fisherman\'s Wharf.

As you go off to explore these other exciting attractions, try not to forget that you just dined at a world class castle, right in the middle of modern California.

Nate Soule is a travel enthusiast and helps maintain the travel website AcrossDistance.com (http://www.acrossdistance.com).

Beautiful Beaches and Hotels of Orlando

2009-05-24T13:26:00.001-07:00

There are few spots more popular than Orlando and it's easy to
see why. Not only does it have beautiful beaches to relax on,
but it's also home to one of the happiest places on earth.
Children and adults alike love to come to Orlando for all it has
to offer. So, if you haven't been yet, make sure you plan a trip
there, because you've been missing out on a lot!

If you come to relax and unwind, Orlando has you covered. Stay
at a five-star hotel and let the courteous staff take care of
your every need. You can order room service 24-7, suntan on the
beach or plan an all day shopping excursion. When you're on
vacation, there shouldn't be a set agenda. Decide what you feel
like doing once you wake up in the morning each day.

If you've come to explore Orlando and all it has to offer
tourists, plan to be busy each day. First of all, Disney World
is located here. Of course you will be visiting the theme park
for a few days because it's almost impossible to be in this city
and not go. So, give yourself some time to explore the park
before you move on to anything else. After you've finished
there, you can go to Epcot center, a wildlife refuge, Universal
Studios and much, much more.

You can swim with dolphins in Sea World, splash in a water park
or rub shoulders with a celebrity in one of the many ritzy
restaurants that are in Orlando. All of these fun activities can
get pricey, so check with a travel agent before you leave to see
if you could get any deals. You might be able to get a 2 for 1
deal or your travel agent might be able to do something even
better, so don't forget to talk to one before you are in
Orlando.

I Know a Man Who Can Take You To Narnia

2009-05-23T18:26:00.001-07:00

Well, not really Narnia, but to the very spot in England where Narnia was born in the mind of C.S. Lewis, author of \The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe\ and the entire Chronicles of Narnia series.

His name is Ron Brind who was a childhood pal of Lewis\'s stepson Douglas Gresham and a frequent visitor to Lewis\'s former Oxfordshire home in the 1950\'s.

This wonderful tour takes place in Oxfordshire, England, and visits places of interest including Lewis\'s former home \'The Kilns\' and the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, Oxford, which was Lewis\'s final resting place.

The tour duration which is approximately 3 hours and commences from outside the Randolph Hotel in Beaumont Street, Oxford, which is noted for its connections with Colin Dexter, who wrote the very famous Inspector Morse novels, and frequents the Randolph. En-route you will see the remains of the old \'City Wall\', Magdalen College from Longwall Street where Lewis was elected a Fellow in 1925, Magdalen Bridge, where the famous Oxford May Day celebrations take place, and Magdalen College School, which was attended by Doug.

You will be taken through Headington to see one of the former homes of J R R Tolkien and to The Kilns, Lewis\'s former home which was purchased jointly in October 1930 by Mrs Moore, Jack and Major Lewis. A short stroll away is the lake that yielded the Punt from the murky depths, owned by Lewis. How did the Punt get there? Find this out on the tour!

In leaving the Kilns, the tour passes a local watering hole used by Jack and Warnie and travels to Holy Trinity Church in Headington Quarry, where the vicar Mr Tom Honey will, subject to commitments, allow you to see inside this beautiful building. Outside in the Churchyard you will see the grave of C S Lewis and Mrs Janie King Moore, mother of the writer\'s close friend Paddy Moore.

You will also see the entrance to the Mayfair Suite at the former Wingfield Hospital, today the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, where Jack and Joy\'s marriage was blessed in a bedside ceremony in December 1956 because her death was thought to be imminent. The penultimate stop will be Oxford Crematorium to see the memorial plaque to Joy Davidman in cloister 2 and if you wish knowledge of exactly where Joy\'s ashes were scattered.

The tour finishes at the Eagle and Child pub in Oxford\'s magnificent St Giles thoroughfare. This famous watering hole was regularly used by Lewis and his circle of intellectual and literary friends known as \'The Inklings\'. It is here that you will be presented with a personalised Certificate recording your visit to \'The Kilns\' - a memento of your tour and a reminder that the Lewis legacy lives on.

So even though he can\'t take you as far as Narnia, he can take you to the very places where Narnia was conceived and born.

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music courses and operates http://www.playpiano.com where he offers a free newsletter on piano chords. He and his wife Bev frequently travel and recently discovered the magic of Narnia on the C.S. Lewis Tour in Oxford, England operated by Ron Brind, a frequest childhood vistor to the home of C.S. Lewis. Find out more about the tour and see photos of the tour at http://www.picturesofengland.com/oxford/cslewistours/index.html

For Effective Weight Loss Curb Hunger And Avoid The Binge

2009-05-22T23:26:00.001-07:00

Curb Hunger and Avoid The Costly Binge

Everyone's been there - you miss a meal or you are getting used to a lower calorie phase of your nutrition plan when the munchies hit. You grab the nearest and quickest food available - usually a high carb snack food - and you chow down. And to add insult to injury you find yourself hungry again just as quickly as someone who didn't snack!

The best thing you can do to avoid this is to plan ahead and always have a meal ready to go quickly. Sure, this can't always be done but it's your best bet to avoiding binges.

When hunger pangs hit - DO SOMETHING! And I don't mean eat. Drink water, go for a walk, etc. You'll find that the hunger pangs subside in about 10 minutes or so - unless you've missed a meal and are really hungry.

If you must snack, make sure to always have high protein food available. You'll stay fuller longer as it takes your body more time to digest protein.

Try to keep some of these things handy -

Cooked kitchen strips - one cup has 38 grams of protein and only 180 calories

Lowfat cottage cheese - one cup has 28 grams of protein and 168 calories

A three ounce can of white-meat chicken has 14 grams of protein and 70 calories

Two sticks of string cheese has 14 grams of protein and 160 calories

A full can of tuna packed in spring water - 37 grams of protein and 175 calories

Reach for the nuts. Keeping nuts around will keep you from binging on high carbohydrate junk food because they are just as convenient for when you have to eat something now!

Nuts supply you with good fats that can lower your cholesterol as well as fiber and important vitamins and minerals. Make sure to select dry roasted and unsalted. And don't forget, even though it's high in good fats, that still translates to 9 calories per gram. Don't over eat.

About the Author

Gregg Gillies is a speaker, consultant, fat loss expert, trainer and author. He teaches fitness via his articles, books, free newsletter and courses at his web site http://www.buildleanmuscle.com .

Vacation in Newcastle

2009-05-22T04:27:00.001-07:00

Introduction

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

History

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

Place of interest

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

Hancock Museum (Natural History)

Military Vehicle Museum

Discovery Museum (Science and Local History) Laing Art Gallery
Centre for Life Museum of Antiquities

Seven Stories, The Centre for Children's Books (Ouseburn Valley)

Hatton Gallery Newcastle Castle Keep and Blackgate

Blackfriars, Newcastle

Bessie Surtees House (Quayside)

Royal Grammar School, Newcastle

Eldon Square shopping centre

Museums & Art Galleries

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

Discovery Museum - recreating local Newcastle life from Roman,
medieval and Georgian times to the 20th century Museum of
Antiquities - with an outstanding collection on Roman artefacts

Shefton Museum - Greek archaeology and art Newcastle's Military
Museum - historic wartime and post-war military vehicles

Hancock Museum - one of the most popular museums in the
Newcastle-upon-Tyne area and the north's leading natural history
museum Life Science Centre, Stephenson Railway Museum - housing
a large collection of important historic steam and electric
locomotives

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

Shopping

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

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

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

Food & Drink

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

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

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

Education

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

Sports

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

Hotels & Accommodation

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

Some of the budget hotels
in Newcastle are

Cairn
Hotel Whites
Hotel Carlton
Hotel Jesmond
Hotel Swallow
Imperial Hotel Caledonian
Hotel
Royal
Station Hotel

Some of the luxury and deluxe hotels in Newcastle are Express by
Holiday Inn Newcastle Metro Centre Quality
Hotel Newcastle Upon Tyne Premier
Apartments Newcastle

Holiday
Inn Newcastle Britannia
Hotel Newcastle Airport Best Western
New Kent Hotel

Tours and Sightseeing

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

Transport

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

Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide

2009-05-21T09:27:00.001-07:00

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type of cruise available. There are more than 120 seaports around the Mediterranean coastline, offering numerous combinations of cruise vacations over one-week, two-week or longer trips.

A huge clash of cultures await all who opt for a Mediterranean cruise. You can visit no less than 17 different countries, including such nations as Spain, Italy, Greece and Egypt. Each nation has its own unique attractions, all of which you can sample as your cruise ship gracefully sails around the calm blue Mediterranean Sea.

More than 50 companies offer cruises along varied routes in the Mediterranean. Some companies specialize in providing Western Mediterranean cruises, concentrating on ports of call around Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Morocco. Other companies offer Eastern Mediterranean cruises which take in Croatia, Greece, Turkey and countries in the Middle East. Popular specialist Mediterranean cruises include a tour of the North African nations, a Mediterranean islands cruise that visits the island nations of Cyprus and Malta, as well as cruises around the Greek Islands. If you\'re after a longer vacation, it is possible to arrange a cruise itinerary that takes you around most if not all of the Mediterranean nations.

History, culture, grand cities, ancient monuments, romantic islands and breathtaking views are all within easy reach on a Mediterranean cruise. In the Western Mediterranean you can discover the traditional white Andalucian villages of Southern Spain, sample the world-famous Manzanilla sherry in Cadiz and visit the cultural hub of Europe in the shape of Barcelona,before travelling onwards to the French Riviera.

A cruise that takes in the wonderful coastline of Italy yields such treasures as the dormant volcano of Mt Vesuvius, ancient Pompeii and the stunning city of Rome. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia hold many delights too on a Western Mediterranean cruise.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, cruise passengers can discover the spectacular Croatian coastline and its beautiful city - Dubrovnik, before diving southeastwards to sample classical Greece and its sultry islands. The island of Crete is always worth a visit, if only for the historic Palace of Knossos.

A visit to the holy city of Jerusalem is a worthwhile excursion from both Israeli ports - Haifa and Ashdod - on a Mediterranean cruise of the Middle East. Egypt\'s Port Said is well worth a visit too. Port Said provides access to the world famous Suez Canal, which takes vessels into the Red Sea and onwards in to the Arabian Sea.

The Mediterranean region has seen many a civilization rise and fall. It is a crucible of human evolution and is rich in relics left over by more than 6,000 years of occupation. If you\'ve ever wanted to discover what it felt like to be an Egyptian pharaoh, Roman warrior or a Greek philosopher, a Mediterranean cruise can give you just that opportunity...

Looking for Cruise information ?
Go to http://www.azcruises.com to find out all you need to know about taking your dream Mediterranean Cruise vacation.

Bargain Vacations: Your Dream Getaway on EBay

2009-05-20T14:27:00.001-07:00

Do you want to get away from the stress of daily life for a few
days but do not think you have the money to do it? Think again.
eBay, the largest and most popular worldwide trading website,
now offers people the opportunity to purchase vacation packages
online at bargain prices.

Stay at a bed & breakfast, a hotel, or rent a house or condo.
Purchase a trip to visit the sunny beaches of Florida, the tall
mountains of Colorado, or the tropical islands of Hawaii. The
possibilities are endless on eBay and chances are that if you
have a destination in mind, you will be able to surf the website
and find bargain prices for your vacation.

The travel section of eBay offers six sub-categories for
vacation seekers to browse through. The airline section features
airline tickets that people can either bid on or buy now. The
section also includes flight-related items such as passport
holders and other items for sale. The section offering cruises
is where you will find vacation cruises listed for sale. Take a
seven-day cruise to the Bahamas or jump on a boat for five days
in the Caribbean. A cruise is a great way to kick back and relax
in paradise.

The lodging section is where you will find the greatest variety
of vacation destinations for sale. Currently there are 310
listings in the lodging section from everything to a condo for
rent in Las Vegas to a four-night stay at a resort in Montego
Bay. The highest priced vacation listed was a time share at a
luxury resort in Scottdale, Arizona priced at $4,800. From there
prices got considerably lower with only about ten other auctions
priced at over $1,000. The bargains were extremely evident. A
buyer could purchase a four night stay in Tampa, Florida for
just $125 - it does not get much cheaper than that.

The luggage section typically has the most auctions and sales
listed of all the sub-categories in the travel section. The
luggage section is where you will find great deals on luggage to
take with you on your bargain eBay vacation. Travel in style to
your vacation destination with brand new luggage. The vacation
package section features bargain packages for your vacation.
Instead of only offering lodging, the auctions in the vacation
package section typically offer all-inclusive vacations, usually
at resorts or on cruise liners. The final sub-category in the
travel section of eBay is the \other\ travel section. Here you
will find all other auctions that have to do with travel but do
not fit into the usual travel categories. Some auctions in this
section include coupon books, rental car vouchers, and other
travel gear.

eBay auctions typically last for seven days but can be arranged
for shorter amounts of time such as three days or five days.
When you open an auction, it will let you know what day and time
the auction ends and it will also provide you with a detailed
description of everything the auction includes. If you choose to
bid on the auction and you do not have an eBay account you will
need to open an account. It is free to open an eBay account and
once you open yours, you can bid on any auction you wish.

When placing a bid, the website will tell you the current price
and what the next possible minimum bid is. Once you enter your
bid, you will either become the highest bidder or you will be
outbid by a previous bidder whose maximum bid was higher than
yours. If you are the highest bidder at the end of the auction,
the vacation becomes yours to enjoy. Buy It Now auctions on eBay
allow you to make a purchase right away, rather than wait for an
auction to end. The seller lists a set price that you can buy
the vacation for at the current time. This method is more like a
standard sale of an item, rather than a bidding auction.

For people interested in bargain vacations, take the time to
browse through the travel eBay section. For those who have never
used the World\'s Largest Online Marketplace, you will most
likely be pleasantly surprised with what you find on eBay. By:
George W. Cannata, author and publisher of the web site
http://www.caveatemptorus.com

You may copy this article in it\'s entirety so long as you
include credit to the author and links to my web site.

Great Exuma Island is the Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon Destin

2009-05-19T19:28:00.001-07:00

For many newlyweds, deciding on where to spend their honeymoon vacation is as important as the wedding itself. A Caribbean honeymoon is a popular choice, but which one of the islands will make your dream come true? Each one is different in what it has to offer. Much like contemplating between hiring a DJ or a band, you need to know exactly what it is you are looking for. Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas is able to appeal to many tastes. Whether you are looking for relaxation, culture or adventure, this island has it all. Moreover, Great Exuma is a Caribbean island famous for perfect weather, stunning scenery and above all-romance.

Great Exuma Island has a population of fewer than 4,000 people and offers peace and serenity. In comparison to other Caribbean islands, Great Exuma is not overrun by tourists and cruise ships. On the contrary, the island is relatively secluded and offers you the chance to hide away on a pristine white sand beach, or enjoy a picnic in a private cay.

If culture is what you are looking for, Great Exuma has it in abundance. Visit the remains of cotton growing and salt farming plantations at Williams Town. Or, take a trip to the fascinating ancient salt ponds. History comes alive at Elizabeth Harbor which was once a favorite haunt for pirates. The harbor is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first land and sea park in the world to be declared a national park.

Adventure seekers will be enticed by the endless amount of activities available on Great Exuma Island. Sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are popular. Experienced guides are available for hire and they are most happy to inject extra adrenaline into your Caribbean honeymoon. For the more daring types, rent a boat or a sea kayak and explore the island on your own. Whatever your taste, Great Exuma can certainly cater to it.

The time spent on your romantic Caribbean honeymoon should be memorable. Every couple should be able to look back on that vacation and wish that they could do it again. The island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas guarantees lasting memories and days and nights of sun, fun and romance!

About the Author

Fred Coolridge is the content manager and author for the website Great Exuma Island, Bahamas - www.exumabahamas.org.

Australia's Vacation Playground

2009-05-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

>From all over Australia people take their vacations on the Gold
Coast, which has rightly earned itself the number one vacation
spot in the country. With it's temperate climate the Gold Coast
is an all year round vacation spot.

With a choice of accomodation that is mind boggling, catering
from backpackers to 5 star luxury, motel style to apartment
buildings 50 storeys high everyone is catered for.

Once your settled in it's time to play. Spend it up at Jupiters
Casino with the high rollers or head of to one of the many
restaurant, nightclubs or bars.

The Gold Coast is home to the theme parks. Seaworld, Dreamworld,
Movieworld and Wet'n'Wild are all within reach of your
accommodation. Swim with the dolphins, get up close to a Bengal
Tiger or have the thrill of a lifetime on some of the awesome
rides.

Down on the water catch a world class wave or a try your luck at
a spot of game fishing. If your worn out from the night before
you can sunbake under the sun one of the many Gold Coast
beaches, just don't forget to swim between the flags.

If you are after a vacation jam packed full of fun you can't
pass up the Gold Coast.

Special Events and Festivals in Italy

2009-05-18T05:26:00.001-07:00

Carnevale Festival in Italy

Celebrated 40 days before Easter, Carnevale is a large festival held before Ash Wednesday. The biggest celebrations are held in Viareggio, Ivrea and Venice. Carnevale celebrations are held in many cities around the world.

Celebrate the New Year in Italy

Italians bring in the New Year with music, dancing and fireworks. Celebrations may vary from one town to the next.

Festa della Madonna Bruna in Matera, Italy

This is a unique festival held in southern Italy in July. The festival\'s highlight comes when a Carro carrying the Madonna is destroyed. The Carro is made of papier mache and takes an entire year to create. Making the Carro is a skill passed down from one generation to the next.

L\'Ardia di San Costantino

Held in Sardinia, L\'Ardia di San Costantino is an Italian horse race. l Palio di Siena
Il Palio di Siena is a famous festival and horse race - probably the most famous in the country.
Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia

This is a very popular international jazz festival that\'s held in July in Perugia.

A Carnevale Ogni Scherzo Vale

Italians have this carnival before the 40 days of deprivation experienced during the advent of Lent. This type of festival has become popular in cities around the world.

Valentine\'s Day in Italy

Italy celebrates Valentine\'s Day with shops selling china baskets or cups filled with candies tied with ribbons. Getting engaged on Valentine\'s Day is a tradition in Italy.

Christmas In Italy (Buon Natale)

Christmas in Italy is marked with white, red and green colors, which are also the colors of the Italian flag. Italians enjoy Christmas traditions, recipes and rites each year.

Easter In Italy (Buona Pasqua) Italy holds many ceremonies during the holiday of Easter no matter when the date of the holiday. Most ceremonies are conducted by churches.

Thanksgiving in Italy

Italy celebrates Thanksgiving, but in a different way than America. The family meal usually consists of Italian recipes (instead of turkey) that have been passed down throughout generations. Families gather for a traditional meal during the holiday.

Celebrate at the Venice Carnival The Venice Carnival is a traditional festival where partygoers wear masks. It is romantic and considered one of the largest festivals in Europe.

Festa del Redentore

This is a Venetian festival held to celebrate the end of a plague that occurred during the 16th century. It\'s usually held the second week in July with a fireworks display and a regatta. An architect named Antonio Palladio built the Church of the Redeemer as a remembrance of the occasion.

Scoppio del Carro

This is an event held on Easter Saturday in Florence where a chariot pulled by an ox goes through the streets on a journey to the Il Duomo. Fireworks are ignited from the vehicle.

Spoleto Festival

Known as the \Festival of Two Worlds,\ this is one of the most popular musical events in Italy.

Other Traditional Events in Italy (City or region stated in parentheses)

*Almond Blossom Festival (Agrigento) -- Festival of song, fireworks and costumes.
*Giostra del Saracino (Arezzo) -- Also known as the Joust of the Saracen, this is a tilting contest that\'s held the first Sunday in September. Knights in armor depict the 13th century customs.
*Calendimaggio (Assisi) -- Also called Celebration of Holy Week, this is Italy\'s Easter event to celebrate Spring as they did in Medieval times.
*Torneo Della Quintana (Ascoli-Piceno) -- This is the Joust of the Quintana that\'s held on the first Sunday of August. It\'s a pageant in which contestants wear 15th century costumes.
*Palio San Secondo (Asti) -- This is a 700-year-old ceremony in which participants wear costumes from the 13th century.
*Sagra di San Nicola (Bari) -- This is a historic costume procession held on May 7th.
*Sagra di Sant\' Efisio (Cagliari) -- A large colorful procession is held on May 1st through 4th where pilgrims dress in costumes from the 1600s with accompanying horses, carts and a statue of the saint on foot.
*Calcio Fiorentino (Florence) -- This is a soccer match held in June that resembles those football games of the Medieval times.
*Infiorata (Genzano) -- A beautiful flower festival, where a religious procession takes place on streets carpeted with flowers.
*Balestrieri (Gubbio) -- Known as the Palio of the Archers, this is a Medieval crossbow contest held on the last Sunday in May. Participants wear Medieval arms and costumes.
*Feast of Santa Rosalia (Palermo) -- Held in July, this event features fireworks, bands and a procession in honor of the patron saint of the city.
*Epiphany Fair at Piazza Navona (Roma) -- A January fair with sweets, toys and presents that is held outdoors at the gorgeous Bernini fountains.
*Estate Romana (Roma) -- Coordinated by the city of Rome, this event takes place from the end of June until August or during Roman Summer. There is a summer season of open air entertainment put on by the Rome Opera House. Highlights include music, ballet, opera, drama and more.
*Carnival in Venice (Venice) -- Held in February and March, this celebration features masks and costumes, music, fireworks and mimes. Entertainment is provided in the streets. Wherever you go in Italy, there\'s bound to be a special event or festival nearby. Italy is full of fun celebrations all year. You can join in and become a part of these great traditions when you visit Italy.

You can find international cell phones and service for Italy from http://www.planetomni.com. Free incoming calls from all countries night and day and calling the states is just US $.60 per minute! They rent and sell phones and satellite phones as well.

John Dulaney, born Dec. 11th, 1946, married with children. Living most years since 1969 outside the USA and working in motion pictures since 1965 I started QuantumStar.com with my wife, Jojo, in March of 1994 in San Francisco, Ca. I\'ve lived in or been to approximately 36 countries and have lived under Democracies, Socialism, Communism, dictatorships, kingdoms and others. There is nothing like home. I participated at Channel Four in Manila, Philippines during the \People Power Revolution\ and stood, with my wife\'s brother, along with half a million others against the threat of tank attack. I have witnessed the ruinous effects of Socialism /Communism /Dictatorship in dozens of countries and today enjoy the remains of our freedoms and protections of the Constitution in the USA here in California. Working in front of and behind the camera films around the world we removed to the suburbs and a quiet life, for a few years. We still have property in Umbria, Italy, some is for sale. After all is said and done I count my children, wife Jojo and my friends as my only real treasure.

Longwood Gardens A Must Stop On Your Philadelphia Vacation

2009-05-17T10:31:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Brandywine Valley. This area provides
plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy your vacation
here, especially during the Summer, Spring, and Fall
seasons. It is home to a wonderful assortment of
world-class gardens and museums.

One stop on your itinerary should include a trip to
Longwood Gardens and the Brandywine River Museum. Both are
within ten minutes of each other. You could easily spend
anywhere from a half to a whole day just exploring these
two places. Longwood Gardens is located in the historic
Brandywine Valley of southeastern Pennsylvania (PA) and
northern Delaware (DE).

Pierre S. du Pont developed Longwood Gardens (sometimes
called the DuPont Gardens) back in 1906. Today, with the
hundreds of employees and volunteers keeping Longwood
beautiful, it's a delight. Over 1,000 acres of indoor
and outdoor gardens with over 11,000 different varieties
of plants, breathtaking fountains, and lots of events
will captivate you. Longwood is so popular that it
attracts over 900,000 visitors annually from all over
the world. There's everything from kid's programs to
concerts and gardening demos. Their world-renowned
fireworks displays will make you cheer and clap with
delight.

Longwood has more fountains than any other garden in the
United States. Their fountains have been compared to
stately water displays in Europe. This should come as no
surprise because Pierre du Pont was amazingly passionate
about fountains and water. He created 3 totally different
fountain gardens and included an assortment of smaller
water displays. Some of these fountains have been either
restored and even enlarged on to expand on his original
designs. The folks must be doing something right because
more and more people come to visit these historic fountain
shows.

Naturally, you can't mention DuPont without mentioning gun
powder and fireworks in the same story. The DuPont family
has been involved in manufacturing gunpowder for close to
two centuries. Pierre's interest in both pyrotechnics and
fountains has blasted (pardon the pun) into one of the
best displays of fireworks and water combined, bar
none. Because of the people power and time involved in
setting up a fireworks show they are limited to 3 to 4
shows each year. You definitely want to make one of the
fireworks shows.

High tech has also been added successfully to the mix of
fountains and fireworks. Computer technology has brought
the fountain shows into the 21st century in a big way.
Because Pierre du Pont was always looking to improve
Longwood, it's easy to imagine him being thrilled knowing
that his gardens still continue to dazzle visitors.

While you're in the vicinity, you will want to visit the
Brandywine River Museum. The Brandywine River Museum is
located in a Civil-War era grist mill thats been changed
to a museum. This Museum is famously known for its
collection of Wyeth family paintings. It's hard to imagine
that in this country-like setting is one of the largest
and most comprehensive Wyeth collections in the world.

The Museum changes its exhibits often. Many of the
paintings and other artwork are centered on the Brandywine
Valley area, as well as other areas of this region. It's
quite an experience to be looking at a painting and being
able to pinpoint the location.

There are also many special events during the year
both indoor and outdoor, such as concerts, slide shows,
crafts fairs. With all the presentations, you'll be
ready to eat sooner than later and there are Award winning
restaurants both at Longwood and The Brandywine Museum. If
you are looking for something else, there are plenty
of national chain establishments and fast food and
everything in between, all within a 10 minute drive.

With the uniqueness of these amazing gardens, you~ll
discover something that will make your visit a lasting
memory, no matter what your interests are. Because of the
spectacular beauty of the open landscapes and the
fascinating historical presence of the area, people come
back over and over,again and again .

About the Author

Emily Strandford) is excited about Airfare and
is the owner of Everything About Airfare

Mexico: CRIME

2009-05-16T15:26:00.001-07:00

When I told my best friend, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, my wife and I were moving to Mexico, his reply was as follows: \I guess you won\'t have access to a telephone or the Internet.\

I was dumbfounded almost to the point of not being able to make a coherent reply! Here was a well-educated man, well traveled throughout Europe, who was under the impression that Mexico was still in the Dark Ages without access to modern technology. He, I found, was not alone in his ignorance about Mexico.

While preparing for our move to Mexico, we received, whether we wanted it or not, all manner of \advice\ from family and friends which amounted to warnings of how we would be in immediate peril if we went through with our insane decision to expatriate to Mexico. Some of the \advice\ was ridiculous; some came from bigoted ignorance. Here are some of my favorites:

\If you dare drink the water you will get bloody dysentery and die.\

\Are you crazy? The bandits will kill you down there!\

\Roving gangs of American-haters will drag you right out of restaurants and kill you on the sidewalk in broad daylight.\

\You will have to wash you clothes in the river.\

\Mexicans will lie to you every chance they get.\

I mean, where in the world do they get this stuff? These are college-educated people. How is it that college-educated Americans can be so sociologically and factually ignorant of Mexico?

Have you ever been at a social gathering and someone mentions that so-and-so is vacationing in Mexico? Have you noticed the immediate, harsh, and frightened reaction of everyone?

\Oh my. I hope they don\'t drink the water!\

\I heard that it is so dangerous \'down there\' that you get snatched right off the street by the police just because you are an American!\

\Oh, they\'d better be careful. I heard the cab drivers will take you out into the desert, strip you naked, and leave you for the coyotes!\

Here is where I think they get these fables:

\My sister\'s neighbor told her that his cousin knew a friend whose mother talked with the baker whose brother-in-law went to Mexico on business and talked with the waiter in the hotel who told him of this story\ And on it goes!

I am talking about strong emotions when it comes to the subject of Mexico! Most often, the stories you will hear from your American family and friends are rumor, innuendo, or sheer nonsense. What is the deal here?

I am not sure that I know the answer to that question. It appears the news media has a lot to do with it because they report only the most vile and scary news that happens in Mexico. Mexico is not a perfect place in which to live because it contains fallible human beings who make some of the same mistakes and commit some of the same crimes as in the United States.

However, having conceded that point, an American must take a long, hard look at the so-called dangers in Mexico. For example, Mexico is not one of the most dangerous countries in the world. According to online almanac website, www.aneki.com, the United States of America is in the top 16 most dangerous countries in which to live. Mexico is not even on the list.

Therefore, to those fellow Americans who get all bent out of shape over the perceived dangers Mexico has to offer, I say, \Get some perspective people!\

Expatriates Doug and Cindi Bower have successfully expatriated to Mexico, learning through trial and error how to do it from the conception of the initial idea to driving up to their new home in another country. Now the potential expatriate can benefit from their more than three years of pre-expat research to their more than two years of actually living in Mexico. The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico answers the potential expatriate\'s questions by leading them through the process from the beginning to the end. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not only how-to expatriate but will learn what to expect, in daily life, before coming to Mexico.BUY BOOK HERE: http://www.universal-publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1581124570

Weddings in Belize Are a Breeze

2009-05-15T20:26:00.001-07:00

Ever dreamt of a wedding in a lush tropical rainforest? How
about among magnificent Mayan ruins, on a beach by the
blue-green Caribbean, or with jungle rivers and waterfalls as a
backdrop? A vacation in Belize with your loved one will truly be
unforgettable if you decide to say your I do's there. If
you're ready for a unique and romantic Belizean wedding, read
on. Believe it or not, it's not at all hard to get married in
Belize. First off, a couple must have been staying in the
country for at least 3 days before they can obtain a marriage
license. Forms can be had from the General Registry in Belize
City and the Attorney General Office in Belmopan. These must be
completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace.
You will need proof of citizenship (your passport will suffice)
and proof of marital status if divorced or widowed. The usual
approval time usually takes a week. Two witnesses, who may be
your friends or locals, are also required. The ceremony may be
performed by a senior Justice of the Peace, a church minister,
or a boat captain. The legal fees will cost you about less than
US$200--the application fee is $100, the legal ceremony $5, and
a donation for the religious officer. Donations to churches and
schools are also accepted. If you would like to make the
arrangements yourself, you should contact the General Registry
before you leave your home country. Luckily, most hotels provide
assistance with the arrangements, from securing the forms to
getting your fantasy honeymoon package. If you wish to be
married at an archeological reserve such as the Mayan ruins,
send a letter of permission at least a week before to the
Commissioner of Archeology. Remember to bring your own wedding
attire from home as there are few bridal shops in Belize. In
lieu of a gown and tux, however, you may opt to dress in casual,
colorful beachwear or semi-formal evening wear. It's all up to
you. Wherever you choose to get married in Belize, it's sure to
be the ultimate exotic wedding.

GrantKohrs Ranch National Historic Site Montana

2009-05-15T01:26:00.001-07:00

The West is full of cowboys. At least, that's an idea commonly held by people from east of the Mississippi to the Middle East. At Grant-Kohrs Ranch in Deer Lodge, Montana, visitors from around the world get a glimpse of the true story of trail drives, roundups and cowboys. The reality is as impressive as the myth. Once the headquarters of a ranch which ranged cattle over ten million acres in four states and Canada, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS preserves 87 original historic structures and over 35,000 artifacts on fifteen hundred acres.

Canadian Johnny Grant settled in the valley in the late 1850s, where he found ample grazing for the fine cattle he traded with immigrants along the Oregon Trail near present-day Pocatello, Idaho. Grant could trade one healthy cow for two cows too weakened by the long westward trek to continue on the harsh journey. Trailing them north to Montana's grassy valleys by easy stages, he would rest and fatten the animals over the winter, then trail them south again to trade with the next season's immigrants.

During Montana's gold rush, in the 1860s, Grant sold his ranch to German immigrant Conrad Kohrs. Kohrs had walked from Idaho to Montana to seek gold, but soon learned there was profit to be made selling beef to his fellow miners. His butcher business led to ranching, as he needed a place to keep his stock in trade. Kohrs and his half-brother and partner Johney Bielenberg made the ranch the largest in the state. It was preserved intact by Kohrs' grandson, Conrad Kohrs Warren, who also raised cattle and horses.

Authorized by Congress on August 25, l972, the ranch commemorates the open range cattle era of our nation's history. Visitors can tour the elegant historic mansion and attend programs at the blacksmith shop and chuck wagon. The ranch raises cattle and hay, and does some work with draft horses.

Grant-Kohrs Trivia

1. All the cattle trailed out of Texas during the heyday of the open range would make a solid column seven cows wide stretching 1,329 miles from Fort Worth, Texas to Billings, Montana.

2. The average cowboy of the 1800s was typically a teenager or in his early 20s.

3. There are about 37,000 registered cattle and horse brands in Montana today, and 98 percent of Montana cattle are still branded in the traditional way.

4. Cowboys working for Conrad Kohrs came from as far away as France, Ireland and Bavaria.

5. The average Montana horse eats 2 tons of hay each winter. The average Montana cow eats 1 1/2 tons - her four stomachs help her make better use of the hay than the horse with its single stomach.

6. In eastern states where there is ample rain, two cows can be raised on a single acre. In the arid west there are areas where conditions are so harsh it takes 250 acres to support a single cow and calf.

Grant-Kohrs Attractions

1. Draft horse plow days, May 15-16, 2004. Teamsters from around Montana will gather to demonstrate their skills with draft horses and mules.

2. Holiday Open House, December 5, 2004. The Kohrs ranch house becomes even more elegant with the addition of a Victorian tree and other special displays. Wagon rides, hot cocoa, cookies and children's programs are also featured.
About the Author

Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of outdoor writing journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more.

Hello from New York City First Impressions of the Big Apple

2009-05-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

So yesterday morning our American Airways flight (booked for free with my Airmiles) left at 7:13 am to bring us to the Big Apple, a place I had always had a fascination with, but only had visited twice very briefly in my life,and that more than 10 years ago.

Just flying in over NYC was an experience itself, seeing all the skyscrapers of Manhattan, the various bridges linking the mainland with the island, and shortly after flying over the Rykers Island prison we landed at La Guardia Airport, a rather small airport actually, when compared to Toronto.

Our luggage was out in no time and we grabbed a couple of week long transit passes (a pretty good deal at US$24 for unlimited travel for a whole week) and we started our trip to Brooklyn. One bus (through a mostly Latin area in Queens) and one subway ride (through Manhattan) later, we ended up in our lovely bed and breakfast in a gorgeous neighbourhood, just south of Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Since we didn\'t know the area and the website of our B&B had provided just a tiny little map, we had chosen the wrong subway line to get off from and we had to walk about 1/2 hour to find the B&B, but it gave us a good first look at this part of Brooklyn.

It is an area with stately homes and houses that are about a century old. Magnolia and cherry trees are blooming everywhere and gardens are meticulously kept around here. Our Brookly neighbourhood feels very safe and we got to meet our bed and breakfast hosts: a very hospitable and outgoing couple in their 40s by the name of Harry and Bibi. They showed us to our room, a nice room on the third floor of this spacious house, with a shared bathroom.

Actually the whole house has been turned into a B&B and there are 8 bedrooms, the 2nd and 3rd floor of the house each have their own kitchen and bedroom areas and it actually makes for a really comfortable stay since it feels more like having your own apartment, rather than just renting a room.

Before leaving I thoroughly researched accommodation options in New York City, and after looking at all the options (hotels, hostels, B&Bs), I decided the B&B option would be the most comfortable route to go. And at US$90.00 a night it\'s definitely turned out to be one of the most affordable options and a great base to start exploring New York City...

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions(http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest(http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

\Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons\.

The interview with photos is published at Travel and Transitions - Interviews

Parador Argomaniz Spain

2009-05-13T11:26:00.001-07:00

The Parador Argomaniz is located 12 km from Vitoria/Gasteiz - approximately midway between Bilbao and Pamplona. This noble stone building was formerly the Larrea palace - whose family coat-of-arms is emblazoned prominently above the main entrance door. Parador Argomaniz is a rare find. It is a perfectly preserved 17th century palace. It has a somewhat plain exterior, but its interior is a delight. The entrance is framed by majestic stone columns. This leads you to an interior that is decorated with various Renaissance ornaments. The bedrooms contain antique wooden chests and furniture and fine polished wooden floors.

All the public rooms are tastefully done. There are many cozy \sitting nooks\ with nice views out to the countryside. Perfect places for sitting with a good book and a cup of coffee. This is a splendid Renaissance palace in all respects and the perfect place to stop if you are traveling through this part of Spain.

An interesting historical note - and one you can contemplate during your stay: Napoleon stayed here for a time while he regained his strength before attacking the town of Vitoria.

The Parador of Argomaniz dominates the surrounding natural beauty of the Plains of lava, the Gorbea mountain range and the Ullibarri Gamboa reservoir.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador of Argomaniz:

- Be sure and wander around the small, pleasant village of Argmaniz.

- As well the Parador Argomaniz is ideal for walks and drives out into the beautiful natural spaces that surround it.

Interesting day trips from the Argomaniz Parador include:

- Vitoria/Gasteiz (12 km). Santa Mara Cathedral, Museums.

- El Gorbea Ullibarri and Urrunaga, Salvaterra reservoirs (12 km), Gaceo (8 km) and Aara (8 km).

- Rioja wine country near Alavesa is a great day trip for wine tasting and vineyard visits (about 40 km.).

- Garaco Nature Reserve (5 km)

Interesting festivals during the year:

- White Virgin festivals 4 August, Vitoria/Gasteiz, 12 km.
- Semana Grande 15 Agust, Bilbao/Bilbo, 70 km.
- Semana Grande 8 August, San Sebastin/Donostia, 100 km.
- San Fermine (the famous \running of the bulls\) 7 July, Pamplona/Irua, 85 km.

*Note - lodging is impossible to obtain in Pamplona at this time. The Parador at Argomaniz is a great possibility for securing a room during the festival - still be prepared to book far ahead.

The Parador Argomaniz, is a bit out-of-the-way for most, and for this reason provides a special experience to those travelers savvy enough to make their way here. This is a wonderful natural area, and to be able to stay in a Renaissance palace where Napoleon once stayed - well, not many can boast of that!

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty - the wonderful Paradors of Spain. http://www.SpainParador.com

The Algarve Playground Of Portugal

2009-05-12T16:26:00.001-07:00

The Algarve area of Portugal, which covers the southern-most part of the country, is an incredibly diverse region. Any holidaymaker can find an enjoyable way of filling their holiday hours. Add in a warm, sunny climate almost year round, and it's hardly surprising that the Algarve region is the major tourist area in Portugal.

With all that sunshine, naturally many holidaymakers come in search of beaches, and they're not disappointed. With around 270km of coastline, including everything from wide sandy beaches to secluded inlets, there's something for everyone. Add to that a wide variety of accommodation with luxury resorts near bustling towns to quiet villages, and there's no doubt everyone is catered for.

The easiest way to travel to the Algarve from overseas is via airplane to Faro. This is the region's main town and commercial hub, but is still a pleasant place to visit. Most of the town was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, but even so, there are interesting buildings dotted around the town that are worth visiting. There is also a small remnant of the old town, Cidade Velha, and a walking tour through this area is fascinating.

The towns of Tavira and Silves are also highlights of the Algarve region for those with an historic interest. Tavira encompasses everything from castle ruins, churches from a range of architectural periods and elegant houses from various centuries. Silves was once the Mooorish capital of the Algarve, and its main claim to fame is the magnificent red stone castle which overlooks the town today.

For those who like more modern entertainment and a slightly faster pace, there is plenty of nightlife to be found in either Lagos or Albuferira. Even better, there are plenty of sandy beaches where you can lie back and recover! Lagos also suffered terribly in the 1755 earthquake, with very little surviving apart from the old town wall.

If you'd rather spend your time being entertained by mother nature, then the Algarve can deliver. Close to Faro is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. This is basically an extensive lagoon system which is home to an enormous number of wetland birds, as well as forming a vital link in the migration chain. The park's visitor centre is excellent.

You can also head further west, and watch the coastline become more rugged. Cabo de So Vicente (Cape St Vincent) is Europe's most southwesterly point. Barren and majestic, it's certainly an awe inspiring place to visit - but be prepared to face the strong winds that often batter the Cape.

The western coast of the Algarve is home to the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. This narrow strip of park was created in 1995 to amalgamate a number of smaller parks, in the hope of protecting the ecosystem from rampant development. The area is also home to many birds.

There are plenty of places to stay along the west coast of the Algarve, as well as beaches, however the Atlantic is a little rougher on this side and in places can be quite dangerous. Keen surfers are often to be found in this region.

It's worth visiting the inland part of the Algarve as well. There are a number of mountain ranges, with the Serra de Monchique being the most popular.

And if all else fails - the Algarve is home to a large number of golf courses, including 7 of Europe's top 100 courses.

The Algarve is an incredibly diverse region, it's hard to imagine that anyone could possibly visit without finding something of interest to see or do. So make sure you schedule a visit there soon.

About the Author: Travelling is a much loved past time for the author. To find out more, check out http://www.travelportugalinfozone.com or http://www.travelportugalinfozone.com/algarve-portugal/ for more information.

Source: www.isnare.com

Holiday Travel in Chile & Argentina Hiking and Walking

2009-05-11T21:26:00.001-07:00

For a part of the world that comprises some of the worlds most beautiful and spectacular scenery it is no surprise that there are boundless opportunities for hiking within Chile and Argentina. Those who are tempted by the idea of getting their boots on and walking through: deserts, jungles, native forest, rugged coastlines and ice fields, should be thinking about planning a trip to this part of the world.

Summer (November to March) is the best time of year to undertake such a trip if you are considering going to Patagonia, but if you are not, then sensational walks can be taken all year round.

Both countries have an organised system of national parks and national monuments that both protect and administer large areas of outstanding natural beauty. Some of these parks, such as Torres del Paine (in Chile) and Los Glaciares (in Argentina) are well known and get busy in high season, but the majority are little known and rarely visited and exceptionally beautiful. A good example of the latter is Parque Nacional Volcan Isluga, close to the Bolivian border in northern Chile.

This park, along with other parks in the region, covers areas of the Altiplano of great natural beauty and those who venture here will be rewarded with unspoilt views of spectacular scenery and sightings of many animals that are rare elsewhere, such as: guanaco, and, vicua, vizcacha, alpaca and llama, to name a few, and all this far from the crowds. Besides the landscape and the flora and fauna, this park is of great human interest. The Aymaran peoples and their ancestors have lived here for at least 6000 years and today the remote villages in the park are still populated by Aymaran communities, which conserve many pre-Columbian traditions. The economy of the villages is based around livestock, agriculture and textiles (not tourism in the near future). Bare in mind that if you plan to hike in this park or any on the Altiplano, that you need to take time to acclimatise, unless you are either from this region or Nepalese - at over 4000m above sea level the park will literally take your breath away.

In many parks there are also spectacular opportunities for climbing, and you don\'t need to be an experienced mountaineer to undertake some of the most amazing expeditions. There are many non-technical climbs that that require a good level of fitness and an adventurous spirit - an example of such a climb is to the summit of the active volcano Villarica, in southern Chile. It is a 5hr climb to the 3000m peak that requires the use of crampons and an ice axe. From the crater of the volcano the views over the lake district are stunning: green forests, lakes, other snow capped volcanoes to the north and south. But what is really unforgettable is the view inside the crater - a swirling sea of molten rock at 1000 degrees Centigrade. One can\'t imagine being allowed anywhere near a volcanic crater brimming with lava in Europe or North America - thankfully such molly coddling hasn\'t reached South America yet!

Back up in the north of Chile is the giant Ojos del Salado volcano. At just under 7000m high it is the largest volcano in the world and the second highest mountain outside the Himalayas. It is a non-technical climb but requires a very high level of fitness. It is curious that most people have never heard of this volcano that dwarfs Kilimanjaro, but its anonymity is a blessing as there is no tourist trail up Ojos del Salado.

The national parks of Chile and Argentina have so much to offer and it is remarkable that so many of them are still well off the beaten track - perfect for those who love a wilderness adventure walking holiday.

Andrew Chaundler worked and travelled in South America for many years before setting up Optimundo, a travel company that specialises in Chile Holidays and Argentina Holidaysthat have been designed with expert knowledge of the region. The company also provides an efficient and friendly tailor-made service, to so that you can specify the elements that you want in your perfect trip to Chile and Argentina.

Some Practical Tips on Packing For Your Trip

2009-05-11T02:26:00.001-07:00

Every year, millions of people take a break from the rat race by taking a trip. Unfortunately, most people pack much of the rat race and take it along with them!

Some Practical Tips on Packing For Your Trip

You have finally made time to take that trip. Perhaps you are heading to a lake for a week or taking a trip to another country. Regardless of your destination, you have to figure out what to take and how to pack it. Here are some practical tips for you.

The first thing to keep in mind is the fact you are not taking a trip to another planet. While this sounds obvious, most people pack like they are going to Saturn for ten years. It is not so much the amount of things you pack, but the items themselves. For instance, are you aware that every town, state and country in the world sells soap, shampoo, razors and even deodorant? If you answered yes, why are you packing such things for your trip? The first rule of packing for a trip is to ask yourself if you can buy a specific item at your destination. If you are traveling to a foreign country, keep in mind the item may be cheaper over there!

When it comes to packing clothes, you need to reign yourself in. Give some thought to your destination and what should go. If you are going to a beach area in summer, you are not going to need a sweater. Trust me on this. You are supposed to be relaxing on your vacation. Take comfortable clothes, but no more than two of any item. In breaking news, there are laundry facilities at your destination.

A particular area where people pack way too much is footwear. Again, we are talking about a vacation. Vacation is a word that carries a definite connotation of comfort. Flip flops and tennis shoes should pretty much cut it for any trip unless you are going hiking. Dress shoes or high heels for an expected night out on the town sound great, but are they really worth lugging around for a week or two? Usually not.

Having traveled all over the world, I strongly suggest you pack the absolute minimum possible. It makes for light traveling. If you need something, you can always buy it at your destination.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RichardChapo

Travel and Tourism a Hot Topic in Sierra Leone

2009-05-10T07:27:00.001-07:00

Until a few days ago, if you had asked me to tell you about Sierra Leone, I would have had to think long and hard to tell you much about this West African country. I could probably have explained roughly where the country is located. I may have mentioned something about the slave trade being connected to Sierra Leone. I could certainly have told you that they had experienced a brutal civil war. I might even have admitted that I wasn\'t entirely sure whether the war was 100% over. And that\'s about it.

Slavery and war. A pretty negative view of what is in fact an exceptionally positive country. Today, I see Sierra Leone from an entirely different perspective.

It is difficult to ignore Sierra Leone\'s history and focus purely on the present. Once a fertile area inhabited by dozens of tribes, it was settled by the Portuguese in the 1400\'s who built a fort as a trading post for gold, spices, ivory and slaves. A British protectorate in later years, Sierra Leone had the dubious honour of becoming home to more than 40,000 freed slaves who gave Freetown its name. As a protectorate, Sierra Leone was exploited for its mineral and diamond wealth in the 1900\'s and Sierra Leonean\'s fought against the Germans in Cameroon in the First World War, and alongside the British in the Second World War. In 1961, Sierra Leone achieved independence from Britain and governed itself peacefully for 30 years. The peace was not to last and was followed by a decade of brutal civil war that destroyed the economy, brutalised the people and left a country that is rich in resources as one of the poorest in the world.

The conflict was officially declared over in January 2002, and President Kabbah reelected in May 2002. Since then, the people of Sierra Leone have been pulling together to repair, renew and regenerate.

Whilst doing research for a new website looking at travel and tourism in Sierra Leone, I came into contact with Sierra Leoneans from all manner of backgrounds living in both Sierra Leone and elsewhere. Their passion for the country was infectious: they clearly wanted to get the message across that Sierra Leone has far more to offer than a sad recent history and that reconstruction is moving ahead at a rapid pace. And indeed, proof of reconstruction is everywhere - new roads are being built, mines are being re-opened, dam projects started before the war are once again underway, markets are once again thriving and humming with life. There is also a great deal of confidence in Sierra Leone\'s potential as a tourist destination: a Chinese company has recently invested a reputed US$270 million in the hotel infrastructure; enterprising companies like Kevin McPhillips Travel (based in the UK, USA and the Netherlands) offer exclusive twice weekly flights to Sierra Leone; African Tour specialists are researching viable package holidays in the region. The exciting thing about investment in Sierra Leone is that more is set to follow!

They have a right to be confident. The beaches along Sierra Leone\'s golden peninsula are said to be one of the world\'s best kept secrets. Secluded, clean and stretching for miles on end, beach tourism is one of the top items on the government\'s tourism promotion agenda. Beaches with very British names like Kent, Lumley, Sussex and York mix with more African names like Bureh Town, Tokey and Mammah beach, and

Although many of the forests and much of the wildlife has been disturbed and in some cases, destroyed, by the war, eco-tourism is an important focus of Sierra Leoneans and natural treasures like Outamba-Kilimi National Park, populated by game animals such as elephants, chimpanzees and pigmy hippos, and Mount Bintimani, the highest point in West Africa, are just two of the worthwhile wildlife attractions on offer. Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary rescues orphaned and captured chimps and has been described as one of the most successful Sierra Leonean wildlife endeavours, whilst Tiwai Island is home to over 3000 chimps as well as other game.

Lakes, rivers and dams are perfect for picnics and relaxing. The marshlands hide a myriad of colourful birds - indeed, the bird life has been less affected by the war than the animals, and everywhere you go, the air is filled with birdsong. Sierra Leone is a bird-watchers dream! Tiwai Island for one boasts over 135 different bird species!

For culture vultures and those with historical interests, the remnants of the slave trade make interesting and though-provoking expeditions. Bunce Island, a slave trading fortress, is a brief boat trip up the river; Freetown is itself a monument to freed slaves and its Cotton Tree, which stands in the heart of what is thought to be an old slave market, is now an impressive national symbol. Graves, monuments and forts are all that remain of British and Portuguese power in Sierra Leone: each has a tale to tell. There are over 16 different ethnic groups in the country, including the Krio, descendents of freed slaves who speak an English-based Creole called Krio, and visiting villages and chatting to people in markets and in the streets is rewarding for all parties!

Freetown is probably the most developed of the cities, offering a level of safety that is difficult to match even in Western countries. Hotels, restaurants and nightspots are sprouting like mushrooms, and eating out in Sierra Leone promises a range of traditional and international treats, and seafood that is beyond belief!

One has to wonder what attraction will tip the scales in making Sierra Leone the popular destination that it once was before the civil war. Based on my experiences with Sierra Leoneans in recent weeks, I feel that it will be the people who make the difference. Without exception, every Sierra Leonean that I have met or worked with has been proud of their country, proud of its progress and excited about the future. They are unfailingly welcoming, greeting aid-workers and travellers alike with smiles that you can only find in Africa, with an optimism - no, positivity - that other countries would do well to emulate.

For travellers in search of a \diamond in the rough\, Sierra Leone offers a holiday like no other - my only advice to you is to visit sooner rather than later, to avoid what is sure to be a stampede once holiday-makes and tour operators latch on to this gem of a destination.

Suzanne Whitby is the founder of Naturally Africa Dot Org (http://naturallyafrica.org/) which provides travel, tourism, business and event information about countries in Africa. To date, South Africa, Sierra Leone and Madagascar are live on the site.

Tips for the right Rome holiday travel package.

2009-05-09T12:27:00.001-07:00

It is not usually wise to be traveling during holidays as these
are the times when almost every other person in the world is
traveling. It is of course best to plan ahead or book ahead and
go to your destination early to avoid all the hassle but if
you're one of those last minute people or probably one of those
who can't really avoid it, you should follow the next few tips
for a better journey and maybe a cheaper stay.

- Rome holiday travel packages were never made with only one
person in mind; no two people are alike, keep this in mind
because the agencies that packed them have kept these in mind,
use this fact to haggle your way into cheaper or sometimes
better deals. Even if there are ready made packages, you can ask
for extra perks especially if you're staying in Rome for more
than a week.

- Be careful of travel agents. Travel agents may give you the
best deal for your package, which normally include airfare,
lodgings and transportation, but a really good agent can be
really flexible. One example would be if you want a rental car
for the first half of your Rome trip but you want to get rid of
it by the second half, a good agent can arrange this for you,
sometimes for a cheaper price.

- Be sure that the package you want is available, you don't want
to get pulled into something that ends up being sold out, some
people give out too-good-to-be-true packages which end up being
sold out in the end, so before you make a deal or transfer a
morsel of cash, make sure that it is still available.

- Be sure to know exactly what airline and route your taking,
you won't want those unpleasant layovers which can be a real
pain, not to mention delay your schedule.

- A sign of a good Rome holiday travel package is one that is
very flexible, as said before, no two people are alike, and a
good package should reflect that, it should allow you to choose
between airlines, as well as brands and lodgings without
changing the price. A choice in which rental car to take is also
a sign of a good package.

- Finally, it's good to ask for discounts that you might get if
you do certain stuff, like stay in the hotel for more than a
week, or sign up on the internet instead of by phone. Research
first before you cough up the money for down-payment; make sure
you've exhausted all possible discount generating ways before
you decide on a package.

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

Best wishes for a great vacation,

Les Sheppard

Highlights of Kansas

2009-05-08T17:26:00.001-07:00

Their state song is \Home On The Range.\ Their state bird is the western meadowlark, their state tree is the cottonwood, and their state flower is the sunflower. This is Kansas, located in the central part of the U.S. Kansas was actually named after the Kansa Indians that lived there. The word Kansa means \People of the South Wind.\ Kansas is also known as a windy state. Everyone remembers that Dorothy\'s adventures in Oz began in Kansas.

Living in Kansas

Living and working in Kansas is a good lifestyle for most of the residents of this state. The unemployment rate in Kansas is consistently lower than the national average, which makes for a good economy. Kansas is known for many different industries, including, aircraft and aviation manufacturing, and agriculture of many different kinds. For instance, Kansas produces the most wheat in the U.S. They also are second in the country for beef processing, and have over 34,000 cattle farms and ranches. There are many job opportunities in Kansas for people of all skills and backgrounds.

Kansas Tourism

While many people might think there isn\'t much to do in Kansas for a vacation, they are wrong. There is a lot of fun and interesting things to do in Kansas. There are fun things to do for every taste and interest. For instance, a family can have a real ranch experience on one of the state\'s many working ranches. There are arts and crafts fairs year round, and the historic sites include things like Amelia Earhart\'s Museum, Boot Hill and Brown Vs. the Board Of Education Museum. There are plenty of state and national parks in Kansas that make for great camping and fishing opportunities.

For those who prefer city lives, many of the state\'s cities, both large and small, have great cultural and artistic venues. It is possible to watch Native Americans at work on their crafts, and see glassblowing done right before your eyes. You can also purchase these items for your own. Wichita is an impressive city filled with dining, lodging, shopping and other events to keep anyone busy for a vacation that is one they will remember.

So whether you are thinking about relocating to Kansas, or are just looking for a vacation that will be everything you hoped and more, Kansas might just be the place you are looking for. Go and experience Kansas. This windy state might give you the adventure of a lifetime.

http://kansashq.com Everything you need to know about Kansas from buying real estate to tourism.

Spain UNESCO World Heritage Cities

2009-05-07T22:26:00.001-07:00

Magnificent, unique monuments. Streets that carry you back in time. In Spain you will find unique places where you will live art and history at each step. These are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Exploring them you will enjoy a privileged journey back in time, where you can discover Spain\'s important cultural heritage.

There is lots to see in Spain. It is no coincidence that Spain is the country with the second largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Presented here in no particular order other than roughly north to south, you will discover outstanding examples of Spain\'s rich, varied cultural treasures.

In each location you will find a beautiful \urban museum\, packed with history, offering a range of superb monuments in different artistic styles. Just one piece of advice: take your time. Take a relaxed stroll through the streets and let each city captivate you with its own special magic.

We start in the northwest in Santiago de Compostela. With its majestic Cathedral, it is the final destination for thousands of people who go on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route every year.

In the west central region not far from the border with Portugal, you will come to the historic city of Salamanca where you will find unique places like its University, one of the world\'s oldest and its emblematic Plaza Mayor Square.

Further south along the Portuguese border, is Caceres with its amazing succession of historic buildings and palaces, especially when they are illuminated by night.

In central Spain grouped around Madrid are five more UNESCO Historic Sites.

Segovia has some of the best-conserved Romanesque monuments in Europe. You will be left speechless when you see its Roman Aqueduct, a truly stunning feat of engineering.

In Avila you will feel like a medieval knight - here you can imagine what towns were like in the Middle Ages. Its defensive wall is the best conserved in Europe and its Gothic Cathedral is Spain\'s oldest.

Alcala de Henares on the road to Guadalajara from Madrid, is the model of a university town that was exported to Europe and America. Its University is not to be missed, of course, along with Calle Mayor Street and the house where Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, was born.

Toledo was a melting pot of cultures for centuries. Go on an adventure and search out the legacy of Muslims, Jews and Christians, who once lived together in these narrow city streets.

Cuenca\'s unique historic center looks out over rocky canyon walls in the heart of the Cuenca mountains in the region of Castile-La Mancha. Its famous \hanging houses\ are an example of architecture and nature in perfect harmony.

In southern Spain you will find the historic old town of Cordoba. Here you will see the splendour of ancient Moorish culture, with the Great Mosque - considered the most important Islamic monument in the Western World - being the prime example.

Not forgetting Ibiza in the Balearic Islands also has UNESCO\'s prestigious designation: for its biodiversity and archaeological heritage. The same is true of the town of San Cristobal de la Laguna in the Canary Islands, whose architecture displays the origins of Latin American urban development.

In these Spanish cities, overflowing with art and culture, you will be sure to discover the pleasure of history. Enjoy!

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Travel

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=MichaelRussell

Two Day Trips in Oaxaca Mexico You Shouldn't Miss

2009-05-07T03:26:00.001-07:00

Mexico is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in the northern hemisphere of the western world. Its history, culture, food and collage of ethnic groups and their languages make an astounding study. One region in particular bears repeated mention; the state of Oaxaca (pronounced wah - ha - ka). The capitol city is also called Oaxaca. So it\'s Oaxaca, Oaxaca City and state like New York, New York. About an eight hour trip by land east of Mexico City, you\'ll need several days to get around and do the area any justice. It\'s a definite \must\ on your travel tour list of Mexico. I\'ve singled out these two day trips in particular, as essential during your time in this region.

A Day Trip to \El Tule\

A Jewish carpenter named Joseph helped his pregnant wife Mary onto a mule for the long trip to Bethlehem, where their first child, known as Jesus would be born. At the same time, a seedling of the Ahuehuete tree (a type of Cypress) was growing on the other side of the world. Now known as the \Tree of Tule\, this massive growth is located in a 17th century churchyard about 10 kilometers outside of Oaxaca in the small town of Tule.

Claimed to more than 2000 years old and to have the largest diameter of any tree in the Americas, it is more than 176 feet (58 meters) around and 126 feet (42 meters) tall. To encircle the Tree of Tule takes nearly 20 people with their arms outstretched. There is a small fee to enter the churchyard to view both the 17th century church and the fence-protected tree. Gnarled sections of bark on the tree suggest the faces of people or shapes of animals while scores of birds circle and play in its massive branches.

Frequent buses and tours go to Tule so you\'ll have no trouble visiting this impressive site. Costs range from 10 pesos on up depending on the bus company or tour which will have other sites included on a typical day trip. Buses from the second class bus station in Oaxaca also go to Tule, but the risks may not be worth it. Check around and at the tourist information office before you go.

A Day Trip to Monte Alban

It would be unthinkable to visit the city and state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca and not go on THE day trip of the area: The Zapotec capitol city ruins on the flattened hilltop called Monte Alban. With absolutely stunning views of the city of Oaxaca along with the surrounding hills and valleys for many kilometers around, a trip here is a must no matter how many other sites you\'ve already seen. A well-planned museum (complete with English language bookstore and cafeteria) with local guides available and an extensive number of buildings restored to near-original status grace this once proud city. To get there: Go to the Hotel Rivera del Angel at Mina No. 518. The ticket office of Autobuses Turisticos is in the lobby. Buses (16 pesos round trip) leave every half hour from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The museum entrance fee is 30 pesos (about $3 U.S. dollars).

After a day of exploring, learning, and photos, buses will return to the city from the tree-lined parking lot entrance where you were dropped off. Workers on the archeological site also take these buses, so you can have some pretty interesting conversations if you speak even passable Spanish. A minimum of three hours or so should be planned to really get the most from this world-famous site. Do be careful, however, of buying \artifacts\ from locals, as they may be stolen and illegal to remove from the country or copies of very poor quality.

Take one day trip or try them both. Either way you\'ll be in privileged company as any dignitary visiting the region is assured of being taken to both of these sites, often on the same day. Each makes an interesting, informative trip on its own. Visiting each site on different days allows greater freedom to soak up the local ambience and choose days on which the crowds are thinnest. This will often depend on the time of year. \El Tule\, you should note, is virtually unapproachable around Christmas time. Enjoy!

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is a bi-lingual copywriter, expert author and photographer specializing in business, travel, food and education-related writing in South America. His work has appeared in Transitions Abroad, South American Explorer, Escape From America, Mexico News and Brazil magazines. Free details of his 5-week online course \Develop a Specialty and Get Published on the Web for Fun, Fame or Fortune\ and more tips on article writing, public speaking, and mental skills development are online at: http://bettereflteacher.blogspot.com/

Doggin' Shasta And The Rogue River: 15 Cool Things To See While You Hike With Your Dog

2009-05-06T08:26:00.001-07:00

\If your dog is fat,\ the old saying goes, \you aren\'t getting enough exercise.\ But walking the dog need not be just about a little exercise. Here are 15 cool things you can see around northern California and southern Oregon while you hike with your dog.

ENGINEERING MARVELS.
Between the town of Dairy and Sprague River, On the OC & E Trailyou will pass an odd-looking section over a hill. This is a railroad double switchback, which enabled trains to be split for navigating the hill. The original plans called for a tunnel through Bly Mountain, but as funds were low it was decided the cheaper double switchback-solution was good enough. Prior to the 1990 closing of the railroad, this unique engineering landmark was last of its kind in the United States.

FASCINATING BIRDS.
Shasta Lake is a popular nesting spot for bald eagles, offering an opportunity to see them hunting and nesting in the wild. At McCloud Falls,be on the lookout for the little American Dipper birds that patrol the tumbling waters. These tiny birds, also known as water ouzels, zoom around over the surface and plunge in and out of the cascading water in search of food. They use their wings to \fly\ underwater and can even be seen walking on the stream bottom pecking for larval insects, fish eggs and even slow fish just as if they were walking on the trail.

FRESH TASTING WATER.
Tub Springs was a popular stopping point for travelers on the Applegate Trail to refresh with a cool drink of fresh mountain water from tub springs. You can still do so today. A stone water fountain at Hedge Creek Falls dispenses \the best water on earth,\ according to townsfolk in Dunsmuir. You can have a taste and judge for yourself at the gazebo on the top of the trail.

GOLD.
People have come to the Shasta/Rogue River Valley for 150 years to search for gold and it is probably not all gone. You can rent a pan for $1 and chase gold in the creeks in Whiskeytown Recreation Area. Prior to 1900, the City of Redding operated a gold mine in Blue Gravel Canyon, the only town in California to do so. The mine is long gone of course, but the trail remains and has relics from the gold era along the path. Did they get all the gold here?

GREAT DAMS.
Shasta Dam opened in 1945 and flooded 35 miles of the Sacramento River valley. One of the biggest dams ever conceived when construction began in 1938, the building of Shasta Dam established several \world records.\ Among them was the Southern Pacific Railroad\'s double decker bridge that was the highest ever built and the construction of the world\'s longest conveyor belt system - 10.5 miles - to bring sand and aggregate to the building site from Redding. The water spilling over Shasta Dam created the largest artificial waterfall ever seen - three times as high as the drop at Niagara Falls. The Trinity Dam, rising 466 feet from bedrock, is one of the highest earth-filled dams in the world.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS.
Fire has claimed many an old building in the West but there are still some significant wooden buildings left standing in the wilderness. In Trinity Recreation Area stands the Bowerman Barn, painstakingly constructed with hardwood pegs and one of the most representative 19th-century hand-crafted structures in California. Also in the park is the orignal log house from the Stoddard homestead, just off the Stoddard Trail. In Ah-Di-Na Campground in Siskiyou County, canine hikers can study an historic cabin that was restored by volunteers in 1990 using only traditional tools such as long axes and chisels.

INTERESTING TREES.
In TouVelle State Recreation Site is one of the largest granary trees in southern Oregon. A granary tree is a special tree targeted by acorn woodpeckers to store food. This ponderosa pine is estimated to have as many as 50,000 holes! On the Blue Canyon Trail you can see a tree where Judge John Waldo from Salem, Oregon and his party traced the route that is now the Pacific Crest Trail, becoming the first to cross the crest of the southern Cascades in 1888.

LOFTY LOOKOUTS.
Mountain trails often climax at Forest Service lookouts with dramatic views. At Medicine Lake, Hoffman Lookout was built for fire surveillance in 1924 and started out as a tiny 8 sq.ft. cabin. The cabin is available for rent ((530) 964-2184) and is quite popular. Herd Peak Lookout sits eastward of the main Cascade fault line, overlooking a magnificent valley of hills created from pyroclastic lava flows off Mount Shasta. During fire season, the lookout is manned from 9:30AM to 9PM, and the person in charge will be sitting in the tower watching over the valley, ready to report any sign of a fire to firefighters by radio. The rustic Marble Valley Guard Station, completed in 1928 , is an early example of simple stations built by the Forest Service as fire lookouts. Trail crews and wilderness rangers still work from Marble Valley today - still with little concession to modern comforts. The guard station is reached by a difficult climb at the juncion of trails PC 2000 and 11W014, about 2.5 miles southwest of Lover\'s Camp Trailhead.

LOGGING HERITAGE.
You can\'t come away from a canine hike at Collier Memorial State park without a greater appreciation for the logging industry. The paths through the outdoor museum wind from the days of oxen and hand axes through the age of steam and up to today\'s diesel machines. You\'ll find railroad heritage here as well. Look for an old Baldwin steam locomotive known, more or less affectionately, as GOP - \Get Out And Push.\ The engine strained so much hauling redwood logs in and out of the mountains that it was constantly derailing.

MYTHICAL CREATURES.
On the hike to the summit of Collings Mountain you will find the world\'s only known Bigfoot trap. Constructed of wood with a heavy metal door reinforced by metal bolts by the North American Wildlife team in 1974, the idea was the lure an unsuspecting Sasquatch into the 10-foot by 10-foot pit from which it could not escape. As you hike along the trails of Mount Shasta keep an eye out for tall, graceful folks with long flowing hair dressed in white robes - and a walnut-sized organ protruding from the center of their foreheads. These would be Lemurians, most probably from the massive lost continent of Mu that once lay under the Pacific Ocean and helped explain how lemurs ended up on the island of Madagascar. One of the more well travelled folktales associated with Mount Shasta, some believed the Lemurians came to live in a city called Telos inside of the volcano.

OLD ORCHARDS.
Joseph H. Stewart State Park
is built on an old homestead from the 1940s. Fruit grew here in grand orchards, in the beginnings of Oregon\'s commercial pear industry. You can still see some old pear trees and apple trees and walnut trees scattered around the park. You will find historic fruit trees along the trail at Wolf Creek Inn State Heritage Site as well.

UNUSUAL BRIDGES.
The Sacramento River Trail is and ideal hike for studying bridge architecture. Classical arch bridges transport vehicular traffic across the Sacramento and theDiestlehorst Bridge is a prototypical 19th century pier and girder iron bridge. The Ribbon Bridge is the first of its kind in the nation - a 13-foot wide, 420-foot long concrete stess-ribbon structure. The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay is the first American project for the celebrated Spanish bridge architect, Santiago Calatrava. The focal point of his design is a 218-foot curved tower on the north bank of the river that doubles as support for the bridge\'s suspension cables and as the world\'s largest sundial. The bridge sports a glass decking that enhances the natural light and enables unobstructed views of the mountains at the horizon and the salmon at play below.

VOLCANIC SOUVENIRS.
This landscape was formed in many places by volcanic eruptions. The trail around Brown Mountain provides dramatic glimpses of lava flow. At Black Butte, a small group of inactive \plug dome\ volcano craters dot the landscape. Plug domes have a type of lava flow that too thick and stiff to flow normally, but instead is squeezed out the top like crusty icing. All that remains of the mighty 12,000-foot volcano that once dominated the southern Cascades are eight protruding peaks in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness. And there is the odd Oregon Desert, a pumice-covered landscape in the Sky Lakes Wilderness. Ash from Mount McLouhlin\'s last eruption sits fifty feet deepa across the area.

WATERFALLS.
This trail at McCloud Falls reveals three waterfalls in little more than a mile: the Lower Falls (a powerful, ten-foot drop into a wide pool), the Middle Falls (a classically wide, 50-foot waterfall), and the Upper Falls (a water spout squeezing through granite cliffs). Two hikes in the town of Dunsmuir also find different types of falls: Hedge Creek Falls cutting through basalt rock and Mossbrae Falls dripping through moss and ferns.

WRITER INSPIRATIONS.
The best-selling Western writer of all time, Zane Grey, used the Rogue River as the centerpiece of many of his stories. His cabin can still be seen on the Rogue. Jack London wrote Valley of the Moon while a guest at Wolf Creek Inn.

I am the author of over 20 books, including 8 on hiking with your dog, including the widely praised The Canine Hiker\'s Bible. As publisher of Cruden Bay Books, we produce the innovative A Bark In The Park series of canine hiking books found at http://www.hikewithyourdog.com. During the warm months I lead canine hikes as tour leader for hikewithyourdog.com tours, leading packs of dogs and humans on day and overnight trips. My lead dog is Katie, a German Shepherd-Border Collie mix, who has hiked in all of the Lower 48 states and is on a quest to swim in all the great waters of North America - http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Katies%20Blog/Katies%20Quest.html I am currently building a hikewithyourdog.com tours trailer to use on our expeditions and its progress can be viewed at http://web.mac.com/crudbay/iWeb/Teardrop%20Trailer/Building%20A%20Tour%20Trailer.html

Thinking Of A Vacation? Try An Alaska Cruise

2009-05-05T13:26:00.001-07:00

Don\'t know where to go? Better still, tell me what is it that
you like in a vacation? Sand, sea, mountains, privacy or pure
fun....

Do you feel your adrenaline flow ? Perhaps skydiving or rock
climbing rank high on your list of activities. When you crave
the extraordinary, is there a vacation to answer the call? Want
to escape the heat, feeling low, you have come to the right
destination, Alaska. But alas; in Alaska you don\'t get to
unwind. You have so much more to do always and it never seems to
end.

The cruise to Alaska may be a comfortable one, but it\'s a total
180 degree turn once you land in there. You will be pampered
with the best of things. The options unlimited and opportunities
surmountable. This is up to you , whether you like the land ,
the sea, the mountains or just the earth. There is everything to
test you to the limits and make you scream for more.

The Alaskan waters are known for sea kayaking, a popular past
time with the locals as well as tourists. Test yourself against
the nature\'s best or settle down for a warmer sightseeing. A
trade off you can\'t afford to miss, kayaking provides you with
the ultimate view of sea lives against the choppy Alaskan waters.

On the other hand , you have the flora and the fauna to keep you
accompanied. Something notable here is that the Alaskan
wilderness is unusually different from the rest, it is best when
it is tested. You can double up with a hard rock climbing and
prove yourself to be the all terrain machine in this land,
Alaska.

However, if hard climbs are not your forte, you may like to
explore the deep and natural vegetation, uninhabited beaches, or
other remote parts of the area. You may have a whale of time and
get back to the cruise liner at night or just hang around in the
wide open lung spaces. If you have it in you, then the sky is
the limit.

Alaska is a world in itself, catering to every person\'s tastes
and needs. Nobody goes home disappointed. And that\'s a promise
not from us, but from the land itself. Welcome to Alaska!

The Nile Cruise In the Footsteps of the Pharaohs

2009-05-04T18:26:00.001-07:00

Egypt is where history first emerged. It is here that we have the first pictographic record of events and persons. Hieroglyphics, the system of writing used by ancient Egyptians can be traced back to about 3200 BC. At about 3180 BC, the nations of Upper and Lower Egypt were brought under the rule of a single king titled Pharaoh. The first Pharaoh is thought to have been Menes, who set his capital at Memphis, 22 km south of Giza in today's Cairo. The Pharaohs established the systems that brought forth the highly successful Egyptian civilization.

The history of Ancient Egypt lasted for about 3,000 years. Ancient Egypt declined, was overrun and thereafter ruled by foreign powers. The Greeks and Romans who ruled after the decline were aware of the great similarity between their own gods and those of the Egyptians. They not only tolerated Egyptian religion, but also expanded existing temples and dedicated new ones to existing cults. Some of the new overlords, Alexander the Great for example, styled themselves as divine priest-kings in imitation of the Pharaohs.

Emperor Theodosius, who reigned after Christianity became the state religion in Rome, extinguished the last remnants of the living culture. The Egyptians worshipped hundreds of gods - a great offense against the monotheistic religions; whose first article of faith is that there is only one God. Theodosius decreed in AD 391that all pagan temples in the Roman Empire be closed. The Arabs, who brought Islam to Egypt in 640 AD, also had no time for deities such as Anubis the jackal, Horus the falcon god or even Amon the king of the gods.

Ancient Egypt was dead for one thousand five hundred years, until the French came across the Rosetta Stone in the nineteenth century invasion of Egypt by Napoleon. This priceless discovery was inscribed in both Greek and Egyptian, and it was the key that allowed the deciphering of Hieroglyphics by Jean-Francois Champollion in 1822. The voluminous literature produced by Ancient Egyptians was now accessible to curious scholars. This rekindled great interest in Ancient Egypt in the West that remains undiminished to this day.

Religion is the common theme running through the attractions of ancient Egypt. The diversity of gods found worthy of worship is astounding. There were over 2,000 of them of either sex and they supposedly manifested themselves to earthlings as animals. There were overlaps and the same gods could be known with different names in various parts of the country. There was hardly any part of the life experience that was not assigned a deity- digestion, mummification, sexuality, feasting, childbirth, writing - you name it. Some gods came and went out of fashion, but those connected with basic aspects of life were enduring. Such deities had cults and temples dedicated to them.

The afterlife was taken very seriously, and a lot of the monuments relate to preparation for that glorious time. Mortuary and burial preparation was so elaborate as to ensure a painless and enjoyable afterlife. The custom of mummification, for example, was seen as necessary for the soul needed a physical body to occupy in the other world. There was however great inequality in preparation for eternal life. The Pharaohs and other royals, nobles and key officials were mummified and accompanied by grave goods and great treasure. The common folk who could not afford the full treatment had to do with statuettes of mummies.

The main draw to Egypt is the legacy of the Pharaohs and the Greeks and Romans who ruled after them. Basically this legacy is associated with temples, tombs and burial places. People in Egypt from the earliest times to present have always lived along the River Nile and this is where you find the richest harvest of ancient monuments. As many travelers will testify, the best way to experience classical Egypt is by taking a Nile cruise. The cruise is a very pleasant and relaxing way to get close to the attractions of antiquity, most of which are not far off from the banks of the river. You also get a glimpse of rural Egypt where many eke out a living just as their forbearers did thousands of years ago.

The typical Nile cruiser is really a floating hotel. Amenities on board will include lounges, restaurants, bars, swimming pool, discotheque and shops. The rooms are rather smaller than those of a land based hotels but will have air conditioning, TV and enough room for twin beds, private shower, nightstand and dresser. The quality of cruisers varies and they are graded with stars just like hotels. Top end cruisers have spacious suites and amenities almost equal to those of ocean cruisers. Generally, the quality and romance of Nile cruisers surpasses other riverboats anywhere else in the world.

Nile cruises normally take three, four or seven nights. You will be able to see the most important and interesting monuments on the shorter and more popular cruises that ply between Luxor and Aswan. The longer sail takes you up to Dendera. The boats sail both downstream and upstream and on the shorter cruises, you can embark at either Aswan or Luxor. The more adventurous travelers or those on a tight budget avoid the luxury cruisers in favour of fellucas- the traditional Nile sailboats. Though amenities onboard fellucas are very basic, those who can survive them, visit all the attractions along the Nile at a fraction of the cost of the cruisers.

At Aswan, the Nile is deep, calm and is at its most glorious. It is a good place to embark on your Nile cruise. Aswan was for long Egypt's southern frontier city and its gateway to Africa. This was the region known as Upper Egypt, being upstream of the Nile. After Aswan, the Nile passes through a section of hard rock, resulting in rapids or cataracts. Thus by nature did Aswan attain its strategic position and it has served as a garrison town for those who have ruled Egypt over the centuries. And for this reason, there are monuments here associated with the Pharaohs, Greeks, Romans, Christian Copts and Islam.

At Aswan, make sure to visit the Philae Temple. Ptolemy II started the temple when the Greeks ruled, and the Romans completed it. It was dedicated to the goddess Isis, an important figure in Egyptian mythology that was worshipped across the Roman Empire. Even after Emperor Theodosius ordered all pagan temples to cease operations, Isis was still being glorified at Philae, until about AD 550 when Emperor Justinian finally shut down the temple. The early Christians converted the temple's hypostyle hall into a chapel. For good measure, they defaced some of the pagan reliefs adorning its walls.

The temple forms an excellent backdrop for the nightly sound-and-light show. The temple was nearly lost after the Aswan High Dam was commissioned in the 1960's. It took UNESCO and the Egyptian government ten years to move it, one stone at a time, to higher ground on Agilka Island. Most people also visit Elephantine Island, which has temples and a museum. The Island has been inhabited since about 3000 BC and was an important trading and cultural centre.

Aswan is home of the Nubians, a dark skinned people, related to the people of the north of the Sudan. You can see some Nubian villages at Elephantine Island. The Nubian museum celebrates Nubian culture right from prehistoric times. Aswan was once an important centre for Christian Copts. You can see the ruins of the once majestic Monastery of St Simeon, which was destroyed by the conqueror Saladin (Salah ad-Din) in 1173 AD.

Aswan was the source of the granite stone that the Pharaohs favoured for building temples and other monuments. The Northern Quarries are the site of the giant Unfinished Obelisk. Had the obelisk been successfully completed, it would be the single heaviest piece of monolithic stonework -reaching about 42 m and weiging over 1168 tonnes. It must have broken the hearts of the builders, who supposedly abandoned it, after coming across defects in the rock formation.

The next stop on the cruise is Kom Ombo, 48 km to the north of Aswan. The main attraction here is the Graeco-Roman temple. Work on the temple was started by Ptolemy VII in early second century BC and continued by some of his successors. The Romans Emperor Augustus built part of the temple at around 30 BC. The Temple of Kom Ombo actually consists of two separate temples, each with its own entrance, colonnades, hypostyle hall and sanctuary. The southern temple is dedicated to Sobek -the crocodile god, while the northern one honours Horus -the falcon god.

Though the two gods shared the same grounds, in mythology, Sobek was associated with the god Seth, an enemy of Horus. At Kom Ombo, the gods took the liberty to bring along family - Sobek sneaked in his consort Hathor and son Khonsu, while Horus had his wife Tesentnefert and son, Panebtawy. If you have not seen mummies before, be sure to see the mummified crocodiles in the Sobek part of the temple.

At Edfu, you disembark to see the Temple of Horus. Edfu was the cult centre of Horus the falcon god. It is perhaps the best preserved of ancient temples of Egypt. The temple standing today was started by Ptolemy III at about 237 BC on the site of an earlier Pharaonic structure. Work continued under some of the Ptolemies that followed. Appropriately, the entrance adorned by two majestic granite falcons. The walls bear reliefs depicting Horus. One scene would please any tyrant -it shows Ptolemy XII dealing mercilessly with his enemies.

You next stop and highlight of the cruise is Luxor. The range, magnificence and diversity of the monuments in the Luxor area is unsurpassed in all of Egypt. Known to the Greeks as Thebes, Luxor became the capital of Egypt at around 2040 BC. The city survived the sacking by the Assyrians in the 7th century BC, but steadily declined, and was finally destroyed by the Romans in the first century BC. Among the celebrated monuments dating from Luxor's heydays are the necropolis complexes at the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Tombs of the Nobles. You will also come across some outstanding temples scattered in the region.

The Egyptians buried their dead in the direction of the setting sun and the west bank at Luxor was the final resting place of royalty and high officials. The Valley of Kings is where the rulers of the period historians refer to as the New Kingdom period (BC 1550-1070) awaited the afterlife. The Pharaoh normally picked the spot for his tomb and had it built in his lifetime. Tomb building for royalty and high officials was very serious business and it supported a battery of architects and craftsmen, who had a settlement in the valley. The valley contains over 60 tombs that have so far been excavated.

The tombs have suffered in recent years due to increased number of visitors, pollution and the rising ground water that has come with the Aswan High Dam. For this reason, not all of them are open to the public at any one time. Unless you are a scholar, visiting three or four tombs should be sufficient. Among the best tombs are those of Ramses I, Tuthmosis III and Ramses VI. Tutankhamun's is today the most famous - though he is not considered a significant Pharaoh and he died at only nineteen.

Treasure hunters had over the years looted most tombs in the valley. But Howard Carter, the British archeologist, discovered Tutankhamun's tomb almost intact in 1922. The treasure that was found here is truly amazing- statues, chests, chariots, beds, weapons, and many items he needed for the afterlife. The main item today at Tutankhamun's tomb is his mummy. About 1700 items recovered at the tomb are now at display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The most outstanding of the collection is the 11 kg solid gold death mask. Imagine then, what the looters carried off from the bigger tombs of the more illustrious Pharaohs!

On the other side of the Valley of Kings is the Temple of Deir el-Bahri, built by Queen Hatshepsut. Hatseput. The temple is very impressive from a distance and is a great place to take photos. The name Valley of the Queens is misleading, as both male and female royals and some high officials were interred here. About 80 tombs have been identified, of which the most famous is that of Queen Nefertari. Take more photos at the Colossi of Memnon -two huge statues that are the sole legacy of the temple of Amenhotep III.

Amenhotep III also built the Temple of Luxor on the east bank. The temple was dedicated to the god Amon, though inside you also find a shrine dedicated to Alexander the Great. The temple's entrance is lined with Sphinxes, and inside you find colonnades, courts, obelisks and wall murals. The mosque of Shaykh Yusuf Abu al-Hajjaj was built on top of part of the temple. You can also visit the Luxor Museum, which has interesting exhibits from the area.

The incredibly impressive Temple of Karnak is a huge complex that was dedicated to the god Amon. In the New Kingdom period, this was the most important temple is Egypt. It is probably the largest religious building ever and it can carry no less than 10 average Christian cathedrals. Some of the interesting structures within the complex are the gigantic hypostyle hall, the Kiosk of Tarhaka, statue of Ramses II, temple of Ramses III and the sacred lake.

The best time to take a Nile cruise is over the cooler months of November - March. These are also the peak months and to avoid crowds, always start out early each day. October, at the end the hot season is tolerable, especially when you factor in that it falls with off-season period: it is cheaper ad less crowded. When visiting the monuments, you are advised to hire a guide who will explain the historical context at each site. If you are on a Nile Cruise package, the services of a guide will usually be included.

You do a lot of walking, and you need to bring along suitable shoes. Other items you ware encouraged to pack are: sunglasses and sun screen lotion. Remember also to carry bottled water and photographic film, which you can buy at the cruiser or at a bazaar. Light clothing is generally recommended though you may need a sweater and jacket for winter evenings.

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

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of Africapoint.com - the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Egypt tours at the website. www.africapoint.com/tours1/egyptour.htm

Alicante An Insider Travel Guide

2009-05-03T23:26:00.001-07:00

Alicante, Spain is located in Eastern Spain in the southern portion of the land of Valencia. Alicante is surrounded by Murica to the south, Valencia to the north, mountains to the north and west, and the Mediterranean Sea on the east. Popular travel destinations in the Alicante province include Alicante, Torrevieja, Benidorm, Alcoy and Elche.

Alicante is the second largest city in the Valencia region. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer. About six million people visit the Costa Blanca every summer and most enter through the Alicante Airport. The city has been called the best all around city in Spain.

Weather and Climate

This area has a typical Mediterranean climate. The summers are dry and hot. The winters are temperate. There is rarely any snow at all in the coastal areas. The weather is nice in both the summer and winter, making this area a good choice for vacations at all times of the year. Spring and autumn tend to bring rain storms, so keep this in mind when choosing a time for your trip.

Accommodations and Hotels in Alicante

Hotel options are abundant in this city. There are many hotels of all kinds, from basic accommodations to luxury hotels. Compare hotels and prices on the internet or through a travel agent. If you are planning to travel to the area during peak season, be sure to plan early. Some hotels fill up quickly, so make your reservations early.

Property rental is a good alternative to a hotel for some people. If you are planning an extended stay or are travelling with children, consider renting an apartment. You may be more comfortable and feel at home in a private residence. In addition, you can save money by enjoying some meals at home, rather than in a restaurant.

Things to do

The beaches are the biggest draw in the summer travel season. The Costa Blanca has the longest summer season in Spain. After enjoying the sun, take a walk along the Promenade in the shade of the palm trees. Sidewalk cafes are a great place to stop for lunch during your stroll. Craftspeople from all over the world can be found along the waterfront.

Consider taking a ferry to the island of Tabarca. This small island has a colonial style village and a beautiful beach. The island is a popular spot for snorkelling. Fins and snorkels are a common sight in the waters off Tabarca.

If you enjoy golf, there are several courses in and around the city. Green fees range from thirty five to eighty Euros. The fees depend on the course you choose and the time of year. Make your reservations early, as some fill up quickly in the summer season.

Alicante offers plenty of opportunities for sight seeing. Cathedrals and churches are popular sightseeing spots. The Concathedral of San Nicholas de Bari is a beautiful cathedral and home to the local Bishop. This cathedral is one of the landmarks of the city.

The Castle of Santa Barbara is one of the largest medieval fortresses in all of Europe. The original structure was built by the Moors in the ninth century and additions were made in the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. The castle overlooks the town and offers a breath taking view. The castle is rich in local history. Artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age have been discovered around the site of the castle. The castle is also home to modern art. A large collection of modern Spanish sculpture can be viewed during your visit to the castle.

There are several museums in the city for your enjoyment. The Nativity Museum is a unique place to visit. The museum contains hundreds of Nativity scenes from all around the world. Admission is free to this museum.

If you love the night life, visit the Barrio Santa Cruz. This is the old quarter of the city. The area has a medieval feeling. Bars and pubs are plentiful in this area, offering a variety of choices in the night life. Music from the clubs adds to the experience.

Erica Bosworth contributes many news to the information source at http://www.alicante-spain.com. She is also co-author for the free Alicante Travel Guide, a free ebook on the city and the Costa Blanca area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=EricaBosworth

The Life Of Luxury In Downtown Dubai

2009-05-03T04:26:00.001-07:00

The United Arab Emirates are a prime tourist destination because
they stand out as a remarkable example of how petrodollars can
be used to improve the lives of Arabs. In contrast to the
poverty for which so much of Arabia is renowned, Dubai features
skyscrapers and futuristic amusement parks. Modern Dubai is the
product of 20 years of intensive planned development; prior to
this, it was a small fishing port of little importance.

The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is 32,000 square mile
political union of seven sheikhdoms, formed when the British
left the Gulf region in 1971. The total area of Dubai is
approximately 1000 square miles, and it is the second largest
emirate in the UAE, after Abu Dhabi. In addition to a federal
president and prime minister, each emirate has a separate ruler
who oversees the local government. Dubai, a small fishing
settlement, was taken over around 1830 by a group of Bani Yas
tribesmen from the Liwa oasis, led by the Maktoum family which
still rules the tiny nation today. For most of its history, main
economic activities were agriculture, fishing and pearl
production.

The ruling clan of Dubai was exceptionally progressive, and did
their best to make their tiny nation attractive to traders from
nations including India and Persia. These businessmen settled in
the growing city of Dubai and made it a leading entry port for
trade goods. In 1971, the independent emirate joined with the
other small sheikhdoms of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain,
Fujairah and, in 1972, Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation
of United Arab Emirates.

The discovery of oil in 1966 transformed the region by providing
funds for the development of a modern, western infrastructure.
The Maktoum family, unlike many middle eastern rulers who hoard
oil wealth for their private use alone, ensured that the oil
revenue was deployed in national development. Much of the
modernization is due to the efforts of Sheikh Rasid bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, who ruled from 1958 to 1990.

Well informed of the risks of oil-dependency, Sheikh Rashid
actively promoted industrial ventures to build his nation\'s
infrastructure. The Aluminium and Cement factory are the result
of this endeavour. He also establised the Jebel Ali Free Trade
Zone, the fifth largest free trade zone in the world. Within 10
years of its inception, it attracted over 900 international
companies that include global giants such as General Motors,
AEG, Aiwa, BP, Ciba, Geigy, Daewoo and Heinz. Dubai is appealing
to tourists as well as business executives. Like the rest of the
U.A.E., it has also been actively promoting itself as a vacation
destination. In June 1996 World Travel prizes ceremony held in
Las Vegas, USA, it won the gold prize for the best destination
in the Middle East. Dubai features the annual Dubai Shopping
Festival, the Dubai World Trade Center which hosts innumerable
international events and fairs, the Dubai Air Show, the Dubai
Summer Surprises, the world\'s tallest skyscraper, an undersea
hotel and even indoor alpine skiing at the Ski Dubai Dome. The
Dubai International Airport is reputed to be the world\'s second
best transit airport. It currently handles 7.3 million
passengers per year with a growth rate of 12% that is double
that of any other airport in the world. The emirates, which will
begin receiving Airbus A380 superjumbos starting April 2007,
will hire 8,000 new staff members as cabin crew for its rapidly
expanding air fleet. It is investing $20 million to expand its
crew training facility at the Emirates Training Center in
Garhoud.

The Buzz on WYNN LAS VEGAS

2009-05-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

Wynn Las Vegas, the new mega resort. Steve Wynn originally named the resort Le Reve after the renowned painting by Picasso that he owns; he then decided it was not nearly as exciting as the name Wynn Las Vegas. Think of the implications - you can win Las Vegas at WYNN!

WYNN on the site of the old Desert Inn will stir excitement in the hearts of any who have stayed at the Desert Inn in the past. There will be ghosts, as well as memories, I'm sure. Steve Wynn is such a magician when it comes to bringing the best to Las Vegas, and he's certainly on the site of where the best once was! The Desert Inn built in 1950 was the first hotel or resort to use water features in the desert. They had the original Dancing Waters Show and a fountain at their entrance. The Tournament of Champions (first Las Vegas golf tournament) was broadcast by NBC. The first all structure, an observation tower, The Skyroom was built to overlook the new Strip's best views. You could see Sunrise Mountain and the twinkling lights that were beginning to show on the desert floor, but Wilbur Clark with all his imagination could not envision this bronzed glass spectacle that is Wynn Las Vegas.

Everyone is anxiously waiting to stay and enjoy this new thrill. Several years in the making, all have watched the cranes and the earth being moved around, and now the phoenix has arisen from the ashes of the old Desert Inn. The water-themed $1.85 billion megaresort has 42-story hotel tower, a three-acre man-made lake, Wynn's private art collection in an on-site museum, golf course and several private gambling areas.

Wynn megaresort has 2,701 rooms, an average esort room is 640 square feet, with special bedding, a sitting area with couch and ottoman, floor to ceiling windows with views of Las Vegas skyline and electronic controls to control the window treatments to shut-out or bring-in those views. The price tag for middle of the week is around $249.00, not exorbitant for the luxury you will enjoy. There is also a selection of suites, including a Tower Suite, Salon, Parlor or Executive Suite. All with the appropriate amenities...and even though the accommodations are out of this world, you'll be spending more time doing other things.

If you want to shop till you drop, you can break the bank in the shops just as easily as at the casino. Just one item from each shop could do it. A bracelet from Cartier, shoes from Manolo Blahnik, a cute little purse from Judith Lieber. Don't forget Gizmos, where you can buy toys for big boys! Pick up some Estee Lauder sunscreen, a silk shirt at Brioni for the man in your life, a watch at Wynn & Co., a fancy pen to sign your checks or new sunglasses at W. Ink. A classy jacket from Chanel, some designer fragrance from John Paul Gaultier, an exciting outfit from Oscar de la Renta for lounging around the pool and you're all set to stay at Wynn Las Vegas for another couple of days...oh oh, we forgot to mention you can pick up a gull-wing Ferrari at Penske-Wynn showroom to drive home.

You can take a day to relax in the sumptuous spa. Get a facial, or a Fresh Brown Sugar Body Treatment for your sugar fix of the day! Try a Good Luck Ritual massage, a fung shui experience based on health, wealth, prosperity, happiness and harmony, guaranteeing you all the best at the gaming tables and during your stay in Las Vegas. You might need a special foot treatment after all the shopping; avoid the agony of defeet at the spa.

If you plan to play golf, be prepared to experience one of the greatest golf courses in the world, see elevation changes unlike anywhere else in Vegas. Designed by Tom Fazio along with Steve Wynn, you find 18 holes to take your breath away. Eleven water holes, with a waterfall on 18, 2 marshland areas that use underground water, Pennlinks Bentgrass greens and the best part of all, many old trees, some over 50 years old, that were salvaged from the old Desert Inn golf course and replanted to once more keep watch over play on the course...and all of this right outside your hotel room! If you want to play this 7,042-yard, par 70 course, you must be a guest at Wynn Las Vegas.

After doing all this shopping and putting or gambling that is really what Vegas is all about, you'll be ready for dinner and a show. Remember the name Le Reve, it now is the name of a water show extravaganza, directed by Franco Dragone, a show like no other, which truly reflects on it's name The Dream, theater in the round, so no seat is more than 40 feet away from the action. You merge with the actors in this one.

Elegant dining with an assortment of restaurants to keep you busy for a week at least. Try Red 8 for Hong Kong dim sum and barbecue. The SW Steakhouse fetaures good old American steak enhanced with the flavors of Alsace. Okada, where you will enjoy authentic robata cooking and shushi prepared by Chef Takashi Yagahaski, voted Best New Chef by Food & Wine. Alex with flavors of the Riviera, this one gets 2 Mobil 5 Star awards and the AAA 5 Diamond designation. Corsa Cucina is a delightful cafe and offers an excellent selection of wood-fired pizzas. Tableau offers fine American cuisine and is open for dinner to all guests, however, breakfast and lunch for Tower Suite guests only. Another winner is Daniel Boulurd Brasserie, James Beard award, Four AAA 5 Diamond awards, and three Mobil 5 Star awards. Bartolotta Ristorante de Mare, fresh fish flown in daily plus excellent pasta dishes and enjoy Jimmy Sneed's over at the Country Club.

The casino offers every table game including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, and all your favorite poker games, including Let-It-Ride, over 1900 slots and the most exciting, a chance to win megabucks jackpot at a penny slot. This is Steve Wynn's brainchild a $10,000,000.00 penny slot machine. Watch out for the stampede to Wynn Las Vegas.

I do hope you enjoyed these observations on the new Wynn Las Vegas, and if you liked what you read here, wait until you jump over to www.lasvegas-wow.com. You'll love it for the bargains you'll find for your next trip to Las Vegas, including discount hotel rooms and discount show tickets. Thanks for reading.

About the Author

An artist, a writer and world travler, devotes many hours to authoring and maintaining major travel web sites. Publishes many articles on travel spots around the world. You'll find this and much more Las Vegas Information at www.lasvegas-wow.com

Hotels aren't the only place you can stay on vacation!!!

2009-05-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Today, we as travelers have a ton of options to consider. Where to go, how to get there,
where to stay, what to take, how to plan, where to find deals
You get the point.
Well, this article is to introduce you to options on where to stay other than a hotel.

Hotels are a great option. They can be just what you need for your trip, especially if it's just two of you. You can go with big chains that are well trusted or small chains that may take some digging to ensure you get a nice, clean, affordable hotel room with everything you need. However, if you travel with a number of people or as a family, a hotel room can get cramped, lack privacy, and get expensive when you upgrade to suites and add extra amenities (like a kitchenette).

Hotels though are great because it is easy to find a lot of good deals with all the viable travel sites out there.

But, you do have other options.

**How about a condo? Condos are great, and in some destinations the main option. Condos can be small or big. They offer added space, extra amenities, prime locations, and at prices that are comparable to hotel rooms.

For example, we stayed in a quaint (small) condo in Miami. We rented it for only $400 for the week. It was perfect for my wife and I. The beds pulled down out of the wall, we had a very very clean room, private entrance to the place and beaches, quiet area, 2 pools, a kitchen with equipment, a nice bathroom, cable, and gorgeous view of the Atlantic. It was our love shack for the week and much cheaper by almost $200 than any hotel in the area.

**Rent a home. These are now great with the way real estate is nowadays. If you are traveling with a large group, then this may be your best choice. Get everything you need or live like luxury in a beachfront home for your vacation.

Once, 18 of our family members went to Florida and had to rent a home. It was not on the Ocean, but on a bay. It was perfect. It had 3 levels, a hot tub, pool, 4-5 bedrooms, plenty of room, amenities, and lots of fun. We had a great time together since everyone lives in different parts of the country. It was very affordable once split up 4 ways also.

**Resorts and All-inclusive. This is an excellent option for families or if you don't want to worry about reaching into your pocket. All-inclusive seems to be diminishing in the US, but you can find it abroad and is typically the best choice. Resorts are great for those who want to spend quality time together, get plenty of privacy and space, and enjoy various activities like golf, fishing, things for the kids, spas, etc

**Time Shares. These are growing tremendously in the traveling world. Time-shares are great if you use them. You pay a fee upfront and once a year to utilize a time-share. There are various types, so you would want to do your research. Buying a time-share is similar to buying a home in that you don't want to take the decision lightly.

My wife's parents have one and love it. They can go anywhere they want as long as they stay in the designated places. We used theirs for our honeymoon in Palm Beach, Florida. It was first-class all the way.

If you and your family travel at least once a year, consider looking into a time-share.

**Camping and RV parks. With the way campgrounds and RV parks are set up nowadays, the term ough it doesn't exactly come to mind. You can get almost everything at a campground that you'd get in a hotel. They are cheap, live out in nature for a week, and have a great time. There are a few things to consider if you are a novice to camping, so you'll want to do some homework before you decide on this as an option.

**Houseboats. Live on the water for your trip. This is, yet another option to choose from. My aunt has lived on a houseboat in Florida for years and loves it. This is something many don't even think of, but look into it, you may not go back to staying on land for any future trips.

We hope this article has helped shed some light on where you might stay on your vacations. Villas, Cabins, and other type choices should be considered for specific destinations and vacations.

Most importantly, have fun, find great deals, and enjoy your trip!!

About the Author

Discount Florida Vacations is a total Florida vacation guide offering fun, sun, tips, ideas, checklists, help, recommendations, resources, and experiences for anyone traveling to Florida.
You can find excellent information or plan your trip with us at...
www.discount-florida-vacations.com

Theme Cruises

2009-04-30T19:26:00.001-07:00

These days there are lots of different types of cruises that you can go on. The television is littered with commercials for everything from family cruises to adventure cruises to celebrity cruises and everything in between. There are so many different types of cruises to choose from, that the special features are just as integral to the trip as the cruise itself. From Disney family cruises to safari trips to celebrity comfort, there is a special adventure from everyone, man or woman from infancy to one hundred and one. Below are outlined just a couple of these different types of cruises and what they have to offer.

American Safari Cruises offer five different adventure destinations: the pacific northwest, Alaskan wilderness, Columbia and Snake rivers, Mexico's sea of Cortes, and California wine country. These five different trips combine the luxurious on ship experience with rugged outdoor adventures to cater to the different sides of personality in all of us. These are small, focused tour groups, and the three ships in the fleet carry only from twelve to twenty one passengers each. This provides for an in depth, attentive and community building experience for all. Whether you are relaxing and sipping wine in Napa or trekking the same path that Lewis and Clarke took, you will be able to test your personal comfort level without having to give up any personal comforts.

Ancient Adventures Cruises is an experience rich in history and character. With packages ranging from Turkey to Kenya, experienced tour guides from all walks of life personally guide guests through the ancient artifacts of historical civilizations. These trips are more package adventures than cruises, combining luxurious land accommodations with the cruise trips. Private chauffeured cars take guests to the many exotic locations that this international travel company services. Former palaces and historical sites converted to hotel accommodations round out this rich cultural experience for guests in all different nations. Also, you can combine different trips together to make as short or as long and as varied an experience as you would like. With three international offices, and many guides that hold advances degrees in archaeology and history, you will find whatever cultural or language specific accommodations that you seek.

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises offer a huge variety of cruises, from a 7 day stay in Panama and Costa Rica exploring the rainforest to a photography contest themed cruise, there is a little bit of something for everyone all over the Pacific and the Caribbean. In addition to a huge variety of locations, from the Bahamas to Mexico, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises offers several different themed cruises. There is the Pirate's week once a year, and then the Serenity cruise, which is focused on the well being and rejuvenation of all passengers. The most popular by far though is the Single's cruise. What better way to meet the new love of your life than on a luxury cruise ship? Windjammer does a great job of packing the ship with equal numbers of men and women, so there is always something for everyone.

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

Kirsten Hawkins is a cruise and travel expert specializing in discount cruises and travel. Visit www.luxury-cruise-deals.com/ for more information on how to cruise the world for little or no money.

London Hotel Breaks Grange Holborn Hotel 5* (Holborn)

2009-04-30T00:26:00.001-07:00

Contemporary design reflecting one of the world's most fashionable cities - the Grange Holborn Hotel contrasts some of London's more traditional accommodations. The modern architecture and dcor mirror a city eager to keep its standards, striving to remain the benchmark. Your stay at the Grange Holborn Hotel will be one of luxury. Service is exquisite and obliges your every need.

Situated where West End greets the city, the hotel is ideally placed for shopping adventures in Oxford Street, or maybe you prefer the surreal experiences of Covent Garden. The Holborn tube station is barely 400 metres walk and offers easy access to the city's financial district.

Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you 89 (per person per night) during spring, and 92.50 throughout summer and winter. For those travelling alone a supplement of a similar amount will incur. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement valid for summer and winter will cost a further 32.50.

Royal Garden Hotel 5* (Kensington)

The 5 AA red star Royal Garden Hotel parades elegance and panache to very high standards. The Royal Garden sets the yardstick others strive for, and invariably fail. Boasting a total of 396 sizeable rooms, many have magnificent views over the majestic Kensington Palace and its beautiful gardens. The hotel features two marvellous restaurants and serves three stylish bars. For the more health conscious a health club is on site and also a spa.

Based in up-to-the-minute Kensington, the hotel resides just 4 minutes walk from High Street Kensington tube station, presenting easy access to most of the city and London's vast library of attractions.

Bed and full breakfast (based on two people sharing) will cost you 102 (per person per night) during spring. Through summer and winter the price drops slightly to 87.50. The single person's supplement is 93 in spring, falling to 87.50 in the course of summer and winter. A mid-week (Monday to Thursday) supplement of 7 is valid during spring. This rises to 32.50 throughout summer and winter. A deluxe room upgrade is available from an extra 40 per room per night.

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

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

Steven Cronin owns the Sargas Travel online magazine featuring travel reviews, news, inspiration, advice and special offers. For further reading please visit www.sargas.co.uk

10 Fun Facts About Hawaii

2009-04-29T05:28:00.001-07:00

1) Hawaii has eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

2) Hawaii is the most isolated population center on earth. Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California; 3,850 miles from Japan; 4,900 miles from China; and 5,280 miles from the Philippines.

3) Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.

4) More than one-third of the world's commercial supply of pineapples comes from Hawaii.

5) From east to west, Hawaii is the widest state in the United States.

6) The Hawaiian Islands mountain range tops are the biggest in the world.

7) Honolulu's zenith star (the star that rises directly above it) is named Arcturus. The Hawaiians called it Hokule'a (Hoo koo lay uh).

8) The first Asian-American in the U.S. Senate was Hawaii's Hiram Fong. Senator Fong was descended from Chinese immigrants.

9) Hawaii was the 50th state admitted to the U.S. union on August 20, 1959.

10) Hawaii has its own time zone (Hawaiian Standard Time). There is no daylight savings time. Hawaiian time runs two hours behind Pacific Standard Time, and five hours behind Eastern Standard Time.

About the Author

Copyright 2005
Donna Monday
Cruise the beautiful Hawaiian Islands - even if you're on a budget
http://www.last-minute-hawaii-cruise.com

A More Exciting Way To Learn... World Travel

2009-04-28T10:26:00.001-07:00

The best teacher when it comes to world history is actually being able to visit all these historic places mentioned inside the entire world history book one place at a time, as much as cheap travels permit.

We all had that experience where we had the chance to go somewhere and the memories in that place remains with you forever. Imagine what it could do if you make it as a more thorough research on a country by really going there to learn about its history and culture.

Its always fascinating to go to a country where you get to visit the tribes and really see what they look like, be able to taste the delicacies of the place, have the chance to learn their culture, and hear the history of the place right from the natives mouth.

Learning is a lot more fun when you don\'t have to bore yourself inside a classroom with a book in front of you having to read all these and not knowing or understanding what it means. By actually experiencing what its like to be in that place, you will be able to relate to what was being described inside those references, which makes it a lot more interesting to remember them by heart.

You don\'t have to force yourself into memorizing the places; you get to remember them because you\'ve been there. The best part of it is that since it stays with you, you get to write about it, and you can even relay the information as if you were the book.

Imagine what it would be like if you could go to the most historical countries there is around the world. With the cheap student travel deals given as promos in a lot of airline, ships and train agencies, travelling is not as hard as it used to.

Discounts for student fares are often offered in all transportations. A great way of making good use of this offers is to let them travel. It could be as an educational tour for the whole class, a group of science club students, or exchange students.

Putting a little more fun on the way teachers teach can actually give every student motivation to learn more. Teach them to explore the world around them instead of spending all their free times in malls doing nothing, or in front of the televisions or in their personal computer playing computer games.

With this cheap student travel deals, you can take them or let go into nature trips to any part of the world. This way they will be aware of the possibilities and circumstances their experiences could teach them. Let them start early, and who knows they\'ll love it and continue traveling when they\'re older.

Cheap student travel deals can easily be researched in Internet including advisable places to visit, family travel deals is also available online and you get to book the flight through your computer at home and be able to manage the schedule and have a copy of the itinerary so you never get out of touch.

Travel now and discover. Experience is the best teacher ever. So, let them explore the world out there. Who knows, maybe when they get back you\'ll be surprised with what they\'ve gain from the whole expedition.

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

Finally, A Two Week Program Has Been Invented That Guarantees To Eradicate Stress By Cutting Off The Roots Of The Problem With Expediency And Utmost Efficiency! Active hyperlink must remain with article.

Cigars: Curing Tobacco

2009-04-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

Curing Tobacco: a Necessity

Like many plants, green tobacco is 90 percent water. After being harvested, and before going to the barn, the tobacco has faded a little and the water content is about 80%. It is still too much water for fermentation and the curing is necessary to lower this rate to about 25%. To get 100 lb. of dry tobacco, the curing has to eliminate about 40 gallons of water. A full barn of tobacco will need millions of cu. ft. of air to drain off this water! Whatever the curing process is, the barn has to be ventilated!

Change the Nature

If you let green tobacco dry naturally, the color will turn yellow first, then brown. To modify this natural transformation, and to get a different result, a special process has to be applied.

Curing Process

Once harvested, the tobacco must be cured without delay in order to start the stabilization of the material. Without curing, the tobacco would dry and turn to dust as any vegetable. There are four main processes : Flue Curing, Fire Curing, Air Curing and Sun Curing. The last one does not need a curing barn. Cigar tobaccos are generally air-cured, but some light wrappers are flue-cured.

Air Curing

Cigar tobaccos are mainly air-cured (or dark air-cured). They dry in a closed barn with a natural circulation of air. This process is longer than any other but it is the most natural. However, if the air is very humid (in some countries, or during the night), the barn is heated with smokeless fires (made with gas or coal) in order to avoid rotting and to accelerate the process a bit.

Fire Curing

During fire-curing, the barn is really a smokehouse! Wood fires are kept burning in the barn. Smoke is everywhere. The tobacco turns black and shiny. It is impregnated with a nice smoke smell. This process is used in Kentucky and others places that try to match the product (Malawi, Italy). Fire-cured tobaccos are mainly used in roll-your-own , pipe tobacco and dark cigarettes.

Flue Curing

The flue-curing consists of heating the air in a very well closed barn. An outside fire blows hot air (very hot!) into metal pipes running into the barn. There is no direct contact between the fire and the tobacco, the hot pipes just heat the inside air. This process is used for curing Virginia tobacco for cigarettes and Connecticut type wrappers. The goal is to fix the color on yellow to get bright tobaccos.

Air or Fire Curing?

Indonesian tobaccos are often classified as fire-cured, even if they are air-cured. As the growers have to help the curing with fire, the tobaccos are so classified for customs purpose, having the advantage of a preferred duty tariff. It is a way to help the exports of developing countries.

Sun Curing

Oriental tobaccos are sun-cured. No barn, nothing but the sun! The tobacco goes out very yellow and keeps all its sugar content. It is generally a very short tobacco. Leaves are 2 or 3 inches large. The taste is sweet. This tobacco is used for blond cigarette, pipe and short filler cigars. The main producers are Greece, Turkey, and Bulgaria. All the countries around these three are also growing oriental tobacco.

Hanging tobacco leaves

For curing, tobacco leaves have to be hung in the barn. The old manner was to thread leaves with a needle on a thin string, one by one. Now there are sewing machines. Leaves are put two by two in a rail and are sewn automatically when pressing the petiole against the rail. The string is attached to a slat that is put on supports in the barn. The barn is filled up from top to bottom, section by section.

John Payne is the Publisher of Web Marketing Ezine, and the Founder of Enviro-Friendly Products.

Patrice Hirschfeld has spent a lifetime in Tobacco, and is the Proprietor of the Online Cigar Store- Voila Cigars. John provides Marketing Consultancy to Voila Cigars.

An Adventurers Travel Checklist

2009-04-26T20:26:00.001-07:00

The following is a List that I have gathered through years of
experience and research. They don\'t neccessarily apply to an
Outdoor Adventurer. You Pick and choose your priorities
according to your destination and the length of your stay. Visit
http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and the
necessary gear for your trip.

Gear Essentials Day Pack Flashlight Compact Binoculars
First Aid Kit Sunglasses Multi-tool Watch Sunscreen
Water bottle (with built-in filter) Hat Whistle Map or
Travel Guide Compass or GPS receiver

Pre-Departure Passport Visa if needed Health Documentation
Transportation Tickets Frequent Flyer Cards Emergency
Information Insurance Hotel Reservations Traveler\'s Checks
Currency (both local and American) Credit Cards Guide
Books and Maps Trip Cancellation/ Medical

Information Copies of Passport, ID and Documents Special
Event Reservations

Travel Gear Main Travel Bag (Duffle/Luggage, etc.) Packing
Accessories (clothes, small stuff and toiletries) Security
(Passport carrier, luggage locks/ tags) Document Organizer
Everyday Bag

Everyday Basics Travel Clothing Raincoat/ Umbrella Travel
Footwear Visor or Brimmed Hat Camera. Lenses and Film
Radiation Shield for Film Video Camera, Tapes CD/ Cassette
Player Electric/ Phone Converters Travel Alarms Language
Books Reading Materials Address Book Travel Journal Pen/
Pencil Scarf/ Bandana Games/ Playing Cards Snacks Hand
Sanitizer/ Towlettes Travel Neck Pillow Eye Shade/ Ear Plugs
Portable Door Lock Tissues/ Toilet Paper Keys

Maintenance Items Flashlight Batteries/ Bulbs Matches or
Lighter Extra Batteries Sewing/ Repair Kit Duct Tape
Travel Iron or Steamer Sink Stopper for Hotel Sinks
Zip-Close Plastic Bags

Travel Health Travel Health Booklet Pain Reliever/ Aspirin
Cold Medicine Contact Lens Items Diarrhea Medicine Motion
Sickness Medicine Laxative Insect Protection Sun
Protection Antibiotic Cream Malaria Medication Personal
Hygiene Items Personal Prescriptions

Visit http://www.thecampingguide.com for more information and
the necessary gear for your trip.

Ibiza An Island of Contrasts

2009-04-26T01:26:00.001-07:00

Of course it\'s world-renowned for its uniquely hedonistic clubbing scene, but there are so many other sides to the island. Ibiza\'s wildly beautiful coastline boasts dozens of outstanding cove beaches, lapped by crystalline turquoise waters, while the hilly interior is replete with whitewashed villages and pine forests. Then there are dozens of remarkable restaurants offering everything from typical Ibicencan dishes, Zen-styled sushi bars to cutting-edge contemporary cuisine. Ibiza represents a perfect mixture where everyone can find what they want.

Beautiful beaches, white sand coves, crystal clear shorelines and deep-sea waters are within minutes drive of anywhere. The island\'s interior is home to dense pine-forests, refreshing rolling hills, traditional whitewashed villages and extremely friendly locals.

Ibiza Old Town itself is steeped in culture and history and the island\'s capital, with its mediaeval walls and dominating Cathedral is one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean.

Of course if it\'s nightlife you\'re after - look no further. Ibiza is the summer party capital of the world, and features spectacular night spots and world famous DJ\'s.

The level of service has improved greatly on the island, with activities such as water sports, hot air ballooning, mountain-biking, boat rental and yoga easy to find and well-priced. For the full rock-star service, I would recommend hiring a villa complete with chef, maid and chauffeur; some villa rental agents are even offering a concierge service through which you can book tables at exclusive restaurants, get VIP tickets to the best clubs, hire boats or arrange other services such as masseurs in your villa. They can take the strain out of organising events such as weddings, and can arrange photographers, make-up artists and chauffeurs to make your special day as perfect as possible

If you are planning your summer holidays, take another look at IbizaI think you will find yourselves as pleasantly surprised as I was.

Check out the following websites for great accommodation options and a free concierge service:

http://www.internationalvillas.net http://www.specificallyibiza.co.uk

The Map That Shouldn't Be

2009-04-25T06:26:00.001-07:00

Those of you who are avid treasure hunters are probably all well familiar with maps which are completely undecipherable. Even older maps which were intended to be accurate portrayals of topography can be almost humorously inaccurate. The existence of a map dating from the middle ages, then, that could be used to correct errors in modern maps created as late as the 1950s would be nothing less than astonishing. But it does exist.

The map was drawn by Piri Reis in 1513. It shows detailed and pointedly accurate outlines of Eastern North and South America, and Western Africa, an absolutely amazing accomplishment in that era, but that is not the real show stopper about this map. It also shows a completely accurate detailed outline of the Northern Antarctic Coast as it exists without the ice cap. This is not just amazing, it is impossible by any technique we know of to have existed in the known technology of civilization until our present abilities. There are two issues that even further complicate this mystery.

The first complication is that Antarctica had not been discovered yet in 1513. The fact that Piri Reis had stated himself that he had used other maps from other resources available to sailors in his era, some dating back to the days of Alexander the Great, does nothing but compound the mystery. That only means that this information was compiled at an even earlier date. Where could this information have come from? While completely baffling, it is only the \tip of the iceberg\ so to speak.

The outline of Antarctica on this map shows the coastline as it is under the one mile thick snow cap of the region -- with an accuracy we can verify now by using only recently developed technology via aerial surveying. It has been calculated that the last time the Antarctic coast was clear of this ice cap was 6,000 years ago at the most recent, with a possible inaccuracy of this figure pushing the date back to possibly as long as 13,000 years ago. At present, we have no knowledge of any civilization in existence during those dates.

In 1953 the Hydrographic Bureau of the U.S. Navy acquired this map and actually used it to correct errors in their own present day maps. Apparently whoever drew these charts had the knowledge of the fact that the world is round, the circumference, within 50 miles, and an extremely advanced knowledge of spherical trigonometry.

The Piri Reis is only one of several maps drawn during the middle ages by sailors using mapping from ancient sources completely unknown to us in present times. While we can now map the world with the same accuracy as these ancients were able to do, it still remains for us to find out who these people were and when they lived.

If you would like to know more about the Piri Reis and other impossible yet existent maps, treat yourself to a visit to: http://www.world-mysteries.com/sar1.htm

2005 Sally Taylor: Sal is an avid gem and treasure hunter, explorer, writer, and is the owner of http://www.rockhoundstation1.com

Party Games to Spice Up a Celebration

2009-04-24T11:26:00.001-07:00

There are many types of party games, adult games, kid\'s games, and store bought and homemade and each is appropriate for a different audience. Many of you remember playing the old spin the bottle game when you were in school though most of us have outgrown it. We still fondly remember the games we played at friends parties. In the variety of adult and kids games there are the ever popular \'Round Robin\' and \'Relay Races.\' Each can be tailored to suit the audience.

Adult parties can have quick five minute games of round robin Poker or Twenty One. Kids can play Round Robin Go Fish. Adding a time limit to the games really increases the tension and hopefully perks up your guests competitive sides so they get involved in the party. A Relay Race is most often played at family oriented parties. You can simply have teams handing off sticks or you can have them trying to carry raw eggs in spoons to each other. The latter types of games may take awhile and get messy so it\'s best to have them outdoors.

Store bought games are fun and can apply to adult or kids\' parties. Twister is an all time favorite for those of all ages and usually gets a good laugh going. Store bought games are usually board games so you probably won\'t want to plan on playing the game for the entire party. A game like monopoly should only be put on the party schedule if this is a Monopoly tournament or if your guests are hard core board gamers.

Made up games like \'Who am I\' are great fun. As each guest arrives you pin a sheet of paper with the name of a famous person or character to their back. They then spend the rest of the party asking each other questions to try and figure out who they are by other people\'s answers.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet\'s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Free Party Games to help complete your event.

New Hampshire: A Quirky Little State with a Lot to Offer

2009-04-23T16:26:00.001-07:00

No one from outside the state knows quite what to make of New Hampshire; tucked up in the northeast region of the country between the more famously bucolic states of Vermont and Maine, it doesn\'t really have an easily defined identity.

The state shows up once every four years on the national radar screen because of its first-in-the-nation presidential primary, though the Iowa caucuses have managed to steal a little of the Yankee state\'s thunder in that regard. Everybody outside the state thought us native-born New Hampshirites were nuts when the Old Man in the Mountains, that wonderfully distinctive Great Stone Face in Franconia Notch, succumbed to centuries of erosion and the cold, and we mourned his passing as if he were a beloved family member - which he was, a sort of spiritual guardian watching over us protectively, now gone forever.

We show up on the news once in a while when some crackpot goes on a crime spree and then heads for Canada, generally right up the middle of the state on I93, and ends up getting caught somewhere around Colebrook. Other than those odd happenings, the state doesn\'t really figure largely in the national consciousness.

Too bad. The little state has a lot to offer. An odd mixture of industrial and rural landscape, the mostly landlocked state boasts a ten-mile stretch of coastline featuring the carnival atmosphere, in the summer anyway, of Hampton Beach, and other more quiet beaches like Rye. Further inland, Manchester features a mixture of old brick factory buildings and more modern architecture, with spectacular mall shopping opportunities as well as more cultural offerings ranging from galleries to nightclubs and including the Verizon Wireless Arena, site of sports competition and other events, including bands on tour nationally. The city also boasts its own international airport, a sensible alternative to congested Logan in Boston. Nearby Nashua, the birthplace of the PC (personal computer), has Massachusetts-style residential and commercial sprawl, also with lots of places to shop, and an ever-growing housing market.

To the west, the Monadnock Region operates at a slower pace than the industrial center, but has its own thriving tourist trade, with plenty of bed-and-breakfasts, lakes for swimming and boating, covered bridges, and cultural events, from summer theatre to concerts on town commons. This area of New Hampshire has traditionally been a favorite for people with the means to \summer\ in the region - the \summer people\, the vernacular calls them, or more recently, \flatlanders\.

Heading north, the traveler heads through Concord, the state capital, and within an hour comes to the Lakes region, with the largest lake, Winnepesaukee, a magnet for tourists. It and the surrounding smaller lakes, formed eons ago by glacial activity, offer a lively summer culture, with boating, fishing, swimming, and plenty of summer events. Further north still are the astonishing White Mountains, tall, jagged mountains reminiscent of the European Alps which stretch almost across the entire middle of the state from west to east. Popular in summer, they\'re packed in the winter with skiers looking for challenging ski conditions. Some areas, like Waterville Valley, host ski events with Olympic caliber competitors; every so often, the state manages to produce an Olympic champion. From the mountains, past the presidential range and north of the town of Berlin, the land flattens out on its way to the Canadian border and Montreal.

And, of course, there\'s Loudon, north of Concord, with its yearly motorcycle race, the oldest in the U.S.; for five days seemingly every highway and back road in the state teems with lines of motorheads, some on rice burners or Beamers, but mostly on Harleys, heading for the rally and then back home again, transforming the entire state into two kinds of people: the guys and gals on motorcycles and the rest of us who watch them ride by. The race takes place at what is now New Hampshire International Speedway, which in recent years has offered official NASCAR races throughout the racing season - a big story in itself.

Something for everyone, indeed. Maybe the reason New Hampshire doesn\'t have a clear identity in the national psyche is that we have a lot of individual identities, distinct regions with their own flavor and a lively mix of people who manage to express their interests in an amazing variety of ways - all of which makes for an interesting visit to this little state.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com

Mexico: Expat Quiz

2009-04-22T21:26:00.001-07:00

The following is a quiz that every American expat wannabe to Mexico should be required by Mexican law to take. This will help you determine if moving to Mexico to spend the rest of your life here is right for you. It should be the basis whether Mexico issues you a visa to take one step onto Mexican soil.

1) The following will make you run screaming for the nearest taxi to get you to the airport for an emergency airlift back to the U.S.A.:

a. Large mountainous piles of dog poop on the sidewalks.

b. Pickup trucks parked in front of butcher shops with partially slaughtered, bloodied meat in the back.

c. Men, women, and children placing the snout of a pig onto a flour or corn tortilla, wrapping it, and then consuming it while making loud smacking and squishing sounds.

d. All the above.

2) The following will incite you to flapping your arms like a deranged windmill, cursing madly, and lecturing Mexicans in English (which they probably cannot comprehend):

a. Seeing a Mexican mother serving her child a taco for breakfast rather than Special K cereal with skim milk.

b. Seeing Mexicans eating a Styrofoam plate filled with refried beans, topped with the most virulent chilies, and chips morning, noon, and night.

c. Witnessing the rolling corn-on-the-cob shack woman slathering copious amounts of FAT FULL mayonnaise on corn on the cob and then stuffing it into the mouth of a 2-year-old.

d. None of the above since you come from America where more than 67% of the population is fatter than hogs and so what the hell do you know about good nutrition anyway!

3) You can tolerate the following without needing massive amounts of tranquilizers or an open-ended Prozac prescription:

a. Invisible marching drummer and bugle bands that you can hear every night starting at 7:30 p.m., playing the same hideously repetitive tune, from another dimension that is bleeding over into your reality (you hear them but they cannot ever be seen!).

b. Warfare-grade explosives being set off during the day or night for the advent of a fiesta which rattle windows, cause paintings to fall off the walls and jar you senseless.

c. Banshee screaming men roaming the streets as soon it is daylight screaming the words, \gas\ and \water\.

d. Barking dogs, crowing roosters, quacking ducks and geese, screeching parrots, honking car alarms, all going off simultaneously outside your bedroom window at all possible hours of the day or night.

4) You find the following events thrilling:

a. Stores that never open (ever) at their posted hours.

b. Stores that never, ever post their hours.

c. Stores that will only carry a certain item once a year or never again as long as you both shall live.

d. Stores that play wild music so loudly that when your wife asks you something you can see her mouth move but hear nothing coming out of it.

5) You desire to move to Mexico is because:

a. You want to live in an established American expat community where Mexicans, like slaves, wait on you hand and foot for the rest of your life.

b. You want to help Americanize another Mexican town with all your American pathologies until the town is unrecognizable as Mexican.

c. You are on the lam from the law in more than one country for income tax evasion.

d. You want to help drive up the prices of real estate until no Mexicans living or who have ever lived could possibly afford to live in their own town.

Please answer all of these questions as honestly as possible and forward them to The President of the Republic of Mexico (whoever that turns out to be) in care of Mexico City, Mexico.

Your expatriation depends on it!

Kensington Palace and the Glorious Revolution

2009-04-22T02:26:00.001-07:00

At some time, no doubt, upon our travels together, we will pass
by this royal palace, where once upon a time a prince and
princess used to live in happier days - namely the current heir
to the throne and the now deceased Lady Diana, who became the
Princess of Wales.

So you may ask, what on earth could be the direct connection
between this Royal Palace and a revolution that was known as
\Glorious\? Why glorious anyway, you may well ask? Well, there
we are - the story gets longer and longer, and eventually
disappears into the mists of time.

This royal palace, although nowadays no longer a principal royal
residence, is still used by certain members of the royal family
even after the recent death of the queen\'s sister, Princess
Margaret, the death of the Princess of Wales on 31st August
1997, and the departure of HRH Prince Charles, following the
separation of the couple in 1992.

The idea of this palace came about with accession of the Prince
of Orange, the Dutch Stadtholder, as our William III, who was
the son of the eldest daughter, Mary, of the executed (yes
executed, in 1646) King of Great Britain, King Charles I.
Interestingly, William III was married to an English Princess,
also called Mary, who was a daughter of Charles II\'s brother the
Duke of York, who himself became a King, namely James II. So
reader, if you are thinking \but this makes them cousins\, then
you are quite correct.

It was the very abdication of James II and the act of fleeing
from Great Britain that brought his daughter back home as a
Queen in her own right. So again reader, if you have perceived
another apparent inconsistency, then you are right again: we did
have two monarchs reigning in their own right at the same time!
In fact the only time in British History. Thank God they were
married - otherwise we would have another revolution and perhaps
not such a glorious one. (Remember King Stephen and Matilda in
the 11th century? Perhaps you don\'t...)

Well, why was this revolution so glorious? The new King William
III was invited to invade by the nobility, and this invasion and
accession was entirely peaceful, as a result of the defection of
most of the English army officers, including and especially one
John Churchill. This change of leadership in our country lead to
our war with France over the question the Spanish succession.
This culminated in the Battle of Blenheim, hence Blenheim Palace
being gifted, by the next Monarch, Queen Anne, to the newly
created 1st Duke of Marlborough, the one and same John Churchill
who had changed his allegiance from James II!!

So leadership in those was still as much in the hands of the
monarch as Parliament. Incidentally it was from the need and
struggle to finance this war that the Bank of England was
created. Then, as today, banks seem to have far more to do with
lending money than being the keepers of funds. But we digress
from our original enquiries. Why was this Palace in Kensington
created when there were already perfectly acceptable ones in
Westminster?

Well there you are, the story becomes ever more unpredictable.
Would you believe it the answer is pollution - yes, pollution.
Am I being serious, am I being truthful? No, really I am! There
was a very great pollution problem back in those old times 300
years ago. even before the days of the Industrial Revolution.
Not from vehicles and modern machines, of course, but in those
days every house had quite a number of fires. In fact, open
fires were everywhere, causing far dirtier combustion than
today\'s relatively clean power machines.

So even in those days there was intensive smog in the areas
around Westminster, and Kensington was regarded as a country
area with wonderful fresh air. In fact the Duke of Nottingham\'s
house, which is what this was before its purchase in 1689, was
probably fairly isolated, before the Court Circle of Ministers,
advisers and supporters began building their dwellings around
the new royal palace.

You maybe surprised to know that the designer of St Paul\'s
Cathedral was also asked to carry out much modification to the
new palace, and this is still in evidence today. So in the
middle of his 35-year (1675-1710) supervision of the rebuilding
of the Cathedral, this great architect (not that he would have
been known as that in the 17th century) was asked to effectively
engineer a new royal residence. Wouldn\'t be possible in today\'s
world of Euro laws trying to enforce 35 hour weeks, would it?

So now you are in the know, to a certain extent, about how the
Glorious Revolution is connected to Kensington Palace, why the
Glorious Revolution was thought to be so, and why Kensington
Palace is situated where it is and why it was created in the
first place. And if a Blue Badge Guide had not told you these
things, would you have been thinking about them as you slid past
Kensington Palace? Possibly like may of today\'s young, you would
only have thought of Kensington Palace in connection with our
sad modern Princess of Wales and the carpet of flowers as far as
the eyes could see, all around the Palace, in the days leading
up to her funeral.

So can you afford not to have the past explained to you as
today\'s top visual highlights are pointed out?

Budget tips for international car rentals

2009-04-21T07:26:00.001-07:00

While the public transportation systems in many international
destinations are safe, clean, cheap and reliable, many seasoned
travelers prefer having their own transportation, and in many
areas it is necessary to rent a car to get from place to place.
There are a number of thing to remember to make renting a car
internationally less costly and less of a hassle.

One of the most important things to remember involves traveling
to Canada and Mexico in an American based rental car. In most
cases, the insurance that comes with the rental car does not
cover you once the car has left the country. If you are not sure
about your coverage, always be sure to check your rental
agreement. While this is important in Canada, it is vital in
Mexico. While it is possible to buy special Mexican car
insurance when traveling there, it is generally not recommended
that casual visitors drive into Mexico. It is generally better
to park in one of the border lots and take the shuttle bus to
the border.

If you plan to drive abroad, either in Canada, Mexico, Europe or
anywhere else outside the United States, it is a good idea to
obtain an international drivers permit. While an international
drivers permit is not required everywhere, it is a good idea to
get one. The fee to obtain an international drivers permit is
low, and the literature that comes along with it is quite
valuable. An international drivers permit can be obtained
through an AAA office.

It is also important to check with the company that provides
your auto insurance to see if you are covered for international
driving. If your normal policy does not cover you, inquire about
purchasing a special policy for your trip. Also check with your
credit card company to see if the rental car collision coverage
they offer is good outside the country.

When arranging for a rental car, it is usually less costly to do
so before you leave the United States. It can also be
considerably more trouble to wait until you arrive to rent a
car, and you always run the risk that the type of car you want
is not available.

When renting cars in Europe, it is generally best to choose a
compact or subcompact car, as many of the streets in European
cities are quite narrow, and parking is often very limited. It
is best to rent the smallest car you feel comfortable with.

If you plan to combine a car rental with a rail pass, there may
be discounts available. Always be sure to check with your travel
agent and take advantage of any discounts to which you are
entitled. Some hotels and airlines also have special deals on
rental cars for their customers.

If you will be dropping off your rental car in a different
location that where you picked it up, which is common in
European rentals, be sure to choose a rental agency that offers
a low drop off fee.

When planning your trip, always keep in mind that prices for gas
and diesel fuel are generally much higher than those in the
United States, often as much as three times as expensive. Be
sure to factor fuel costs into your travel budget. This is yet
another reason to rent the smallest car you can find.

Another reason a small car is important is the frequent lack of
available parking in many resort areas and near many major
tourist attractions. Even if you have a car, you may want to
leave it at the hotel and take public transportation to these
types of destinations.

When you pick up your car, be sure that you get the terms you
agreed to before you left home. If the terms are not agreeable
when you get there, be prepared to cancel the deal and make
alternate arrangements.

It is also important to take a company representative with you
and carefully examine the car's exterior for dings and
scratches. Be sure to note any preexisting damage to avoid being
charged for it when the car is returned.

Lake Winnipesaukee The Smile of the Great Spirit

2009-04-20T12:26:00.001-07:00

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire. Centered in the popular vacation area known as the Lakes Region it provides 4-season pleasure for millions every year.

The lake is surrounded by the foothills of New Hampshire's White Mountains, which provides stunning backdrops to this jewel of a New Hampshire lake, and magnificent views for those prepared to hike a few miles to the summit of surrounding peaks.

The lake is spring fed and clean, and many homes on the lake take their water supply directly without any filtering.

But the native people have known this lake and its beauty for 10,000 years. They gave Lake Winnipesaukee the Indian name meaning Smile of the Great Spirit.

These days people still fish and canoe on the lake but it's shared with modern day jet skis and motorboats. But essentially Lake Winnipesaukee is an area to take your time exploring, and let the hours tick slowly by.

I've been visiting Lake Winnipesaukee for the last twenty years and I have these suggestions for enjoying your visit to the Lake.

M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISE

For a 132-years a cruise boat has been traveling up and down the 72 square miles of the lake. The current boat - M/S MOUNT WASHINGTON has been operating since 1946. Due to the demand it was extended in 1982 by cutting the boat in half and placing a middle section.

Today with it's three decks and ample room there's no better way of getting oriented on the Lake. You can board the boat at Weirs Beach and take the 2 and hour cruise down to Alton Bay or up to the picturesque town of Meredith.

When you make the trip be prepared to do a lot of waving. The M/S Mount Washington is a popular and the most distinctive boat on the lake, and you'll find most boaters and people on the shorelines waving in recognition of this majestic large ship.

THE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE SCENIC TRAIN RIDE

The Lake Winnipesaukee scenic train runs from Meredith to Weirs Beach to Lakeport and back. You can take a 1 hour or 2 hour ride. You'll get spectacular views of the lake and shoreline and Belknap Mountain.

This is a slow ride train as it travels the shoreline on Paugus Bay, and you'll get plenty of time to admire many of the stunning homes built on this stretch of the ride.

Snacks and ice cream are sold on the journey.

THE CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS

The Castle in the Clouds is a magnificent home built on a mountaintop in 1913 by industrialist Thomas Plant.

You can tour the castle and grounds where you'll find waterfalls and miles of trails to explore. During the fall foliage season it offers majestic views of the lake and surrounding area.

The Castle is near Moultonboro on the eastern side of the lake and you can get there by following Route 171 in Ossipee.

BELKNAP MOUNTAIN HIKE

For these willing to be a little more adventurous Lake Winnipesaukee offers some great hiking tails. Many are moderate to difficult, but the Belknap Mountain hike in Gilford is easy and can be done by most people including small kids.

This is an enjoyable walk and you should allow 2 and hours round trip to appreciate the walk to its fullest. At the summit you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view of Lake Winnipesaukee, and if conditions are right you can sometimes spot Mount Washington in the distance.

Take Route 11A to Gilford and drive south through the village. Stay on this road as it climbs Belknap Mountain road. Eventually you'll see signs and a parking area on the left.

These are just a few activities you can do when visiting Lake Winnipesaukee.

For more information and details on Lake Winnipesaukee attraction and things to do visit the Lakes Region web site at www.lakesregion.org.
About the Author

Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com . You can read more about Lake Winnipesaukee and get a free travel report at his http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com web site.

Travel Insurance Trip Cancellation and Health Insurance

2009-04-19T17:26:00.001-07:00

Most people don\'t really know what they\'re looking for in travel
insurance they just want something to take care of them in case
they can\'t make the trip or if something happens to them while
on the trip.

Trip cancellation and medical travel policies are the simplest
types of travel insurance.

Cancellation insurance allows travelers to cancel a trip at the
last minute withoutlosing all the money they paid for the trip.
Medical insurance provides coverage when you are traveling
overseas. Other plans cover emergency evacuation, loss of your
baggage, some kind of travel delay.

The plans no traveler wants to think about: kidnap and ransom
coverage, acidental death and dismemberment.

What\'s the cost of travel insurance? Say you\'re a 40-year-old
taking a trip for a month. If you wanted $100,000 worth of
medical coverage with a $250 deductible,thepremium would be
approximately $100. For trip cancellation that requires no
deductible, you would pay a premium of approx. $100 for a trip
that would cost you $3,000. If you intend to spend $5,000 on
your trip, the premium would be approximately $168.

Given the world situation, you may want to add war and terrorism
coverage. There is a catch-it won\'t be cheap.

Choosing to buy travel insurance depends a lot on what kind of
person you are and where you are intending to go.

People under 50 are most likely to buy medical insurance.
Usually older traveler\'s buy trip cancelation plans.

For an example, in Europe, you may not need travel insurance
where health-care quality in like the US. But some of the
policies, such as emergency evacuation, might be worth looking
into for certain kinds of travel.

When you decide to travel, you take the chance of lost luggage,
flight cancellations, reservation cancellations, theft and many
even more situations which can cause anxiety.

When you plan a vacation, it is stressful enough without having
to worry about something going horribly wrong while on vacation.
Purchasing travel insurance will assure that you are compensated
if anything goes wrong on your vacation.

The Time Is Right For Destinations To Grab Market Share

2009-04-18T22:26:00.001-07:00

It has been more than three years since the bottom fell out of the destination and tourism industry, but many are hopeful that prospects are looking up. However, from a brand perspective, the fear is that the marketing of the Tourism industry will fall victim to the same trap, constantly fighting to attract tourists without any long- term solution as new and more enticing destinations enter into the category.

The way to overcome this seemingly never-ending struggle is for destinations to build individual brands that are more about the tourist than about the destination. Historically, that\'s not been the case. Instead, the brands have been marketing destinations themselves and have more often than not been about the type of destination, exploring the benefits of visiting a tropical destination or one in the Far East, etc.

In tropical destinations, for example, marketing dollars have been lavishly spent enticing the potential visitor with brand visions of romance, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. So, if you bought into that as a tourist, you bought into the idea of traveling to a tropical destination, but you haven\'t really made a decision. You\'ve only picked your considered set of destinations.

How can you differentiate one destination from another? It\'s not as if no other island or resort has sky, water, white (or pink or black) sandy beaches and friendly natives. Destinations are not creating brands to inspire true preference among the considered set. They\'re just motivating preference between considered sets and creating preference for tropical destinations over, let\'s say, adventure and wildlife destinations, such as Alaska.

There\'s proof of this lack of brand identity in the numbers. With a few exceptions, market share mirrors share of voice. The one that spends the most money gets the largest market share. But from a stealing share perspective, you don\'t have to outspend the competition to increase market share. You can develop a brand positioned against your competition and aligned with customer values so that the customers naturally covet your destination brand.

Now there\'s a new problem: Cuba. The lifting of the U.S. travel embargo to Cuba is currently being debated in Congress. Make no mistake about it, Cuba will quickly jump to number one in tourism traffic when that happens at the expense of the rest of the category. So few destinations have a brand and tourists will flock to Cuba because, for a while at least, it will represent something like a brand. Cuba will represent \forbidden fruit\ and Cuban tourists will feel special, like they are setting a trend by being among the first to visit the exotic locale.

A brand that is built to steal market share is not found in the beaches, coral reefs, or local culture. Stealing share capabilities reside in the hearts of the customers of the competition. Take Cuba, for example. The \forbidden fruit\ and \one of the first to visit\ attractions have nothing to do with the amenities of the country itself. Everyone who plans a visit to a place like Cuba will expect the same marketed promises: exotic food, white sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and interesting culture. They will go to Cuba because being a Cuban visitor says more about them as a traveler than going to any other tropical destination. Brand is always about your customer and not about you (the destination).

On too many occasions destinations claim all sorts of amenities they believe will be important. Puerto Rico claims to be close and the Virgin Islands claim to be \ours\ (as in, part of the United States), but our research indicates that the consumer does not care for those claims. Puerto Rico may be close, but it\'s not that much closer to us through the air than Jamaica. Does anyone actually think that tourists are going to choose Puerto Rico because it saves them 15 minutes in the air?

Consider this: Hawaii is first in top-of-mind awareness among U.S. travelers, but it\'s not at the top in the number of U.S. visitors. If it had a brand that said something meaningful about who the tourist is when they visit Hawaii, they would not have to increase their marketing budget to steal share.

Tropical destinations can rest easy knowing that their advertising does not have to say, \Come here to swim. We have beaches, sun and alcohol.\ Even though that\'s exactly what they are saying now, they should understand they are not telling their target audiences anything new. Few other industries have category benefits that are so well known. With tourists beginning to travel more and with the looming threat of Cuba, it\'s time for destinations to build brands around the tourists and start stealing share.

Tom Dougherty
CEO, Senior Strategist at Stealing Share, Inc. Tom began his strategic marketing and branding career in Saudi Arabia working for the internationally acclaimed Saatchi & Saatchi. His brand manager at the time referred to Tom as a \marketing genius,\ and Tom demonstrated his talents to clients such as Ariel detergent, Pampers and many other brands throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa. After his time overseas, Tom returned to the US where he worked for brand agencies in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. He continued to prove himself as a unique and strategic brand builder for global companies. Tom has led efforts for brands such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark, Fairmont Hotels, Coldwell Banker, Homewood Suites (of Hilton), Tetley Tea, Lexus, Sovereign Bank, and McCormick to name a few.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=TomDougherty

Seven Wonders of the World Light House of Alexandria

2009-04-18T03:26:00.001-07:00

This light house of Alexandria was one of the useful of the seven wonders of the world (for the sailors to return to the Great Harbor), which is a small differentiates it, when compared with the other wonders of the world. The mirror which was mounted on this lighthouse could reflect the light more than 35 miles off-shore. Of the 6 ancient destroyed wonders, this was the last to be destroyed around 1480 AD.

Location:

On the ancient island of Pharos, now a promontory on the harbor of the city of Alexandria in Egypt.

Description:

This lighthouse was built around 280 BC and was around 134 m in height. This was built in the city of Alexandria.

The light house had a good mirror which can reflect the sun light to a very long distance. Mythical stories used to say that this mirror was used to burn the enemy ships.

The Macedonian conqueror, Alexander during his successful reign, had tried establishing approximately 17 cities in the name of Alexandria. The only one survived long was the one in Egypt. That too even this city was not completely built by Alexander. The completion of the construction of this city was achieved by his commander Ptolemy I Soter.

Ptolemy connected Alexandria to the Pharos island by a bridge. It was realized that the sailing in this coastal region is very dangerous. That is why he decided to build a light house. This project was initiated during Ptolemy\'s reign in 290 BC and completed after his death by his son Ptolemy Philadelphus. Sostratus who lived in the same time as Euclid, was the architect. This used to remain in the harbor for centuries. This wonder of the world also depicted in the Roman coins that time.

The writings of the Arab conquerors are very good source of information about this lighthouse. The new rulers moved the capital to the Cairo. So this place had lost its importance. Three earthquakes stuck in various periods (around AD 956, AD 1303 and AD 1323 ) have damaged the lighthouse significantly. The during AD 1480 the Egyptian Mamelouk Sultan, has built a medieval fort at the same place. That was the end to the story of the light house.

There are some more tales to the light house. Sostratus after he completed the lighthouse wanted his name to be carved on the light house. This was not allowed by Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Ptolemy II wanted his name to be carved on the structure. But what Sostratus did is he first carved his name underneath, put plasters on it and then carved Ptolemy II\'s name. After some years, the plasters worn out and his name has come out to be known to all.

The design of the lighthouse was unlike the modern slim lighthouse towers. This was built in 3 stages, each built on top of the lower.

This lighthouse was so popular that the word Pharos came into French, Spanish and Italian to mean lighthouse.

About The Author

Muthukumar.V

Seven Wonders of the world - Ancient Times

http://www.sevenwondersworld.com

Southern Caribbean Cruises

2009-04-17T08:26:00.001-07:00

For years the Southern Caribbean has been the most underrated of the tourist spots in the Caribbean region. There were tourists who were regulars at the eastern or western Caribbean cruises who didn\'t even think of detouring to the southern parts. But the ensuing air scare post 9/11 meant that tourists became keen to venture to new places they could reach without flying. Thus, the hitherto unpopular Southern Caribbean Cruises soared in popularity. The islands of Aruba, St. Berth\'s, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Kitts, and Nevis are the more popular ones among the lot.

The Southern Caribbean Cruises have won favor with the tourists in such a short time mainly due to the fact that they offer a varied palette. You have beaches and the associated sundry beach activities in Aruba, Antigua and Barbados, while Guadeloupe\'s charm lies in the myriad forms of scenery found here. You have here tropical rain forests, mountains and volcanoes. You have a slice of France at St. Barth. Here you will find quaint roadside cafes, swank boutiques with a mind-boggling array of merchandise, upscale restaurants for fine dining experiences, and a hip beach culture. The ambience is so French that you will almost feel that you would walk into the Eiffel Tower at the next turning. Grenada and Dominica, not yet evolved as tourist hotspots, have retained their old world and laidback charm and this adds to their attraction. After all, there\'s never a dearth of city slickers who yearn for a piece of quiet once in a while.

Though ships, the luxury liners and the budget ones, ferry all throughout the year, still winter is the best month to visit the Caribbean islands. For one, you can escape the sweltering summers and also avoid the ferocious tropical storms that pound the region every year during June to November.

The southern Caribbean should feature in every traveler\'s itinerary, for this is a region which offers both scenic beauty and a multifaceted cultural milieu, which make for a truly enriching experience.

Caribbean Cruises provides detailed information about Caribbean cruises, Caribbean cruise deals, Caribbean cruise lines, luxury Caribbean cruises and more. Caribbean Cruises is the sister site of Working On Cruise Ships.

Enjoy a Multitude of Memories by Travelling in Nova Scotia

2009-04-16T13:26:00.001-07:00

Copyright 2005 MHG Consulting

Nova Scotia is an ethereal peninsula that juts off of Canada\'s
eastern coast into the Atlantic Ocean. It\'s array of geography
from dense, rich forests to windswept, rocky shores and fertile
inland orchards make it the perfect vacation spot for those who
enjoy scenic travelling.

Nova Scotia\'s European settlement was established in 1605 by the
French - one of the first settlements in North America but is
now home to a vibrant mix of ethnic backgrounds. Only in Nova
Scotia can you enjoy such a unique combination of European
history as well as a celebration of cultural diversity.

You can visit historical landmarks such as Fort Louisbourg and
Halifax Citadel. Step back in time and view the Capital city,
Halifax, from the Citadel, a fortress completed in 1856 and in
use by British and Canadian Forces until the Second World War.
Experience the Victorian age recreations of soldiers training in
the courtyard - kilts and all! The Citadel also portrays
soldier\'s wives and civilians in it\'s authentic recreations.

Nova Scotia\'s history also plays a role in of one of the largest
sea tragedies, the sinking of the Titanic, and is home to the
graves of the largest concentration of the victims.

If you enjoy the scenery or want to take an active vacation
there are several scenic trails that meander through Nova
Scotia\'s inlands and coastal areas. There are also hiking,
canoe, kayaking and biking routes and tours.

Spring is welcomed with the traditional festivities of the
Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival in May where you can
enjoy parades, celebrations and the breathtaking beauty of some
of the loveliest apple orchards in full bloom. The fall is
equally admired with the landscape becoming a fire of brightly
colored trees painting the hills and valleys with orange, yellow
and red.

Enjoy the barren, rocky landscape of Peggy\'s Cove and visit the
most photographed lighthouse in the world. You\'ll also be
impressed with the awesome power and beauty of the ocean
crashing and spraying over the rocks. Nova Scotia\'s Bay of Fundy
is home to the world\'s highest tides - so watch out when
enjoying the many beaches that cover 100\'s of kilometers of
coast.

If you enjoy city life, than you\'ll love the quaint pubs, shops
and the art shops of the historic properties in Halifax. There
is also high style shopping on Spring Garden Road or you can
take a glimpse of works by up and coming artists at the Nova
Scotia College of Art and Design - a leading visual arts
university in North America for more than a century.

Whatever your pleasure - you\'ll find something to love in Nova
Scotia!