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Aspen Vacation Guide to Year-Round Romantic Fun

2009-01-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

Aspen Vacation Guide to Year-Round Romantic Fun
A Look at a Romantic Aspen Vacation – Things to Do, Nightlife, & Lodging

When many people think of Aspen, Colorado, the first image they get is celebrities on ski vacations. While it’s true that Aspen gets it’s fair share of famous people, it’s a great place for anyone to be outdoors summer and winter (don’t let the rich and famous have all the fun!).

What do people love about Aspen?

The scenery and hiking are wonderful
The accommodation and nightlife
The great skiing of course

But Aspen is also a fine place for walking, people watching (the famous and the beautiful!), or just kicking back and relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.

On this page will take a look at the best way to travel to Aspen, some of the fun you can have with Aspen vacation activities in the summer and winter, and options available for Aspen vacation lodging and accommodation.

Different Ways of Travel to Aspen

The distance from Denver to Aspen is 162 miles (260 km). Your way of travel to Aspen will vary by season.

How to Get from Denver to Aspen: During the summer, by car, take I-70 west, and turn south on Hwy 91 to Leadville. As you continue south, the road becomes US 24. Keep going until you see Hwy 82, and take it past Twin Lakes and through Independence Pass, and you’ll arrive in Aspen.

In the winter, parts of Hwy 82 are closed, so that means that travel from Denver to Aspen is possible only on I-70 west all the way to Glenwood Springs, and then south on Hwy 82 from there to Aspen.

If you’re looking for cheap flights to Aspen, all the major online travel sites have deals available. For more information about these and some tips on getting the best deal on cheap flights to Aspen, or cheap air tickets to Denver.

Denver Stapleton Airport is the closest major airport to Aspen. There is a shuttle from Denver Airport to Aspen that operates year-round. Colorado Mountain Express operates the route, and the cost is $101 OW/ $202 RTN for the 4.5 hr ride.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Aspen

Winter: If you’re coming to ski, the best time to visit Aspen is usually from early December to April. Bundle up in the winter, as Aspen gets its coldest weather in January ( can get down to -15 Celsius, or 7 degrees F).
Summer: Nice but rarely hot. Expect high temps in the 23-25 Celcius range ( 75-80F), and lots of sun. But bring your sunscreen, as the high altitude makes for rather intense UV rays.
Autumn: A wonderful time in Aspen. Without the ski or festival crowds, you'll have more of the town and mountains to yourself. The fall colors are terrific, and the morning air crisp and fresh.

Aspen Activities in the Summer & Year Round

There are lots of things to do in Aspen at any time of the year. These are just a few of the possibilities for a great romantic getaway in Aspen:

Maroon Bells- 15 miles southwest of Aspen are the stunningly beautiful peaks called Maroon Bells, with Maroon Lake at the basin and a wilderness of alpine meadows and rugged cliffs. Access to Maroon Bells is basically restricted to cycle, on foot, guided bus tour or public bus from downtown Aspen. There are hiking trails to Crater Lake Trail, offering incredible mountain scenery. The autumn colors around here are just gorgeous!

Other Mountain Hikes & Trails – Snowmass Mountain has hiking and golf at mid-mountain level, accessible by scenic chairlift from Snowmass Village Mall. The Rio Grande Trail along the Roaring Fork River is good for cycling, and cross country skiing.

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool - A mineral hot springs (nice and hot!) located in Glenwood Springs, just 40 miles northwest of Aspen. U.S. Presidents and movie stars have soaked here! However, because of it’s popularity it can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends. The large pool has 2 water slides, and the Hot Springs Lodge is a resort-style hotel on-site with the usual amenities.

T Lazy 7 Ranch – One of the best things to do during your Aspen vacation in the summer is visit a nearby ranch. A great opportunity to experience a Colorado ranch just a few minutes away from Aspen is the T Lazy 7 Ranch. There’s horseback rides and tours into the Colorado backcountry, including the scenic Maroon Bells. Some are 2 and 3 day trips with cooked meals and camping under the stars!

And in the winter you can explore some of the scenic countryside by snowmobile.

Aspen Summer Festivals – lots going on in Aspen: Aspen Music Festival (July&August), Aspen Filmfest, Theatre in the Park, as well as the DanceAspen festival.

More romantic things to do in Aspen: check out al the designer shops in Hyman Avenue. Or for something a little more scenic and energetic, hike and explore the top of Ajax Mountain by boarding the Silver Queen gondolas.

Aspen Ski Resorts

Aspen is actually 4 ski areas spread over 4 mountains: Ajax, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass. Ajax and Aspen Highlands are certainly the most difficult of the four, but because of that tend to be a little less crowded too.

The best place to ski Aspen for beginners would be Buttermilk Mountain, which has a nice choice of runs in the not-too-difficult category. Snowmass is the biggest of the Aspen ski resorts, and has one of the biggest vertical drops in the country.

One lift ticket is good for all four mountains, and they cost about $65. There are some places to find discount Aspen lift tickets – if you book early, you can get up to $50 discount off a six-day Aspen lift ticket (stayaspensnowmass.com, 888-649-5982).

There are other cheap Aspen lift ticket and accommodation packages available through different Aspen vacation resorts and hotels if you ski in the off-season or if you stay a week or longer.

Some other Aspen activities couples will love in the winter include cross-country skiing, ice skating, sleigh rides and snowmobiling.

Aspen Nightlife & Restaurants

As you might imagine, there’s no shortage of nightlife in Aspen. The party scene is thriving with lots of local bars and restaurants which stay open into the early morning hours. It can be a challenge to find a menu dinner under $25 in some of the sit down establishments, especially those close to the skiing. But there are some cheaper bistros and diners in downtown Aspen that are not too hard to find.

The many bars, pubs and nightclubs in town mean you can find a fun evening out anytime. There’s discos, country and western bars, and live-music venues, so you shouldn’t have to search too hard to find some dancing after a day on the slopes!

A couple of places for a few evening cocktails:

The Greenhouse Bar at the Little Nell has a nice bar with live jazz on some nights, and a cozy fireplace in the lobby.
The Red Onion is popular, as it’s the oldest pub in town. It’s a crowded but casual place with very good burgers.

Aspen Lodging

Like many mountain ski resorts, Aspen vacation accommodations are generally cheaper in the summer, and more expensive in the winter high season. Naturally, the closer you stay to the chairlifts, the more you will spend!

The basic types of Aspen lodging include hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts, and Aspen vacation condos and homes.

Aspen Lodging: Aspen vacation rentals are becoming more and more popular with both familes and couples, as they offer luxury, convenience and above all, excellent value.

Romantic Hotels in Aspen: Both the Hotel Jerome and the St.Regis offer great amenities with a touch of luxury. Check for special romance packages and weekend getaway rates.

The Ten Best Ski Resorts In North America

2009-01-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

Back when the whole notion of skiing as a popular sport began to take off in Europe after World War I, people would go to lodges in fashionable resort towns such as Chamonix, St. Moritz and Gstaad. It wasn't until the 1930s, when places like Sun Valley first began attracting skiers, that the idea of American ski resorts became popular.

Today, of course, nearly every state with semi-annual snowfall and a slightly bumpy terrain boasts at least one ski resort, but for those people for whom skiing is as much a sport as a pastime, only the best will do.

And that's what you will read about below. In a nod to geographical realities and to be considerate of readers who live on the East Coast, we included two Eastern resorts, although the skiing is inferior to what one will invariably find in the West. Moreover, we have selected one resort per ski area. (We expect that readers will feel that we did not include many of their favorites and you may tell us so here.)

All the resorts included here, however, have been selected as much for the comfort and luxury of their lodges as for the quality of their ski runs. If you're into extreme skiing and rough accommodations, the following may not be for you. But if you like your snow as white as your bed linen and the air as intoxicating as a bottle of Dom Perignon, then these are the places for you.

The Little Nell

Aspen, Colo.

Aspen has been so chic for so long now that it's in danger of becoming passé. With its mobs of demi-celebrities, long lift lines and clusters of McChalets, Aspen would be overdue if it weren't for the fact that it is blessed with some of the finest skiing in North America.

It also happens to have one of the finest ski resort hotels. The Little Nell, located at the base of Aspen Mountain, has been spoiling guests since it first opened its doors in 1989. A member of Relais & Chateaux, The Little Nell boasts a superb restaurant and 92 guest rooms, each of which comes with a fireplace that is perfect for relaxing in front of after a hard day on the slopes. If it's been a particularly hard day, work out the kinks and tender spots at the hotel's spa.

For more information, please call (970) 920-4600 or visit their Web site at www.thelittlenell.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	300 in.
Summit Elevation	11,212 ft.
Base Elevation	7,945 ft.
Skiable Area	673 acres
Vertical Drop	3,267 ft.
Expert Runs	30%
Advanced Runs	35%
Intermediate Runs	35%
Beginner Runs	N/A
Total Runs	76
Total Lifts	8

Inn At Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek, Colo.

Only half an hour (depending on road conditions) west of Vail, Beaver Creek is like Vail in embryo. While this pretty little ski town is hardly undiscovered, it has yet to become the skiing version of a megamall that now defines places such as Aspen and Vail. But development here over the past few years has been ferocious and pseudo-Alpine condos are going up a rapid clip. Nevertheless, Beaver Creek offers challenging slopes for both skiers and boarders alike, as well as first-class accommodation at the massive yet comfortably rustic Inn at Beaver Creek. Located only yards from the ski lift of the western slope of the resort, the Inn is very comfortable, offering Jacuzzis in every room and complimentary breakfast.

For more information, please call (888) 485-4317 or visit their Web site at www.innatbeavercreek.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	331 in.
Summit Elevation	11,440 ft.
Base Elevation	7,400 ft.
Skiable Area	1,625 acres
Vertical Drop	4,040 ft.
Expert Runs	N/A
Advanced Runs	27%
Intermediate Runs	39%
Beginner Runs	34%
Total Runs	146
Total Lifts	13

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

British Columbia, Canada

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in British Columbia is regularly named among the top ski resorts in the world. This massive castlelike lodge is located at the foot of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains, which offer some of the finest skiing in North America. Rooms are large and expensive, but this degree of luxury and service combined with phenomenal skiing justifies its exemplary reputation. For the more adventurous, the resort also provides heli-skiing.

In addition to great skiing, guests can relax at the Mallard Lounge, dine at the Wildflower restaurant or soothe aching muscles at the spa. In the off-season, there are also four 18-hole golf courses, including one designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

For more information, please call (604) 938-8000 or visit their Web site at www.chateauwhistlerresort.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	914 cm
Summit Elevation	2,284 m
Base Elevation	674 m
Skiable Area	2,861 hectares
Vertical Drop	1,609 m
Expert Runs	N/A
Advanced Runs	30%
Intermediate Runs	55%
Beginner Runs	15%
Total Runs	200
Total Lifts	33

Stein Eriksen Lodge

Deer Valley, Utah

Since he first came to the U.S. four decades ago, former 1952 Olympic skiing gold medallist Stein Eriksen has made a career out of getting Americans up on skis. He has been both a ski instructor and a leading developer of luxury ski resorts, beginning first in Park City, Utah, and culminating in the creation of his eponymous resort in nearby Deer Valley in the Wasatch mountain range. The great thing about Deer Valley is that it is designed to provide ski runs for skiers of all ages and abilities. While there might be more challenging mountains, there are few more comfortable, which explains why it is so popular with older skiers as well as with families. Fireplaces are everywhere and, unlike many ski resorts that tend to decorate their rooms with faux-Alpine furniture, the lodge is full of the real thing. Another reason to go is the food at the lodge's restaurant, appropriately named Valhalla, after the Norse home of the gods. The resort has added new facilities in anticipation of the 2002 Winter Olympics, but rooms may be hard to come by while the Games are in session.

For more information, please call (435) 649-3700 or visit their Web site at www.steinlodge.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	300 in.
Summit Elevation	9,570 ft.
Base Elevation	6,570 ft.
Skiable Area	1,750 acres
Vertical Drop	3,000 ft.
Expert Runs	35%
Advanced Runs	N/A
Intermediate Runs	50%
Beginner Runs	15%
Total Runs	88
Total Lifts	19

Amangani

Jackson Hole, Wyo.

Aman Resorts has developed a reputation for creating peerless resorts on tropical islands and on beaches with exotic, lyrical names like Bora Bora and Amanpuri, but now it has brought its experience to bear on its first North American property, the Amangani. Located in Jackson Hole, Wyo., the Amangani is also the chain's first cold-weather resort; for a company that is more associated with sandy beaches and ocean breezes, they take to the snow very well. The 40-suite, three-story lodge is set on the edge of a butte with views looking down the Teton Pass, which divides the Snake River Range from the snow-capped Teton Mountains. After a hard day of skiing on the Teton's famously challenging slopes, guests can relax in a sunken tub or on hydraulic massage beds after a dinner at the Grill, which offers Asian food with a Western touch.

For more information, please call (307) 734-7333 or visit their Web site at www.amangani.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	400 in.
Summit Elevation	10,450 ft.
Base Elevation	6,300 ft.
Skiable Area	2,500 acres
Vertical Drop	4,139 ft.
Expert Runs	5%
Advanced Runs	45%
Intermediate Runs	40%
Beginner Runs	10%
Total Runs	86
Total Lifts	10

Chateau Mont-Tremblant

Quebec, Canada

If what you really want to do is go skiing in the French Alps but don't want to travel that far, visiting the Mont-Tremblant in Quebec is the next best thing. Situated at the foot of the Laurentian Mountains, the lodge overlooks a pretty little village full of ersatz-Gallic charm and cobblestones. Part of the Fairmont chain, the lodge also capitalizes on the region's historical association with French fur trappers, with plenty of snowshoes and animal pelts hanging artistically from the walls. The lodge offers ski-in/ski-out capabilities to its guests, who are literally able to walk out the back door and find themselves being whisked to the top of the ski run within minutes.

For more information, please call (819) 681-7000 or visit their Web site at www.fairmont.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	381 cm
Summit Elevation	875 m
Base Elevation	265 m
Skiable Area	246 hectares
Vertical Drop	644 m
Expert Runs	25%
Advanced Runs	25%
Intermediate Runs	33%
Beginner Runs	17%
Total Runs	92
Total Lifts	13

Topnotch

Stowe, Vt.

While it is unfair to compare the quality of skiing in Vermont to the powder of Utah, not everyone can live in Salt Lake City or Vail. Fortunately, for those skiers who live in the East, there is Topnotch in Stowe, Vt., which offers some of the best skiing east of the Rockies--not to mention first-class pampering. Located between the picturesque Vermont town of Stowe and Mount Mansfield, Topnotch sits on 120 acres and during the winter offers skiers the perfect jump-off spot for skiing at the Stowe Mountain Resort. If you're more interested in cross-country skiing, the lodge maintains a network of well-groomed trails.

For more information, please call (800) 451-8686 or visit their Web site at www.topnotch-resort.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	260 in.
Summit Elevation	4,395 ft.
Base Elevation	2,035 ft.
Skiable Area	480 acres
Vertical Drop	2,360 ft.
Expert Runs	25%
Advanced Runs	N/A
Intermediate Runs	60%
Beginner Runs	15%
Total Runs	48
Total Lifts	11

Sun Valley Lodge

Sun Valley, Idaho

The granddaddy of American ski resorts, Sun Valley became popular back in the 1930s when people such as Ernest Hemingway and others who had learned to ski in Europe first discovered it. Today it is still one of the most popular ski destinations in the world, largely because of the quality of the trails on its two mountains: Baldy, for advanced skiers, and Dollar, for beginners. The great thing about Sun Valley is that they've been doing it right for so long that they don't know any other way. The Lodge is wonderfully comfortable, full of roaring fireplaces and soft couches and beds that seem appropriately and satisfactorily old-fashioned. This is not a glitzy place, but if you want good food, good rooms and great skiing in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, this is the place.

For more information, please call (800) 786-8259 or visit their Web site at www.sunvalley.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	220 in.
Summit Elevation	9,150 ft.
Base Elevation	5,750 ft.
Skiable Area	2,054 acres
Vertical Drop	3,400 ft.
Expert Runs	N/A
Advanced Runs	22%
Intermediate Runs	42%
Beginner Runs	36%
Total Runs	78
Total Lifts	18

The Peaks At Telluride

Telluride, Colo.

The Peaks offer not only exceptional skiing in the 14,000-foot-high San Juan mountain range, but also one of the finest spas in the world, the Golden Door Spa. The resort, which contains 174 luxury rooms and suites, 14 penthouse condominiums and ten private cabins, has ski-in/ski-out access to the mountain and three new Doppelmayr high-speed detachable quad lifts to help ensure quick access to the top of the run. While the slopes can accommodate skiers of all abilities, Telluride is particularly appealing to the expert skier who is looking for a challenge on one of its many advanced runs. This year the resort's total ski area has been virtually doubled by the addition of 733 new acres from Prospect Bowl, meaning that you could spend a week here and never ski the same run twice.

After a hard day on the slopes--or, if you're feeling indulgent, instead of--a visit to the 42,000-square-foot Golden Door, which is affiliated with the famous Golden Door Spa in Escondido, Calif., will really round out the experience at The Peaks. Inspired by traditional Japanese techniques and complemented by more modern practices like hydrotherapy and herbal wraps, the spa alone is worth the trip. The Peaks is part of the Wyndham chain.

For more information, please call (800)-789-2220 or visit their Web site at www.thepeaksresort.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	309 in.
Summit Elevation	12,260 ft.
Base Elevation	8,725 ft.
Skiable Area	1,700 acres
Vertical Drop	3,535 ft.
Expert Runs	N/A
Advanced Runs	40%
Intermediate Runs	38%
Beginner Runs	22%
Total Runs	85
Total Lifts	15

Sonnenalp

Vail, Colo.

If it weren't such a terrific hotel, the Sonnenalp's ersatz-Bavarian touches would almost be humorous. In fact, in many ways, the Sonnenalp is almost more Germanic than most ski lodges in Austria or Switzerland these days. Of course, because it is all meant so well and because the staff is wonderfully accommodating and pleasant, it ends up adding to, rather than taking away from, the hotel's considerable charm. (Even better, each room comes with a large soaking tub and heated tile floors.) The quasi-Old World feel is particularly appreciated given the crowds that nowadays inundate Vail. While the Sonnenalp can't help you move through the lift lines any faster, it can give you a better place to return to after a day's skiing which, once you make it to the top, is still among the best in the world.

For more information, please call (800) 654-8312 or visit their Web site at www.sonnenalp.com.

Resort Information

Average Snowfall	346 in.
Summit Elevation	11,570 ft.
Base Elevation	8,120 ft.
Skiable Area	5,289 acres
Vertical Drop	3,450 ft.
Expert Runs	40%
Advanced Runs	N/A
Intermediate Runs	32%
Beginner Runs	28%
Total Runs	193
Total Lifts	33

Frankfurt Germany -- 12 Insider Tips

2009-01-02T04:03:00.000-08:00

In the city with its international airport 650,000 humans live. It is a very modern large city and became the 'turntable of Europe'. In Frankfurt important industrial enterprises and wholesale dealer are resident like also many banks. Not only the German Federal Bank, but also the European Central Bank (ECB) resides here.

Famous ‘Kaiserdom’ (emperor cathedral), which documents loved 'Roemerberg’ (Roman mountain) and the historical 'Paulskirche', in which the first freely selected German parliament met, besides the political meaning of this fascinating city.

Yes, Frankfurt is a metropolis and full surprises as well as contrasts. Skyscrapers are directly apart from half timbered houses; culture and commerce form here a unit. In addition, Frankfurt is a fair city, a literature city and above all a culture city: here the cradle of the German jazz scene with many small music taverns, in which you cannot only ease, is appropriate but also into the night much fun to have canned. The moreover one you find many museums.

Frankfurt, because of its skyline also ' Mainhattan ' mentioned, is a large city in the country, between the mountain courses by ‘Taunus’ and ‘Spessart’ and surrounded by a wreath/ring of world-well-known health resorts, popular holidays areas and trip goals.

In the following I will give you 12 insider tips. Before I do it however you do the following: print out this side, so that you have it immediately available, if you come to Frankfurt. It is nearly impossible, everything that I wrote here to keep in the head and it would be unfortunate, if you are in Frankfurt and get to face only the 'normal' points of interest.

Besides that after your arrival you should go immediately to the tourist information. It is in downtown, near the 'Roemer'. The road calls itself 'Auf dem Roemerberg' (on the Rome mountain) and the telephone number is: +49-69-21238800. Ask them for a city map. Without a city map you will lose yourself in this big city, and with the city map you will find everything I mention here.

Bars and restaurants
1. One of the best cocktail bars in Frankfurt is the ‘Strandperle’ (beach bead). Particularly the Caipirinha is unique! In the summer the bar surface expands to a terrace café high over to the river 'Main'.

2. The smallest jazz restaurant of Germany is the 'Mampf'. Since more than 30 years there are free concerts to German meals. Apart from jazz also Blues, Swing, Latin and Flamenco are played. Simply enjoy the good mood and fun inheres.

3. One of the few popular apple wine restaurants with yard garden is the 'Lorsbacher Tal'. It is in the quarter 'Alt-Sachsenhausen’ (old axle living) and has a very cosy ambience and solid German meals.

4. The restaurant 'Pilar' is at the same time a bar. Fine noodles, salads and original Mediterranean creations will be served. On the side panels of the restaurant hang sumptuous baroque paintings, which offer an interesting contrast to the simple Design of bar, leather seat and wood table.

5. In the elevated ‘Villa Merton' (Mansion Merton) you find meals of the all-finest. If it permits your travel budget, go here. The employees speak English and recommend to you gladly the specialities of the house.

Sightseeing and culture
6. In the Goethe house and Goethe museum Goethe was born in the year 1749. He lived here until 1775. The house was outstanding reconstructed and contains paintings, handwriting and diagrams of the large German poet.

7. On the 'Roemerberg’ (Roman mountain) regularly highlights and meetings take place. It is a long stretched, five-angular place and is gladly visited by humans. At this place is the 'Frankfurter Roemer’ (Frankfurt Romans), the famous city hall of the city. It was reconstructed after the war. In the festival room of the Roemer pictures of German emperors are to be admired.

8. In the 'Pauluskirche' (Paulus church), which was established between 1787 and 1833, the first German national assembly met in 1848. It is a place of historical building method and historiography.

9. The 'Senckenberg Museum’ is the largest scientific museum in Germany. You find here a descriptive collection of approximately 500,000 exhibits, which arrange for you an overview of the development of our animated nature over millions of years. It is simply impressing.

10. The 'Palmengarten’ (palm garden) shows a domestic, tropical and subtropical Flora. The emphases of the 20 hectares large park are over 300 orchids, ‘Bromelien’ and about 1,600 different cactus species. Concerts also often take place here.

11. In the 'Frankfurt Zoo' approximately 6,000 animals (650 kinds) live together in extensive outdoor installations and houses. If animals interest you, you must go here. Plan however at least five hours for your attendance.

12. When it becomes evening, you absolutely MUST go to the 'Berger Strasse’ (Berger road)! On 2 km (1.3 miles) you find taverns, Bars, Cafés and restaurants for each taste! Here you surely will NOT become boring. If I am in Frankfurt, this road is a must for me, again and again.

Enjoy your trip!

A Quick Tour of Spain.

2009-01-02T04:02:00.000-08:00

With over fifty million tourists visiting Spain each year, this popular West European country must have something special which attracts the visitor. What exactly is it ...?

The main beauty of this lovely land can be summed up in just one word - variety - and, as you all well know, variety is the spice of life!

Whether you are referring to its climate, geography, history, culture or cuisine ... there is something to appeal to all tastes, ages and pockets.

The tourist explosion which took place in the 60s was originally due to its marvellous beaches. And, with good reason, for the Foundation for Environmental Education states that "Spanish beaches are the most environmentally healthy in Europe" and has awarded the much-coveted Blue Flag to 450 of the country´s beaches - more than any other participating country.

But maybe lolling about on the beach all day is not your thing and you prefer more action ... a touch of sophistication?

Should this be the case then Spain´s major cities are ideal for you ... jam-packed full of history, and an art-lover´s dream. Yet, with their abundance of parks and wide open spaces, good shops and pulsating night-life, they are a joy for everyone - children included.

So ... mooch around the truly marvellous museums and monuments of Madrid. Enjoy the bustle of stylish Barcelona bursting with vibrant Gaudí influence. Savor the delights of romantic Mediterranean cities such as Valencia and Alicante. Or journey further south to the exotic cities of Granada, Seville and Málaga. Immerse yourself in their haunting Islamic palaces, the brilliant colors and sounds of flamenco, and in the birth-place and works of Picasso.

Maybe you hunger for the peace and quiet of a hideaway hotel in an unspoiled village? Then rural Spain is for you: full of forgotten villages, bursting at the seams with medieval castles, and offering prolific flora and fauna, it is ideal for walking holidays, painting, photography or just plain "get away from it all" holidays. Not to mention ski-ing opportunities for the more active amongst Spain´s snow-capped peaks.

Should you fancy a mix of all three - beach, city and rural - then that is also easy to arrange. Although Spain is the largest country in Western Europe after France, it is certainly no problem to get around. Littered with airports - both national and international - it also offers a good train service, though the cheapest and most convenient method of internal travel is by using the national bus/coach system.

For those who are a little tired of the stereo-typed hotel chains, Spain has a unique alternative on offer in its state-established "paradores". In these, you will find accommodation in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, monasteries, convents ...

The aim of the "paradores" is to offer high standards at reasonable prices in a noteworthy building or location and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking by serving the best of local cuisine in the "parador" restaurants.

Which brings us on to yet another delight that Spain has to offer - its rich and varied cuisine. Whichever region of Spain you decide to visit, you will surely encounter scrumptious Spanish food!

What´s more, the traditional Spanish diet, with the liquid gold of its olive oil, its rich supply of wine (in moderation!), its wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, plus an abundance of seafood, all mean that it is extremely good for the heart. On top of that, it is affordable!

Even their "caviar" of cured hams - "jamón Ibérico" - has fat unusually high in oleic acid which is known to lower cholesterol levels! Now I ask you, where else can you get something pleasurable, that is cheap, and also good for you?!

Even if you fancy picking between meals you can opt for their tempting "tapas" - much healthier for you than a packet of crisps or a donut!

Tapas originate from the large, southerly region of Andalucia and it is this region that we also have to thank for flamenco and the Spanish guitar. Which holiday would be complete without visiting an authentic flamenco show or dancing the night away to the beat of romantic Spanish music?

So ... come visit this land where the warmth of its climate is only surpassed by the warmth of its people. You are bound to have a great time!

Too Much To Do In London!

2009-01-02T04:01:00.000-08:00

No one can truly say they know London well. To know London completely is impossible. London changes faster than pigeons descending into the fountains of Trafalgar Square. Home to inhabitants for over 2,000 years now London has grown from the protective circle of the Tower to a sprawling metropolis, the ideal platform for constant illustrious activity.

Always where there is history there are tales to tell. Tourists are naturally drawn to the regular tourist attractions, yet it is the true travellers that seek deeper to find the gems of a 2,000 year-old town. It only takes a very small amount of investigating to find something more rewarding, more interesting, more inspiring in London, than the London Dungeons (although it must be said – is a damn good laugh if you can bear the hour long queues!).

For instance, not even a minute’s walk from the London Dungeons is the Hay’s Galleria. This gem is for some totally bizarre reason hidden from all guidebooks and tourist information – no doubt to preserve its lack of thousands of tourists making it a less exclusive haven. Please go there! It’s a beautiful indoor/outdoor menagerie of a few select shops, with a vast concourse of cafes, market stalls, bands, presentations, and of course, it overlooks a beautiful part of the Thames.

Turn right from Hays Galleria and you find yourself in a Thames-side walkway next to the newest buildings in town. The architecture is phenomenal, and these lord-mayor buildings are still so new that you can imagine that the cellophane has just freshly been peeled off all the windows. You are welcome to enter the Lord Mayor’s building (it’s the one shaped like a golf ball), go to the top and marvel at the mind-boggling roundness of it all – plus of course see the spectacular views of the HMS Belfast, Tower Bridge & the Tower of London. Continue strolling directly into the I-Witness open-air gallery, before maybe snacking on a hot-dog in the mini-fairground.

Walk past the green that previously hosted many Hollywood film premieres in giant marquees, the David Blaine in-a-box episode, plus many other varied events, and you are literally underneath Tower Bridge, keep walking and you are now in Shad Thames, a true delight of traffic-free, cobbled streets full of people, giving you a precise feeling of how the London streets felt hundreds of years ago. It is as if these streets have been restored from long ago, thus delivering to the traveller a wonderfully rich blend of old and new in the same vicinity. Circle around Shad Thames, past the ever-changing Design-Museum, and find yourself in Butlers Wharf, a charming quay-side collection of bars & restaurants all overlooking the Thames opposite the equally picturesque St Katherine’s Dock. Trust me when I tell you that Butlers Wharf is the ultimate in romantic settings.

Hays Galleria to Butlers Wharf is one walk of quite possibly hundreds to choose from, in fact – that’s a whole day right there! There are equal delights even if you turned left out of Hay’s Galleria instead, especially the Clink Street Prison Museum, Vinopolis (Wine Museum), Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, I could go on….

Great streets, great walks, great museums (forget the big-ones – go to the Children’s museum in Bethnal Green for a real treat). It is frustrating to think that the bulk of visitors to London wind up staying in some of the least interesting areas. Paddington & Bayswater are both great areas, being so close to Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens (now home to the finally-completed Princess Diana shrine). Kensington & Earls Court have their highlights too, but there is more to London than the tried and tested tourist routes.

I recently stayed in a five star hotel in the middle of the city on the weekend for less than one hundred pounds a night, and was amazed at exactly how completely empty the city of London was. I was in heaven! There I was in the middle of one of the oldest cities around, and I had it all to myself! City hotels are notorious for being completely empty on weekends, hence the great rates. I am sure tourists pay over the hundred pounds per night threshold to stay in ‘trendy’ Kensington etal, when they could easily stay next to Tower Bridge, St Paul’s, Millennium Bridge etc, for much less.

Needless to say that the City of London (the financial centre) is absolutely coloured with history, everywhere you go there are buildings proclaiming their 16th century origins, and they are in abundance.

I was recently taken to what is supposedly one of the oldest London pubs in existence. Again, this pub is not only hidden from the guidebooks and the common information sources, it is also hidden from the public! I had to be taken there, as I would never have been able to find it unless accompanied. This pub is hidden from the world. It is sandwiched between two narrow streets and therefore completely obscured from any main thoroughfare. It has its own courtyard and as you stand supping a pint outside, it is as if you are in Victorian London. Look down the misty streets and it is easy to conjure up an old bobby on the beat blowing his whistle, or Jack the Ripper lurking in the shadows. Oh - and there’s a 150 year old tree growing through the building, to add to the oddity of the pub.

Hampstead is another great area waiting to be discovered. Covered in green spaces, Hampstead (North London) is perfect for the idyllic setting combined with the close proximity to the big-smoke. Steeped in its own folklore, Hampstead was home to Dick Turpin (apparently he was born at the Spaniard’s Inn – hugely popular and famous pub on the Heath) of which his ghost still roams Kenwood house, and the surrounding woodlands. The high streets of Hampstead, Belsize Park, and the immaculately kept Primrose Hill are possibly the last untouched-by-commercialism streets in London (no Starbucks here!). If you want breath-taking views of the city, historical sites detailing the ‘first entry point into London’, combined with al-fresco dining, and an altogether more relaxed atmosphere, Hampstead is the place, and less than 15 minutes on the tube to the city centre! Now do you see why it seems frustrating that tourists stay in less desirable areas when they could stay in an altogether more inspiring location, just as close to all the major attractions?

Of course, Hampstead is one of London’s many beauty spots, yet the city is not all about beauty. As with any home to approximately 10 million people, varied activity is rife. London events cannot help but affect all, every Londoner has an opinion on the congestion zone, on the ill-fated Millennium Dome, on Tony Blair, in fact on any topic you care to mention. Start a conversation with any London black-cab driver – typically famous for their outspoken views, and you will find yourself immediately thrown into the debate of the day.

So, when visiting London do not even attempt to see it all – you cannot.

In a city where already this year a Roman road has been uncovered a mile below ground level dating back to 1 AD, and where Paddington workers uncovered Brunel’s first iron-bridge – one they didn’t know existed - London is forever creating wonders on a regular basis.

The World's Biggest Capital Village

2009-01-02T03:59:00.000-08:00

Oslo. Norway's capital city. Population about half a million. Compared with places like New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, it's little more than a village although it does cover an astonishing 454 square kilometres.

Smack bang in the middle of the city you’ll find the Royal Palace. For those not used to kind of freedom enjoyed by the Norwegian royals, the palace can be quite a surprise. There are no fences surrounding it and the gardens are open to the public at all times. You’ll find families picnicking there, people walking their dogs, but unfortunately, you’ll also find that it attracts hard drug users. Luckily, they tend to keep themselves to themselves and there’s rarely any trouble from them. Used needles don't appear to be too much of a problem either, maybe because the park's regularly maintained. There are guards but they generally leave you alone. As the late King Olav once said, who needs bodyguards when you have the entire population of your country protecting you?

From the Palace, Karl Johans Gate leads down towards the parliament buildings. The road is divided in two, with open-air cafes and gardens in the middle. People of all ages congregate here, but it’s especially popular with younger people enjoying a half litre of lager (pils). Karl Johan is also the main shopping street of Oslo but be warned, prices in Norway are higher than you're probably used to. Make sure you've taken enough of your hard earned cash with you.

Example prices:
½ Litre of lager: kr 45 (about £3.80)
Loaf of bread: kr 16 (about £1.30)
20 cigarettes: kr 70 (about £6.00)
3-course meal in a good restaurant: kr 700 (about £60)
Lunch in a nice café: kr 150 (about £12.70)

Norwegian enjoy a high standard of living even if they too complain about the prices. Lager and cigarette prices are what peeve them most.

Most people associate Norway with snow, ice and extremely cold temperatures, tending to forget that they also enjoy warm, humid summers. Although Oslo is alive and kicking all year round, it’s during summer that the average tourist who isn’t particularly interested in winter sports, can enjoy the maximum benefits of a visit to the city. In fact, the variation in temperature and the magnificence of the surrounding countryside offer Oslo the benefit of a plethora of outdoor activities that cannot be competed with by any other capital city.

Oslo is situated at the tip of the Oslo Fjord, with its harbour being one of its main features. From here, you can take numerous boat trips out to the surrounding islands, including Bygdoy with its abundance of museums. Along Aker Brygge (Aker Pier) you’ll find street musicians and other pavement performers doing their thing while visitors and the people of Oslo enjoy fresh prawns and a half litre of lager which, incidentally, is always served ice cold. In fact, being able to down that first outdoor “summer pils” is part of Norwegian culture; a symbol of spring and yet another long, cold winter behind them. A varied assortment of restaurants, trendy cafes and bars can be found along the pier, offering something for most tastes and budgets. Remember to leave a tip in cafes and restaurants. 5-10% is the norm. The people of Oslo are generally friendly and most speak very good English.

Bygdoy is one of the more affluent areas and, as mentioned earlier, is the place to go for museums. Whether you want one that depicts rural life in Norway, Viking ships, or Kon-Tiki, the raft which Thor Heyerdahl built to sail from America to Polynesia in, you'll find it here. Elsewhere in Oslo you'll find, amongst others, The Henie Onstad centre, The Munch Museum and The Museum of Technology, the latter of which I can highly recommend.
It's also worth knowing that Bygdoy also has Oslo’s only naturist beach and that topless sunbathing is allowed, and widely practised, on all beaches in Norway.

If you like to enjoy an abundance of nightlife during your visits abroad, Oslo probably isn’t the best place to head for. Having said that, I have to add that Oslo’s nightlife has picked up remarkably over the past 10 years or so, and if clubbing’s what you want, you will find places to go. Bare in mind that it won’t be cheap. There are plenty of bars about, catering for most tastes.

Other places to visit include Frogner Park with its 212 superb sculptures and undoubtedly one of Oslo's finest pearls and Holmenkollen Ski Jump for its magnificent view across Oslo and the fjord. Raadhusplassen (the area around the Town Hall) and the area surrounding Akers Festning are the red light districts and probably best avoided at night.
To see Oslo at its very best, I’d recommend visiting during May/June. There’s a special atmosphere in the city during those late spring months that can’t be experienced at any other time. Call it the X-factor.

If you’re thinking of visiting during winter, just let me warn you that the city centre isn’t a particularly pretty sight. Don’t expect white, snow covered streets because what you’ll get is filthy exhaust polluted slush. The surrounding countryside will be prettier.

Oslo’s a busy city, and driving is a nightmare. If you should be foolish enough to rent a car, remember that any vehicle approaching from the right has right of way and they make sure they get it too. On main roads this can be pretty scary! If I had a pound for every near miss I’ve had in Oslo, I’d be a rich woman now. Then there are trams to deal with; they stop for nobody!

If you do decide to visit, take an hour out of your schedule to just sit down by the quay enjoying the sun, a cold lager and a bag of fresh prawns. That's what Oslo's all about.

Secrets Of The London Tube

2009-01-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

Although it's many years since I left my home in London I still occasionally use The Tube, as the London Underground is affectionately known.

Hold on. Affectionately? Does anybody actually hold any affection for the network of tunnels that run beneath the surface of our capital, or the rolling stock that runs through them?

They’re over-crowded, far too warm and stuffy (the temperature in the tunnels is about 10 C higher than at ground level), and the views are pretty dire. In central London, all you’re likely to see is the dark walls of the tunnels, although if you’re lucky, you might just get a glimpse of another train passing in another tunnel through one of the gaps between them. Funnily enough, contrary to popular belief, the majority of The Tube is actually over ground. Not that there’s much scenic stimulation along those stretches either. You might see some fascinating factories, some interesting piles of rubbish that have mysteriously grown along the sidings and a few back gardens, but nothing much else.

Anybody who’s ever regularly used The Tube during peak hours will tell you that using this particular form of transport can take great courage and will power. The platforms are crowded to the point where those at the front, closest to the lines, can find themselves fearing for their lives. We’re warned to stand behind the line, which is painted about three feet away from the platform edge, but with all those people behind you, all wanting to get forward and have a chance of getting on the next arriving train, the platform edge can quickly become dangerously close.

Having a position at the front doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a place on the next train though. Oh, no. Whether or not you’ll actually get on it will depend largely upon where on the platform you’re positioned and whether or not the carriage doors will be in front of you when the train stops. If you happen to be standing between two doors, then you’re very unlucky indeed. One way around this is to look at those ‘stand behind’ lines. As the rolling stock on each line of the underground are generally of the same type (the trains differ from line to line) and stop at more or less the same point (note: more or less… this isn’t an exact science), the ‘stand behind’ lines will be more worn where the doors are likely to be. Find those spots and you’ll have a better change of boarding the next one, unless of course the lines are freshly painted, in which case, bad luck.

This next point should be obvious to everybody but unfortunately, my experience tells me that this isn’t the case. When the train stops, even if you’re lucky enough to be standing in front of the doors, LET PASSENGERS OFF THE TRAIN FIRST! Don’t just push your way on, even if others are doing so. It’s bad manners and can cause nasty accidents.

Once on the train, you’ll no doubt have to stand as there are few seats compared with the amount of passengers being transported during peak hours. It’s standard etiquette to offer your seat to elderly passengers and those carrying small children, whether still in the comfortable confines of the womb or otherwise. Anybody else will have little chance of finding a seat. The more experienced underground travellers have their strategies though; they'll target a seat. Those reading are unlikely to be travelling just a few stops, and although they could have been travelling for ages already, they rarely make good targets. Study people’s faces. If they look bored, they’ve probably already been there a while so maybe they’ll be alighting soon? Mind you, people do get very bored very quickly on The Tube, so they could just as easily have joined the train at the station before yours.

When it comes to seats that are vacated during the journey, there’s a general unwritten rule. Whoever is standing closest to a seat that becomes available has the greatest claim to the seat. He/she can choose to offer it to a fellow passenger, but it’s against etiquette to make a dash for a seat where the privilege of sitting obviously belongs to another.

Speaking of unwritten rules, there are a few others that should be observed if you don’t want to unduly annoy your fellow passengers. The one that’s probably more annoying than any other, is the subject of occupying seats unnecessarily! Bags and other inanimate objects do not have the right to a seat. Sure, if the trains relatively empty, by all means pile them on a seat, but don’t imagine you can do this during peak times, even if you enter to train at its station of origin where seats are still aplenty. Rather than have a small child occupy a seat, you might consider holding your toddler on your lap, too. Mind you, the rush hour on The Tube isn’t the best place for small children to be, so your best bet would be to wait a couple of hours before making your journey.

Getting back to those bags, another point worth thinking about is what to do with large bags if you have to stand. Do as seasoned tube travellers do, and put them between your legs. No, I don’t mean stuff it up your jacksy, I mean place your bag on the floor and straddle it, one foot on either side. It’ll take far less room this way than if you stood beside it, because your feet still won’t be much further apart that the width of your torso. Standing with your legs apart also make balancing easier, and when those trains are dashing through winding tunnels, swaying from side to side, you’ll need all the balance you can get. An added advantage is that should anybody decide to steal your bags, having body contact with it means you’ll be more likely to feel it being moved.

Body contact. Yes, that’s another subject. I wish I knew how many times I’d felt a ‘lump’ being pushed against my backside on a crowded tube. Please…if anybody who's guilty of this is reading, is it really necessary? I understand that the jiggling motion of the train whilst pressed closed to the body of a member of the opposite sex might cause a sensation that could lead to embarrassment, but it surely isn’t necessary to make a show of it?

On some lines, and at certain stations, a voice will tell you to “mind the gap”. The posh female voice is known as Sonia, because she “gets on ya nerves” and “the gap” is a terrifyingly wide opening between the platform and the train door. Being of voluptuous proportions, I’ve never had a fear of disappearing down the gap, but the thought of getting my leg stuck down there has been pretty scary. For goodness sake pick up small children and carry them.

The deepest part of the system is at Hampstead Heath (Northern Line), where the rails are approximately 220 feet below the surface. Being the deepest part of any line, you’d expect to find the longest escalator here wouldn’t you? But you’d be wrong, because of all the 409 escalators, the longest is actually at Angel station, where the escalator is 197 feet long with a vertical rise of 90 feet. That’s one awesome escalator!

Whilst on the subject of moving stairways, I have to tell you that sometimes they don’t work and you have to walk up them, like it or not. There’s nothing quite like getting off a crowded tube train, feeling hot and sweaty and probably in need of murdering somebody, only to be presented with an out-of-order escalator that appears to be several miles long. Unless you’re ultra fit, it just isn’t funny. If they are moving, please remember to stand on the right hand side allowing those who want to walk up or down access to the left. You'll find that passengers often feel the need to run down escalators, causing danger to not only themselves but others travelling the escalator with them. It's a bad habit that you shouldn't indulge in.

Despite being uncomfortable at times, The Tube’s a relatively safe means of travelling around London. The most famous accident must surely be the Moorgate disaster, back in 1975, when 43 people were killed. The second disaster was in 1987 at King’s Cross, when a fire killed 31 people. There have been no other major disasters. There have been a few bombs placed on tube trains over the years, but none have actually exploded on packed trains. The 253 miles of railway is, however, renowned for its suicides. Jumping in front of a tube train seems to have been a fashionable way of killing oneself for quite some time now.

Using the tube is relatively inexpensive with a trip for an adult costing anything from ￡1.00 to ￡3.60, depending on the length of the journey. This is measured by zones, with zone 1 being within central London. The more zones you travel through, the more they'll charge you. Logical really. Child fares are available for those under 15, under five's travel free.

If you need to know which zone you'll be starting from or how many zones you'll be travelling though, 'TubePlanner' is a useful site to visit (www.tubeplanner.com). The journey planner here is actually easier to use than the one on the official London Underground site (www.thetube.com), although don't tell them I said so. You'll be able to access information such as quickest route, journey time and the fare. You can also look up tourist attractions and find out exactly how to get to them.

Those who use the tube often will always complain about it, but the truth is, without it, London would come to a stand still. The streets of London are already chock-a-block with traffic as it is so any attempt at transporting 900 million passengers over ground each year would lead to nothing less than chaos.

It may not be perfect, but it's by far the quickest and most convenient way of travelling through London. And hey.... even the map's easy to understand!

Places to Visit in Southeast Spain

2009-01-02T03:55:00.000-08:00

Southeast Spain along the Costa de Almeria is an unspoilt paradise. A world away from the high-rise hotel blocks and apartments that are associated with some other coastal areas of Spain, this Costa is subdued and altogether much more inviting. Mile upon mile of sandy beach stretches out along the coastline, truncated ever so often by headlands that crash out into the sea. For discerning families looking for a quiet Spanish holiday getaway, the Costa Almeria is the place to go.

Beyond the beaches
There are a wide variety of places to visit that are within a short drive of the Costa de Almeria coastline. Here are some of the best…

Tabernas - Home to the 'Westerns' of the 1960s and 1970s, Tabernas is formed of desert-like rocky outcrops and canyons that have played host to some of the most memorable movies of this era. Clint Eastwood's A Fist Full of Dollars, A Few Dollars More and The Good, The Bad & The Ugly were filmed here, as was The Magnificent Seven. The movie sets (there are three 'wild west' towns to visit) are now tourist attractions, with live wild west shows, stagecoach rides and working saloon bars to enjoy.

Calar Alto Observatory - The province of Almeria lays claim to one of the sunniest spots in Europe. On average there are over 3100 hours of sunshine to be had in the area each year. Taking advantage of the exceptionally clear skies in this part of Spain is the Calar Alto Observatory - a collection of five giant telescopes, three of which are operated by the Max-Plank Institute in Germany. Although chiefly a scientific research establishment the white telescope domes are a spectacular sight at any time of the day or on a moonlit night. It is also possible to arrange visits to one or more of the domes by appointment in the Sierra de los Filabres.

Sierra Nevada Mountains - When on the Costa de Almeria you cannot fail to notice the magnificent peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the west of the province. Snow capped for some six months of the year, the Sierra Nevada Mountain range is an all-year-round paradise. During the summer and autumn, hiking is the #1 activity, the mountainside yielding a fine network of paths to explore. During the winter and spring the Sierra Nevada becomes Europe's most southerly ski resort.

Granada - A short distance downslope from the Sierra Nevada mountains is the beautiful town of Granada and its most famous of attractions - the Alhambra. A palace residence of Moslem kings that dates back to the 9th century, the Alhambra is a fortress (alcazaba), palace (alcazar) and a city (medina) all rolled into one.

Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park - On the south-easternmost tip of Almeria is the 29,000-hectare Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park. Pristine beaches, jagged cliffs, salt flats and lagoons await all who explore this natural paradise. With eagles, peregrines, cormorants and razorbills on show, this is the place to come if you enjoy wildlife.

Getting to Southeast Spain
Travelers should opt to fly into Almeria City airport on the Costa de Almeria coast. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up from the airport upon your arrival.

Florence in a Day

2009-01-02T03:53:00.000-08:00

Overflowing with history, art and culture, Florence is a city that’s very hard to do justice to in a single day. A visit to the Uffizi museum alone could easily eat a day or two into any itinerary.

If you’re fortunate enough to visit Florence for the first time, but unfortunate enough to have only a single day to savour the delights of this city, you will need to ensure that you have a plan.

So allow me be your guide for the day and take you on a whistle stop tour of the sights and sounds of Florence. I can’t promise you the Uffizi in a day, but hopefully at the end of the tour you’ll feel like you’ve seen the best of the city. Your only problem will be deciding when to come back for more!

The first thing you’ll need before you start your tour is a map of the city. The centre of Florence is pretty compact, so the best way to see it, without missing a thing is by foot. If you don’t have a map or a guidebook and you’re not the type that enjoys aimless wandering, make your first stop of the day one of the tourist offices where you can pick up a free map of Florence.

Starting off in the main Piazza, you’ll easily spot the famous Duomo, with its magnificent terracotta coloured cupola. If you are there early enough to avoid the crowds and feel you can face the 463 steps I’d recommend starting your tour by climbing up into dome for a spectacular view of the city. The Duomo is probably the most distinctive feature of Florence’s skyline and is the result of years of work spanning six centuries.

Once you’ve taken in the view, catch your breath with a leisurely stroll around the streets surrounding the Duomo, and then take a walk to the nearby Piazza della Signoria. Here you’ll find a unique outdoor gallery of sculptures, including Neptune’s Fountain and a copy of the famous Statue of David. You’ll also find the Palazzo Vecchio (the Old Palace) here. This was built in the early 14th century and is still used today for its original purpose, as a Town Hall.

Just beside the Palazzo you’ll find the Uffizi museum, with its unrivalled collection of Renaissance art. If you’re an art lover, you don’t want to miss the Uffizi, but it’s not something that can be easily covered in a short 2-hour visit!

Alongside the Uffizi you’ll find the River Arno, with its many bridges. If you take a right turn you’ll arrive at the Ponte Vecchio, the famed bridge that houses a multitude of goldsmiths and jewellery shops, with its medieval workshops overhanging the bridge. The bridge itself was built in 1345 and is the only bridge on the Arno that wasn’t destroyed in World War II.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’ll arrive in the area called Oltrano, which literally means “Over the Arno”. Here you’ll find the Palazzo Pitti – a large 16th century palace. The palace was originally home to the Medici family who ruled Florence almost continuously between 1434 and 1743 and it now houses several important museums and galleries.

You may want to finish your day by taking a relaxing stroll in the Boboli gardens, which can be accessed through the Palazzo Pitti. These gardens were laid out in 1550 for the Medici a year after they bought the Palazzo Pitti and were opened to the public in 1766. Many parts of the gardens give stunning vistas over Florence and make a welcome retreat after a day of walking round the city.

If you have the time, it’s worth returning to view the Ponte Vecchio at sunset, followed by a walk along the bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge reflect on the River Arno and everything seems almost magical.

Finally, don’t forget to take a break from your sightseeing – stop for lunch or a drink in a pavement cafй, take some time to soak up the atmosphere and do a spot of people watching.

Travel Italy - Italy's must see Art and Architecture

2009-01-02T03:52:00.000-08:00

Every year millions of visitors trek through Italy in search of ancient culture, great food, art, architecture, and more. The allure is immediate even to those who have never been.

There is more art and architecture to see in Italy than one person could possibly experience in a lifetime. Rome, Florence, and Venice alone offer an unending array of design excursions. Highlighted here are some of the must see designs of both ancient and modern Italy. Talk a trip, bring a sketch book, and see the gorgeous art and design that is synonymous with Italian life.

The Coliseum - An architectural marvel, the coliseum was built beginning in 72 A.M. Originally used as a source of entertainment (usually forced barbaric combat) the Coliseum is still an amazing site. Strangely, although it could be considered a source of embarrassment of the past, it has been come to known as one of the ultimate icons of ancient Roman greatness. Location: the Piazza del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome

Vatican City - This tiny country is perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Rome. Vatican City is the heart of Catholicism, both spiritually and politically. St. Peter himself was crucified on this spot, and St. Peter's basilica was built directly above the ancient hill. Both the Basilica and St. Peter's square are still studied today in architecture and art history classes. You can wander the Vatican Museums for days, including a visit to the Sistine Chapel, to see some of the true masterpieces of Roman art. Location: Entry through Saint Peter's Square, Rome

Il Duomo (The Cathedral of Santa Maria Dei Fiori) - Il Duomo is considered by many to be the grandest achievement in Renaissance architecture. The octagonal dome, originally designed by Brunelleschi was the largest in the world when built. Since then, Il Duomo , which took nearly six centuries to complete, has become Florence's symbol. Climb the 414 steps of the bell tower, and Renaissance Florence will be laid before you. Location: Piazza del Duomo, Florence.

Piazza San Marco - Piazza San Marco is still studied today by architects and urban planners as one of the most beautiful and successful public squares. The square is surrounded by cafes, shops, and of course the Campanile and St. Peter's Basilica. Visitors and locals alike sip espresso in its cafes, meet to talk, and climb the Campanile to see an amazing view of Venice. Location: Piazza San Marco, with the Basilica at the wider end, Venice.

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection - In a city world reknown for its ancient art and architecture, the Guggenheim Collection houses one of the greatest collections of modern art. her collection includes works by Pollack, Picasso, Klee, Rothko, Chagall, Mondrian, and more. There is also a gorgeous sculpture garden housing even more works. Location: Calle Venice dei Leoni, Dorsoduro, Venice.

The Brion Vega Cemetery - The Brion Vega is considered one of Carlo Scarpa’s masterpieces. Scarpa was and still is often considered the premier modern Italian architect. The memorial is a great concrete and landscaped form if rectilinear, stepping, and sculptural concrete elements. It is an amazing pilgrimage for the architecture buff. Location: San Vito d’Altivole.

You can wander Italy for ages and never take in all of the art and architecture. Still, the sites listed above are some of the must sees for lovers of art, architecture, and travel. Open your eyes and see the Italian design that has been around for centuries, and that which continues to flourish today.

The Edinburgh Festival – Why Brits Are Missing Out

2009-01-02T03:49:00.000-08:00

The annual Edinburgh Festivals are regarded world wide as some of the best Europe has to offer in terms of film, literature and music. Every year it is estimated that the population of Edinburgh doubles as the city becomes one of the most vibrant places to be in all of Europe. However, despite this worldwide recognition, only a third of the visitors are locals which means many Britons are failing to take advantage of this fantastic short break opportunity available to them right on their doorstep.

Starting in 1947, the Edinburgh Festival has grown into the largest festival in the world of its type. In 2004 there were an amazing 25,000 performances of 1,700 shows in over 230 venues across the city! To give an impression of how gigantic the festival really is, it would have taken over 5 years to see every performance back-to-back in 2004!

Many big names from both sides of the Atlantic have graced the festival throughout the years, such as Robin Williams, Christian Slater, Jude Law and Hugh Grant to name but a few. It is remarkable considering the vast amounts of money that these people can demand for a film role that they would choose such humble surroundings – but getting back to the roots of their acting careers seems to be the goal and the fresh challenge is one they seem to relish.

This year’s festival is set to be one of the most entertaining in recent years, with a large number of quality plays, concerts, gigs and films set to entertain the masses throughout the duration. One of the most eagerly awaited plays is “Beyond Midnight” by Diane Samuels – writer of the popular “Kindertransport”. Pitched as an adult fairy-tale, the production picks up where Disney left off and follows the trials and tribulations of Cinderella’s daughter, following the death of her mother. While this dark tale is certainly not for children, no Edinburgh Festival would seem complete without a fresh offering from the Trestle Theatre Company.

One film that seems set to make its mark is “On a Clear Day” which tells the story of a man recently made redundant who decides to focus his life into swimming across the English Channel. Starring Peter Mullan and Brenda Blethyn the film can certainly draw parallels with the Full Monty (another Edinburgh Festival hit) and certainly seems to be the next worldwide British blockbuster.

In terms of music, Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish band making waves and their festival appearance at Prince’s Street Gardens is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. Perhaps the main reason for this is it will be one of the first opportunities to hear the band’s new work from their new album – “You Could Have it So Much Better...With Franz Ferdinand” – set to be released in September 2005.

With so much going on in the city there really couldn’t be a better time to visit for a few days. However, despite numbers increasing steadily throughout the years it is amazing that more Britons do not choose Edinburgh as a short break destination at this time of year. Accommodation can certainly be hard to come by but hotel specialist companies such as http://www.superbreak.com always have a range of excellent deals in city hotels for those looking to spend a weekend in Scotland’s Capital.

In many ways the situation mirrors visitor patterns in London’s West End. For years American and Japanese tourists realised that the quality of venues and shows available in London were amongst the best in the world – it just seemed to take locals longer to take advantage of its wonders. However, this trend is certainly reversing and, buoyed by high profile shows such as “Billy Elliot”, London’s West End is proving extremely popular with Britons looking for an event driven short break.

Visiting Dublin, Ireland

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"In Dublin's fair city where the girls are so pretty I first laid my eyes on sweet Molly Malone. She wheeled her wheelbarrow through streets broad and narrow, singing cockles and mussels, alive a live O."

Dublin on the East Coast of Ireland has come a long way since Molly Malone was immortalized in the famous song and has now become a statue close to the Main shopping area of Grafton Street. Erected to commemorate Dublin's own millennium, a statue of Molly Malone pensively stares at passers-by on the southern end of Grafton Street. Ever ready for a comic put-down, Dubliners immediately christened the well-endowed Molly "the tart with the cart."

Dublin is now one of Europe's premier locations. Ireland in general has embraced the common European community but is still quintessentially Irish. Whether you visit Dublin for business or pleasure make some time to explore this wonderful city. It is both modern and energetic with its old traditions are all around.

Dublin's coastline, wild willful and rugged, can be explored by bus or train journey from the City Centre. The Irish people's Celtic heritage thrives in their creative spirit and love of music. The pubs around Dublin are full of life and everywhere you go you will experience the warmth, charm and gentle humor of the inhabitants of this tiny land with a turbulent history.

Dublin founded in the 9th Century by the Vikings is split in two by the River Liffey and hosts great rivalry between the inhabitants on both sides of the river. The two main bridges are O'Connell Bridge and the Ha'penny Bridge, so called because of the toll which used to be charged to cross it. O'Connell Bridge takes you to O'Connell Street home of the historic General Post Office, the first building to fly the Irish flag during the Easter Rebellion of 1916. The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the finest in Europe with one whole exhibit devoted to the works of J.B. Yeats brother of the poet W.B. Yeats. Take a stroll round St. Stephens Green before heading to Grafton Street one of Dublin's most stylish shopping streets. Grafton Street is home to street artists and musicians and has a wonderful atmosphere.

Take some time to visit Trinity College, the oldest university in Western Europe founded in 1592. The university houses the Long Room home to the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is one of Dublin's most popular and significant visitor attractions. Dating back to around 800AD, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious manuscripts in the world. Written on vellum, it contains a Latin text of the four gospels in script accompanied by whole pages of detailed illustration. The book has been on display since the 19th century and has the dubious honor of having been defaced by Queen Victoria. A decorated page and a page of script can normally be seen when you visit.

The library contains busts of some of its most famous scholars many of them writers and intellectuals. One of its most famous students was Jonathon Swift who wrote "Gulliver's Travels". Swift later went on to become Dean of St. Patrick's Cathedral another must visit on your list. St. Patrick's Cathedral was built in the 12th Century and beautifully restored with money provided by the Guinness Family one of Ireland's most famous families.

The Guinness brewery was founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness and is now the largest brewery in the World. No visit to Dublin would be complete without tasting the "black stuff" first hand. To many, Guinness is one of the most important features of Ireland. With 300 million pints exported every year, it is no surprise to learn that Ireland is the world's leading beer exporter. Completed at the cost of IR£30 million, the Guinness Storehouse is a fine addition to Dublin's ever-growing list of purpose-built attractions. Set inside a converted 18th century fermentation building, it comprises of six floors linked by a giant atrium in the shape of a pint glass. Although the actual brewery is not open to the public, the storehouse's new exhibition space outlines the 200-year history of the company and reveals many brewing secrets. The models and displays of the exhibition are followed by a short film and a glass of the famous brew.

If your schedule allows there are some interesting day trips which you can take from Dublin. To the North West is the Boyne Valley. There is historical evidence in this area dating back to 6000 B.C. New Grange passage is said to be the oldest man made structure in the world dating to 3000 B.C. The Wicklow Mountains to the south of Dublin are sparsely populated and enjoy a slow pace of life. The monastic settlement of Glendalough in the middle of the valley dates to the 6th Century.

Founded by St. Kevin this is a powerful, peaceful, beautiful place and well worth a visit. You can take a trip to the Curragh of Kildare for a flutter on the horses. The Curragh consists of 4000 acres and is home to over 60 race horse trainers. It has produced some of the most expensive race horses in the world with prices running into 7 figures.

All in all you will have a wonderful and energetic time in Dublin. Be prepared to walk as it is very easy to get around on foot. And you will need to walk off those Irish breakfasts, with bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, soda bread and pots of delicious Irish tea. Hmmm!!!.....

"Go N'eirigh an bother leat" and have a wonderful time in the Capital of the Emerald Isle.

Places To Visit In Valencia

2009-01-02T03:47:00.000-08:00

There are many glorious attractions and places to visit in Valencia Province and Valencia City. Valencia’s architecture, arts sculptures, museums and beaches are fascinating and invite curiosity and discussion amongst all who come to visit.

Valencia has a very profound history and therefore has many interesting historical buildings, monuments and cultural places to visit. Valencia City is also home of the Spanish Arts and Sciences, with its galleries, exhibits and performance spaces.

Tourists often frequent Valencia also to experience the splendor of Valencia’s famous beaches. Valencia’s beaches border the Mediterranean Sea; facing the Bay of Biscay and are always alive with people enjoying the warmth of Valencia’s Weather.

Cathedral de Valencia
Cathedral de Valencia is a magnificent old building situated in the Old quarter of Valencia City. Its architectural structure is reminiscent of the early structure of Valencia City; a City influenced by the Roman Empire, the Moorish customs and the Christian influence. If you visit the Cathedral de Valencia, you will get a glimpse of the preserved history of Valencia’s past.

Nova Tabarca
The Island of Nova Tabarca is only around three miles from Valencia’s coastal beach area. Once the home to pirates, the Island of Nova Tabarca is now a popular tourist destination. In the 18th century King Carlos III initiated the building of the first settlements on Nova Tabarca, which were designed to house Italian refugees.

Today, Nova Tabarca features the historical remnants of those times, such as an eighteenth century fortress; St Jose fortified tower and a baroque church.

Turia
The river Turia is the sight of three of Valencia’s notable tower bridges, the Puente del Real, the Puente de la Trinidad and the Puente de Serranos. These three bridges date back to the 15th century and form part of what was one the old fortification walls of Valencia City.

Since the diversion of the river Turia, the old river bed is now the home of Valencia’s Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno, Valencia’s spectacular museum of modern art.

La Lonja
La Lonja is home to several of some of Valencia’s famous attractions, such as the Palacio de la Generalidad, Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas, the Plaza de Manises and the Campanil de la Iglesia de Santa Catalina bell-tower.

Palacio de la Generalidad is a famous 15th century Valencian Palace that currently houses the government offices of the Valencian parliament. While the Palace of the Marquis de Dos Aguas embodies the beautiful architecture style of the rococo era.

There are no limits to the sightseeing treasures that await any visitor to Valencia. The province of Valencia and Valencia City are a delight to see and form an important part in both Spanish and European history.

Christmas in Budapest

2009-01-02T03:46:00.000-08:00

Are you going to celebrate Christmas in Budapest with Hungarian friends? I tell you some essential information about opening hours, public transport and some interesting Hungarian Christmas traditions.

In mid-November Budapest starts to prepare for Christmas. Streets are decorated with colourful lights, shop-windows are adorned to lure in customers hunting for gifts. More and more people set out to look for the ideal Christmas presents in shops or in the markets. If you're looking for a unique Hungarian gift and want to get away from the all alike shops visit the Budapest Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square.

Opening Hours at Christmas in Budapest
Shops are open for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Sundays on the three weekends before Christmas. Shops close around early afternoon on 24th December and open only on 27th December. Some larger shopping malls might stay open until early evening on 24th December. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day all shops, supermarkets are closed in Budapest. Many shops do not open between Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Life gets back to normal after 1st January.

Restaurants are also closed on Christmas Eve (24th Decemeber), but most of them open on 25th-26th December. Budapest is a popular tourist destination even in winter and restaurant owners are well aware of that. Don't worry you'll definitely find several good restaurants open during Christmas in Budapest.

Public Transport at Christmas in Budapest
Public transport vehicles run until around 15.00-16.00. After 16.00 night services carry passangers. On 25th-26th December vehicles run according to holiday schedule. Between 27th and 1st January, vehicles run less frequently than they do on usual weekdays. It's also holiday at schools, all public transport vehicles run according to schedules valid during school holidays.

Some Hungarian Christmas Traditions
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Hungary. The main celebration is on Christmas Eve (it's Szenteste in Hungarian, meaning Holy Night) Familiy members get together in the afternoon on 24th December and decorate the Christmas tree. Grandparents or elder brothers and sisiters look after the little ones, so they won't see their presents placed under the tree. The fragrant fir is adorned with colourful paper decorations and a special Hungarian Christmas candy (szaloncukor) wrapped in shinny coloured papers. Housewives cook traditional Hungarian Chrismas dishes in the kitchen. We usually have fish soup, stuffed cabbage, pastry rolls stuffed with poppy seed, walnut or chestnut stuffings (it's called bejgli in Hungarian). Family members exchange gifts in the evening on 24th December while listening to tradtitional Christmas songs. In Hungary baby Jesus brings the presents, not Santa. We celebrate the arrival of Santa on 6th December, St. Nicholas Day. At midnight people go to the midnight mass. Organ music and pine scent fill the air in churches where people sing together classical Christmas songs. Even non-religious people attend this mass beacuse of its festive and uplifting atmosphere. On the following two days relatives and friends visit it each other at their homes, have traditional Christmas dishes and desserts.

Weather around Christmas in Budapest
When I was a little kid there was always thick snow around Christmas. The first snowflakes fell usually at the end of November. The temperatures were around zero or below. Today it is hard to tell what will be the weather like around Christmas. Due to global warming we have not see any snow in the past couple of years. The weather around Christmas is sometimes rather mild and dull, with some rain, and it's crispy and sunny with crystal blue sky at times. I prefer the latter, though I long for white Christmas every year.

Programs at Christmas in Budapest
The world famous 100-member Gypsy Orchestra performs a concert on 30th December, at 6 pm in teh Budapest Congress Centre. They'll play both clasical and traditional folk music.

The whole city calms down for a couple of days. You can only hear the sound of Christmas concerts and Advent songs in Budapest's churches. After the hectic shopping it's a real realxation to listen to the organ works and contemplate about the meaning of Advent and Christmas. I recommend the Lights of Christmas Festival in Matthias Church on Castle Hill.

Merry Christmas in Budapest!

The Beautiful Andorra la Vella

2009-01-02T03:44:00.000-08:00

Andorra la Vella is a very attractive destination situated in the east side of the Pyrenees, next to Spain and France. This city is the capital of what is known as the Principality of Andorra and counts with a very peculiar and diverse population since about 45% of its inhabitants are Spanish, 11% are Portuguese, 33% are Andorra, and 7% are French.

The main language spoken in Andorra la Vella is Catalan, but many of its inhabitants also speak Castilian, French and Portuguese. It is also interesting to know that the name of this town, Andorra la Vella, means Andorra the Old, and this is due to the fact that it is a very ancient spot which was inhabited since the Christian times.

Andorra la Vella has a very picturesque and antique old town, which was were the first settlements of this destination were established. This old town is called Barri Antic, and is characterized by having stoned streets and antique houses mostly constructed with stone as well. This spot can be found between the Placeta del Puial and the Esglesia de Sant Esteve, and is without any doubt one of the main spots tourists should visit while being in Andorra la Vella.

The Esglesia de Sant Esteve is a very antique construction and one of the main attractions in Andorra la Vella. This church was built in the 11th century in Romanesque style, and by visiting, tourists could observe some peculiar paintings exhibited in its interior. Most of these paintings are even more antique than the construction itself since they date from the 13th century.

One of the most interesting constructions visitors can meet in Andorra la Vella is the Casa de la Vall, or House of the Valley. The Casa de la Vall is the house of the Andorran parliament, and has received them since the year 1703. Before that, this construction which dates from 1580 was inhabited by a family. This building is very interesting for a variety of reasons, among which we can remark its antiquity, its architecture, its interior design, and its history.

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa

2009-01-02T03:43:00.000-08:00

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa, or Ordesa National Park, is a beautiful natural place full of unique elements and characteristics. This destination is paradisiacal to all those travelers who enjoy being close to the nature and meet amazing plants, trees, and animals. There is a very wide variety of animals to meet as well as many possibilities to spend energies by climbing, hiking and walking while meeting this park.

The best time to visit the Parque Nacional de Ordesa is between May and November, since it actually might be closed during the remaining months. Within the months of July and August, during holidays' season, the park receives a great amount of visitors and therefore it is advisable to try to visit it before or after that in order to avoid crowds.

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa is situated next to three valleys among which the Ordesa Valley is the most known. The park itself is situated in part of this valley and is characterized by counting with important amounts of limestone as well as wide extensions of forests.

Ordesa National Park was founded in 1918 by request of the Spanish royalty. The main purpose which causes the creation of this park was in order to protect and take care of a wild coat traditional to this region known as the ibex. But, besides than protecting the ibex, this park also takes care of many other animals and plants, in such a way that it is home of around 170 different species of birds, 5 amphibians, 8 types of reptiles, and 32 mammals.

The Parque Nacional de Ordesa is also a great destination to those who enjoy open air sports, and specially climbing. This spot is renowned as a climbing area, as well as it is ideal to those who like walking and hiking since there are many routes through which visitors can explore the different towns and valleys spread through the region. This is, as it can be appreciated, one of the main spots which tourists who enjoy the nature should meet while being in this region of Spain.

Top 10 Prague: Highlights

2009-01-02T03:42:00.000-08:00

As the geographical centre of Europe you'd be hard pressed to find a more jam-packed and exciting city than Prague. Having been literally off-the-map under the Communists until 1989, the city is now still waking up to its full potential. In one of the worlds most beautiful cities can be seen a wide array of influences from Gothic exuberance to 19th century opulence. Heres a shortlist of things to see and do in beautiful Prague.

1. Prague Castle The breathtaking fort on the hill, visible from most parts of the city as a result of its scale and position, was built by the Premyslids and makes for a great days exploration in and around the many churches, palaces, gardens and galleries.
2. Old Town Square The central square of this fine city has been a market since before the middle ages, and bore witness to many a bloodshed deposition of regime and royalty. The towers of the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn are a beautiful sight to admire whilst sipping coffee in the square below.
3. Charles Bridge As the main pedestrian link between the castle and the old town, Charles Bridge is heaving in summer but a worthwhile sight all the same. Offering splendid views of the riverside facades of Prague and lined with beautiful carved statues of former residents, its a great place to make a morning crossing or a midnight stroll.
4. St Vitus's Cathedral As the centerpiece of the castle complex, and over 500 years in the making, it makes a great viewpoint at the top of the southern tower. The crypts are a must see also, as the resting place of Bohemia's Holy Roman Emperors.
5. Old Jewish Cemetery The crowded mess of tombstones in this jewish-quarter epicenter give a rough idea of the number of Jews buried here over the centuries. The ghetto sprang up all around this cemetery and thus marked its significance on the Prague map.
6. St Agnes's Convent This is the home of the National Gallery's collection of medieval art and remains a monument to its founder, a princess who abandoned a life at court in the name of her faith. It is Prague's oldest Gothic building and a worthy item on the itinerary.
7. The Loreto This shrine to the Virgin Mary, erected in the 7th Century, has drawn countless visitors to gaze upon the priceless ornaments and take in the Baroque facade.
8. National Gallery The mainstay of all things modern and contemporary as well as being home of the Trade Fair Palace. This Gallery features over 14 glorious works by Picasso and is a must for art-lovers.
9. Petrin Hill The wooded hill above Mala Strana on the castle side of town is a maze of paths and offers visitors the best views of the city. The ancient Ukranian church is an architectural masterpiece.
10. Wenceslas Square Whilst not the most affecting corner of prague, a wide boulevard not littered with commercial enterprise, its significance in the Velvet Revolution and beyond is apparent through various monuments lining this important square.

Historical Hotels in Prague, Czech Republic

2009-01-02T03:41:00.000-08:00

The history of Prague is reflected in its hotels. The city dating back to the 9th Century, has been historically, and is today, a crossroads between ancient and modern worlds. It's a city that has throughout its existence continually reinvented itself. As a result, Prague offers an array of historical hotels representing each of its bygone eras.

Historical Sites Reinvented Into Hotels Many of Prague's hotels were once historical sites that have been refurbished to meet the increasing needs of international travelers. For example, a 14th Century building, dating from the time of Bohemian King, Charles IV, is now the Iron Gate Hotel Prague.

Another example is the Castle Steps Hotel that is actually three separate 16th Century buildings that set at the foot of the ancient Hradcany Castle. Especially interesting is the Pension U svateho Jana (Hotel on the Saint Johns) that is a former monastery and a historical monument that is now the Waldstein Annexe Hotel.

These hotels have been renovated to meet current need, but reflect the rich history of the area. From the time of the original Bohemians throughout the history of Prussian, German and Soviet Union occupation to the current day, a reshaping is constantly taking place in Prague that points the way to a new era. Historical sites being reinvented into hotels, is one way where the old world meets the new.

Late Nineteenth Century and Early Twentieth Century Hotels
Built during a time of increased travel to Prague, a number of hotels from this era reflect the Art Nouveau architectural style, then popular throughout Europe. With the coming of a new century, the city had reinvented itself again into a worldlier destination.

For example, in 1906, it was common to find European politicians meeting at the Hotel Palace Praha. By 1920, travelers could enjoy ultra modern facilities, including a casino, at the Ambassador Zlata Husa.

All of Prague's historical hotels of this time, although reserved for the elite, were a response to the needs of a more sophisticated European traveler that demanded great luxuries. Sadly, this era ended with the coming of Communist occupation from 1918 until 1989. Today, many of these hotels, have been renovated and restored to their original glory.

Historical Prague Prague is in a picturesque river valley that surrounds the Vltava River. Many ancient bridges connect the east and west banks of the river and provide valuable links for maneuvering about the city. Old Town Prague originates back to the 13th Century while New Town developed in the 14th Century.

Hradcany Castle, previously mentioned, was built in the late 9th Century. Historically, it was the residence of kings but now houses offices and is the official residence of the current President of the Czech Republic. Another way the old is preserved while room is made for the new.

Prague is known for the various architectural styles contributed by each culture and era that has influenced it. It's known as an intersection in Central Europe where East meets West. Where innovation takes its shape from the foundation of the ancient.

Historical Hotels - 21st Century View As many historic buildings have been turned into hotels and an array of century-old hotels have been remodeled in Prague, it's interesting to note what shape newly built hotels are taking. Today, the contemporary architectural styles of these hotels beckon back to the past. Many of these hotels are lovely 19th Century-type structures with all the amenities. What else could be expected from versatile Prague.

The Mountain Town of Arahova

2009-01-02T03:40:00.000-08:00

Arahova is a village or small town situated on a mountain which offers the charm and magic of conserving many of its antique traditions and characteristics almost unchanged. Visiting this town can almost be like going back to the past and discover many characteristics and constructions from antique époques while forgetting about modern life worries and lifestyles.

The mountain town of Arahova can be found at about 35 kilometers from Livadia, another appealing Greek destination tourists should not miss while being in this area of the country. Besides these cities, there also are several other unique and attractive destinations visitors can meet in this region of Greece, and therefore it is recommendable to count with as much time as possible at the time of their visit.

The economy of Arahova is based on its handworks, art works, agriculture, and tourism among other resources. Among the most peculiar resources tourists could discover in Arahova, there is the production of traditional rugs and bags which is almost impossible for tourists not to want to acquire as a memory of their visit. Another product this town produces and often sells to several other cities and destination is a variety of unique fabrics.

Spring time is one of the best times of the year for visiting Arahova. During this season, and specifically on April 23rd, the town celebrates St George's day for three days on a role. During this celebration, tourists could see the town's men dressing in local traditional customs while they could enjoy a variety of unique meals as well.

While visiting Arahova, tourists could also meet Distomo, another unique spot situated at about 10 kilometers from this town. Distomo has been a spot in which several amazing archeological discoveries were found, and many of which tourists could find at the local museum. This museum is also interesting due to the fact that it had a very important role in what is known as the Revolution of 1821. As it can be noticed, Arahona and its surroundings offer a wide variety of appealing characteristics and interesting options which turn it into a charming and unique destination.

Journey To Ullswater

2009-01-02T03:39:00.000-08:00

Ullswater lies in the northwest of England, amidst the charm of Lake District National Park. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Lake District has inspired many a young poet and artist. But in the eyes of many, Ullswater is the jewel in the crown.

My journey began on the shores of Lake Windermere, England's biggest expanse of water. Winter was merging into spring and a crisp breeze ran across the shoreline. A distinct smell of dinner drifted from the restaurant built over the water. The building appeared to float and gave a duck's eye view of the lake. Seagulls bellowed overhead, their songs reverberating around the town.

"Boat hire?" queried an elderly gentleman, his appearance befitting that of an old sea dog. His weathered skin bore testament to a lifetime's exposure to the elements. He had obviously had a good life. "Not today thanks," I replied and headed for my car.

I headed north along the A592; the steep incline almost slowed my car to a standstill. As the landscape unfolded before me, a huge valley opened up to my right. The land gave way and sank to the valley floor before gaining momentum and stretching way up to the mountain peaks on the other side.

The road continued to an outpost known as Kirkstone Pass. The remotest of public houses offered an opportunity to park the car and absorb the scenery. Facing southwest, the land descended almost to the horizon before eventually levelling out. In the distance lay the elegant Rydal Water surrounded by rolling green hills. Shadows raced across the land as the sun burrowed behind the clouds. All was tranquil.

Following a leisurely decline, the road continued to the sleepy village of Patterdale. The postman went about his daily rounds; bread was cooking in the baker's oven. Everything moved at its own gentle pace.

The road snaked out of Patterdale and observed the summit of Place Fell. As the route arched its way to the right, the south-western tip of Ullswater emerged from behind the trees and commanded full attention. Across the water, land seemed to bank almost vertically, concealing the sun and casting a broad shadow beyond the facing shoreline.

I stood alone on the shore; water gently rippled against my feet. Complete solitude embraced me and administered an inner calm. I felt at home here, as one with the land. It seemed a pity to leave.

Twelve Sails To The Wind In Valencia Spain

2009-01-02T03:38:00.000-08:00

Before, the city of Valencia Spain used to be synonymous to Valencia Fallas and to the great city within a city called The City of Arts and Science built by the famous and very innovative Santiago Calatrava. But now, whenever someone mentions Valencia the name Americas Cup pops up or vice-versa. When the Valencians heard their city named mentioned back in November of 2003, they felt that they had been born again. They had long desired to be connected to some international event that would give them an honourable place in history, and they were longing to show, that through hard work, they would earn it.

Into the Stream of Things in Valencia Spain
After the First Act Louis Vuitton was celebrated in Marseilles, the Valencians started their engines going and on June 14th 2005, the Spanish publicly presented their team, El Desafio Espanol ( The Spanish Challenge ), two days before they faced their first act, which in number was actually Act Four Louis Vuitton. Karol Jablonski was to take the helm helped by the Luis Doreste in strategy along with Miguel Jauregui as part of the crew; all very well-known in the world of navigation.

What is so amazing and the fundamental novelty is that it is the first time that the Americas Cup touches the European continent. This makes it so easy for over 300 million people to only have to travel two hours to the Valencia Airport to see this exciting event in person. Until now, the defence of this cup was always done by Anglo-Saxons and the event had always been done in a country where English was spoken. The arrival of the America's Cup means a total immersion into another culture which implies that the participants will be open to a new culture, new traditions, new weather conditions and a new way of life.

What's Up for 2006 in Valencia Spain
After having competed in Marseilles, Valencia, Malmo and Trapani and nine Acts completed, two large transport ships will bring all the equipment back to Valencia. This does not mean that these teams can go into hibernation. They will continue on practising and improving their techniques, some on home ground like the South African Team Shosholoza and the Emirates Team of New Zealand. Others are waiting to try out new boats, but all will be back for Act 11 starting on May 11th in Valencia.

Not all evolves around the Americas Cup, but many new activities are constantly being added to enrich the city's attractiveness. There is going to be a new zoo which will be 14 times larger than the last one, with special attention being given to reproduce the exact living quarters for all the new guests, especially the ones coming from Africa. And the Palace of Performing Arts Queen Sofia has just recently been inaugurated and for next year there is a long list of performances to be seen.

It is just a question of what you would like to see most, book an economical flight into the Valencia Airport, reserve at one of the many new hotels like Husa Mas Camarena at exit no. 9 on the highway Valencia-Ademuz when coming out of the airport with a new rented car, and Valencia Spain is all yours.

Amsterdam Sightseeing and Hotels

2009-01-02T03:37:00.000-08:00

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and is one of the largest historic cities in Europe. The city lies near two bodies of water, the Amstel river and the IJ bay. For many tourists, Amsterdam is a city which is well known and praised for its entertainment and culture. The city at this time has a population of over 700,000.

Amsterdam is a city, which had very humble beginnings. It was founded in the 12th century as a small fishing village, but didn't begin to gain recognition until the 17th century, during the Golden Age of The Netherlands. A series of canals have been built around the older part of the city, and many luxurious mansions and homes lie near these canals.

If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, do not expect to be bored. For those who love art, Amsterdam is well known for its many museums. The Rijksmuseum showcases art from the Golden Age, and the Van Gogh Museum along with the Rembrandt House Museum are places every art lover should visit.

Those who enjoy history may want to visit the Anne Frank House, and anyone with a love of classical music should visit the world class Concertgebouworkest. Amsterdam is also known for its red light district, called de Wallen, and the many coffee shops, some of which sell cannabis.

Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone. If you are traveling there, it is important to get accomodations at excellent hotels. Although you can find nice hotels on a budget, Amsterdam is an upscale city. Budget travelers and backpackers may find themselves spending a little more than in other European cities.

When it comes to money, Visa or Eurocard are widely accepted. Most large purchases will require use of a credit card. For everything else, just keep fifty dollars handy. Changing your currency in Amsterdam is easy. Any post office or bank will exchange currencies for you, often at good exchange rates.

The restaurants available in Amsterdam have a very international flavour. Traditional Dutch food is fairly simple, with meats and potatoes. There are restaurants for those on a budget as well as those wanting to eat in luxury.

Restaurants in Amsterdam usually charge service fees and taxes along with the prices you pay for your meal, and tipping is always welcomed. When it comes to traveling, Amsterdam is bicycle friendly. Buses also travel heavily throughout the city, and you can always catch a taxi cab. Due to the many types of transportation available, getting around in Amsterdam is fairly cheap.

Castles Along The Rhine

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The Rhine River is one of Germany's most popular tourist attractions. This famous river has been at the heart of German history for centuries, dating back to at least Roman times. In fact the river marked the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire.

Julius Caesar himself conquered the areas of Europe to the south and west of the Rhine, and the Germanic tribes retained control of the lands to the north of the river.

When the Roman Empire collapsed in about 400 AD the Germans flooded across the river and created a succession of states which would later become the Holy Roman Empire and eventually modern day Germany.

Picturesque feudal castles guard the gorge
The Rhine is hundreds of miles long, flowing north from Switzerland through Germany and the Netherlands to the North Sea, but it is the 35 mile stretch between Bingen and Koblenz that is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Along this narrow section of the gorge there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world.

Many of these castles are in ruins, but some have been restored as hotels and are open for tours. The castles stand like sentinels on the cliffs above both sides of the river creating the perfect environment for stunningly picturesque boat tours.

The castles are an unmistakable and unique feature of the mid-Rhine landscape. They were built by feudal overloards, to protect their lands from marauders who travelled up and down the river.

One of the most famous spots along this section of the river is the Lorelei Rock at St. Goarshausen. This is the deepest and narrowest points on the Rhine and is the inspiration for a famous German legend. As the story goes, a nymph lived in the Lorelei rock high above the Rhine. She is said to have lured fishermen to their destruction with her singing until she was overcome with love and plunged to her own death. A bronze statue of the nymph overlooks the river.

As you travel along the river, you see quaint, colorful villages that cater especially to tourists. The most popular are St. Goar and Bacharach, each with its own castle open for touring. And of course there are unlimited opportunities for sampling the German cuisine and exquisite Rhine wine.

In the heart of wine country
Most of Germany's vineyards are located in the Rhine valley. At Bingen, the Nahe river flows into the Rhine and along its banks are some of the most perfect south facing vineyards. North of Bingen the wine growing region is called the Mittelrhein. It is a magical place with vineyards growing among the fairy tale castles and snuggled into the overhanging rock face.

All of the German wine regions along the Rhine produce distinctive styles of wine, but in general Rhine wine is fuller and richer than Mosel wines. As in the Mosel, the primary grape is the Reisling, but there are other varieties of grapes too. The German wine research facility at Geisenheim has created many new hybrids such as Ehrenfelser, Scheurebe, and Kerner, offering visitors a wide variety of different tastes.

The best way to see this area
There are several ways to see this scenic area along the Rhine. Several river cruise companies offer tours along the most spectacular part of the gorge. It takes about two hours to cruise from St. Goar to Bacharach, and most visitors agree this is the best way to get the maximum castle exposure.

But it's not the only way. There is also a train that runs between the villages in the area, and you can stop at numerous points along the way to sample the local culture. Tourists can also drive the highway along the banks of the river. Or the more adverturous can ride a bicycle along the many trails, and hop on a ferry at various points to cross over to the other side of the river.

Visitors Guide to Florence, Italy

2009-01-02T03:35:00.000-08:00

The city of Florence is actually the capital of Italy's Tuscany area and stands alongside the scenic banks of the Arno River, close to the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas. Bustling with local industry, which includes arts and crafts, commerce and tourism; Florence is a particularly historic location, steeped in heritage.

One of the most desirable places to visit in Italy, Florence was originally founded by Romans during the first century and grew dramatically between the 1200s and 1600s. Of particular importance, the Medici family, who ruled over Florence during the 15th century, were responsible for many of the city's most spectacular landmarks, buildings and monuments, most of which remain in excellent condition.

Florence Travel:
The Florence area features a well-structured public transport network, comprising of main railway lines, orange ATAF buses and local taxis that congregate at various taxi ranks and around the piazzas. Renting a car is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Tuscany area and the A1 Motorway connects Florence to many major Italian cities, such as Bologna, Milan, Naples and Rome. Also the A11 Motorway links Florence to Lucca, Pisa and a number of coastal resorts.

Florence is easy to reach from around the world and the city's Amerigo Vespucci Airport is nearby. Just 5 km / 3 miles from the city center, the Florence Vespucci Airport offers modern facilities and is home to a number of important international and Italian airlines

For further information about the airport, visit Airports Guides to Florence at Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR)

Florence Commerce:
With a thriving commercial city centre and many businesses supporting the services and financial sector, Florence is a wealthy city. Nowadays, with tourism being an equally important industry in the city, many local crafts boost the economy, such as jewellery, leatherwork and ceramics, together with hotels. Florence contains a number of notable, medium-sized companies, including engineering firms, publishing and textile businesses.

Florence Hotels:
Hotels in Florence are often fairly expensive throughout the year and many are centrally located, although a number of popular cheaper alternatives are available. Accommodation during the peak season quickly becomes fully booked in the most popular hotels and it can be advisable to book at least two weeks ahead. If you decide to rent a car, ensure that the hotel has car parking space available before booking. Hotels can be found all around the city centre, in the green Viale dei Colli area, close to the Santa Maria Novella train station, alongside the Arno River and on the city outskirts.

Florence Tourism:
Tourism in the Florence area is important and thousands of people choose to visit this part of Tuscany each year, to enjoy the scenic views, historical buildings, stunning architecture and famous works of art. Must-see attractions in Florence include a number of magnificent palaces, such as the Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and Palazzo Strozzi. Other attractions include the Piazza del Signoria, the Teatro Comunale (theatre), the arched Ponte Vecchio bridge, the historic Campanile di Giotto and the world-famous Duomo / Santa Maria del Fiore - also known as the 'Cathedral of Florence'.

Top museums in Florence contain many important art exhibitions and outstanding exhibits. Worth a visit are the National Archeological Museum, the Uffizi Gallery and the Academy Gallery, amongst many others. Also, the Chianti area, which is situated between the city of Florence and nearby Siena, features one of Italy's most stunning countryside landscapes and is also home to a number of famous vineyards.

Florence Restaurants:
Restaurants in Italy are known as 'Ristoranti' or 'Trattories' and are widespread in Florence, with many different kinds of cuisine readily available. Menu prices do not usually include service charges and these are added to the bill, together with any further cover charges ('coperto'). Therefore, tipping in Florence restaurants is not strictly necessary, although always very much appreciated. Lunch in the city is generally taken around 13:00 and is the main meal of the day, with dinner being eaten between 20:00 and 21:00.

Florence Weather:
The city of Florence features fairly temperature weather, with notable hot, sunny summer months and cooler, breezy winters. Temperatures between the months of July and August are at their hottest and reach highs of up to 32°C / 90°F. January tends to be Florence's coldest month with daytime temperatures only reaching 9°C / 48°F, although lows of 1°C / 34°F may be experienced.

For further tourist information about Florence, Italy visit World Guides to Florence at Travel Guide to Florence, Italy

Alpirsbach Monastery: Medieval Sandstone Island

2009-01-02T01:16:00.000-08:00

Attracting droves of tourists every year, Europe promises the ancient, the diverse, and the completely fascinating. Most travelers scurry past the major sites and cram in as much as possible in order to get through a list of 'must sees'.

Unfortunately, much is overlooked due to lack of time and money while the infinite unique treasures sometimes hidden for the resourceful traveler remain undiscovered and unappreciated. Not that visits to the key attractions should be dissuaded! On the contrary, I'm simply inviting the European travelers to dig a little deeper into their destination country and find the gems that will make them smile as they recall them even decades later. Remember and celebrate the taste of a fresh German pretzel, the sweet smell of the air in a Tuscan vineyard, or the baby soft petals in a colorful field of Dutch tulips.

Savor an entire spectrum of sensory bliss as you skip from one country to the next, searching for that tiny unique detail that you will fondly relish for the rest of your life.

Nestled in the Northern Black Forest, Alpirsbach Monastery echoes with the souls that once worshipped within its walls. While clinging to a forgotten time with a white-knuckled grip, the monastery boasts a 900-year history beautifully kept intact while the world outside changed and modernized.

Founded in 1095, the Benedictine monastery easily humbles the proud and quiets the boisterous. Upon entering its doors with the massive brass lion doorknockers, it's evident that this is a sanctuary of sanctuaries. The red sandstone beams warm tones during the day and leaps to an almost blinding glow as the sun begins to set. Sandstone bricks lay in a herringbone pattern in the church, making this hall of worship anything but plain. High, medieval ceilings and colorful stained glass above the simple alter add to the ambiance of respect and subservience.

As with many monasteries, Alpirsbach has magnificent cloisters which lead out to a square courtyard. Cloisters give a sense of openness to the closed-off building as the outer façade has no glass. Now, ivy twists and turns through the intricately carved stone windows, bringing life to the empty reverberations in the hallways. All kinds of weather intrude from the courtyard, bringing the outside in - whether sunshine, rain, or snow.

Alpirsbach is famous for its beer. Look for the stone statue of the little monk - his protruding belly bears witness that he's had a few too many. He stands near the entrance of the beer museum, which walks visitors through the history of its brewing. Beer was important to everyday life; not only did it provide a source of income for the monastery but it was considered 'purified water.' During this time, water was considered to be a carrier of disease. Europeans believed that the alcohol in beer and wine killed whatever was in the water that made people sick so it was important to consume some regularly. 'A pint a day keeps the pneumonia away...'

Monasteries such as Alpirsbach are a joy to visit because they aren't overflowing with tourists. Instead, you can wander to your heart's content as the only living soul while listening to the deafening silence. Rub your hands on the cool stone walls and pillars, which have been worn smooth over the last almost-1000 years. Just as this hallowed place once sheltered monks from the outside world, it continues to provide an escape from the overcrowded attractions. Peaceful, hushed, and reverent.

Your Hawaii Vacation – Five Islands, Infinite Variety

2009-01-02T00:59:00.000-08:00

Hawaiian vacation packages give you more flexibility than any other type of tropical beach vacation around. With five islands to choose from, each with its own distinct personality and amenities, you can plan a Hawaiian vacation that suits you perfectly no matter what you’re looking for.

And with no worries about passports, exchange rates or import taxes on souvenirs, it’s a surprisingly cheap way to get to experience the tropics without ever leaving the country.

There are several ways to afford Hawaii on a budget so that you can enjoy anything from a few days to a month or two in paradise. If you’re looking for the ease of staying in a hotel, look into several levels of accommodations. Hawaii has everything from the most luxurious five-star resorts to relatively cheap hotels that offer the basics of a good, clean, air conditioned room and adjacent restaurant and everything in between.

It’s entirely up to you how you want to travel – if you’re only interested in using your hotel as a base for sleeping, you can find some great deals on chain hotels that are safe and consistent that offer great packages. If you prefer a bit of pampering, look into some of the finer resorts’ special deals for couples, families and themed trips that can save you money, especially when bundled with activities like day sailing excursions and fishing trips.

For beach vacations in Hawaii, you should also consider condo rentals. For families traveling together, these are a great money-saving option, especially if you have a large family. You can get great deals on condos when you rent with an eye toward using roll-away beds or fold-out couches for the kids and prepare some of your meals yourself. If you plan on spending a lot of time soaking up the sun, a beach-front condo is an excellent choice.

Hawaii is considered by many people to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This cluster of islands is completely surrounded by turquoise waters and has islands ranging in size from only a few miles across to over 250 miles wide, each with beaches from rocky coral coves to soft, white sand beaches depending upon location. There are sheer mountain cliffs with roaring waterfalls and undulating, semitropical rainforests. The difficult part of planning a Hawaiian vacation isn’t finding cheap deals – there are plenty of great packages out there – it’s deciding which package to go with!

Maui – Paradise on the Beach
The second largest island in the chain, Maui is also home to the most fabulous beaches in the world. If your Hawaii vacation includes lounging surf-side or walking on powdery sand with salt-water tickling your toes, then Maui is the best choice for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

It’s also home to Napili Bay and Big Beach, both wide swathes of family-friendly beaches with plenty of opportunities for boogie-boarding and body surfing.

Snorkeling opportunities abound for visitors at Molokini, a tiny island off the coast that’s surrounded by tropical fish and fascinating sea creatures. You can also go dolphin spotting and whale watching on one of the many chartered catamarans or glass bottom boats.

Kauai – The Emerald Isle of the Pacific
Kauai is often referred to as the Garden Isle or the Green Island because of the incredibly lush flora on this small island. The North Shore in particular is a fabulous wealth of natural beauty, with incredible waterfalls and tropical foliage everywhere.

Kauai is an island suited to those looking for kicking back in natural surroundings. The accommodations are pleasing and casual, but there are no casinos and little night life here. If you want to go horseback riding, hiking or follow some of the most beautiful nature trails you’ll ever see, though, this is the island you’ll want to stay on. Waimea Canyon is a hiker’s dream, with incredible views and challenging climbs leading to a curve of gorgeous beach.

Oahu – History’s Home
Oahu is home of the largest cities in Hawaii, including Waikiki and Honolulu, so if you’d enjoy some nightlife and culture, don’t miss this island. Museums, theaters and plenty of restaurants and clubs. The shopping is great and you’ll find the latest fashions next to local arts and crafts in boutiques around the island.

Oahu’s also awash in history, home to Pearl Harbor and the site of the U.S.S. Arizona as well as a variety of other historical sites, including the Missouri and Diamond Head Crater. Want to learn more about Polynesian customs? Attend one of the many luaus and experience Samoan dancers, the hula (traditional dance of Hawaii), a re-enactment of a royal Hawaiian procession and a pig roast.

Molokai – The Forbidden Island
The story behind Molokai is a grim one, but the island itself is an unspoiled gem. Called the forbidden island by natives because of Father Damien’s leper colony in the previous century, Molokai has few hotels and fewer residents. In fact, it’s so small there isn’t a street light anywhere on the island!

Molokai is a place to go fishing, take long walks on seclude beaches and relax…It’s the closest thing you can get to your own deserted island, but with all the amenities still in place.

The Big Island
The big island of Hawaii has just about everything imaginable you could ask for in a vacation. In fact, depending on the time of year your vacation could encompass a visit to the beach on one end of the island and, if you trek of one of the dormant volcanic mountains at the other end, an invigorating afternoon of snowboarding on snow-dusted slopes!

Volcanoes National Park has one of the world’s largest rings of natural volcanoes both dormant and active and you will often see spectacular lava flows that demonstrate the full power of nature’s potentially destructive forces.

On the Kona side of the island, visit Hawaii’s famous coffee plantations and horse and cattle ranches. On the Hilo side, take in the beauty of orchid-filled rainforests and majestic waterfalls. And of course, the big island has plenty of nightlife and shopping!

With so many great Hawaii vacation package deals to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect trip to paradise!

Maui Is Like Your First Kiss, You Never Forget It

2009-01-02T00:58:00.001-08:00

Just saying the word "Hawaii" conjures up images of brown bodies, warm sunshine, and a romantic walk on the beach in the moonlight. All of this is available and there is much more than meets the eye. The only thing that could hold you back from seeing and doing all that there is to do, is your sense of adventure.

Hawaii is actually made up of six separate islands. Maui is small compared to the "Big Island". But that doesn't mean anything, because what Maui lacks in size, it makes it up in it's atmosphere and personality. Maui serves up plenty of historic and cultural attractions that will captivate your imagination, while exposing the timeless traditions of this magical island. For example, the town of Lahaina is a National Historic District. This was once a thriving whaling port. History buffs will enjoy Lahaina-Kaanapali and the Pacific Railroads provide history lovers with an unforgettable journey into the area’s plantation past.

"Paradise" is a word that that has been used to describe Maui. Any way you slice it, vacationing on Maui is an experience that will bring families closer together. The good news is that there is also a focus on fun and education. You have your pick of outdoor activities, and the Native Hawaiian culture adds to the world-class atractions. The Hawaiian culture focuses on the importance of children and family, and many hotels and resorts have kid and student discount programs available.

Maui's climate (or better yet climates), is a very unique subject in itself. You can go from a desert to a rainforest, all in a matter of hours. And because Maui is small, you can plan a daytrip easily and know that you are going to catch all the sights. It's commonplace to visit the top of Haleaka at 10,000 ft, and still have time to go snorkeling in the calm blue ocean, all within the same day.

Maui's marine environment is spotlighted at the Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea. With a wide variety of hands-on exhibits, aquarium displays and a "touch pool", visitors can get close and personal to various ocean creatures like sea urchins and starfish. Some of the other features include live jellyfish, colorful reef fish, shrimp, eels, skipjack tuna, octopus, lobsters, all sorts of different types of rays and even sharks.

The Maui Tropical Plantation is another attraction which spotlights the Island's agricultural history. Visitors can take tram tours and see how plantations have played an important part of Maui's growth. You will see acres of sugar cane, papaya, guava, mango, banana, pineapple, kona coffee and macadamia nuts. It's very interesting, and guaranteed to have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Be sure to make time to visit the Hawaii Nature Center. Here you will discover more more than thirty hands-on exhibits that will enable you to learn about Maui's environment. Would you like to be able to experience the ability to see a hundred directions at once? "Life As A Dragonnfly" is just one of these exhibits that kids and adults will find fascinating. The Naturalists offer a guided tour called the "Rainforest Wilderness Walk" which gives you a detailed background of the history of the area called the "Tao Valley." You will walk away with a greater appreciation for the gifts that nature gives us.

Of course the beaches are another great way to spend your time getting to know the area. Kaanapali Beach (which has also been referred to as "Dig Me" beach), is one of Maui's best beaches. Kaanapali Beach is four miles long, and runs alongside the sea channel for almost it's whole length. The sand is a golden color and has a paved beach walk path. The swimming is awesome and there are many beach activity vendors, offering any type of water activity or equipment that you could imagine.

Whether you stay in the upscale resort hotels or Maui's beach parks and camping facilities, you are guaranteed to have great memories. Don't be surprised if you find yourself back in this beautiful island again. There's just something about the magnetic attraction of Maui.

Golden BC Canada, The Outdoor Sportsman's Paradise

2009-01-02T00:57:00.002-08:00

Golden is a village of 10,000 population situated in the confluence of the British Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers in a long deep valley between the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges in eastern BC, at an elevation of 790 m [2591 ft] located at the heart of six mountainous national parks: Yoho, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay Glacier and Mount Revelstoke. Yoho National Park, the 'adopted' park of the community, is a half-hour drive east of Golden. From May to September mountain biking, hang/paragliding, bungee jumping, and snowboarding are popular, and of course skiing during the winter.

Winter Activities:
Tobogganing, skating, or Nordic skiing through rolling windy trails through woods. Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding, Heli-Skiing, Cat Skiing, Snow mobiling, Dog Sledding, and Ice Climbing from mid-November to the End of March.

Summer Activities:
Pilots from all over the world flock to the Mount 7 flying site to paraglide and hang-glide. Horseback Riding, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, and air tours. World class white water rafting, ATVing, motocross, and rock climbing attract international thrill seekers. Bird and wildlife viewing, slow floats, wetland scenic forest tours.

Boating and angling are common activities at recreation sites. Most sites allow car top boat launching only. That means you can hand-launch only canoes, kayaks and boats small enough to be carried on top of your car. Trailered boats can be launched safely and conveniently from those sites with ramp facilities. In most cases, the ramps are suitable only for small and medium-sized boats.

A plane or helicopter ride will show you the Selkirk, Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges and their glaciers. You can even land on a glacier for a closer look. Air tours are available year-round.

For local history there's the Golden Museum where you can learn about the important role that Swiss Mountain Guides played in the birth of Canadian mountaineering traditions. Or at Ray's Antique & Collectable Museum you can browse through some old farm equipment and antique tools. Take a guided hike way, way back [some 515 million years] and visit the fossils of the renowned Yoho Burgess Shale or, if art is your scene, there are many local art shops.

Tours:
Cruise the numerous small mountain roads. Tour season is [weather permitting] from May to October.

Bird / Wildlife Watching:
The Rocky Mountain Trench is a major migratory path, and a great diversity of birds also settles in the Columbia Valley. 265 transient and resident species have been counted in Golden so far. Reflection Lake, the Edelweiss slough and Moberly Marsh are favourite birding spots. You can do bird watching year-round, although there are more species during migration in spring [April to June] and fall [September to October].

Canoe / Kayak Tours:
At the Columbia River you can view birds of prey, herons and ducks. Paddle the Blaeberry River for more action. The Kicking Horse River is the place to be for great whitewater action. For very experienced kayakers the lower canyon with its class IV rapids is ideal. Season: May to October.

Climbing:
In 1912 six Swiss Mountain Guides and their families moved permanently to Golden. Canadian Pacific Rail had hired them as professional mountain guides for the many tourists who wanted to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Today there are many ACMG certified mountain guides who live and work in Golden and the mountains around. Golden attracts climbers from all over the world.

Cross-Country Skiing:
Track-set trails are just minutes from town at the Golden Golf Course. More challenging trails can be found at Dawn Mountain Nordic Trail System at the base of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Many more tracks set by XC-enthusiasts can be found in the Blaeberry and Columbia Valley. The season is from December to April.

Cycling:
Golden is the centre for the 'Golden Triangle' Tour where you cross the Continental Divide twice. You can go at your own pace or book a package with one of the tour companies.

Dog Sledding:
Season lasts from late November to April.

Downhill (Alpine) & Cat Skiing / Snowboarding:
The new Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is being developed into a 250- acre resort, encompassing 4005 acres of ski and snowboarding terrain, with views of the Canadian Rockies. The new gondola rises to the summit of the Dogtooth Mountain Range at an elevation of 7705 feet [2350 meters] where the new Eagle’s Eye Restaurant is located. The excellent snow conditions will include a vertical drop of 4,133 feet [1260 meters] from the top lift, making it the second highest in Canada. Ski season is from early December to the end of April.

Freshwater Fishing / Ice Fishing / Heli-Fishing:
The area's fishing opportunities are endless, ranging from early and late rainbow trout, small cut-throat trout in alpine lakes to char in the river and giant ling [turbot] and Dolly Varden in the hydro reservoir. Guides can take you to the type of fishing you prefer and provide all the equipment from boats to heli-fishing. One of the more popular lake areas is south of Golden, near Parson and Brisco. Many of the lower lakes open early in May, and more fishing can be found at higher elevations as summer arrives.

A popular lake is Mitten Lake. Also excellent are the Cleland and Jade Lakes, and to the west, the Blackwater Lake. Stocked rainbow trout up to 24-inches can be caught in these areas. North/northwest of Golden are the Susan and Jeb Lakes in the area of the Big Bend Highway and are usually open by early July. These two lakes are renowned for their Brook trout. Anglers should note that the waters to the north remain cooler longer in the summer and often provide a more vigorous fish than the lethargic ones of the southern waters. Many of the higher alpine lakes, which open at various times later in the summer offer exciting and picturesque fly and spin- cast opportunities. The more popular areas include Gorman, Quartz and Silent Lakes - and all trailheads are within 25 minutes of town. Hike-in distances range from several kilometres to much longer.

For river fishing, the Columbia opens early in the spring providing Rainbows and Char. With a red and white spoon or a wet fly you'll likely nab one. Also available in the Columbia are Dolly Varden, Whitefish and Kokanee. Creeks and streams open officially on June 14. and a lightweight fly rod is recommended. In the Glacier and Yoho National Parks is superb fishing but you must have a special permit aside from your regular license to encourage catch and release in these areas.

Golfing:
The Golden Golf & Country Club is rated one of the top 10 is B.C., the 75th best course in Canada by Score magazine, with Golf Digest rating it three-and-a-half stars. Whether you play pro or beginner there are complete facilities and services at the 18-hole championship course. The season is from mid April to October. The course ranges from 5,380 yards to 6,818 yards long. One hole, the 11th, has such a fine setting that wedding parties have utilized the spot for photographs. It is a par 4, running 385 yards downhill from an elevated tee, with Holt Creek running beside it. This course features a pro shop, which can completely outfit all golfing needs. As well, there is a full-service restaurant, lounge and outdoor patio.

Hangliding ~ Paragliding:
The Mount 7 hangliding site is one of the top ten sites in the world. Mount 7 is year after year the site of National and International Championships. If a novice you can take a tandem-flight with an experienced instructor. The season is [weather permitting] from May to October.

Heli-Hiking / Skiing:
The birthplace area of the sport and one of the best in the world. Daily to weekly packages.

Hiking and Hiking Guides:
Take a stroll along the dike of the Kicking Horse River or along the numerous trails to the alpine on your own or join a group at one of the remote alpine lodges accessible by helicopter or a guided tour to the world heritage site of the Yoho Burgess-Shale.

The day-hike trail at Gorman Lake is the most popular. Mammal Activities and sightings of bear, muskrat, fox, and many others are not uncommon just strolling in the woods. Some areas are known to shelter abundant wildlife.

Back- country camping sites:
The lake affords excellent fly-fishing. You can find marmots and pikas along talus slopes and goats on the cliffs above. The hike is three kilometres in length, ending at the lake, and takes about 90- minutes.

The Moonraker Trails at Canyon Creek are popular for hiking as well as biking and horseback riding. There are some 45-kilometres of loop trails stretching from the Cedar Lake area to Canyon Creek. This is only minutes from town but home to wild mountain goats and bears.

The Mummery Glacier Trail is three-kilometres in length through old-growth cedar and hemlock and spectacular views of the glacier for which it is named. After a short trek up an old creek bed and across the creek by bridge you'll arrive at the immense moraines left by the glacier. The trail ends at one of these moraines, near the top where there is a view of the glacier and waterfalls above - but look out for calving ice off the glacier! The Quartz Lake Trail west of town is a five -kilometre hike and is recommended for the area's pristine beauty.

The recent elimination of the Ministry of Forests' recreation program, may have lead to the dismantling of signs, toilets, and picnic tables at some recreation sites, but you may find a guidebook at Golden's bookstore.

Horseback ~ Trail Riding:
You will find specially trained horses for the beginner to the expert. Tours range from short rides to multiple day excursions. Riding season is from mid-June to October.

Hunting / Guide Outfitters:
Although most people like to go hunting with their cameras, some take a rifle and want to come back with a trophy. The BC Government allows hunting of black bears, mountain goats and other animals within limited quotas and led by certified guide outfitters. Hunting seasons vary depending on species.

Mountain Biking:
With 7,700 feet of vertical terrain enthusiasts can ride the mountains themselves or with guides, which are available at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort where they launch their rides down the mountain. For the price of a day's lift ticket you can bike down 4200 vertical feet, accessed by the gondola. Mount 7 is the location of the legendary Mount 7 Psychosis downhill race offering some 12 kilometres of downhill drops, steeps and technical woodwork playgrounds. People can pedal to the top, with several jump-off trails at three, five and six- kilometres. Shuttling via truck 15-kilometres to the top is a popular option.

Mountain biking cross-country:
Golden has an in-town trail system as well as a 45-kilometre trail system on the west bank of the Columbia River along the Canyon Creek trail along the narrow deep canyon, which is a steep climb up with a long, rolling descent. Motocross racing comes to Golden in late May.

Mountain Climbing:
Golden has been well known for its mountain climbing since the end of the 19th century with the coming of the Swiss Guides to the Selkirk and Rocky Mountains. Local climbers have developed several areas around Golden over the last decades. The most popular area is Jubilee Mountain near Spillimacheen, 45 minutes south of town. It offers over 70 climbs, mostly sport [bolted] ranging from 5.8 to 5.12. Another popular area that is easer with low-angle climbs is up the Mount 7 road at the 6-kilometre parking lot, with most of the climbs slab in nature with a handful of short, pumpy climbs. Difficulty ranges from 5.6 to 5.11, some bolted and some mixed. A 60-metre rope is recommended for top-roping the longer routes.

A new climbing area is in the Kicking Horse Canyon, 10-kilometres east of Golden called 'The Glen' after nearby Glenogle Creek. This is a quartzite area and will provide a wide range of climbing, from slab to severely overhanging and difficult routes. Another short, quartzite crag is up the forest service road on the west side of the Columbia River near Nicholson [five-kilometres south of Golden]. This is a steep sport climbing wall with approximately 10 climbs from 5.10 to 5.11 plus.

Snowmobiling is popular with routes too numerous to mention.

Whitewater Rafting:
The Kicking Horse River originates from icy glaciers at the western boundary of Yoho National Park and runs along 20-kilometres, has class three and four rapids careening through a canyon and right into Golden. There are roughly a dozen rafting companies in the canyon. These attract thousands of visitors from May to September each year. Rafting begins at the upper canyon through the first set of Class IV rapids known as Shotgun and Portage followed by a dozen Class III rapids. It continues into the lower canyon where Class IV rapids, Double Trouble, Riptide, and the Nozzle spread over three-kilometres. Many guiding companies offer a variety of trips from one-day to multi-day raft outings and even heli-rafting, which takes advantage of other nearby rivers, one being the Blaeberry River.

Flat-water excursions:
Available through the Columbia Valley Wetlands, a popular kayaking and canoeing destination.

Before you leave Golden, the new pedestrian bridge is a must-see. This was completed in the fall of 2001 by volunteer timber framers from Golden, Europe, and the United States. Because of the high waters in the fall, the installation of the bridge didn't occur until October 25, with the help of Sterling Cranes from Calgary, which took three full days, inching along and out onto a temporary footing, and finally onto the far shore where it was fitted into its concrete abutments. The bridge is 150- feet-long, with a 210,000-pound burr arch structure. The cost of the bridge is estimated to be $250,000, but considering the volunteer time and the donated materials its value would be over twice that amount.

The Florida Keys

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When people ask about the top sights to see in the south Florida area including Fort Lauderdale and Miami, I always advise them to try and make some time to go down to the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are the string of islands just south of the Florida mainland and runs 120 miles from end to end. Fort Lauderdale and Miami are fun but for a relaxing change of pace, the Florida Keys is the place to be. For snorkellers and scuba divers going to south Florida, I would consider Florida Keys a must. The waters around Key Largo are a protected marine park with a very healthy fish life and offer the best diving in the US. Key Largo is the first town as you enter the Keys after crossing the bridge from the mainland. It can be reached from Miami in an hour and from Fort Lauderdale in an hour and 45 minutes. Once the bridge from the mainland is crossed, the change in pace is noticed immediately. There is much less traffic and people just seem more relaxed in the Florida Keys compared to the mainland.

Key Largo is the main scuba diving town with many dive shops. There is even an underwater hotel with two guestrooms for adventurous types. This was a former marine research unit that was converted to the hotel. Islamorada and Marathon located more west are also top scuba dive locations. For those who are not into diving, there are numerous shops with colorful local arts and crafts. One collection of shops has a giant statue of a spiny lobster out in front. For more fun, there are two dolphin centers, one in Key Largo and another near Marathon where visitors can interact with captive dolphins. Dolphin programs should actually be booked well in advance since they are extremely popular.

There are sign markers along the main US number 1 highway that mark each mile along the 120 mile route. Most addresses in the Florida Keys along the main highway will actually refer to which mile marker they are located near. It's a very efficient way to navigate. It takes about 3 hours to drive from Key Largo to the far end at Key West but more than likely, visitors would want to stop off at numerous locations along the way for shopping, photo opportunities or just admiring the scenery. The scenery gets better as one heads out more west, especially near the bridges that connect the islands. A common sight to see are locals fishing off the bridges and numerous pelicans standing on the posts like permanent fixtures. One of the most spectacular sights is the seven mile bridge which is the world's longest segmented bridge.

The Florida Keys are not really known for its beaches with the exception of Bahia Honda Park which is even further west in the lower keys. The snorkeling in this area, especially Looe Key, is among the top sites in North America. The city of Key West at the far end of the Florida Keys is the largest community in the islands and a stay here for a night or two is well worth it. The downtown area full of restaurants, bars, boutiques and shops is a funky, fun place to be. There are hotels along the water as well as numerous B&Bs inland. We stayed at the Quality Inn near the entrance of the city and had no problem getting downtown since there is a very convenient bus system that runs throughout Key West. We chose to leave our car at the hotel and use the buses because parking can be limited in the downtown area. A very neat way to tour the city is to rent scooters which are very common in the streets here. With the scooters, we criss-crossed the city and saw the wonderful colonial houses in the residential streets including Ernest Hemmingway's house.

The seafood is predictably very fresh in restaurants everywhere in the Florida Keys. Some local specialties not to be missed are conch, local spiny lobster and a few varieties of the local fish including snapper and grouper. Of course, one must try the real, authentic key lime pie that originated in the area. Each restaurant has a slightly different recipe but in general, the authentic key lime pie here is not as sweet as the commercial brands sometimes found in the rest of North America.

Hotel accommodations suit every budget in the Florida Keys from simple motels to top notch resorts. The last town back in the US mainland is Florida City and it has some very affordable hotel accommodations with well known chains such as Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn and Best Western. This is another option for some travelers, especially those who are scuba diving in Key Largo as Florida City is only about 20 minutes away if hotels in Key Largo are fully booked or at high season rates.

The Florida Keys has a way of enticing visitors back during return visits to south Florida. Its slower pace helps balance things out against the crowded and crazier styles of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. I have been to the Keys three times and will definitely return there again.

Disney’s 10 Most Magical Experiences

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An Epcot Illuminations Cruise — Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot. Their destination is a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom and France for a view of the Illuminations fireworks spectacular. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on the first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Dinner at the California Grill — The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. Through immense windows is an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

Breakfast With Cinderella — High atop Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom is your chance to feast in a fairytale setting with Cinderella, Jasmine, Aladdin, and Belle. Kids love the grand dining room where through glittering leaded-glass windows is a birds-eye view of Fantasyland. The characters make their way around the dining room and give each child quality time signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Beachside Vista of the Magic Kingdom’s Fireworks — On evenings when fireworks are on the Magic Kingdom’s agenda, head to one of the Polynesian Resort’s idyllic white-sand beaches, grab a hammock, kick back, and view the festivities.

Your First Glimpse of Cinderella’s Castle — As you walk under the train station at the Magic Kingdom and into a world of make believe, the splendor of Main Street is spread out before you with that celebrated fairy tale castle sitting at the end.

The Sight of Exotic Animals Grazing Below Your Guestroom Balcony — A stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge comes with a view of its marvelous savanna filled with hundreds of roaming exotic animals. After dark the preserves are lit with a moon glow effect, perfect for a nighttime stroll or after dinner entertainment from your room balcony.

A Picturesque Ride on the Monorail — Hop on board Disney’s favorite form of transportation for a delightful journey around the Seven Seas Lagoon, through the interior of the Contemporary Resort, past the Magic Kingdom, and off through the pine trees on your way to Epcot.

Cocktails in the Grand Lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — This resort’s favorite gathering spot is an exquisitely soaring, 5-story lobby of stained-glass cupolas and filigreed chandeliers. Find a seat on a cushy sofa and take pleasure in the lively big band orchestra while sipping a strawberry-topped glass of champagne.

Reliving the Drive-In of Your Youth At Disney-MGM Studios — At the Sci-fi Dine-In Theatre, guests are served in sleek 1950s-era convertibles while watching B-grade sci-fi and horror trailers on the big screen. Waiters on roller skates carhop the darkened, starlit theater, speaker boxes hang on the side of your car and, of course, popcorn and hot dogs dance on the screen during intermission. Though the food is just so-so, who cares when Godzilla is your entertainment.

A Float Through Splash Mountain — Who can resist the charms of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and the rest of the gang, even if it culminates in one heck of a plunge? Drift round the briar patch in a hollowed-out log while toe-tapping music plays among the cabbages and carrots, jugs of moonshine, chirpin’ birds, and croakin’ frogs as you relax and bob your head to the beat. As you float through bayous, marshes, and caverns, all a delight to the eyes with loads of colorful detail and too-cute cavorting characters, the heartwarming theme song “Time To Be Moving Along” plays. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The Best of Walt Disney World

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So you’re headed to Walt Disney World ... but where to start? Disney offers such a wealth of fantastic resorts, restaurants, and top-drawer entertainment experiences it can be difficult to choose which fantasy you wish to indulge. How best can you plan a visit in which each day comes with the finest Disney has to offer? Here are a few tips that can make the difference between a mediocre trip and a fantastic one:

Best Time of Year for a Disney Vacation
If at all possible plan a trip to Disney during the slower seasons of the year when you’ll find half-filled parks, little waiting in line, and lower hotel rates. If you can stand the guilt and your children are good students, take them out of school, whatever, to avoid the busiest times of the year. If not, the summer months or holidays are certainly better than nothing and, with a bit of planning and a lot of energy, can be more than enjoyable. These are the least busy times of the year: the second week of January through the first week of February (avoiding the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in January); the third week of August until the beginning of October; the month of November excluding Thanksgiving weekend; the week after Thanksgiving until the week of Christmas, a special time when the parks and resorts are festively decorated for the holidays.

Best Deluxe Resort
Disney’s flagship resort, The Grand Floridian, with its red-gabled roofs and Victorian elegance, draws inspiration from the grand Florida seaside “palace hotels” of 19th-century America’s Gilded Age. Just a short monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom, it spreads along the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon, offering spectacular views of Cinderella’s Castle and the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Home Away From Home Property
Disney’s Home Away From Home Resorts are a great choice for those who want a vacation with all the amenities including a full kitchen, living room, and a bath for each bedroom. For outstanding atmosphere choose the Villas at Wilderness Lodge with its Bay Lake location and national park character or the new Beach Club Villas conveniently located next-door to Epcot’s International Gateway.

Best Resort For Access to the Parks
Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian Resorts offer monorail access to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and the Ticket & Transportation Center

Best Resort For Nature Lovers
Wilderness Lodge is Disney’s dramatic depiction of an early 1900s national park resort. In its awesome eight-story lobby are walls of ponderosa pine logs, a massive 82-foot tall fireplace, and two authentic 55-foot Pacific Northwest totem poles. Outside is a breathtaking scene of sparkling waterfalls, rushing creeks, towering pines, and Disney’s very own geyser. And it’s all only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.

Best Resort Pool
Stormalong Bay, the eye-popping free form, mini-water park complex at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club, is simply divine. Three acres of winding, watery delight, it offers sandy bottom pools, a giant “shipwreck” water slide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough waterway to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart’s content.

Best Resort Lounge
California Grill Lounge on the 15th floor at Disney’s Contemporary Resort offers unrivaled views of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with cocktails, sushi, and a view of the Wishes fireworks display.

Best Disney Attractions For Thrill Seekers
For a shot of adrenaline head to Disney-MGM Studios, where thrill junkies beeline it to the Tower of Terror for a 13-story bungee-style plummet. Next-door is the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds then loops and corkscrews in the dark through a Hollywood night. It’s a scream come true!

Best Way to Spend an Evening Without the Kids
If you’re a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 an hour per child where they are given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid’s Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare. Then head to one of Disney’s world-class restaurants. For fine dining in a stunning setting combined with virtually flawless service choose Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Here you’ll dine on white linen covered tables set with Royal Doulton china and crystal wine glasses to the strains of enchanting harp music.

Best Way to Spend an Evening Away From the Parks
The addition of the West Side and Pleasure Island to Disney Marketplace created what is now known as the wildly successful Downtown Disney, a combination of over 70 scene-setting restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. During the day it’s a perfect getaway from the parks, but at night after the parks close, Downtown Disney comes alive. At Disney Marketplace you’ll find A-plus shopping, the largest Disney Store in the world, and the volcano-smoking Rainforest Cafe. Pleasure Island is a nighttime mecca with 8 clubs and a nightly New Year’s Eve celebration. And then there’s the West Side, loaded with dining and entertainment venues including Wolfgang Puck Cafe, House of Blues, Gloria Estefan’s Bongos, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney Quest.

Best Restaurant For Kids
Dine among crashing waterfalls, lush tropical foliage, and dripping vines while being bombarded with thunderstorms and noisy Audio-Animatronic wildlife at the Rainforest Cafe. Or head to the Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for an all-you-care-to-eat blow-out of rib-stickin’ barbecue served piping hot in iron skillets accompanied by plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’. Kids love the crazy show put on by the hobby horse-racing waiters outfitted in western attire who can’t resist making a huge production out of serving food, birthday celebrations, and those unfortunate enough to leave for the restroom.

Best Disney Resort Restaurant
The California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a definite highlight for any connoisseur of cutting-edge cuisine. The immense windows present an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon and on many nights picture-perfect views of the Wishes fireworks show. From pristinely fresh sushi to the exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and the outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

Best Theme Park Restaurant
In Epcot’s France Pavilion is Bistro de Paris, a charming Belle Époque dining room with an air of exclusivity. Filled with gilded mirrors and crimson banquettes, its billowy white drapes frame windows that overlook the World Showcase Lagoon. Servers with delicious French accents roll out sensational dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Afterward order a dessert of crepes prepared and flamed at your table while lingering over cordials and coffee in anticipation of the nightly Illuminations spectacle.

Best Way to View the Epcot Fireworks Presentation
Each evening boatloads of visitors depart from the docks of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Yacht Club headed for Epcot where, from a prime position under the bridge between the United Kingdom and France, is a view of the Illuminations fireworks spectacular that can’t be beat. Cruises are offered nightly with your choice of either a pontoon boat seating 10 or a beautiful reproduction of a 1930s Chris Craft accommodating 6-7 people. Although reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance, they sometimes sell out on the first day. Call 407-WDW-PLAY.

Best Way to Spend a Lazy Afternoon
When your muscles are aching and your body is screaming for rest after days at the parks, sooth your jangled nerves at Disney’s Grand Floridian Spa. Immerse yourself in luxury with one or two feel-good treatments guaranteed to rejuvenate and swiftly get you back on your feet and ready for another long day of walking. For the ultimate in romance consider the Grand Romantic Evening where, in a candle-lit couple’s room, each person receives an aromatherapy massage.

Most importantly slow down and enjoy the magic. Resist the urge to see everything at breakneck speed. You can’t possibly cover it all, so think of this as your first trip to Disney, not your last. There will be time to pick up all the things you missed on the next go-round. Be spontaneous. If something catches your eye, even if it’s not on your daily list of things to do, stop and explore or else you may miss something wonderful.

Best Florida Beaches

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Why choose a beach vacation in Florida? One good reason is because wherever you go in Florida, you're never more than 60 miles from the beach!

Florida is also easy to get to, the temperature is pleasurable year round, it offers good value for your money and that’s just for starters. So whether you are looking for a family vacation, a romantic vacation, a relaxing vacation or getting in some golf time, there is a Florida beach vacation area for you.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Families

Siesta Public Beach
Siesta Public Beach in Sarasota makes a great family beach because of its gradual slopes, shallow waters, lifeguards on duty, fine white sand and tranquil waters. It has won awards for best beach based on sand, water quality and facilities. The beach facilities include picnic areas, rest rooms, concession stands, playground, trails, and tennis and volleyball courts. If you enjoy collecting shells, try Turtle Beach, at the south end of the island.

Tampa Bay Area - St. Petes/Clearwater
Located on the West Coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, the Tampa Bay area is a waterfront heaven! Miles and miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf Coast offer unlimited options for a fun and relaxing vacation. When you need a break from the surf and sand, there are plenty of nearby activities to keep the kids amused including the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Lowry Park Zoo.

Daytona
With twenty-three miles of sparkling white sandy beaches and beautiful blue-green waters there is no shortage of beach fun for whole family. The beach is up to 500 feet wide at low tide and is perfect for castle building, cycling, jogging, fishing or just relaxing in the sun. The Atlantic Ocean is great for swimming, especially during the spring and summer when water temperatures range from 74 to 80 degrees. And you are only an hour’s drive from Orlando if you are so inclined.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Romance

Miami Beach
A Miami romantic vacation has everything from relaxing on the beach by day and dancing by night. There are lots of art deco and interesting hotels on South Beach. A short drive west will bring you to the Everglades, where you can take a Scenic Boat Tour and see plenty of wildlife, including alligators. You can shop at the ritzy Bal Harbor shops, and at night choose from plenty of dance clubs or mellow jazz bars and restaurants.

Marco Island
Marco Island is located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the western entrance to Everglades National Park. The island is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and natural wilderness on the other. There are miles of white-sand beaches, lavish real estate, shopping, dining, nightlife, attractions and lots of outdoor activities. Your recreation choices include swimming, sunbathing fishing, golf, tennis, and more. Enjoy the subtropical ambience that exists in Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast.

Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach has beautiful sandy beaches and a great pier that is available for fishing, dining & dancing. There is a large promenade leading to the beach with an observation deck overlooking the ocean, perfect for romantic walks. While you're on the Space Coast you can visit the Kennedy Space Center, go deep-sea fishing, surf, windsurf, rent a jet ski, golf our take a take a river tour. At night there is lots of nightlife and great dining for you to enjoy.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing

New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without the crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although the northern beach is accessible to cars, the majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along the beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along the beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.

Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. This gives the island great sandy beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in the area so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy the beach. Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking in the woods, it is a great place to get away from the crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water views and interesting murals that enrich the historic downtown district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many fine shops and restaurants.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf

Sarasota
Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near the Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in the Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include the surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.

Jacksonville
Jacksonville has twenty miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in the area. Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which are ranked among the top in the country offering challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to popular public courses.

Naples
Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in the area once the sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in the area. From May through October, the golf courses are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to the public during these months.

This is only a sampling of some of the great beaches located along the shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.

Travel Chicago - Tour The Must See Sites Even Local Chicagoans Visit!

2009-01-02T00:51:00.000-08:00

The allure of Chicago is completely understandable. Located in the middle of the country amongst corn fields and pressed up against Lake Michigan, this fast paced action packed city is full of excitement. The winters are cold, but the summers are hot and fun-filled. There is more to do in Chicago, than someone could possibly complete in a lifetime.

But, for those travelers interested in seeing some of Chicago’s favorite sites through its residents’ eyes, please read on.

Signature Room at Hancock Tower - The top of the Hancock Tower provides one of the most amazing views of Chicago around. The Sears Tower may be taller, but the Hancock is closer to the lake and offers views of the Sears Tower itself. Skip the observation deck and instead make a trip to the Signature Room. You might run into local Chicagoans during brunch when prices are quite reasonable. Drinks are similarly priced to other lounges, so a nightcap is always a fun option, but dinner will set you back quite a bit. The restaurant is actually one floor above the viewing deck so you can enjoy an amazing view while eating and drinking. Location: Michigan Ave

Chicago Blues and Jazz - Chicago has long been well known as home to some of the world’s best Blues and Jazz musicians. This fact became evident even to non-music lovers in the 70s and 80s with classic movies such as the Blues Brothers and Adventure in Babysitting. For music fans, a trip to Chicago is not complete without experiencing some good blues or jazz. There are a wide variety of blues clubs located on the South Side and Jazz clubs such as the Green Mill in uptown, which has said to be frequented by Al Capone and other Chicago notables. But, if you are in town, check out the Chicago Blues Fest held in early June. Other summer music festivals include the Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, and more. Location: The Green Mill is located at 4802 N. Broadway Ave.

Tru Restaurant - Charlie Trotter’s restaurant has made a name for itself throughout the United States and the world as the best place for a multi-course tasting menu. But locals know that the knew up and coming restaurant to beat is Tru’s restaurant. A four party visit will involve up to 12 courses, with each member of the party receiving different selections. Wow! One imagines how the cooks can possibly keep up, but throughout your 3 hour meal, you will never be disappointed by the wait staff or the chef. Location: 696 N. St. Clair St.

Chicago Museum Tour - Chicago has some of the best museums in the country. The Art Institute has one of the most amazing and large collections in the world. Take a walk through the museum on a Tuesday, when admission is free (although donations are always recommended) and if you are a movie fan remember the walk by Ferris Bueller. But, the Art Institute isn’t the only great museum in Chicago. The Museum of Science and Industry is a great museum where you can actually walk through a sub, and of course the FieldMuseum home to the Sue the largest T-Rex skeleton in the world.

Chicago Architecture Tour - Chicago’s name in architecture, began in the 1800s and continues today. If you want to take a walk and see the great architecture of Chicago, there is more than a day’s worth of sites. You can begin with famous buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright (check out the Unity Temple at 875 Lake St) and Louis Sullivan (Visit his famous Carson Pirie Scott flagship on State St). The Monadnock, and Mies van der Rohe’s Post office are also well worth a visit. For some modern masterpieces, visit the Illinois Institute of Technology’s campus to see Mies’ Crown Hall, Rem Koolhaas’ Campus Center, and Helmut Jahn’s new Dorms. A visit to Millennium Park is also worth a trip, where you can see one of Gehry’s latest and soon Renzo Piano’s addition to the Art Institute.

Chicago is home to some of the most city proud residents. And there is no wonder why- there is so much to see and do in Chicago! Check out the favorite tourist sites, but if you are interested in seeing some of the local’s favorite Chicago sites, check out the list above and see some of what
truly makes Chicago special.

The Best of Both Worlds in Vancouver, British Columbia

2009-01-02T00:50:00.002-08:00

Are you torn between taking a luxurious, pampered holiday versus an outdoor, sporty vacation? If you and your holiday partner can't agree (or even if you're not sure yourself) there's no need to compromise when you visit the city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

An Urban Oasis - Stanley Park
Vancouver is one of the few cities (including New York with the famous Central Park) that can boast a sizable park as one of its features. Stanley Park is 1000 acres and is one of the largest urban parks in North America.

Vancouver is a coastal city with plenty of walking and biking trails. There's something for everyone, whether you enjoy an easy pace viewing the waters of the Burrard Inlet along the paved sea wall or take on the wooded trails of Stanley Park where you'll find impressive untouched forest as well as beautifully manicured gardens on your hiking or biking adventure.

Art Galleries, Shopping and More...
Looking to enjoy some shopping? Vancouver has plenty of interesting areas to shop. For the dedicated shopper a visit to Robson Street will provide designer boutiques as well as trendy coffee shops and restaurants, all with great people watching spots to take a break.

For those who are looking for something a little different than the usual step into Vancouver's Chinatown. You'll find beautiful imported items along with delicious Chinese cuisine along the streets with the red streetlamps and brightly colored signs.

Granville Island, which is also the home to the Emily Carr Institute of Art, is a busy market along the water. Find fresh fruit, flowers and a wide variety of ethnic foods to enjoy. Browse the art and small specialty shops where you're sure to find that special something to bring home for yourself or as a gift.

The Vancouver Art Gallery in the heart of the city also has something for the art enthusiast to enjoy, including presentations of the famous works of Vancouver's Emily Carr.

Science World, Vancouver Aquarium - big draws for Young or Old.
Bringing the kids? The mirrored dome with lights will surely catch their attention but what's inside this fascinating structure will impress them (and you) even more! Interactive and astounding you'll be entertained and educated in this attraction originally built for Expo 86.

For a slower pace try the Vancouver Aquarium. Watch the Beluga show or visit the tropics for a memorable visit.

World Class Resorts, Hotels and Golf Courses
Not far from Vancouver is the world renowned Whistler Village Resort. Ideal for a luxury skiing vacation, it is also a popular summer destination with biking trails, golfing, white water rafting, ziplining and more for the truly adventurous.

Camping and RV parks are never far away or you can choose to stay in one of the highly rated hotels for a real pampered treat!

Vancouver is a culturally diverse city with many languages and ethnic attractions. Although well known for rain, Vancouver's mild climate is ideal for the many gardens and parks that make up the city. Full of complimentary opposites, Vancouver is a harmonious blend for enjoying the outdoors and city life in one place.

A Guide to North Carolina Mountain Vacations

2009-01-02T00:50:00.001-08:00

The mountains in western North Carolina are among the most beautiful in the entire United States. Three mountain ranges -- the Great Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and the Blue Ridge Mountains -- converge in North Carolina, giving the area a charm unsurpassed in the rest of the country. These three mountain ranges provide the perfect backdrop for a fun and adventurous North Carolina mountain vacation.

There are a wide variety of attractions in the mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can go camping in the vast wilderness surrounding the mountains, stay in an historic cabin not unlike the dwellings of the area's early settlers, or stay in a modern, state of the art resort. The Appalachian Trail, Nantahala National Forest, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center are just a few of the exciting places to visit in this region.

The Appalachian Trail is a footpath that stretches over 2000 miles from northern Georgia all the way to central Maine. This beautiful trail winds through some of the most stunning parts of the mountains in North Carolina. Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can see up to 100 miles away.

Nantahala National Forest encompasses many of the peaks and valleys of the western North Carolina mountains. It includes the Tusquitee River. Another attraction of the Nantahala area is the river rafting. There are difficult class II and III rapids along with calmer waters more agreeable to families.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center offers a number of features for visitors. The Center has a petting zoo, gardens, a predator habitat, a nocturnal hall, and other interesting and educational attractions to lure visitors. The Center also serves as a sanctuary for injured or orphaned animals that could not survive in the wild.

A North Carolina mountain vacation is a great idea for a family, or as a romantic getaway. The beautiful scenery and fascinating attractions will please anyone.

See the most beautiful places when you travel to Galapagos

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The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, have captured the hearts and imaginations of people for the past two centuries. The Galapagos Islands have been visited by buccaneers and pirates, studied by scientists, biologists, and historians. Now, it's your turn to travel to Galapagos and discover the enchanted islands.

A vacation in the Galapagos Islands is a dream came true. The Galapagos Islands are blessed with pleasant weather all year round, which means that there is no "better" time to visit those precious Islands where you can see playful seals, elegant albatrosses, fiery red Sally Light-foot Crabs, and sneaky Friate birds.

If you travel to Galapagos you can see the wonders of the underwater world. Imagine a realm where penguins swim in equatorial seas, and iguanas are found eating their algae meal submerged in the saltwater. Imagine dolphins leaping about in phosphorescent water and becoming the new friend of a playful sea lion pup. Imagine scuba diving wit h graceful sea turtles, wouldn't it be amazing?

Each island has a lot of things to see and you won't want to miss anything. Travel to Galapagos and spend your holiday cruising to the west side of Isabella Island to see the flightless cormorant. On Tower Island you can enter a forest of mangroves where colonies of great frigate birds nest. On Santiago Island you can the grottos, which are deep pools of clean water where you can encounter fur sea lions. On Santa Cruz Island you can watch the scenery change as you go through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos , and you can also see "the tunnels", the largest lava tubs found in Galapagos. And after lunch at a highland ranch, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. There is fun for everyone.

If you wonder what to bring when you travel to Galapagos, here are some useful tips. When packing for a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands you should pack lightly! If you bring few things your trip will be more carefree and enjoyable, but you have to bring things which are necessary. You should pack your clothes in two bags: one with warmer clothes and city clothes that can be left in your hotel in Quito , and a separate bag for storage of your gear aboard the boat in Galapagos. You should carry sun glasses, sun block, light cotton pants, and for snorkeling, mask, wetsuit and snorkel. Don't forget to bring binoculars, water bottles, flashlight, insect repellent, Pepto Bismol, Tylenol, band aids, walking shoes, swimwear, umbrella, and of course, your camera.

Finally, if you just want to rest and relax, you can spend your Galapagos vacations on one of the four islands that have hotels and accommodation for all budgets. You can find here only the best quality accommodations that provide friendly service, good food and are located in safe surroundings close to tourist destinations.

Now that you know all you the wonders you can see on these beautiful islands, what are you waiting for? Are you now convinced that you should travel to Galapagos?

Top Three Nudist Destinations in America

2009-01-02T00:47:00.000-08:00

Looking to travel nude in the USA? Look no further. Below is a list of the top three nudist destinations in America.

Kissimmee, Fla. Visit Cyprus Cove, a nudist resort and spa. Located in the center of Florida, it is close to all major attractions. As well as being excellently located, it includes all the luxuries you would expect at any spa. Enjoy tennis, golf, massages, gourmet food at their lake side restaurant, or indulge in a hair and nail treatment. After, relax with an after dinner drink at their bar and grill, all while being surrounded by sandy white beaches, crystal clear water and beautifully groomed gardens. Truly paradise.

Springfield, Ore. Welcome to The Willamettans, the largest nudist club in the pacific northwest. Located in the heart of the Douglas Fir Forest, they welcome people of all ages, shapes and sizes. A place to truly relax and be yourself away from the stress of daily life, The Willamettans invites you to join them today for a relaxing, comfortable, clothing free stay!

Issaquah , WA. Park Forestia is located in the foothills of the Cascades and is surrounded by a forest of beautiful evergreen trees. A fun, family park, Forestia includes a swimming pool, wading pools, spas, saunas, sun tanning lawn, playgrounds, volleyball, horseshoes, cabins, tenting areas, RV areas, hiking trails and a clubhouse. An excellent place to bring your family and friends to enjoy a relaxed fun filled adventure. Just remember to leave you're bathing suit at home!

Mexico Beaches - Playa del Carmen and Cozumel

2009-01-02T00:46:00.000-08:00

Mexico has beautiful beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean. In this article, we look at two hot spots on the east coast - Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.

Playa del Carmen
With one of the prettiest beaches on the Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen was the hidden gem of Mexico for years and years. About 10 years ago, the word got out and now Playa del Carmen is exploding. If you're looking for solitude, this isn't the place with cruise ships and so on packing the place during high season. On the other hand, this is definitely the place if you like a lot of "resort" in your beach vacation.

Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer to visitors. Of course, the beaches are beautiful and I highly recommend you catch the sunrise, which is some of Mother Nature's finest work. Staying up shouldn't be a problem since the nightlife in Playa del Carmen is plentiful.

During the day, you can loaf on the beach or head out for some diving in the clear waters of the Caribbean. Should you get tired of the beach, you can head inland for some surprisingly quality hiking.

Cozumel
An island off the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. With smooth, crystal clear waters, Cozumel has the white beaches you see in the Corona beer commercials. On the island proper, one can loaf on the beach, pursue world class diving or just loaf on the beach. Dolphin petting and sitting in the hammocks of Xal-Hal are touristy, but fun things to do. Although Cozumel is on cruise ship circuit, it maintains the relaxed atmosphere found in smaller destinations in the Mexican Riviera.

Unfortunately, Cozumel was in the news through much of the last week of October 2005 because Hurricane Wilma pounded it. Given a few months, Cozumel will be on the mend and a great location since prices will undoubtedly be low to attract visitors.

If you are planning a visit to the Mexican Riviera area, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are definitely worth your consideration. Personally, I would pick Cozumel in a heart beat.

Traveling Central America - The Panama Canal

2009-01-02T00:45:00.000-08:00

The country of Panama holds a unique strategic geographic location, and it has tried its best throughout the ages to exploit this to the full. From the time of the Portobello fairs to the first transisthmian railroad to the present waterway, often considered to be the eighth wonder of the world.

A canal linking the Atlantic with the Pacific oceans had been a dream since the first Spanish colonizations. In fact it was Charles V of Spain who first envisaged a shortcut through the Panamanian jungle to ease the difficult crossing. So in 1524 he ordered a survey of the land. However what inspired the king initially was not so much the possibilities for trade, so much as how to bring back to Spain with least difficulty the hoards of treasure recently discovered in Peru. Unfortunately for him, earth-moving techniques were to need major improvement before his idea could be undertaken.

It was not until 1826 when the United States started investigating a treaty with South American countries to "protect the companies intending to open a communication system between both oceans", that the building of a canal attracted worldwide interest, with France, England and the United States looking for locations and means to avoid the long, difficult and dangerous voyage around Cape Horn. The first attempt at this was the construction of the Transisthmian Railroad in 1855, which eliminated about 8,000 miles from the journey.

The first attempt at a canal was in 1854 by a multinational expedition comprising the United States, France, England and New Granada. But the impenetrability of the jungle was to take its toll and the attempt failed with many resultant deaths. But not to be daunted in this most crucial endeavor, in 1878 the French obtained a concession from Colombia to build a waterway. Yet again, after seven years of fighting disease and other jungle problems, the attempt was to fail with yellow fever, malaria and various plagues holding sway. This project, with the idea of building a level canal, was ultimately abandoned at the turn of the century.

Eventually the creation of a canal was to become a military imperative for the United States who commenced (fruitless) negotiations with Colombia in 1902. Finally, Panama declared its independence from Colombia in 1903 and the project went ahead. The monumental construction took 10 years to complete at a cost of $387 million.

The Panama Canal is 50 miles in length running from northwest to southeast. About 8 hours is needed for a typical vessel to transit the canal, whilst being lifted gradually to a height of 85 feet through three sets of locks - the Gatun, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores.

Operating the gigantic locks consumes vast amounts of fresh water. For every ship passing along the waterway, around 52 million gallons of water flows into the locks then out to sea. This comes from the Gatun and Madden lakes. The lock gates, themselves engineering wonders, consist of pairs of towering leaves from 47 to 82 feet high, 65 feet wide and 7 feet thick. Their weight is from 400 to 700 tons, yet each can be opened or closed in 2 minutes, powered by electric motors.

To navigate the canal, a ship's captain must relinquish responsibility for his vessel to a Panama Canal Pilot. Currently over 250 pilots steer over 14,000 ships through the canal each year. The total time spent in the canal is around a full day. Navigating through the canal is not cheap for vessels, averaging several 10s of thousands of dollars, depending upon the size of vessel and its contents. However, whatever the toll, it is typically ten times what it would have cost to navigate around Cape Horn.

The Panama Canal Commission welcomes visitors at the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side of the Isthmus seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Ships passing through the locks can be viewed from a pavilion where commentators provide an English and Spanish-language commentary, giving all the details of the canal including the amazing statistics. From yachts and small crafts through to container vessels, huge cruise liners and even small submarines, the Panama Canal is truly an international crossing point.

Newfoundland and Labrador

2009-01-02T00:44:00.000-08:00

Newfoundland and Labrador is the most Easterly Province of Canada. There are two portions to the Province, the Island of Newfoundland is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Labrador is on the Eastern part of the Canadian mainland. They are separated by the Strait of Belle Isle.

The only joining neighbour is the Province of Quebec to the West as the East of the Province is on the ocean. The Island of Newfoundland is 111,390 square kilometers and Labrador is 294,330 square kilometers making the total area of the Province 405,720 square kilometers. It is more than three times the size of the Maritime Provinces.

Newfoundland has its own time zone called the Newfoundland Time Zone which is Greenwich Mean Time -3.5 hours. Between the months of April and October Daylight Saving is in effect and the difference is GMT -2.5 hours. Labrador is in the Atlantic Time Zone which is Greenwich Mean Time -4 hours; it also observes Daylight Savings between the months of April and October when the difference is GMT -3 hours. Newfoundland and Labrador has a total population of 512,930 (2001), of which 27,864 (2001) live on the mainland portion of Labrador and 485,066 (2001) live on the island of Newfoundland. The Avalon Peninsular, located at the South end of the Island, is the most populated area of Newfoundland and home to the Provincial capital, St John's. The other principal cities of the Province are Mount Pearl and Gander all located on Newfoundland Island and Happy Valley-Goose Bay is in Labrador on the mainland. The Province is also dotted with many towns and fishing villages. The coastline is very rugged and consists of coves, fjords and offshore islands. The interior is mostly covered with forest and barren rock; 31,340 square kilometers are covered by inland water. These geographical characteristics give the Province some great recreational opportunities in the wilderness with some amazing Parks and Ecological Sites.

Most of the Western part of the Island is made up of the Newfoundland Highlands which are part of the Appalachian region and elevations reach 814 metres. The South and East of the Island is mostly flat, although there are some hilly sections on the Avalon Peninsular. Apart from the Southeastern corner, Labrador is occupied by the Canadian Shield - mostly made up of ancient hard rock. St. John's is said to be the foggiest, wettest, snowiest and windiest of all the major cities in Canada. The locals apparently call it character-building! The average July temperatures in Newfoundland are 13 to 16 degrees Celsius, with the interior normally warmer than to coast. The January average temperature is -4 degrees although it could fall to -34 degrees Celsius. Heavy snowfall is common and annual precipitation averages about 44inches.

Labrador tends to be cooler with average July temperatures between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius and January about -18 degrees Celsius, it can be as cold as -51 degrees Celsius in Western Labrador. The annual precipitation varies from about 40 inches in the south east to 20 inches in the extreme north.

The Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is led by the Honourable Danny Williams who is the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party. The Province is responsible for administering the Healthcare System which provides a basic care system for the Newfoundland and Labrador residents. The Education System and the Driving Regulations are also regulated by the Province and have differences from other parts of Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador has a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 15 per cent. This is composed of both the Federal GST 7% and the Provincial sales tax 8% and is applied to the retail sale or rental of most goods and certain services in the Province. Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are subject to Provincial and Federal Taxation.

Also, be sure to acquaint yourself with the Provincial Employment Standards which describes your rights and obligations as an employee, the minimum wage system and great links to the health and safety regulations.

Vacationing in Lake George, New York

2009-01-02T00:43:00.000-08:00

Vacation can be a treat when visiting the "Queen of American Lakes", Lake George, located in the Adirondack Park of upstate New York. It is a picturesque 32 miles long, with crystal clear waters highlighted by numerous islands.

Several boat companies offer tours of the lake. A ride on the steamboat Minne-Ha-Ha will remind you of life on Lake George in the late 1800's. Longer rides will take you through the Narrows, truly a breathtaking experience. Bring a camera; you'll want a photo album of this vacation. If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can rent a powerboat and take a private tour. Make sure you have a map of the lake. Start early as most boats must be returned by 4:00pm. The truly adventurous can rent kayaks. I recommended leaving from Bolton Landing so the Narrows and Tongue Mountain will be in paddling distance.

Many of the islands on Lake George are managed by the New York State Park Service. They have day use and camping sites on many of them. Camping here is for the stout as the only bathroom facilities are outhouses. The camping sites can be rented online at Reserve America.

If you're vacationing in the area, day-using on an island is a special treat, but you must have a boat to get there. Go diving off the dock into clear blue green water. Barbeque, sunbath and relax in the shade. What more could you ask for on a hot afternoon? The day use sites can be rented at the Ranger Stations located on Long Island, Narrow Island and Glen Island. Get there early, if you want a site on a weekend or holiday.

There are many ways to enjoy a day off the lake. There are specialty shops, arcades, mini golf courses and museums in the Village of Lake George. For history buffs, there is Fort William Henry and Fort Ticonderoga. (If you're on the lake visit the memorial on Diamond Island.) The Great Escape theme park is just minutes away. During July and early August, the Lake George Youtheater is a must for theater buffs. Performances are during the day on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

There are many privately owned vacation rental cabins and cottages located on Lake George. Private rentals offer a more comfortable atmosphere especially for families with children. You can relax and enjoy the surrounding beauty while the kids are napping or watching a video. No need for everyone to hike back to the hotel. Most vacation rentals have their own dock, swimming area and yard. Some are located in associations with community areas. Cabins with accommodations for 2 to 20 can be found online thru vacation rental sites. Remember, the rental cabins are privately owned, so you must contact the owner for information concerning their rental property.

Once you've vacationed on Lake George, you'll agree, there's a lot to love about Lake George.

New York Dream Vacation

2009-01-02T00:42:00.002-08:00

Being a native New Yorker, actually I live a few miles away but have been there enough, I feel more than qualified to give you the perfect New York vacation. I am planning this for a period of one week. Hit all these spots and you'll pretty much get the cream of the crop of what New York has to offer. And don't let anyone tell you different. New York IS the greatest city in the world.

I recommend starting with the site actually surrounding the city. If you've never been on the New York ferry then you have to take the ferry ride and see the Statue Of Liberty. If you've only seen it in photos then you truly have no idea how magnificent it really is. As you approach it is one of the most breathtaking sites in existence. I still remember my first ferry ride at age 7 and seeing the lovely lady for the first time. It is an experience I will never forget.

And there is Ellis Island. From 1892 to 1924 12 million immigrants entered New York through Ellis Island. You can also see Ellis Island from the same ferry ride.

Working your way into the mainland, no vacation is complete without seeing the Empire State Building, which is now the tallest building in New York with the tragic destruction of the World Trade Center. The building was completed in 1931 and since that time over 110 million people have made their way to the top. Last year's total was over 3.5 million people alone. From the top of the building you can see the entire city of New York and beyond. It is truly a magnificent view.

From this point you can just about turn in any direction and run into a historical landmark. There are so many places to go in Manhattan that you can't really see them all, even in a week. So continuing on from The Empire State Building I would next go to see The United Nations. The UN was established in 1945 and has been attempting to keep world peace ever since. Not an easy job. I was there once. I will never forget it.

No trip to New York would be complete without a trip to Broadway and 7th avenue where you can literally see theaters lined up side by side. Anyone who can't find entertainment on Broadway is simply blind or not looking. I suggest you check your pulse.

While on the subject of entertainment you'd be crazy not to visit Radio City Music Hall, which was built in 1932, if for no other reason than to see the Rockettes. Let me tell you, they DO have the greatest legs on this planet. If I could afford it I'd see them every night.

For the best in dining and shopping you better take a trip down to Chinatown, which is inhabited by 150,000 Chinese people in just 2 square miles. This is the largest Chinese population in the Western hemisphere.

The heart of the financial district is the New York Stock Exchange. Seeing them ring the opening bell on TV is nothing like watching them do it in person. The entire world literally watches the New York Stock Exchange to know how the world of finance is doing. Talk about power.

Then of course is Rockefeller Center with it's legendary Christmas tree. Obviously you want to go there around Christmas and New Years. There is also great shopping in Rockefeller Center. This place alone can be a whole tour.

Finally the last must see place is the World Trade Center Memorial. Talk about getting all choked up. This is one monument I wish was never made necessary. What happened there was simply unspeakable but the work that went into honoring the memory of those who died that day is truly inspiring.

After that, if you have time, go and take the tour through NBC studios to see how shows are made. Then go to Lincoln Center and watch an opera. Take a walk through Central Park, just not at night. And if you want the best deli in the world you MUST go to Deli City in mid town Manhattan.

Honestly, there is way too much in New York to see to list here. My suggestion is if after seeing all of the above you have some time left, go find a tour agency. They'll let you know if there is anything you missed that you should see.

Yes, New York truly IS the greatest city in the world.

Lake Tahoe - Heaven On Earth

2009-01-02T00:42:00.001-08:00

Lake Tahoe, NV. Now THAT'S a place if you're planning on a vacation to REALLY have fun, that you absolutely MUST go. Lake Tahoe has more to do day and night than Carter has liver pills. So without further ado, let's take a little tour and see what Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Lake Tahoe, for starters, is 6225 feet above sea level, which makes it the highest Alpine Lake in the United States. People from all around the world come here to vacation. Because the lake is actually located between Nevada and California it attracts different kind of visitors. The California side draws more family oriented crowds while the Nevada side attracts those who are looking for big time casino action and lots of entertainment.

So just what is there to do in Lake Tahoe?
According to the top tourism sites reviewing Lake Tahoe there are actually 29 highly recommended things to see and do there. We won't cover all of them but will touch on the main ones.

For starters, there is the Tahoe Rim Trail. This is a 152 mile path which circles around Lake Tahoe. Talk about a hike. There are trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It is said that the views from this trail are simply breathtaking.

Another trail is Horsetail Falls which is a very difficult hiking trail. This one is not for beginners. It does provide a magnificent view of the nearby waterfalls.

For those of you who are looking for a little education there's the Gatekeepers Cabin Museum. Its history? Between 1910 and 1968 the gatekeeper who lived on this site was responsible for monitoring the level of the lake, using a hand-turned winch system to keep the water at the correct level. That winch system is still used today. Who says we need progress?

If you're looking for a little fun and excitement without breaking your neck on the trails there's Caesar's Casino Tahoe, located on the main highway. It's open day and night 7 days a week. Here you can gamble to your heart's content or until you're out of money.

In the mood for some horseback riding? No problem. There's the Camp Richardson Resort and Marina. This resort has a real authentic old west feel to it and has a very long history. The first record of ownership of the land around the present Camp Richardson Resort and Marina are from 1875 when M.C. Gardner acquired a timber holding of several thousand acres from the U.S. Government and built a sawmill and railroad line. He paid 25 cents an acre for the land, plus $1 per acre payable over 20 years. Boy, if only we could get land that cheap today.

No trip to Lake Tahoe would be complete without going on the Dixie Queen, a Paddlewheel boat that offers daytime and dinner cruises. The food and entertainment are said to be the best you can possibly hope to find anywhere. The Dixie Queen is one of the most famous cruise ships in the United States.

The above only scratches the surface. Lake Tahoe is the perfect combination of all types of attractions for everyone; those looking for physical activities, those looking for night life and those looking for a little culture and history. If there is a heaven on Earth it must be in Lake Tahoe.

Visitors Guide to Seattle, Washington, USA

2009-01-02T00:40:00.000-08:00

The city of Seattle is situated in the eastern area of the state of Washington in Northwest America, between the waters of the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. Known for its appealing atmosphere and emergence as the USA's city of the 1990s, Seattle's waterfront is its main attraction and this lies along the Alaskan Way, although the city does contain a number of must-see sights.

Seattle's community is built on commerce, fishing and timber, greatly influenced by the nearby Boeing aerospace company. Full of gourmet coffee shops, museums, art galleries and a lively nightlife, the city now also celebrates an important tourism industry.

Seattle is a large cosmopolitan city, covering around 90 square miles / 233 square kilometers, with a population of almost 600,000. The city incorporates many smaller communities and important, historical neighborhoods. Amongst these locations are the Ballard, Belltown, Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market, Freemont, Greenlake, Pioneer Square, Queen Anne, SODO and University districts.

Seattle Tourism:
Tourist attractions in Seattle are varied and impressive, making Seattle an excellent vacation destination. Facilities include many notable landmarks and monuments, museums and art galleries, parklands, recreational activities and insightful guided tours of the city. Top attractions include the Boeing Factory, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, Fisherman's Terminal, the Smith Tower Observation Deck, Hing Hay Park, Safeco Field Stadium, the Seahawks Exhibition Center and the Seattle Center - both a cultural center and popular amusement park constructed for city's World Fair, which was held in 1962.

Seattle is perhaps best known for its eye-catching Space Needle, which towers around 150 meters / 490 feet on the city skyline, offering spectacular views. City museums worth a visit include the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the Museum of History and Industry, the Science Fiction Museum and the Seattle Art Museum (SAM). Popular parklands in the Seattle area include Discovery Park, Freeway Park, Green Lake Park and the Washington Park Arboretum.

Seattle Transport:
Around Seattle, public transport provides a number of affordable options, including Amtrak trains, Greyhound and regional buses, and boats from Canada. One of the most popular ways to travel around the city is on the Metro Transit Buses, which are cheaper outside of peak hours. Renting a car is another transport option favored by many visitors to Seattle, allowing easy exploration of the city and surrounding areas.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport stands around 12 miles / 19 km from the city center and is a bustling transportation hub. With many passengers both arriving and departing each day. The airport provides a number of affordable ground transport options, which include shuttle buses, taxis, car rental options and luxury limousines.

For further information about the airport, visit Airports Guides to Seattle at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Seattle Hotels:
The city's central downtown district is often booked solid during the summer months, when hotel rates are at their highest. However, outside of downtown Seattle you will find many further hotels, which are more reasonably priced and just a short distance from the city center. Room rates are also often reduced during the rainy season, from October to April, and at weekends. Bed and breakfast accommodation in Seattle is both affordable and popular with visitors, with a number of options being located close to the waterfront.

Seattle Restaurants:
Seattle takes its coffee very seriously and is famous for being the origin of Starbucks, with the first store still in operation at Pike Place Market. Many other stylish coffee shops and espresso bars can be found throughout the city, together with an abundance of restaurants and dining options. Restaurants in Seattle cater for all palates and many are concentrated along the waterfront, where seafood is a particular specialty. The northwestern side of the city is another popular dining location, with restaurants offering Pan-Asian, Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican and more traditional American cuisine.

Seattle Shopping:
Seattle is a popular shopping destination offering a large range of major shops and stores. Facilities include a number of famous designer outlets, vast department stores, boutiques and large shopping malls. Popular shopping areas include Broadway Avenue East, First Avenue, Maynard Avenue, Pike Street, Pine Street, Queen Anne and West Dravus, Seneca and Fourth Avenue and University Way.

Seattle Weather:
The Seattle area is known for its rain, although this is a little unfair, since the city's annual rainfall averages less than 40 inches / 100 cm. Much of the weather is both fine and mild, with hot summers and cooler winter weather. Temperatures are hottest during the months of July and August, peaking at around 25°C / 77°F. January is the coldest month, when temperatures during the daytime average 8°C / 46°F, well above freezing.

For further tourist information about Seattle, Washington, USA visit World Guides to Seattle at Travel Guide to Seattle, Washington, USA

Great Reasons to Take a Maui Vacation

2009-01-02T00:39:00.000-08:00

When individuals start thinking about planning their vacation, they may have a variety of places in mind from which to choose. These choices can often be narrowed down by considering factors such as choice of climate, tourist popularity at that time of the year and overall cost of the vacation. For those who are looking to vacation in a spot where sunshine and beautiful views are ever present, then Maui might just be the perfect vacation spot to choose. The following paragraphs will highlight some great reasons why a Maui vacation is a must.

Wonderful Climate and Accommodating Weather
For many vacationers, when choosing a vacation spot they often prefer to choose places where the climate is favorable and the weather is accommodating. Maui is a prime spot for those individuals who want a supreme climate and spectacular weather. The average temperature in Maui remains in the 70s throughout the year and sunshine each day is quite likely. For those who are looking for a nice, warm spot where sun is a great probability each day, Maui is worth the trip.

Breathtaking Views
For those who wish to enjoy the scenery while on vacation, individuals who travel to Maui to do so will not be disappointed. From its impressive volcanic mountains to the sparkling waters and pristine beaches, Maui offers a little something for everyone who steps upon its shores. Keep in mind that these views can be seen throughout the island and individuals who are simply walking on the streets can enjoy some type of beautiful scenery.

Plenty of Things to Do and Experience on Maui
It can honestly be stated that one will surely not be bored during their vacation on the Hawaiian island of Maui. For the nature lovers out there, hiking, biking and tours throughout the natural countryside of Maui are sure to please. For those who are looking for activities related to the water, whale watching, fishing, boating and sunbathing are just a few of the many water-related options available to vacationers.

Maui is also known for its spectacular restaurants, shops and golf courses. Whether an individual on vacation in Maui wishes to while the day away tasting a variety of fabulous cuisines or play a few rounds on some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, Maui is the place to do so.

Enjoy the Arts
For those who appreciate the arts, Maui is home to a number of fabulous art galleries. Individuals who wish to tour the galleries or perhaps even purchase a unique painting or sculpture to take home with them, they are sure to find a gallery in which to do so. Many individuals are unaware of the fact that Maui is a popular art spot and for this reason, vacationers who are interested in a variety of arts are sure to find something that peaks their interest along the art avenues of Maui.

Romantic
Although Maui is not exclusively for couples, it is definitely one of the most romantic spots in Hawaii, if not the world. With its wonderful scenery and vast array of couple's activities, it is hard not to feel the romance in the air while visiting Maui. This is why Maui is quite popular amongst newlyweds who come to the area on their honeymoon. Individuals coming to Maui for a romantic time with their loved one can choose to have a secluded romantic time with their significant other or enjoy the romance amongst the masses. Love is definitely in the air on the island of Maui.

Spectacular Nightlife
Frequently, individuals who go on vacation are looking to stay on the go as much as possible and take in all that the vacation spot has to offer them. For this reason, it is important to highlight the great nightlife that one can experience while in Maui. Whether an individual wants to find an open-air bar in which to indulge in a couple of tropical drinks or if that person would rather dance the night away, both of these options are available to individuals on vacation in Maui. Whatever the desire, Maui is sure to offer options for vacationers.

Friendly Atmosphere
Maui is also a tourist spot which is known for its friendly residents and fun tourists. There is a friendliness factor evident throughout Maui which makes individuals on vacation there feel extremely welcomed and at home. What better way to spend a vacation than one surrounded by friendly individuals.

Best Beaches
Maui is a wonderful vacation spot for those individuals who are looking to enjoy the days on the beach. With its beautiful sand and shimmering water, the beaches in Maui are some of the best in the region, if not the world. In fact, the beach which was voted the best in the world is located right on Maui, which is Wailea Beach. Wailea Beach is one which tourists must see while on vacation in Maui.

Maui has so much to offer those who decide to vacation on the island. Whether one is looking to engage in exhilarating outdoor activities or simply achieve a little rest and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Maui is sure to please. When one chooses Maui as a vacation spot, they are sure to find something in the area which makes them want to return time and time again.

Lake Cumberland - Kentucky Wonder

2009-01-02T00:38:00.000-08:00

Located in central southern Kentucky, Lake Cumberland is one of the largest man-made bodies of water east of the Mississippi River and boasts more miles of shoreline (1255) than any other lake in the world. Within a days drive of most of Middle America, Lake Cumberland is considered a premier family vacation destination. For those seeking outdoor adventure, scenic vistas and peaceful surroundings, Lake Cumberland truly is the perfect place.

Nationally known for it's bass and trout fishing and host to several annual tournaments, Lake Cumberland is an angler's dream. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass abound, as well as stripers which have been stocked here since 1951. For the trout fisherman, the entire Cumberland River is full of rainbow trout, brown trout and the elusive brook trout. Many of Kentucky's record catches were recorded here, so your trophy is waiting.

In addition to prized fishing, Lake Cumberland offers house boating and a wide variety of water sports. Lake Cumberland is said to have more luxury houseboats than any other lake in the United States and nearby Monticello is the houseboat manufacturing capitol of the world. There are a host of full service marinas on the lake offering houseboat and pontoon rentals by the day or week. For those desiring a quicker pace on the water, ski boat and powerboat rentals are also available as well a personal watercraft. With over 63,000 acres of water, there is plenty of room for everyone. Cumberland below the falls and Big South Fork offer whitewater adventure that is sure to get your heart pounding. Local outfitters offer rafting as well as canoeing tours and kayakers flock to these rivers for their adrenaline pumping rapids.

Those desiring land recreation will find plenty of activities to choose from. There are many nearby golf courses offering everything from 9 hole par 3 to 18 hole championship courses. Lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, water features and rolling topography are showcased in all their splendor. Golfers of any level are sure to find a course to suit their level and style of play.

For avid hikers or those desiring a casual stroll in the wilderness, Lake Cumberland has an almost limitless network of hiking trails. Numerous trails of all lengths and difficulty levels adorn the shores of Lake Cumberland and the diverse topography of surrounding areas offer breath-taking vistas and panoramic views. The unique geographic features of the area will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Beaver Creek Wilderness Trails, Bee Rock Recreation Area, Rockcastle Narrows Trail, Yahoo Falls Scenic Area and The Daniel Boone Forest are just a few of the areas wilderness attractions. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation area is a 110,000 acre park with over 200 miles of trails and scenic railway. Of noted interest are Eagle Falls Trail, Natural Arch Recreation Area (One of the most scenic locations in the region) and Cumberland Falls State Park (Home to the Niagara of the South, the second largest falls in the United States and the night time Moonbow, one of three worldwide.) This is an absolute must see.

The Lake Cumberland area is steeped in tradition, and there are many sites nearby that are of historical interest. Carefully preserved and painstakingly restored, these destinations hark of days gone by and impart a true sense of nostalgia. In Monticello are the Wayne County Historical Society Museum and the Mill Springs Mill. The world's largest in operation, this three-story grist mill grinds fresh corn meal that is available for sale in their gift shop. It sits above the lake shore with a scenic walk descending to the dock below. In nearby Sterns is the Barthell Coal Mining Camp and the Big South Fork Scenic Railway and outdoor museum. Located in Nancy are the Mill Springs Battlefield Park and the Mill Springs National Cemetery with memorial services open to the public.

An Arts and Crafts mecca, shoppers will find many places for antiquing throughout the area. Flea markets, warehouse salvage, orchards offering fresh produce and local art galleries add to this eclectic mix to provide a shopping experience that is both interesting and unique.

Lake Cumberland- come see for yourself and experience this magnificent vacation wonder!

Disneyworld: Here We Come

2009-01-02T00:37:00.000-08:00

Disneyworld is undoubtedly one of the vacation spots you should never miss going to at least once in your lifetime. It is a place that is greatly enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Theme parks with legendary characters and rides aren't the only attractions in Disneyworld. The entire family can also enjoy the scenery, restaurants and the wonderful lodging and amenities.

Choosing the Appropriate Lodging to Suit Your Budget
Disneyworld and nearby areas have a wide variety of lodgings to offer depending on your budget and on the type of service or comfort you need. The types of lodging you can find in Disneyworld are the following: Resort/Value Lodging; Resort/Moderate Lodging; and Resort/Luxury Lodging.

Value lodging prices start from $77 and $87. These are usually the "All Star" resorts, which feature music, movies, and sports. You are guaranteed hospitality, cleanliness and quality service. You are entitled to great guest services too such as in room pizza delivery, babysitting and child service, amenities for disabled guests, pak-n-play cribs, convenient self parking and laundry facilities among others.

Moderate lodging prices, on the other hand, start from $133 and $148. This type of lodging allows you to enjoy luxury living at a more affordable price. These resorts come with a tropical theme with features including guest services and limited room service aside from the standard features.

Of course, if you have saved up enough for this vacation then you may as well go for luxury lodging that offers unique themes and exquisite landscaping. Prices start at $199. One such lodge is the Animal Kingdom Lodge which features an African theme, and aside from being in the midst of natural wildlife, this type of lodging includes a health club or spa, valet parking and others. You can also have deluxe rooms, which can accommodate up to five to eight guests and whose prices range from $350 to less than $2000.

If these prices don't really cut it for you, then you may opt for alternatives such as camping out or staying in cabins as some parks do provide for this. Don't worry, you are in Disneyworld! It's not THAT important where you sleep, it's the DAY activities that you are really here for right?

Other Cost Saving Tips
No matter how much you want to keep going back to Disneyworld, the truth is that it really takes a lot of money. However, if you know how to play your cards right and are willing to make some sacrifices then going to Disneyworld doesn't have to be a once-in-a lifetime thing. All it takes is good planning.

Scour the great WWW for discounts! Seriously, a little online sleuthing will reveal a lot of discount airfare tickets, promotional hotel rates and special discounts on Disneyworld tickets. It is not impossible to save up to 50% of what you may spend if you just wake up one morning and decide to buy tickets right there and then at short notice! And don't settle for the first discount you find. Check out a couple of sites, compare them, and then decide which one truly offers the best.

Going to Disneyworld with the whole family is also an exercise in good food planning. For starters, bring packed lunch or dinner for the drive. You should also purchase groceries for breakfasts and bottled water to last during your entire stay at Disneyworld as they would definitely be more expensive at the parks. Bring food that is not easily perishable, such as donuts, bread, pastries, fruits, cereals, granola bars and others.

Chicago Is Home To The Historic Water Tower

2009-01-02T00:36:00.000-08:00

Chicago is one of the largest and most populated cities in the United States. It has many attractions for visitors and tourists, to travel around and see. One of the oldest and more popular of all the attractions in Chicago is the City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower. The Chicago Office of Tourism is staffed to take care of and protect the gallery. Chicago Public Art Program is curator of the gallery.

The Historic Water Tower is Chicago's most beloved landmark and it has been for over 100 years. It was first designed and built by an architect by the name of William W. Boyington. Today, it stands as a memorial to the lives that were lost in the Tragic Chicago Fire. A little bit of history on the Historic Water Tower would date back to 1869 when it was first built to be the home of a 138-foot-tall piece of standpipe. This enormous pipe was also three feet in diameter. The purpose of the pipe was to maintain and equalize pressure and to knock down the amount of water that was flowing through all of the main water pipes in Chicago. The tower was built out of "Joliet" limestone, that was made into blocks, from a rock quarry in Illinois. This was probably the best idea someone had back then, because history tells of a great fire that broke out in Chicago in 1871 and leveled almost all of the buildings except for this tower. The day after the fire, people used this Water Tower as a guide to look through all the ash and ruins for items that had belonged to them.

The tower then became a city monument because of the city's water works engineers' spirit and drive to help the people who had lost nearly everything they had owned.

The enormous tower is actually constructed in what people call "castellated gothic style". The saw-toothed looking tower were drawn up and designed by Boyington to captivate ones sense of a medieval castle. The octagonal form symbolizes Gothic elements, and the slenderness of the tower is supposed to symbolize a "minaret quality". The total foundation of the tower has over 168 piles that are filled up with concrete and capped off by one foot oak timbers. Enormous stones that are edged in cement make up the base below the grade. All of the 40-foot sides have doorways and two large grand windows. The second and third sections look similar to all the other sides except they rise in height but their size decreases. The octagonal tower is centered and set a little ways back from the top of the third section. From top to bottom it rises over 154 feet from ground level.

The huge sandpipe was eventually removed in 1911, after it became apparent that there was no longer any use for it. The enormous eye-catching spiral staircase that went all the way around the sandpipe was left alone. The spiral staircase is still there, intact, today. The use of the staircase these days is to reach the new tower that was built called the "Cupola Tower".

Today the official use of the tower is as the city's photography gallery and the pumping station built below it serves as the Chicago's main water works supply. A Visitors' welcome center is also built near it so people may read up on how the tower was first built, and the purposes that it served throughout the years. In 2003 the Chicago Pumping Station became the home of the Lookingglass Theater.

Hawaii Is One Of The Most Unique Places To Go

2009-01-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

Hawaii is one of the supreme getaways for anyone. It offers relaxation in the sun, warm temperatures, nice cool water, just about anything you could want in any trip.

Maui, Hawaii is one of the most traveled to and more popular islands. Accommodation is abundant on Maui, from bed and breakfasts to hotels and resorts, to vacation ownership, one could say that the island is indeed a fantastic place to stay. Some of the activities and attractions would include land adventures, sky adventures, water sports and play, and wellness and rejuvenation centers.

Outdoor adventures have to rank in the top things to do in Maui, Hawaii. There are tons of rainforests that people hike or take specially guided hiking tours through. Lounging on a secluded or public beach, just relaxing yourself in the sun and listening to the waves of the ocean would be an outdoor adventure, especially for anyone that works an inside type job. Probably one of the most interesting outdoor adventures to take there would be one of the many professionally guided tours through the volcanoes and mountains. A lot of people like to mountain bike through these regions because of the terrain, it helps keep their bodies in a more fit condition, allowing you exercise in one of the most grueling ways.

The island of Aloha offers a variety of things to do too. There are plenty of services that provide you with sailing trips around the island, or you can take a chance and go skiing on the slopes of the Mauna Kea Crater. Other popular activities on Aloha are snorkeling around all the coral reefs, hiking through the volcanic regions looking at all the ash scars, or just exploring the island in general.

One of the most popular activities among tourists is to take part in the traditional festivities of a Luau show. This is a show that is usually put on by Hawaiian natives which includes certain types of dancing in certain types of clothes or covers put together by the natives, and then a luau feast follows.

Hawaii is mostly known for its unique cultures, but over the years it has been gaining a more popular reputation for its hosting of Arts and Cultural events. Old World offers unique exhibits to look at and they occasionally take these exhibits around the world. They offer lots of cultural celebrations throughout the year, and one of the most popular is a Hula show. Another not to miss exhibit is the Monet which has been a permanent exhibit for years in Hawaii.

Among all the things to do in Hawaii, from going to one island to the next to see exhibits, their cultural diversity, exploring their regions and landmarks, or just to take a vacation and enjoy the sun, climate and sandy beaches, everyone would agree that it is one of the most sought after vacations to take. Family, friends, weddings and honeymoons, whatever the occasion may be, Hawaii offers some of the best features to treat you with a relaxing fun-filled environment.

Most people would think that having a pre-planned set of sights or things to do would be the best idea, but they often change their minds when they arrive there, due to the uncountable features that the islands have to offer. In any bet, a trip to the islands would be one of the most entertaining and unforgettable vacations any person would ever experience in their life.

Best of Hawaii: Itinerary Ideas for the Traveler

2009-01-02T00:29:00.000-08:00

Want to do specific activities in Hawaii but have no idea which island has the best of the best? Use these lists to get ideas and helpful tips about the best surfing, scuba diving, exotic beaches, and much more!

This article is designed to help you choose which Hawaiian islands to visit if you have a particular activity in mind. Granted, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that all the 6 major islands of Hawaii have all of these activities in one shape or form. We have used a mixture of popular opinion and our own personal research and experiences for compiling these lists. An "(s)" indicates it may only be available during certain seasons. Remember to always check conditions & availability, especially for water activities.

Best Nightlife:
1. Oahu - Waikiki
2. Maui - Lahaina
3. Big Island - Kailua Kona

Best Hiking:
1. Kauai - Na Pali Coast (s)
2. Kauai - Waimea Canyon
3. Big Island - Mt. Kilauea

Best Surfing (Advanced):(s)
1. Oahu - North Shore
2. Kauai - Hanalei Bay
3. Maui - Honolua Bay

Best Surfing (Beginner):(s)
1. Oahu - Waikiki
2. Kauai - Kalapaki Beach
3. Maui - Launiupoko Park

Best Scuba Diving:
1. Maui - Molokini
2. Maui or Lanai - Lanai Coast
3. Big Island - West Coast

Best Windsurfing / Kite Surfing:(s) 1. Maui - Hookipa Beach Park (advanced)
2. Maui - Kanaha Beach (beginner)
3. Oahu - Kailua Beach

Best Snorkeling:
1. Oahu - Haunama Bay
2. Maui - Kaanapali (Black Rock)
3. Kauai - Lydgate Beach & Tunnels

Best Shopping:
1. Oahu - Aloha Market & Waikiki
2. Maui - Lahaina
3. Big Island - Kailua Kona

Best Nude Sunbathing:
1. Maui - Little Beach in Makena
2. Big Island - many locations
3. Kauai - Secret Beach in Kilauea

Best Exotic Beaches:
1. Maui - Red Sand Beach (Hana)
2. Big Island - Punaluu Black Sand Beach
3. Big Island - Mahana Green Sand (s)

Best Nature Experiences:
1. Kauai - Na Pali Coast
2. Big Island - Kilauea Volcano
3. Maui or Lanai - whale watching (s)

Costa Rica - Your Place in the Sun

2009-01-02T00:27:00.000-08:00

In Central America, just south of Nicaragua and north of Panama is Costa Rica. Costa Rica has the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west side. Therefore, the majority of Costa Rica's borders, sixty-five percent, are coastline.

Although a relatively small area, about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, it has everything one could want in a vacation. Beautiful white sand beaches, great surf, active volcanoes, natural hot springs, and towering rain forests are just some of the sites in Costa Rica. Site seeing in the area is relatively simple via rental car or public bus.

A number of the principal mountain ranges are volcanic, and visitors can easily visit many of these areas. In the province of Cartago, for example, which is not far from the capital of San José, you will find Irazú volcano, which erupted in the early sixties. Poás volcano, located in the province of Alajuela, has one of the largest active craters in the world. In addition, Arenal volcano, in the northwestern region, delights thousands of visitors each year to a constant stream of red, hot lava rocks tumbling down its slopes.

Picturesque forests grow in the crater of the dormant Barva in Heredia. Arenal, a young volcano in the northern part of the country is constantly active (and is the site of a spa with natural hot springs). The country's highest peak, Mount Chirripó, is not volcanic; it measures 12.412 feet. On a clear day one can see both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans from atop Mt. Chirripo.

The capital of Costa Rica is San José and is a good starting place for exploring the country. It is conveniently located in the center of the country and all the bus lines stop here. The port of Limon on the Caribbean Coast has quite a different atmosphere from the capital. Life is easy going on the Caribbean coast compared to the city life in San Jose.

San José is located in the Central Valley region of the country. Evenings in San José can be cool do to the high altitude, but you will not forget that you are in a tropical place even in this bustling city. The city itself is busy and filed with traffic. There are many things to do, but travelers often miss these sites choosing instead to head straight from the airport to beaches or rainforests. Although San José is not the most beautiful city in the world, it is generally safe and has a lot to offer tourists.

Vacationing in Saugatuck, Michigan

2009-01-02T00:25:00.000-08:00

The Saugatuck and Douglas area of Western Michigan, located along the shores of Lake Michigan, was part of the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th century, leading to a rise in tourism and its development as an art colony. This noteworthy background still drives the culture of the area, as many art galleries line the streets of these adjacent towns. While art is the predominant reason individuals seek out this area, the amazing views and activities associated with Lake Michigan keep them coming back year after year.

After arriving in Saugatuck, many individuals want to relax and stroll the streets of the "Art Coast" in search of a find that will complement their collection. Whether you are looking for a piece that represents a specific period or something that simply catches your eye, there is bound to be a gallery that services your style. The Joyce Petter Gallery is a great option if you are open to a variety of styles and appreciate historical architectural elements, which surround the artwork in this refurbished landmark building. For a more contemporary slant on art, head over to the Water Street Gallery and peruse the exceptional photos, sculptures, and paintings that accommodate every budget.

A great entertainment option for children and a popular take on the artistic thread running through Saugatuck and Douglas is the do-it-yourself art creation. At places such as the Express Yourself Art Barn, adults and children alike can make their own pottery, jewelry, mosaic, or painted glass with the assistance of a trained staff. You select the centerpiece of your work of art, choose all the colors, and paint a piece that reflects your personality and personal tastes. It is the perfect way to occupy an afternoon, and children love being able to express their creative side and take their masterpiece home.

With its prime location on the Kalamazoo River and near Lake Michigan, boat cruises can easily be found in any of the numerous Saugatuck marinas. Boat cruises are an ideal way to take in all the breathtaking scenery and learn more about the ecology and history of the area. Take the entire family aboard an authentic sternwheel paddleboat for a narrated sunset cruise along the Kalamazoo River, and catch a different view of the city and the spectacular sight of the sun setting into Lake Michigan.

Sport fishing is also a popular activity in the Saugatuck area since the rocky reef off of Douglas Point causes a current that keeps the game fish nearby all year long. Reel in Lake Trout, Salmon, Steelhead, Walleye, Brown Trout, and a few other species aboard a private fishing charter with one of the knowledgeable and experienced captains of this area.

If you prefer your vacation entertainment to take place on land, ride through the Saugatuck sand dunes on a scenic tour. There is enough room for the entire family in these extended, open top trucks, which provide a unique look at the local vegetation and wildlife of the dunes in addition to entertaining visitors with stories about the lore of the land.

For views and an adventure, make your way from Saugatuck to Oval Beach by crossing the Kalamazoo River on a hand-pulled chain ferry and then climbing the steps of Mount Baldhead. This is well worth the effort when you catch sight of the sand dunes and seclusion you have discovered on this grassy coastal beach. You can walk along the beautiful shoreline, which has been named among the 25 best in the world by Conde Nast's Traveler, or make your way into the cool, clean, and refreshing water. Stay for the sunset, but take notice that there is a liberal clothing policy so it may not be the most child-friendly beach.

Since the Saugatuck and Douglas area is a place where individuals come for a peaceful, restful vacation away from the stresses of daily life, why not choose accommodations that allow easy access to the activities on your itinerary. A Saugatuck vacation rental can be secluded in the woods or ideally situated on the water, depending on what meets your needs and facilitates your vacation experience. With all the amenities of home at your fingertips and the attractions of Saugatuck a walk out the door, you simply cannot go wrong with a cottage or condo rental for your next stay in Western Michigan.

Take a Peek at Some Unusual Florida Attractions

2009-01-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

When you are planning your next Florida vacation, you may be starting out with some ideas about the larger, more well-known Florida attractions that you and your family will want to visit. Your Florida vacation guide may be missing many unusual options that you can also check out. Some are near the more popular destinations, while others are just off the beaten path, but all are guaranteed to leave you with some great memories and interesting stories to tell when you get back home. Take a look at the following Florida attractions and discover all that this fascinating state has to offer.

Weeki Wachee Springs
Full of history, Weeki Wachee Springs on the North Gulf Coast offers visitors the opportunity to see "live mermaids." Families looking for something outside of their traditional Florida vacation guide will want to stop by and check out the mermaid shows, which feature actual living "mermaids" swimming underwater with Florida wildlife. (You'll have to visit to learn the secret.) Visitors seeking Florida attractions that offer fun water activities can also enjoy scuba diving or can play at the brand new Buccaneer Bay Waterpark.

The Nabor Kids Doll Factory
Another of the unusual Florida attractions on the North Gulf Coast is this out-of-the-ordinary doll factory and hospital in Homosassa. Nabor dolls are crafted from carved wood and have a unique look to them, to say the least. Check out the historical gallery that features many valuable doll creations from years past. You may even want to purchase one of these original creations to take home. You should definitely make this stop a part of your personal Florida vacation guide.

Coral Castle
One of the more beautiful and mysterious Florida attractions to visit is Coral Castle. It opened in 1923 and has been delighting visitors ever since with a beautiful castle made of over 1,100 tons of coral. To this day, nobody is quite sure how one man managed to move and carve this rock, which he did out of love for a young woman. Located near Miami, Coral Castle is an inviting side trip. Include this in your next Florida vacation guide, and take lots of pictures!

Solomon's Castle
Solomon's Castle is another of the remarkable Florida tourist attractions that families can visit. From afar, this castle simply looks like it is shimmering - up close, you'll find that it is made up of discarded printing plates. The setting also features many works of art created by sculptor Howard Solomon, as well as the intriguing Boat in the Moat restaurant. Keep this in mind when you're searching through your Florida vacation guide. Just a short drive from Orlando, this castle requires a whole day to fully explore all that it has to offer.

The Astronaut Hall of Fame and the American Police Hall of Fame
If your Florida vacation guide suggests a trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, near Cocoa Beach, you should definitely include the Astronaut Hall of Fame in your day. As a great foil to the Space Center's scientific angle, the Hall of Fame presents a more personal look at the men and women who have spent time in space. If you still have time after visiting these two Florida attractions, you can also stop by the American Police Hall of Fame, also located in Titusville, to view artifacts from the history of law enforcement and a memorial wall for fallen officers.

The National Museum of Naval Aviation
If you are searching for educational Florida attractions, make sure you stop at one of the largest air and space museums in the country, the National Museum of Naval Aviation, in Pensacola. Stop by and check out over 140 restored aircraft from various military branches, as well as a special IMAX movie and guided tours. The museum offers free admission and is open 362 days out of the year, making it a great addition to any Florida vacation guide.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Located in Key West, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-see for literature and history buffs seeking relevant Florida attractions. The home has been preserved and includes Hemingway's furniture and his typewriter, which he used to write many of his best-known novels. Living alongside this history are dozens of six-toed cats, all descended from a cat given to Hemingway himself. The home is open year-round and provides an interesting and educational deviation from the traditional activities listed in a Florida vacation guide.

The Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates
If you're looking for even more historical Florida attractions to explore, check out the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, located on the South Gulf Coast of Florida in Sanibel. A great addition to any Florida vacation guide, you can visit the homes in which these two great men spent winters, and take a peek into the chemical lab where many major experiments were carried out. The grounds also feature a beautiful botanical garden originally established by Edison for research purposes but later expanded to include plants renowned for their beauty.

The John and Mable Ringling Museum
This is one of those Florida attractions that is fun for the whole family! Primarily an art museum, the John and Mable Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida, also features a Circus Museum full of rare memorabilia. Stop by the Ringling Estate for the day and take in the official State Art Museum of Florida first, with its 21 galleries of European paintings and other fine artwork. Then step right up and enjoy viewing old handbills and posters while learning about the history of the circus.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
While you're enjoying the sunshine on Delray Beach, consult your Florida vacation guide and then take a detour to visit the beautiful Morikami museum and Japanese gardens. Take time to view the rotating exhibits that are full of Japanese artwork and cultural artifacts, and make sure you stroll through the stunning botanical garden that has been established in the Japanese style. If you're lucky, you may be able to watch a tea ceremony or participate in one of the many other special events that are always going here at one of the more exotic Florida attractions.

Gatorama
Last, but certainly not least, on this list of unusual Florida attractions is Gatorama, located in Palmdale. If you've come to Florida looking for alligators, you'll see more than your share here. Gatorama is a live, operating alligator farm where you can spend a day watching these fascinating creatures. It's is also home to hundreds of other animals, including peacocks, raccoons, and even monkeys. This intriguing spot may not be number one in a traditional Florida vacation guide, but it is definitely worth a visit.

Sport Activities in Florida

2009-01-02T00:22:00.000-08:00

Florida sports offer the fanatic or the casual fan a wide range of opportunities to take advantage of at any time of the year. From watching spectator sports, such as spring training baseball games and national league hockey games, to participating in a fishing tournament to visiting a famous racetrack, any sports fanatic is sure to be able to create a dream vacation year after year. Read on for some great ideas for incorporating Florida sports into your next trip.

Professional and Collegiate Florida Sports
During the regular seasons for the major spectator sports, the state of Florida offers the opportunity to watch its professional teams battle it out. For football fans, Florida offers three teams - the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. There are also has two Florida sports teams in the National Hockey League - the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers; two teams in the National Basketball Association - the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic; and two Florida sports teams in Major League Baseball - the Florida Marlins and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Any time of the year, no matter when your vacation is scheduled, you can buy tickets to watch one of these great Florida sports teams play. And don't forget the collegiate teams that play in the state, including the Gators and the Seminoles. Take in one of these games because you love spectator sports -- or just to watch the extreme fans cheer for the home team.

More Spectator Sports: Spring Training for Major League Baseball
Baseball fans have an extra Florida sports attraction to watch out for. Before the official season begins, many teams have spring training around the state, and their practice games are open to the public. With the relaxed atmosphere and intimate ball parks, this is a great way for the kids to collect their favorite stars' autographs. Go watch the New York Yankees, the Atlanta Braves, the Toronto Blue Jays, and other great teams participate in the Grapefruit League. Sit in the sunshine with your family while you get a sneak peak at the teams that will be playing throughout the year. Note that not all of these spectator sports are played in Florida - other MLB teams participate in the Cactus League, which takes place in Arizona, so be sure check your favorite team's website to make sure that you'll be able to catch them.

Golf - Playing and Watching
For the true fan of spectator sports, a visitor to Florida will find an overwhelming number of opportunities to watch a golf tournament. Those who prefer to participate can play a few rounds all over the state. For a bit of history, Florida sports buffs can start off with a visit to the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, where the Golf Hall of Fame resides. Visit the museum and check out who has recently been inducted into the Hall. Then, see if any PGA or LPGA tournaments will be taking place in the state while you are visiting. Prefer to play? There are hundreds of golf courses around the state where you can play 18 holes and enjoy the beautiful weather for which Florida is known.

Auto Racing
For Florida sports fans who enjoy auto racing, there are plenty of ways to watch or even participate in a race (or at least to feel like you are participating). If you prefer spectator sports, watch a thrilling race at the famous Daytona International Speedway while you are in Florida, or take a tour of the racetrack to learn about behind-the-scenes stories and secrets. If you want a hands-on experience, you can sign up to take part in the Richard Petty Driving Experience and drive a car around the track yourself - or with a guide, if you prefer. If you want more Florida sports excitement after seeing all that the Daytona track has to offer, travel to the Gainesville Raceway, known as one of the fastest tracks on the National Hot Rod Association circuit.

Deep Sea Diving
Prefer to get your feet wet? How about your whole body? Not interested in spectator sports? The state offers Florida sports enthusiasts amazing opportunities to go deep sea diving. Start in the southeastern part of the state, where you can dive along the coast and see a vast array of fish and other wildlife. You can also dive in and around the wrecks of Spanish galleons, exploring the ships and the treasure that may still lie within. Make sure you take an experienced guide with you when you dive and you're sure to have a memorable time.

Fishing
Fishing fanatics and Florida sports fans won't want to miss the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place every October. Destin is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and more than 30,000 anglers come together each year to take part in this exciting tournament, one of the great spectator sports. At other times of the year, the entire coast of Florida offers opportunities for fishing, whether you are looking to catch marlins and other big game fish or just want to enjoy an afternoon relaxing on a boat.

Horse Racing
If you like horse racing and spectator sports, you can see where it all begins in Ocala, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," where there are over 450 thoroughbred farms. Florida sports fans can follow that up with a visit to one of the racetracks in the state, including the Calder Race Course, which is conveniently located in Miami, next to Dolphin Stadium (where the Florida Marlins and Miami Dolphins play). Other tracks you may want to check out include Pompano Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

Things to Do in Florida in the Summer

2009-01-02T00:19:00.000-08:00

There are all sorts of things to do in Florida in the summer, making it a great time for a visit. The kids are out of school, the adults are longing for a break from the everyday routine, and you can factor in the many great Florida events that are going on throughout the season to enhance your vacation.

June - Florida Events to Start the Summer Season
Every year in June in Coconut Grove, Florida, the Goombay Festival delights people of all ages and is one of the more interesting things to do in Florida. Known as the largest black heritage festival in the United States, the Goombay Festival has been running strong since 1977. The festival includes displays of Bahamian history, authentic arts and crafts, plus music and Junkanoo dance. Over 100,000 people are expected to attend each day, making this a delightful stop for any family.

Another of the unusual Florida events for the whole family is the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, held in Fort Walton Beach. Pirates and pirate-related activities abound throughout this three-day festival, which includes a block party featuring performances by musical groups of various genres, as well as a torchlight parade and a treasure hunt that has participants scrambling to find two rare silver coins (one for adults, one for children). If you're hoping for pirate-related things to do in Florida, you shouldn't miss this.

For those looking for things to do in Florida that are more historical, for over 50 years, the Fiesta of Five Flags has been held in Pensacola to celebrate the city's founding as the first European settlement in the United States. This week of great Florida events includes treasure hunts, boat parades, and a sand sculpture contest. Don't forget to make time for the Grand Fiesta Parade, which includes pirates, clowns, and other colorful characters.

Still need more things to do in Florida in June? Other great Florida events include the Monticello Watermelon Festival in Jefferson County (a 50-year-old festival celebrating the juicy fruit with beauty pageants, dances, a parade, and more); Beethoven by the Beach in Fort Lauderdale (featuring activities celebrating the life of the great composer, including performances of his symphonies by various musical acts); and the Downtown Venice Craft Festival (a juried craft show featuring exhibits by over 100 artisans showing everything from jewelry to photography).

July - Things to Do in Florida on Independence Day and Beyond!
As the summer really gets going, there are even more fun Florida events during month of July. Of course, there are many celebrations for the 4th that you may want to attend, depending on where you and your family are staying. If you're looking for things to do in Florida near Jacksonville, you won't want to miss the "Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks" event. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful fireworks on the 4th of July! If you're in Clearwater, check out "Clearwater Celebrates America," a multi-day festival of music, food, and fun, leading up to the 4th. And of course, if you're in Orlando, you will probably want to go to Walt Disney World to enjoy the grand show that the park puts on for the nation's birthday - although bear in mind that a lot of other families may have the exact same idea!

For music lovers seeking things to do in Florida in July, check out the annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. This is one of the more remarkable Florida events. It features musicians performing - you guessed it - underwater! You can also dive down to visit an undersea art gallery while exploring the coral reef that makes the area famous. If you're lucky, you might even see a mermaid singing backup.

Toward the end of the month, the Hemingway Days Festival in Key West is one of the best Florida events for fans of literature. Make sure you check out the lookalike contest, where men compete to look the most like Ernest. There are also fishing tournaments and a short fun run for visitors to watch or participate in.

August - Celebrate the End of the Summer with Great Florida Events
The month of August means summer is winding to a close and it's time to take one last big vacation before school starts up. For memorable things to do in Florida in August, visit Wausau, which is the "Possum Capital of the United States," to participate in the annual Possum Festival and Funday. It's hard to describe, but it's worth checking out if you are seeking unique Florida events to tell people about when you get home.

If you prefer things to do in Florida that are a bit more mainstream, August is Miami Spice Restaurant Month. Restaurants throughout the city offer specially priced three-course meals at lunch and dinner for all to enjoy. It's a great way to sample some of the fare that this bustling city has to offer for a great price.

In addition, the entire month is devoted to Boca Festival Days in Boca Raton. Throughout the month, enjoy music, fun, and food in over 40 different locations around the city. Other Florida events that are a part of this festival include a three-day trade fair and a juried art exhibit that you won't want to miss. If you are looking for things to do in Florida at any time during the month, make Boca a stop on your journey and you'll find something to do that will delight every member of your family.

Conclusion
This is just a small sampling of the many things to do in Florida during the summer months. Make sure you take the time to investigate the Florida events taking place in your specific destination before you leave for your journey. Why settle for the same-old-same-old when you can explore a new festival or party every night of the week?

Wild Encounters - Florida Attractions for Animal Lovers

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Have you ever wanted to get face to face with a giraffe? Or observe a rhino in its natural setting? While Florida attractions like amusement parks with rollercoasters or water rides are fun, attractions that let you to get up close and personal with exotic animals from all over the world will provide a unique experience that you and your children will talk about for years to come. There are a number of Florida tours that will put you in the middle of all of the action!

Get Wild with these Florida Tours
One of the best Florida attractions for animal lovers to visit is Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens provides various adventure tours that remove the glass from between you and the animals and allow you to stare into the eyes of an antelope or touch the skin of a black rhino. Be sure your camera is loaded and ready because these Florida tours provide endless photo opportunities!

The Serengeti Safari is a 30-minute, open-truck tour that will transport you to another land! Get lost in the Serengeti experience as your Florida safari tour guide tells stories and shares captivating facts about the incredible wildlife. Observe the animals in a setting that mirrors the natural beauty of the Serengeti Plain, learn about the mysterious behavior of antelope and giraffes and experience the magic of feeding them with your own hands.

Interested in Florida tours that teach about endangered species while helping to protect them? Busch Gardens and the World Wildlife Fund have combined conservation efforts to bring you one of the most unique Florida attractions, the Saving a Species Tour. During a 45-minute tour, learn about the conservation projects that help protect rhinoceroses and the places they call home. Chat with the zookeepers who play a role every day in the effort to protect the future of these unique animals. Then, interact with the black rhinos and go on a Florida safari to observe the white rhinos in their natural setting. At the end of the tour, you'll feel great about the experience because you helped to protect these gentle giants--a portion of the proceeds from your ticket will benefit World Wildlife Fund's conservation work around the world.

More interested in aquatic Florida attractions? SeaWorld offers a variety of heart-pumping Florida tours for the marine animal lovers in your life. The Marine Mammal Keeper Experience gives those interested in a career with animals a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to work at SeaWorld's famous Florida attractions. On this nine-hour adventure, you will set off in a wetsuit and boots to get a realistic look at what it takes to care for SeaWorld animals. Work alongside marine mammal experts, and get up close and personal with marine life. Help care for endangered manatees by preparing special food for their dietary needs with the Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Team. During these Florida tours, you will care for and interact with dolphins, beluga whales, sea lions and walruses. Guests must be 13 years of age or older to participate.

Want to get wet and wild while encountering one of the ocean's most feared predators? The Sharks Deep Dive is the perfect choice of Florida tours for you! Most people fear seeing a shark fin in the water, but the shark cage will enable you to safely come face to face with over 30 predators of the deep from more than seven different species in the SeaWorld shark habitat. Located at Shark Encounter, one of the biggest and most popular SeaWorld Florida attractions, you will explore the 125-foot long underwater habitat with one other guest while wearing an underwater helmet that allows you to breathe and communicate without scuba equipment. You'll be one of few people who can brag they were brave enough to enter the underwater realm of sharks!

SeaWorld's newest venture is called Discovery Cove. For 35 years, SeaWorld has provided guests with unique Florida attractions to watch marine mammals perform and play from afar. Discovery Cove was created to take guests out of the audience and into the habitats where they can interact more closely with beloved marine mammals.

The beauty of Discovery Cove is that the park only allows a limited number of people in at one time. Guests are split into small groups, and there is no need to stand in line for every attraction, creating a more relaxed environment. There are a variety of animals to interact with throughout the park, including bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, sharks, colorful fish and exotic birds. Your admission includes a 30 minute swim with the dolphins, snorkeling in a coral reef, and complimentary admission to two other Florida attractions, SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where you can participate in any of the other adventure-style Florida tours offered. Since you aren't inhibited by a rigid schedule take time to explore the lush greenery and relax on pristine beaches. Discovery Cove provides a unique playground with animal interaction that your family will not soon forget!

Conclusion
Interacting with animals is one of the few experiences that children and adults enjoy equally. There are a variety of Florida attractions that will appeal to the wild or tame at heart. Take advantage of Florida tours that get you up close and personal with the animals of your choice, and you will be sure to take home memories that will last a lifetime.

From the Georgia Mountains to the Chattahoochee River: Explore These North Georgia Attractions

2009-01-02T00:03:00.000-08:00

Nestled among the foothills of some of the beautiful Georgia mountains, Northeast Georgia truly is nature's playground. With a million acres of national forest, 56,000 acre Lake Hartwell, historical landmarks, seasonal festivals, fine dining and - there are North Georgia attractions to pique everyone's interest.

North Georgia Attractions You May Want to Explore
The Georgia mountains in this region offer mild weather year-round and picturesque scenery. Plus, there is no shortage of North Georgia attractions to keep the whole family entertained in this beautiful area.

The quaint city of Toccoa in the Georgia mountains is a must see. This city is full of wonderful North Georgia attractions that will appeal to every family member. Start with a visit to the 186-foot tall Toccoa Falls, located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College. Pay a small fee and spend the day gazing at this natural wonder. Then take a hike to the top of Currahee Mountain, where you can enjoy beautiful views. Next, visit the Currahee Military Museum, which has exhibits on the Civil War, WWI and WWII, as well as a focus on the Paratrooper Infantry Regiment that trained in the area in the 40s. History buffs can continue with a tour of the historic Old Stephens County Courthouse, built in 1908.

Alpine Helen, once a sleepy sawmill village with a tiny population, is another of the premier North Georgia attractions. The quaint town in the Georgia mountains will instantly charm you with its Bavarian essence of red roofs, clock towers and cobblestone streets. The best time to visit Helen is during the town's annual Oktoberfest celebration. Oktoberfest in Helen came from humble beginnings in the 1970s, but over the years it has grown into one of the biggest parties in the Southeast, lasting over two months! During the day, peruse Helen's unique shops, eat a relaxing lunch in a beer-garden, and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful scenery. At night, head on over with the rest of Helen to the Festhalle, where visitors eat fresh cooked bratwursts, drink a variety of German beers and dance to the tune of authentic German live music.

Great North Georgia Attractions to Visit in the Fall
If you are seeking seasonal North Georgia attractions, visit Burt's Farm and Buck's Corn Maze. In the fall, Burt's Farm transforms into the largest pumpkin patch in the Georgia mountains. Bring your family and wander amongst the thousands of pumpkins, ranging in size from an unbelievable 150 pounds to a modest one pound. Burt's Farm offers hayrides pulled by tractors that take visitors through winding trails filled with natural beauty. If your stomach is growling after all of that fun, check out the barn store for Burt's fresh baked pumpkin pie and pumpkin roll, candied popcorn and other sugary goodies. If you are feeling up to a challenge, visit Buck's Corn Maze--an amazing nine-acre corn maze, open to the adventurous at heart both day and night.
One of the biggest North Georgia attractions during the fall is the changing of the leaves. Under a crisp blue sky, the sun's rays dance majestically on hues of orange, yellow and red. The sight of the leaves along the Georgia mountains during their annual transition is absolutely incomparable. Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is an ideal destination for viewing dazzling fall color in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest encircling the byway. The Byway is home to numerous waterfalls that are just a short stroll from the main road. You can also take the Byway to Brasstown Bald, the tallest of the Georgia mountains, to soak in a 360-degree view of the picturesque autumn landscape.
Another of the North Georgia attractions that offers fun year-round, but is especially spectacular with the fall foliage, is Tallulah Gorge, a magnificent canyon in the Georgia mountains that is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Visitors can hike trails to several overlooks, or they can obtain a free permit to hike down to the gorge floor. Take in the amazing views of the forest, river and waterfalls atop the suspension bridge that sways 80 feet above the rocky canyon bottom. Take a picnic and make a day of exploring the beauty of Northeast Georgia in the fall.

The Georgia mountains region is rich in historic landmarks and the arts and crafts of the past still resonate in museums and shops throughout the area today. Choose from a wide variety of North Georgia attractions to visit. The Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia (www.folkpotterymuseum.com) showcases the skills of one of the South's premier grassroots art forms and explores the historical importance and changing role of folk pottery in Southern life. The Nacoochee Indian Mound is the scenic focus at the west end of the Nacoochee Valley. Built by the Indians during the Mississippian Period, it was partially excavated in 1915. Although not accessible to the public, the mound may be seen on the east side of GA Highway 75 just before crossing the Chattahoochee River south of Helen.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities in the Georgia Mountains
There are endless opportunities for outdoor fun in the Georgia mountains, but if you are looking for something more exciting than hiking, camping, or fishing, adventurers of all ages can get in on the whitewater rafting action at the Chattooga River (www.fs.fed.us/conf/rec/rafting.htm). On the nationally designated "Wild & Scenic" river, three outfitters provide guided raft trips on two sections of the river where paddlers can experience the wild ride of class II, III, IV and V rapids. Adventurers seeking North Georgia attractions can choose a half-day trip or go for the whole day, and picnic on the banks of the river or at the base of a waterfall.

Another must-visit is Lake Hartwell, nestled in the Georgia mountains. This man-made lake has over 962 miles of shore and offers a wide range of exciting activities in which you can take part, from fishing to boating and waterskiing. In addition, the area is surrounded by North Georgia attractions such as outlet stores and flea markets, and there are dozens of golf courses just a short drive away.

After a day of fishing, hiking, hunting, golfing, or enjoying other North Georgia attractions, it is time to settle in for a home-style family meal at The Dillard House. The Dillard House is renowned for its farm fresh vegetables and meats served "family style" in the generous proportions that are the cornerstone of southern hospitality. Set in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Georgia mountains, the Dillard House also offers accommodations ranging from renovated modern style rooms to secluded chalets. Plus, the horse stables will keep the kids entertained for hours!

Conclusion
There is such a wide variety of North Georgia attractions to explore that you are sure to find something to delight every member of your family. The natural beauty of the Georgia mountains combined with its rich history make it a wonderful place to visit and a special place to spend a lifetime!