Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Berlin Gives you Rich History, Tantalizing Stories and Amazing Attitude

Berlin is an intriguing place to visit and is overflowing with attractions that are sure to hit you at every level, from emotional to spiritual.

A Varied History

Berlin lies right in Germany, whose historic past can never be forgotten. The city itself has a history that is considered epic by many. If you are over 30 then you probably remember the Berlin Wall and the whole interesting events that unfolded as it came crumbling down, bringing a once divided city back together again and calling an end to a communist regime.

Going back even further, Germany played a large role in WWII and thus many of its cities, Berlin included, bare deep wounds and left over scars from the torturous war. However, despite the dark spots in its history, Berlin has managed to rebuild itself and completely change into a city that has a pride that runs deep within its people.

Must See Attractions

When visiting Berlin it is easy to get caught up in the modern day Berlin, but it is the deep history that will really draw you into the city's heart and soul. When in Berlin there are some attractions that you must see or risk kicking yourself for missing once you leave.

These must see attractions include, of course, the ruins of the Berlin Wall and surrounding attractions, the German Parliament, Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. You also will want to see WWII era attractions like the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe and the Jewish Museum.

Other attractions to see include the Oberbaumbrucke Bridge, the 18th century baroque palace, Scloss Charlottenburg, Berliner Dom Cathedral and the Kaiser Wilheim Memorial Church. For more history go to Bebelplatz which is home to many historical buildings. More museums can be found on Museum Island. Here you will find the Alte Museum, The National Gallery, the Bode Museum , the Neues Museum and the Pergamon Museum.

Finally, rounding out the top attractions you won't want to miss is the most famous Berlin square, Gendarmenmarkt and the biggest synagogue in the city, Neue Synagogue. Don't forget the Berlin Zoo and Tiergarten.

Planning your Trip to Berlin

Planning a trip to this popular German city can be challenging. You certainly want to try to find the fastest and easiest way to book accommodations. Consider going online for your planning needs. You can book a holiday apartment online and save a lot of time. You get access to great deals and you can beat the crowds by booking early. The best part of it is that you can do it from your own home whenever you have time. Just get on the internet and set up your accommodations. Before you know it you will exploring Berlin and learning just how amazing this city truly is.

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Let Budapest Surprise You and Romance You

It may actually be very surprising at just how deeply this city's beauty runs and how it will forever impact your heart once you have visited.

Blessed By Nature, Enriched by People

Budapest has many natural and man made treasures. The city has an interesting mix of architectural designs, from baroque to neoclassical to art nouveau. It is dotted with Turkish thermal baths and home to some of the best food and wine in the area. It has plenty of parks filled with attractions and lies on the stunning Danube River which is always a great place to see boats as they sail about the waters. Then there are the Buda Hills that lie to the west and the beginning of the Great Plain in the east.

Exploring Within the City

The beauty of Budapest will make you want to visit, but it is the attractions that will capture your interest. Budapest does not fall short on things to see and do. You will keep yourself busy visiting all the popular tourist spots.

The Budapest Parliament is a wonderful stop where many visitors come when they are here. It is one of the cities top attractions. The crown jewels are held here and you can take a guided tour at various times throughout the day.

St Stephen Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the city and is home to the Holy Right of King St Steven. The Holy Right is one of the most treasured and important relics of the Hungarian Catholic church. Be sure when visiting the church that you take in the majestic views of the city from within the panorama terrace.

If you want to really get a feel of the city's history then you must visit Heroes' Square. Located at the end of Andrassy Avenue this memorial pays tribute to the 1000th anniversary of when Hungarians arrives in the Carpathian Basin.

For a little culture you can visit the Budapest State Opera. Not only can you take in a great performance, but the building itself is something worth seeing. It is a very lavishly decorated space that just screams of elegance and extravagant taste.

A visit to the Royal Palace is always unforgettable. This medieval palace is located in the Castle District. It has various museums within it that also feature exhibitions.

If you want a day of excitement and relaxation all in one then take a trip to City Park. Here you will find the Castle of Vajdahunyad, the Zoo and an amusement park. Of course, this is also a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Planning your Trip to Budapest

Planning your trip to Budapest should start online. Making reservations and setting up your accommodations in a holiday apartment can be done in a matter of minutes online. The best part is that you can even grab up some amazing deals that will save you a nice chunk of change when you go online to make your plans.

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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Antarctica - Points to Ponder

By Ethan Rodriguez

A tour of Antarctica brings with it rich experiences. No other place on the planet comes close to the beauty of Antarctica. This piece talks in detail about Antarctica and encourages you to get a taste of the place by going on a cruise. The place is truly lovely and without equal.

Few realize what exactly Antarctica serves up when they book trips there. Antarctica is one of the remote places on earth. Travelers can engage in activities like scuba diving or mountain climbing or camping or others.

Camping during your Antarctic travel can be a unique once in a lifetime experience. A number of Antarctic travel cruises give passengers a change to set up camp and rough it out in the cold for a night. Equipment is all provided. Use your rations to make the night out bearable and secure. This is one way to really appreciate the awesome beauty of Antarctica.

Kayaking aficionados are sure to enjoy Antarctica travel. People can see the wild animals and vegetation up close while traversing the waters. You can see everything from penguins to whales and seals sleeping. It might be necessary for you to take a moment to appreciate the impressive icebergs. It is a truly breath taking experience to kayak trough the vast waters and wilderness.

The Antarctic Circle is the venue for scuba diving. There is marine life that you will not see anywhere else. The sun hitting the ice is a phenomenal sight underwater. You will see animal such as penguins crabs seals and a wide variety of unique Antarctic fishes. You can consider yourself very lucky to have this experience. Most diving experts never even have the chance to see the Antarctic underwater scene.

Mountain and rock climbing enthusiasts will likewise find the experience memorable. A lot of people ask for this activity while in Antarctic tours. The area houses unclaimed territories numbering hundreds. If you want to play it safe consider taking the path renowned Antarctica adventures did.

They give lectures and you can tour with a guide. These provide additional info on the colorful Antarctic region. Antarctic cruises to consider are those that let tourists enjoy as much of the scenery and wilderness as they can. They will take you places telling you about the past of Antarctica. All these will show you just how precious Antarctica can be.

Antarctica has often been characterized as a barren and icy cold region. The general reputation of the place is that it is uninhabitable and only the truly brave are able to come back from it. This declaration is based on nothing factual. Antarctica is a startlingly captivating location. Antarctica is one place that will wow you with its impressive sights and fun adventure activities. There are no second thoughts about taking Antarctica tours because you are bound to enjoy them immensely.

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Friday, December 25, 2009

Travel To Victoria Falls : Zambia's Most Popular Safari Destination

By Andrew Muigai

The magnificent Victoria Falls is the most attractive feature along the River Zambezi, Zambia's largest river, locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (the smoke that thunders). As the millions of liters of water falls down its rocky cliff, deafening roars can be heard many metres away and sparkle of blanket makes the power of seeing more delightful as the falling waters rises.

During the rainy season, the blanket of mist becomes so thick thus making it almost impossible to catch a glimpse of the Victoria Falls. The falls gets too dull during the climax of the dry season and this is a good time to visit the area. July and August, when the season is dry summer, are the best months to view the falls. Although it is recommended to view the falls from a bird's-eye view, most people prefer to view the falls from the ground where they can feel sprays of the falls on their faces.

The grand Victoria Falls Bridge stands not far from the falls. The architecture that joins Zambia and Zimbabwe is a prized piece that provides an expansive view of the Zambezi and the adjacent rain forests. Bungee jumping is the most popular activity at the bridge. The fall is the second longest bungee distance in the world covering 111 metres long. The friendly Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams are the other remarkable sights along the Zambezi.

The massive Kariba dam in Zambia covers a total of 300km while Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique is 280 km wide. Sport fishing is a popular activity in both dams. Tiger fish, which grows up to 10kg, is the most common fish in the dams. Other fish species that can be tagged include the red-breated bream and the yellow-belly bream among others.

Zambezi offers some of the most rewarding Africa safaris due to the number of game parks scattered all over it. The most admired parks are the Zambezi, Mana pools park, Victoria Falls and elephants camps. There are fenced and controlled reserves along game drives where visitors can watch a wide splendid collection of wild animals. The exciting white water rafting journey is the most famous activity carried out at the Zambezi. An excellent flowing strip that runs through the rocky riverbeds and the steep gorged terrain as well as pressure pools provides exciting rapids.

Besides boasting a huge number of attractions, the Zambezi offers unlimited accommodation options. These range from luxury hotels to outdoor tents, hence the destination suits travellers of all budgets. Victoria Falls, Royal Livingstone and Thorn Tree Lodge are the most preferred hotels in the area.

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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Architectural Influences In Bogota, Colombia

Most of the influences in Bogota, as well as most of Colombia have Spanish colonial origins, dating back as far as the 17th century. Regions really differ, and there are also hints of Castilian, as well as Moorish architecture as well. While many larger cities like Bogota have modernized adaptations of the Baroque style, unfortunately, due the the climate, only a few older examples remain. The Churches of Bogota, as well as others that are located throughout the country, do still reflect the Renaissance, and Medieval houses of worship of Spain.

With the coming of the nineteenth century, another form of architecture began to appear prominently in Colombian architecture. This combined inspirations of Roman, Renaissance, as well as Greek art into a style known as Republicano. Not only was this representative in their art, but in the materials of many buildings, including many government offices. In the 1930's Bogota began to take on more of a modern architectural style, and the Liberal Party started tearing down most of the older buildings that still held onto conservative values.

Many of the ancient churches in Bogota are still open to public observation, and you should check these out. The bull fighting arena still holds true to some of the older styling of architecture, and the bull fights are presented regularly. Many hotels retain both old and new presences, and staying in one of these is a good way to see some of these representations up close and personal.

There are many 19th century buildings to visit, like the Bogota Cathedral, Bolivar Plaza, and the Senate of the Republic, just to name a few. Many older style homes, while privately owned, can still be seen from the outside. Take your time, and take in all the sights you can, and just enjoy it all in general.
If you are thinking about a trip to Bogota, Colombia, then a good idea would be to stay in one of the many hotels. In order to maximize your budget, you should book reservations well ahead of your arrival date, and check with each website to find out what all the amenities are for each one. You can also find some great discounts on certain travel sites, and many have packages for combining all your travel needs for one low price.

You should also check before you go to see what kinds of restrictions any of these hotels may have. If you are planning any guided tours or excursions into the National Parks, then you should also book these trips as well, to make sure they are still available. Any time you plan to make a trip during peak tourist season, always make your reservations early. If you wait until the last minute, many will not be available.

There are also a few safety tips you should observe when traveling anywhere out of the country. Whenever possible, leave all of your valuables in the hotel you are staying at, in the hotel safe it they have one. If you must carry money, buy a security money belt, and use it. Never reveal your money belt, and if you need to get into it, excuse yourself to a rest room and open it in a private stall.

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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Cruise To Nowhere Deals From Travel Agents

By Steven Hass

Have you ever wondered if what you know about cruise travel agents is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on cruise to nowhere packages.

Luxury cruises rely on offering excellent service to keep its clientele happy. Within reason, a cruise ship can be classed as luxury if the service is outstanding, even though the rest of the offerings are not quite so good. Luxury cruise packages offer you a wide range of facilities with 5-star service in each of them.

Travel agents and travel sites on the internet are another good place to get holiday cruise prices. Travel agents and travel sites on the internet are another good place to get prices. The biggest money saving tip anyone can get is to shop around.

Now that we've covered those aspects of cruise to nowhere package deals, let's turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Everything is top notch on the luxury cruise ship, and features many of the same amenities also provided on the Queen Mary 2. Cunard's fleet cruises the world, and offers 10- to 16-day cruises in the Mediterranean, Europe, and Scandinavia, as well as transatlantic voyages round trip from New York City in the U.S.

One travel retailer announced the winner of a luxury cruise competition, which it run as part of the launch of the new Heinemann Duty Free fascia at Hamburg airport in December 2008. Lilly H has won a two-week cruise worth 6,000 ($8,340) on board the Sea Cloud II vessel.

Luxury cruises are one of the most popular options with people at Christmas. But, the Diamond Princess incident might affect the cruising option for holidays. Luxury cruise line Fred Olsen specializes in voyages to this Spanish-owned island chain and right now the company is drastically reducing rates on a number of its cruises. This 12-night voyage aboard the Boudicca is our top pick with rates starting from just $95/night.

Now you can be a confident expert on cruise to nowhere package deals. OK, maybe not an expert. But you should have something to bring to the table next time you join a discussion on cruise travel agents.

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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Beautiful River Cruises

By Jason Myers

Leisure, views, atmosphere and culture all sum up to a western european river cruise. If you want a holiday that may remain in your memory for a while, coming across all of the unique facets of a river cruise will be a great experience for you. The boats used for river cruises are somewhat smaller and can access inland areas that the larger sea ocean liners can't.

This will allow you the chance to explore areas not well known on the vacation circuit. Northern European river cruises are one of the journeys that will permit you to see sights in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Experience the countries of the 'Midnight Sun' and find out what it's like to have daylight for twenty-four hours.

A river cruise is one of the finest methods to pass your vacation without caring about booking hostels. By experiencing a cruise you'll have accommodations and meals already taken care of while you are on the go to explore coastal towns along the path. The river cruises alter in length, but you should be capable of finding one to fit in with your vacation plans.

The northern river cruises will permit you the opportunity to see the Baltic Sea and experience the beauty of this area of the world. From the ports of call along the way you will enjoy the variances of the old and new mix of design. Castles and contemporary buildings co-exist in a way that's tempting to behold.

Experience a mix of old and new while enjoying the riverbank villages. Cruising along in the summer when the temperatures are good for your river boat trip will be a refreshing adventure. To remember everything use a camcorder or digital compact camera to record your cruise. You can buy a cheap camera in any online auction website.

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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Can A Travel Agent Find You A Better Deal?

By Kevin Cotton

When you're learning about something new, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of relevant information available from travel agents in Philadelphia. This informative article should help you focus on the central points relating to PA travel agents.

Online travel sites are also starting to offer insurance but it rarely covers all of a trip and there are still fees involved to change everything. Online reservation software can make the difference in travel agency growth or decline. Travel companies work on small margins and efficient online reservation software is the lifeblood of travel companies. Online travel agents might ask themselves whether it is worth displaying such advertisements.

Indian travel agents also take care of various other factors like travel guide books and timetables, sale of in-house insurance, car rentals and the services of an on-site Bureau de change. They also help in the foreign currency exchange. India is blessed with enormous breathtaking scenic beauty, which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From snow-topped mountain ranges to Emerald Green Ocean, vast wilderness areas to thrilling adventure zones, India has got it all.

If your facts on travel agents in Philadelphia are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don't let important PA travel agent information slip by you.

Travel agents have access to the latest information on hotels, flights and destinations that a client doesn't have access to. This knowledge is invaluable. It is therefore essential for travel-related websites to offer useful, pertinent and easy-to-find information alongside a booking facility if appropriate. The Internet can be used to fully research a destination, book all aspects of the holiday including travel and communicate others who have the same ideas or have been through similar experiences. Visits by residents of Great Britain accounted for virtually all of this decrease, falling by almost 16,000 (7%) to 208,300. Meanwhile, visits by residents of Other Europe and North America recorded slight increases to 149,500 and 45,200 respectively. Visitors enjoy an almost infinite number of options covering every type of cuisine imaginable. Dubai hotels offer some of the highest quality meals to be found.

Ask friends for recommendations -- eventually someone will offer a glowing recommendation of a travel agent. Remember that different agents will have different expertise. Ask your travel agent about the nitty-gritty details of your trip, including airport connections, bus and taxi services, tipping, foreign currency conversion, and safety concerns such as government-issued travel advisories and warnings. Most importantly, get a phone number that you can use for after-hours emergencies (at the airport early Sunday morning after your wedding, for instance) and on your trip (preferably toll-free or collect if calling from outside the country).

Supplier membership includes companies that provide and sell travel related products and services used by or sold by travel agents. Our goal is to drive more business to you through our agent members who have valuable specialty training and expertise in your target market. It is important that these agents have a resource to find and utilize all suppliers that sell products and services within their specialized area. Suppliers who compete with agents by offering online sales can find themselves in a thorny relationship. Many operators also believe their products are too complicated to be booked online, or that travellers need someone to talk them through visas, insurance and other requirements.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of travel agents in Philadelphia. Share your new understanding about PA travel agents with others. They'll thank you for it.

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Saturday, August 22, 2009

Top Five Adventures In North Dakota

There are countless place to visit in North Dakota if you want to spend some time camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding or just being outdoors. There are several places to visit in the state that are not mentioned on this list.

Here are just five of the best places to visit in North Dakota if you are up for some outdoor adventures. Make sure to book rooms at North Dakota hotels early, as rooms can fill up quickly in towns like Fargo during busy months of the year.

1. Fort Ransom State Park

Fort Ransom State Park is a good place to visit in North Dakota because it is located in the middle of the state in the beautiful Sheyenne River valley. At Fort Ransom, visitors go canoeing, fishing or hiking.

Birds are plentiful at Fort Ransom. Some tourists like to walk on the North Country National Scenic Trail or go on picnics. Camping is popular in the summer and cross-country skiing is common in the winter.

This park is a great place to visit during all four seasons. In the spring, the park has flowers blooming and mild weather. The fall offers colored leaves and in the winter there are plenty of things to do as long as you dress warm!

If you are looking for North Dakota hotels near Fort Ransom, the park is about two hours from Fargo hotels, two hours from Jamestown ND hotels and about one hour from Valley City ND hotels.

Fort Ransom is located near the town of Fort Ransom ND.

2. Fort Seward Wagon Train

This is a weeklong adventure that starts out in Jamestown ND. Tourists live as pioneers on the prairie. That means no showering and a lot of hard work.

Some of the more pleasant activities include campfires, sleeping under the stars and good cooking. This trip is a good getaway from the big city.

Participants will be camping during the event, but nearby hotels in Jamestown ND are nearby and Fargo hotels or Bismarck hotels are about 90 minutes away. Those taking part in this adventure will be eager for a shower once the week is over!

3. Fort Stevenson State Park

This park is on Lake Sakakawea and is open year round. There is boating access, fishing and boat rental. Camping is available and there are picnic tables and cabins for rent.

4. Lake Metigoshe State Park

This park is located on the border of the United States and Canada. There are numerous lakes in the park used for canoeing, boating and fishing. People also swim in the lake.

Trails are available for hiking and mountain biking. In the winter, trails are cleared for both cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

5. Maah Daah Hey Trail

This trail runs from the northern part of Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the southern part of the park. It is 97 miles total and most commonly used for mountain biking.

Motor vehicles are not allowed on this trail or within the park itself. The trail runs around the park. Camping is available along the trail in four areas.

If you attempt this trail in the summer, bring plenty of water because you will not find any along the trail.

http://www.whosgotroom.com offers a wide selection of Fargo Hotels and other Hotels in Fargo Moorhead to suit anyone's needs as they travel.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Enjoy An Alaskan Cruise Vacation

It is pretty easy to see why cruises have become so popular. You get to see unique, exotic and often exhilarating locales around the world, without leaving the comforts you are used to, and all on a ship that will be chock full of amenities and activities. One of the most popular destinations is Alaska. With so much in the way of history, natural beauty, scenery and activities, it is not really a wonder that people flock to it from all over.

Most cruises to Alaska leave from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle or Vancouver. All of them are great cities, but Vancouver is particularly beautiful if you are not from that area. It is a great starting point for a great cruise.

Most Alaska cruises will pass through places like Glacier Bay, the Kenai Peninsula, Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. In and around these places are some great excursions, even to places where there is still something of a gold rush.

There are beautiful rocky, snow-capped mountaintops along the cruise route, along with something you might not expect, a rainforest and idyllic islands. Naturally, summer is the time to check these out, which is why the peak season is from May to September.
Anchorage, the Alaska Range, the famous Denali National Park and others nearby are great options to check out. If you want to, you can go find grizzly bears, fish for some of the best salmon in the world, look for gold nuggets, photograph mountain lions or watch eagles soar. You can head into Yukon Territory (Canada) for an even more natural, isolated experience.

And of course, you will get a chance to look at what Alaska is possibly most famous for, glaciers. These formations, thousands of years old are just spectacular. They shaped the face of the planet, created the Great Lakes, and changed the direction of life on the planet, and there are many, but almost every Alaska cruise will swing by the Hubbard glacier. A cruise to Alaska is a must, at least once in your life.

So what exactly is it that you are waiting for? There is no better time than now. Just like plane tickets, the best deals on cruises are also online. The recession will not last and neither will these travel deals. Travel is often time-sensitive, so when looking for cruise deals, there are certain times that work to your advantage. If you want to cruise during the peak season, those times are when the season begins, around May, and when the season ends, around September.

Naturally, the best deals to be found are during the off-peak season, October to April. Sunsets are earlier, and sunrises are later, the temperature is a lot colder, but hey, Alaska is Alaska.

http://www.Alaskacruisescentral.com

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Five Best Places To Visit In Scotland

Edinburgh City. As with most countries around the world, the first port of call for many is the capital city and in Scotlands case, this is the wonderful city of Edinburgh. Second only in size to Glasgow, Edinburgh is one of the most vibrant, cultural and diverse cities anywhere in the United Kingdom. Activities are plentiful in Edinburgh and take place all throughout the year, from Burns Night on January 25, to the Edinburgh Festival during August and possibly the most popular celebrations of all, Hogmanay on December 31.

Loch Ness. When Scotland is mentioned to most people, the first things that come into their mind are kilts, haggis and the Loch Ness Monster. As story has it, there is a supposed monster living in the loch that has been sighted, whether truthfully or not, many times throughout history and this is without doubt the most popular drawing point for the area. However, aside from the Loch Ness Monster, Loch Ness itself is a place of astounding beauty and its sheer expanse is breathtaking, at almost 22 miles square, the loch is second largest in Scotland but by far the deepest, with the deepest point measuring a staggering 754 feet.

Roslin Glen. A small village in Midlothian, Roslin Glen is a quaint area that, in comparison to other Scottish villages, towns and cities, holds no widely known major points of interest. However, Rosslyn Chapel is, to some, one of the most popular places of interest in the world.

Popularised by the book The Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel is said to be heavily linked to the Holy Grail and has a strong association with the Knights Templar. The story behind both is heavily religious and massively interesting and a visit to Rosslyn Chapel, after reading about the Holy Grail, will be greatly adored.

Wallace Monument. For many outside of Scotland, William Wallace was an unknown figure until the popular film Braveheart was released. However, William Wallace has been well respected and considered a national icon for all Scottish people since he lead the resistance during the Scottish Independence wars in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Although there are many museums throughout Scotland that praise Wallaces achievements, the Wallace Monument in Stirling is seen as the most prominent accolade. Finished in 1869, the monument stands atop Abbey Craig and can be seen for miles around, standing at 220 feet tall.

Ben Nevis. The tallest mountain anywhere in the British Isles, the summit of Ben Nevis is 4,409 feet above sea level and is one of the most popular hikes in the British Isles, with in excess of 100,000 people taking a route to the top every year.

Although there are various routes to take, the most common is the Pony Track, which was established in 1883 and is still maintained regularly to this day.

Scotland is a fascinating country and has many wonderful places to visit and attractions to see. Beautiful, awe-inspiring and breathtaking, book into one of the many Scotland hotels available and take in the sights of this fascinating country.

http://www.openroads.com/ Open Roads has a variety of travel packages and offers on Scotland Hotels for you to enjoy a perfectly planned vacation. They also have a range of discounts and offers for other attractive travel destinations around the world.
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Aldabra Atoll

By Arthur Stone

Aldabra Atoll is part of the Aldabra Group, one of the archipelagos of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. The second largest atoll in the world after Kiritimati, Aldabra is the coraline tip of a volcanic seamount, rising from depths of 4,000 to 4,500m (13,120 to 14,760 ft). At 34 km (21 mi) long, 14.5 km (9 mi) wide and just 8 in (26 ft) above sea level, the atoll is made up from four coral limestone masses forming a circle around a lagoon of 224 sq km (86 sq mi).

The lagoon is tidal loses two-thirds of its waters at low tide. Aldabra was given World Heritage status in 1982 to protect its delicate natural environment.

Because the atoll is so isolated, many of its species of flora and fauna are found only here. The islets and rocky outcrops in the lagoon provide nesting areas for thousands of birds.

It has possibly the largest population of red-tailed tropic birds and the second largest colony of frigate birds in the world. Many other birds are found here also, including the Aldabra flightless rail, the only flightless bird found on any Indian Ocean island.

The Aldabran giant tortoises are, however, the atoll's most renowned residents, being the last of the giant tortoises which were once spread across the entire region. Commercial exploitation is believed to have rendered all other giant tortoises in the area extinct by the mid-19th century, and very nearly exterminated the Aldabran population. Two species of marine turtle also nest on beaches on Aldabra: the green turtle and hawksbill turtle.

Unlike the nearby Seychelles, the atoll is inhospitable to humans as the limestone has been eroded into sharp spikes and water-filled pits. However, the mangroves support fish nurseries, and the lagoon is home to a wealth of marine life, from black-tipped reef sharks to eagle rays and parrot fish.

For almost a century, scientists have been studying the flora and fauna of the atoll, which is uninhabited other than by those working at the scientific research station.

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Explore Africa on an Exotic African Safari

Africa is a diverse land filled with the adventures of a lifetime. The excitement of an African safari adventure draws visitors from around the world. The diversity of Africa is extraordinary and includes the African bush, mountains, beautiful colors, diverse tribes and people groups, exotic large animals such as Zebras and Elephants and some of the most exquisite wonders including the Egyptian pyramids.

The beauty of Africa tantalizes the senses and tugs on the emotions. From the poorest tribes to the richest nations, Africas land is as diverse as its people. African safaris pull people from ordinary life into the adventures of a lifetime. No where else in the world can so many phenomenal sites, sounds and smells be experienced. An African safari can include extreme adventures such as whitewater rafting, volcano climbing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, and big game hunting. These are just a few of the adventures available for the active tourist. For the less active visitor there are just as many adventures including: the Egyptian pyramids, beautiful white beaches, viewing exotic animals roaming about, golfing, and national park resorts.

African wildlife is one of the most unusual sites in the entire world. The beauty of the animals in Africa is exquisite; numerous species of birds in every color of the rainbow, monkeys swinging from trees with their babies clinging to their backs, giraffes grazing in open fields, sprinting cheetahs, elephants playing in the water and so much more wildlife fill Africa. The beauty of the wildlife can be seen while on an African safari adventure in a variety of ways, including from a hot air balloon. The beauty of breathtaking Africa from above is one of the most popular and exciting activities on an African safari. View the red elephants of Tsavo National Park or the flaming flamingoes of Lake Nakuru.

The adventures of Africa are vast and numerous. There are so many popular safari destinations to visit. Kenya safari would include Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa or the Masai Mara National Reserve. While in Kenya enjoy a visit to Lake Nakuru, which is an exotic bird sanctuary. Two million flamingos have flooded this area and over 400 species of birds are a home at Lake Nakuru. Tanzania is another popular African safari site. Tanzania is one of the wonders of the world. The Ngorongoro crater is one of the most outstanding, stunningly beautiful sites to see in the world. This huge crater is filled with wildlife including the black rhino. Enjoy the shade and a picnic lunch while watching the animals graze around you. Serengeti National Park is an almost treeless plain. Nearly three million large wildlife animals live, eat and roam on this huge piece of land, including hundreds of thousands of Zebras and Gazelles.

Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime and travel on an Africa safari to various parts of Africa. A safari trip to Africa is life changing, exhilarating, exciting and exotic. Custom design a trip that will match your desire for high adventure such as scuba diving and volcano climbing or a less wild adventure that would include a hot air balloon ride or a quiet lunch near an elephants water hole. There are so many adventures to be had in Africa. An African safari will transform your love for the world and will quicken within you the thrill of adventure and life.

Get more information on Exotic African Safaris at http://www.froschvacations.com

Shawn Hickman is the Owner of http://www.seopros.us SEO Pros Nashville Internet Marketing.

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Popularity Of Getaways in Denmark

By Erik Simonsen

You can spend your holidays in Denmark in a lot of different ways. From the awe inspiring rugged castles thrusting their way skywards from the ancient lands, to modern, thriving cities, Denmark offers amazing holiday experiences. The peninsula of Jutland is the only part of Denmark which is landlocked to the rest of Europe. The remaining part of the country is made up of hundreds of islands, which vary in size. Most of the islands are very small so only a few of them are inhabited. Thus, the Danish geography means that wherever you choose to spend your holidays in Denmark, you will always be close to the sea.

Coastal vacations are always popular, and since Denmark has, proportionally, more coastline than anywhere in the world, it enjoys welcoming visitors every year, a good proportion of whom decide to rent one of the vacation homes available. Although beautiful beaches are delightful, you will almost certainly want to explore more of what our country has to offer, from bustling cities to tranquil parkland. It really doesn't matter where you stay - the range of opportunities will always be vast.

Although Denmark is one of the world's smaller nations, you will surely come to appreciate the country's beautiful nature. As the distances are relatively short, you will experience how quickly the landscape changes, as you drive though the country. Enjoy witnessing rolling countryside, dense woodland and hidden streams and glades melt into rock strewn coasts and windswept dunes. The difference is greatest along the North Sea Coast, but you are sure to experience scenic surroundings wherever you wish to spend your holidays in Denmark.

The largest of the Danish islands is Zealand. The capital, Copenhagen, is located on the eastern part of Zealand, not far from Sweden. If you prefer spending time in the big city, thriving on shopping experiences, galleries, museums and entertainment, then Copenhagen is a must. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping, and for leisure and entertainment there's always plenty to enjoy. As far as dining is concerned, Copenhagen boasts some of the finest cuisine. Although Danish government is now democratic, it was only up until the mid 19th century that Denmark was ruled by kings, based in the city of Copenhagen.

As a result, there are a large number of beautiful castles not just in Copenhagen, but in the northern part of Zealand as well. If visiting Copenhagen, be sure to make time to visit the splendid Amalienborg Palace, which is where the current Queen lives today. It is recommended that if you are staying awhile in Copenhagen, you take the time to view the dazzling Crown Jewels, but don't be too tempted - they're very securely guarded!

Further east, far into the Baltic Sea, is located the island of Bornholm. What is particularly noticeable is Bornholm's landscape which is quite distinct compared to elsewhere in Denmark. Thus, Bornholm is the only place in Denmark (apart from the North Atlantic regions) where you can see bare rocks and cliffs. But such an apparently barren landscape is misleading, for many of Denmark's best beaches can be discovered here. The island is a great choice for anyone who wants to spend their holidays in Denmark in one of the most popular destinations in the country. Regardless of where you go on holidays in Denmark, you can look forward to having a great time.

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Royal Caribbean Cruises For Your Next Vacation

By Donny McKinnon

Hold on to your watch! There are so many activities on Royal Caribbean Cruises that even if you could partake in all of them, which you cannot possibly do, you would need to sleep every other day. You will enjoy so many well-planned activities that you will need to keep track of time only so that you don't miss the next exciting hour. What you will find is the staff can entertain you, make you ache with laughter and tease your brain with trivia.

Choose from sailing itineraries of Hawaii, Europe and Australia. The Eastern and Southern Caribbean are not outdone by the Western Caribbean cruises and the cruises to Canada and New England are wonderful in the fall of the year. The Ultimate Caribbean and Panama Canal is an 11 night cruise and the cruises that are transatlantic trips are reminiscent of the days of long ago when ships sailed back and forth between ports of the United Kingdom and America.

The cruise length and the ports are very special and popular for today's traveler. It is a true savings to hop a plane to the port, board your ship, and sail from island to island or from one country's port to another.

Royal Caribbean knows that you are at a disadvantage to plan some of the intricate details of your trip. Call and speak to a certified vacation planner who will iron out all of the details that you will need for your trip. This agent can plan your air travel, accommodations between travel and extra time on either end of your vacation.

If you need special accommodations from Royal Caribbean, make those known when you book your cruise. Royal Caribbean is a top of the line cruise company who has many ships in its fleet with many wonderful features. Word of mouth has it that Royal Caribbean has wonderful food and the best in entertainment.

The evening show is filled with laughter when a comedian takes the stage, intrigue when the magician is the headliner and awe at the beautiful dancers on the night they take the stage. When the band plays you might even be invited to learn some line dancing in the evening after the show. If your miss some of the newlywed games played, you can catch them later in your cruise on the TV in your cabin.

The casino offers excitement for the casual player and it is opened at certain hours according to the regulations imposed. They do have tournaments for the amateurs if you want to register to play. Good luck!

Your floating hotel offers fun and activities to help you enjoy your holiday. Don't forget to inquire about the spa services. Some of the services are complimentary, but the massages and hair and nail services require a fee. Your Royal Caribbean cruise is a terrific way to let go and be pampered. You will not be bored and you will be planning your next cruise!

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5 Great Places to Visit in Cornwall

Cornwall is arguably one of the UK's best places to visit, especially in the summer months when the weather is often very warm and sunny. It is well known for its fabulous beaches and for towns such as the surfer's paradise Newquay and the picturesque St Ives. This, however, is not all that Cornwall has to offer. There are many things to see and do here from historic sites to museums and gardens, it really is a place that offers something for everyone. Even though there are hundreds of tourist attractions to visit and towns to explore, this article will outline 5 of Cornwall's greatest places to visit to give you an introduction into what Cornwall has to offer.

The first place of interest is one of Cornwall's most popular tourist attractions. It is the internationally renowned Eden Project in St Austell. Eden is a huge global garden housed in tropical biomes, the size of 30 football pitches. With the sights and smells of the rainforest, tropical plants and simulated environments of tropical destinations all over the world, The Eden Project is a very fun and educational way for children and adults alike to learn about the environment, you certainly need a day here to fully appreciate it.

The second great place to visit in Cornwall is the Carnglaze Slate Caverns in Liskeard. These caverns are centuries old and were created by local slate miners. The caverns house a huge subterranean lake whos clear blue-green waters are a sight to behold. The site also offers woodland walks and gardens, an underground theatre and an impressive collection of minerals. You would need at least half a day to explore everything this mystical attraction has to offer.

Number three is Newquay's Blue Reef Aquarium which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and lets you explore themed displays of the huge variety of creatures that inhabit the ocean. Here you can also listen to informative talks, watch feeding demonstrations, learn about conservation or walk through a tunnel in the centre of a tropical tank, coming face to face with sharks and fish. The aquarium has received many tourism awards and it is advised that you spend a day here to make sure you get the most of all it has to offer.

The fourth of our great places to visit in Cornwall is the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth. This museum celebrates everything to do with the sea and allows you to explore boats and submarines, teaches about the history of diving and allows you to view the waves from below the water's surface. There is a live boat restoration zone and a 29 metre tower offering breathtaking views over the water. Children will love all the hands on interactive activities so be sure to allow a whole day so as not to rush curious kids!

Last but not least is Pendennis Castle in Falmouth. This grand fortress is 450 years old and provides hours of interest for all the family. Explore the castle's history at the Discovery Centre with interactive activities for visitors of all ages. Take a guided tour through an underground air raid shelter, visit a Tudor gun deck and enter real life restored Victorian defences complete with sounds and smells.

Whichever of these attractions you choose to visit, they all provide hours of fun for explorers young and old and truly make up 5 of the great places to visit in Cornwall.

Richard Parks is a UK based travel writer who specialises in providing information about better ways to enjoy holidays in Britain for families. To find out more about the types of holiday available, visit the website at http://www.haven.com/holidays/summer.aspx

Thursday, August 6, 2009

5 Must See Sites in Africa

Africa is a beautiful country with so many landscapes and tourist attractions that it's hard to decide what to see, particularly if you're on a tight time schedule. Below are a selection of 5 must see sites.

The Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is a spectacular waterfall situated in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The fact that these falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of World should be enough to persuade you, and although they are neither the widest nor the tallest set of falls it is agreed that they are actually the largest as Victoria Falls provides the biggest single sheet of falling water in the world.

Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa covering 18,989 square km and is one of Africa's most popular places to track down the 'Big Five' - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros. As well as providing a range of public safari tours there are also private concessions that can be booked and are less crowded catering exclusive safari camps and lodgings providing for luxury travellers.

Johannesburg's Apartheid Museums provide the most powerful and comprehensive collections of South Africa's tragic past and is certainly a must see stop for anyone interested in the regions monumental part in history. Visitors say that the Apartheid Museum is a vivid and moving experience, set out by means of enlarged photos, artefacts, newspaper clippings, and film footage, to graphically portray the brutal apartheid story.

Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania is Africa's tallest mountain reaching 19,340ft and consisting of three volcanic cones; Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi. Fortunately for travellers, the mountain's highest point which is called the Uhuru peak is easily accessible to anyone of a moderate fitness level. It is well worth the effort as the experience of being on top of Africa is absolutely exhilarating and of course the surrounding scenery at the peak is breathtaking, with the huge glaciers forming a white heaven.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt also known as Khufu's Pyramid. Comprising another one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders is situated in Necropolis Giza and is joined by the other two Great Pyramids as well as the Great Sphinx so it's definitely an area well worth a visit. For over 3,800 years the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world and is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that survives substantially intact.

There is no shortage of amazing spectacles to witness in Africa and these are just some ideas to get you started on a spectacular trip.

John McE writes articles on a number of subjects including travel and adventure. For more about this see http://www.africacollection.co.uk/


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Beginner's Guide To Cruise Holidays : Cruises In Hawaii

By Jim Avery

Hawaii is the topic for this part of our cruise holidays guide...

Experiencing a Hawaii cruise is a dream come true for many people around the world. Very few travel adventures can live up to the thrill of sailing out into the depths of the Pacific Ocean on a luxury cruise liner in search of a paradise that is Hawaii and her neighboring islands. If you have never been to paradise, then here's your chance! Golden sunsets, sun-drenched sands and palm trees swaying in the warm gentle breeze await all who take a Hawaiian cruise.

There are many ports of call all along the western coasts of North America for those hailing from Canada all the way down to North America. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver all offer ports from which you can depart from.

Hawaii cruise vacations normally comprise of a round-trip of 15-18 days and take in Hawaii and one or two ports on the other islands in the group. But you can always pay for a one-way trip to Hawaii on a cruise ship and then fly to your next destination from her international airport.

Many companies also offer extended Hawaii cruise vacations of 25-30 days or more. This option is fantastic if you believe that a short stay will not allow you to do all the things you want to do, like visit the North Shore; go to an authentic luau; or even play golf on one of the 80 courses Hawaii has to offer.

A Hawaiian cruise offers more than just drinking hurricanes by the beach; there are many other adventures you can discover there. On the Big Island of Hawaii, you can become a fearless explorer through the Kilauea crater, or the larger dormant volcanoes in Mauna Kea. If you don't like to hike, you can also do a helicopter tour through the Circle of Fire.

On the south end of Hawaii near Kona is a botanical walk through the Kona Cloud Forest. If you are into water sports, there are various types, you can even take a submarine into the depths and explore over 25 acres of coral reef the area boasts.

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

Carnival Cruise Vacations

By Donny McKinnon

A Carnival Cruise with the family is a great family vacation that offers fun at every turn. There are 23 ships to choose from, destinations in many parts of the world and happy, fun filled days at sea. The evenings are loaded with fun for you and the tweens and teens, so go Carnival and enjoy.

The food is great and the cruise line offers excellent menus for everyone's dining pleasure. If you are bringing your fussy eater, don't worry. With so many places to eat on board the ship, no one ever goes hungry! Carnival has it covered. Kids are part of Carnival's grand plan as a family cruise ship that pampers those kids as much as they pamper you. Dad will feel like a kid when he goes down that water slide and wins at mini golf.

There are three different organized groups to supervise and entertain kids on the Carnival ships. The youngest set, the 2-11 year olds hang out at Camp Carnival. They are well supervised and enjoy many activities provided for them. The kids at Camp Carnival are always having fun and this allows the parents to get a little time in the pool alone.

There are other organized activities for the 12-14 year olds. Their club is called Circle C and invites kids to late night movie showings, video games, Karaoke and more. The teens here feel that they are treated in a more sophisticated manner and really enjoy their new pals. It isn't fun to be with parents, and you will have more fun when they can enjoy themselves.

The oldest group sailing on Carnival will be invited to dances, movies and shore excursions. This is the O2 group. Ages in this group are 15-17 years old and without having kids their own age to hang with, could put a real damper on everyone's vacation. Take all the kids along for the fun of it.

Where ever you might want to cruise, Carnival offers many destinations. There are Caribbean ports and ports in the Bahamas. Hawaii has ports that Carnival visits as well as ports in Baja Mexico. However, there is one port that may be new to you!

Carnival has a Cruise to Nowhere. You can't imagine what a two day cruise to nowhere will do for you. These cruises are out of two different ports. One port is New York and the other port is Norfolk, Virginia. The ships make a loop out in the Atlantic and cruise back into port. What a fun anniversary or birthday idea. All of the ship's amenities are yours and the pampering goes without saying. Four ships of the Carnival's fleet make these cruises so you have choices to make.

Where ever you sail with Carnival, you are going to have the time of your life. Every thing on board is geared to help you enjoy yourself. So book a transatlantic cruise, a cruise around European ports or book a cruise around Alaska. The memories are waiting for you to be saved for ever, and the fun is just beginning to emerge!

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Monday, July 20, 2009

Greece: Tourist Advice

By Tony Angelo

In this part of our guide to holidays in Greece we focus on the basic tourist information that visitors should know...

Greece offers a wide range of experiences, landscapes and activities. It is famous for its natural beauty, historical sites and nightlife, and of course for its reliably sunny summers and the many beautiful beaches on its islands and coastline, which stretches along the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean Seas.

These features attract more than 15 million visitors each year, making this southern European country one of the world's top 20 tourist destinations. While 90% of its tourists come from other European countries, in recent years there have been growing numbers of visitors from other parts of the world too.

Athens and islands such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes are the major destinations, but other parts of Greece are also rewarding. Travelers wanting a quieter holiday can escape large-scale tourism in many attractive places.

The vast majority of visitors arrive during tourism season, which is April through October, with the peak of the season being July through to August. Outside of this time, most of the country's tourist infrastructure goes into hibernation, particularly on the islands.

While Athens and Thessalonki handle most scheduled international flights, during tourism season charter and low-budget flights from a range of European cities arrive daily at many islands and smaller mainland cities.

A valid passport is necessary to enter Greece. Citizens of some non-EU countries may also need to obtain a visa, but citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can stay as long as 90 days without needing a visa.

Greece is considered a safe country to visit in terms of the incidence of theft and violence against visitors. It is neither necessary nor advisable to receive immunization vaccinations before traveling to Greece.

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Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Basic Information on Alaskan Cruises

Alaska, a place dubbed as the "Ice World". Alaska is in fact a beautiful, innate place that offers mountains of glaciers and icebergs. It is also a place where whales and bears live and flourish and it is a place that offers breathtaking scenery of the beauty of Mother Nature. It is also a unique place for cruises offering the best of both worlds, from the naturalistic to the urbane.

Many cruisers who have experienced the splendor of Alaska would attest that they really like their experience in this wondrous place called Alaska. The mountains are towering high. The different kinds of animals that Alaska has are a wonder to watch, these are animals that may not be seen commonly in other places.

The boarder of Alaska has a wide collection of nibbling grass which gives it its mystical color. Many people see Alaska as an ice covered white blanketed land, these grasses makes it a surprise. The coastline gives an outstanding view of sparkling ice formation. The deep water flow fluently and the emerging color goes blue. The sky is being reflected by the shinning glimpse of the sun. The fields of flower and wild grass are stunning.

Cruising along the coastal areas of Alaska can give a view which is invisible from any other route. The cruise will have the chance to witness the action of the massive collection of glaciers as they meet the ocean. Aside from that, the cruiser can also observe the different lifestyle of the people in Alaska. Moreover, they can also have the chance to see different kinds of whales as they play along in their natural habitat.

Most of the Alaskan cruises offer more inland pleasure trips. By having this kind of trip, the vacation cruise can be able to go along into the national parks and discover the innate beauty of nature.

An Alaskan cruise can promise a great trip and accommodating, comfortable amenities. The passenger will not just simply travel around inside the ship, but will have the chance to explore the inner beauties of Alaska mainland through magnificent tours.

The cruising ship automatically parks on a place called the "Town of Tourists". It is a place where the ships unload the passengers. It is a small town which only has 600 or more as a population.

The local people normally guide the tourist in the places they could take their rest. They also serve as the tourist guides as they go around the area. Normally, the tourists outnumber the local population. In most cases, the ratio of the tourists to the locals is 6:1. The local people appreciate the presence of the tourists as they provide more livelihood to their community.

On the other hand, the tourist is being advised not to misbehave and respect the culture of the area as they are just visitors there. The local people are bothered mostly by the invasion of the tourist who only wants to shop and makes fun of their way of life.

It is very advisable to have a cruise line traveling on a balanced route. Balanced route means appreciating the beauty of nature and environment landscape without disturbing the whole systems.

Getting the best deals for the Alaskan cruises is really a great opportunity. To discuss further here are some of the basic steps on how to get discounts on an Alaskan cruise.

* The very first thing to do is to arrange a cruise during the off seasons. As much as possible keep away from the peak seasons of cruise vacations. It would be better if you can schedule your time three to four weeks away from the peak seasons. For instance, an Alaskan traveling cruise normally has its peak season on July and September. Having an Alaskan vacation cruise previously to those dates will surely save a lot of cash.

* Choose which type of cruising ship to use. There are some traveling agencies based in Alaska that pushes a specific line for different reasons. It would be great to do a little homework and research first. Comparing the shipping lines fees and services will save a lot of money.

* As much as possible do not be misled with honey-sweet publicity that promises so much for nothing. Talking with the right travel agency can give very important information that can result to significant savings.

* Have an Alaskan vacation cruise quotation that comprises the port fees and tax revenues. If the traveling agency fails to give that certain information, look for another agency. There must not be hidden fees and uncertain collections. Beware of the port fees that run a couple of hundreds of dollars each for each person. The port fees must be stable and consistent.

* Get an inside cabin. Usually, an inside cabin is the cheapest. Aside from that, the inside cabin can also add comfort to the vacationer. Remember that the weather of Alaska is cold, the inside temperature is much warmer which is more comfortable.

Remember to avoid the stresses in Alaskan cruising, having booked at least two weeks before the departure is recommended. Check out for a list of the cruise trips to Alaska. Always remember that, Alaska's beauty and fineness must not be disturbed. Respecting the nature will make the cruise more enjoyable.

Caterina Christakos is a published author and online entrepreneur. Want to learn how to travel and earn a nice part time or full time income? Go to: http://www.travelgetway.com

Traveling the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes is composed of the inland lakes of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The US states surrounding these lakes are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota and New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec and Wisconsin provinces of Canada.

The Great lakes comprise one-fifth of the worlds freshwater or a total volume of 6 quadrillion gallons of freshwater. Its total area covers more than 94,000 square miles of water and acts as the watershed of the rivers and streams around them.

Its surroundings are blessed with forests, fertile agricultural lands, and rich mineral resources. As such, it supports a wealthy ecosystem which includes more than 130 rare species of flora, fauna and marine life.

Other Attractions
Tourists can find magnificent sand dunes, rocky shorelines, coastal marshes, savannas, natural forests, prairies, and great landscapes. There are smaller islands which can be found in the middle of the lake that add more beauty and magnificence to the whole region.

Lake Michigan has the worlds largest freshwater sand dunes. Agawa Rock in Lake Superior has manmade pictographs on its rocks. These are believed to be created 200 to 600 years old. Tourists can find sea caves and giant rookeries on the Apostle Islands along the Wisconsin side of the lake.

One can also find rare tree and rock formations which had been formed and have survived all through its hundred year existence, purely of natural interaction with land, water and wind. Of course, everyone would awe the spectacular beauty of the Niagara Falls in Ontario, the miles and miles of white sand beaches, the emerald green forests and blazing sunsets.

The Travel Agencies
With the influx of tourists wanting to tour the Great Lakes, there are several travel agencies that offer their services year round. Before embarking on this kind of trip, it is best to make a list of specific places along the Great Lakes that you want to see. From their, you can browse through the various travel agencies or cruise lines that offer packages to these places. Check for their rates and availabilities and packages when it comes to going in groups.

Here is a list of some travel agencies catering to the Great Lakes:

The Great Lakes Cruise Company
This is a family owned travel agency with an office at Ann Harbor, Michigan. It has been in existence since 1959 and has grown through the years. The company offers water cruises in and around the different lakes and its many islands. It has several cruise ships running at different routes and schedules, making it suitable for the needs of their clients.

The Pearl Seas Cruises
The cruise ship company plies the Great Lakes and the Georgian Bay departing from either Toronto, Ontario or Chicago, Illinois. The trip will pass through the scenic spots of the Great Lakes within an 11 to 12 day period. Its visitors will be entertained while onboard the vessel and will get to interact with the residents of the islands along the way and hike particularly on the Island of Manitoulin.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
The Hapag-Lloyd is a subsidiary of the worlds biggest tourism group, the TUI Company. It has the biggest cruise ship that sails through the Great Lakes, the C. Columbus. The ship recently won the awards for being the Worlds Best Ship in the Great Lakes. The Berlitz Publishing Ocean Cruise and Lufthansa City Center gave the award.

For more information on Lake Huron Attractions and Lake Erie Outdoor Vacations please visit our website.
http://www.greatlakesnorthamerica.com/lhattractions.html & http://www.greatlakesnorthamerica.com/levacations.html

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Cruise Vacations and What You Need To Know

By Tricia Valenstine

Are you someone that wants to get away but not sure how, or still pondering how you are going to spend those vacation days? Have you ever thought about taking a cruise vacation to somewhere you always wanted to visit? Then maybe you should look into taking a cruise.

Specific cruise lines will have certain activities that may differ from others, just as a starter I will be going over the amenities that mostly all of major cruise lines offer with a couple of them varying in some cases.

If you like to travel then a cruise ship is the way to go. There are cruises that will stop at just about any big port that there is, so if you want to travel to a certain country there is more than likely a cruise ship that will go there.

Cruise ships offer you a wide array of amenities, so there is always plenty of stuff to do when you are on a cruise ship. Swimming pools and spas can be found, along with chairs so that you can lay out and catch some sun.

If you are someone that likes to stay in shape, then you can stop by the gym, which every major cruise ship will have one or more. Besides having a gym on board, many cruises have a track that will circle the entire cruise ship for those that want to go for a jog or a just a walk.

A big one that can be found on all major cruise lines except for Disney and a couple of others are casinos. Gambling is illegal in almost all of the United States, but once the cruise ship gets a certain distance out in the ocean, the casino will open, usually stay open 24 hours for those that want to test their luck.

You can also enjoy great dining, there are many different restaurants and eateries that are spread through cruise ships. So if you are on a 7 day cruise then you can expect to gain about 10 pounds or more, you might as well spoil yourself while you can.

If you are a night owl then you can enjoy clubs aboard a cruise ship, where you can find dancing and cocktails, if you are old enough of course. Every cruise ship will have some sort of activity, parade or show for the night people.

Planning a perfect cruise is not that difficult if you know exactly what you want out of it. The easiest way would be to get a travel agent, if you cannot afford one then make a list of everything that you expect, and a staff member from the specific cruise line will make sure that they can meet your needs.

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Sunday, July 5, 2009

Travel In Provence France

By Pierre J Kallmec

Provence France which is bordered on the west by the Rhone River is a Province in France. The river which is on the western side of the Province forms a common frontier with neighboring Languedoc. On the east the Provence France is bordered by an Italian border. Over all, the Province stretches over one hundred and fifty miles. Provence France spans over a one hundred mile around from Serre-Poncon in the north to the islands of Hyeres in the south.

The Provence France is boarded on the west by the Rhone River which is a fast flowing frontier river. The Durance which is the true artery of Provence was once a seasonally destructive torrent. The river has now tamed by the use of dams. The Durance River curls around a broad valley sluggishly like a snake. These two rivers are really must see sights for those people who are hoping to do some sight seeing in the Provence France.

Provences landscape is filled with many distinct contrasts and characters. You will find lush valleys throughout Provence. These lush valleys are commonly associated with areas with less fertile vegetation. The Alluvial plains are lined along the edges of the major rivers. The Camargue offers an interested landscape that is great for sight seeing as there is often a blurred distinction between the land and the sea. The wildlife of Camargue is similar to that of an African environment.

There are parts of Provence in which the water meets the land and has carved caved beneath the surface of the limestone rocks. You will find that those that are larger and more accessible are often used as show caves and happen to be some of the most famous show caves in all of Europe. Gorges have also been formed as rivers cut deeply into the limestone. If you are interested in seeing gorges you will want to visit the very famous Verdon Gorge.

There are many complicated mountain ranges in the Provence France including those that lay west of the Verdon Gorge. This happens to be the same area in which the folds of the Alpine and Pyrennean meet. The very famous Mont Ventoux is also located in this area. The Mont Ventoux is the highest peak in all of the Province. By traveling further south you will come across some buckled mountain ranges known as the Montagne Ste Victoire. These mountain ranges are extremely popular and were even one of the favorite perspectives of Paul Cezanne.

Provence France follows in suit with the rhythms of the common Mediterranean climate in which seasons tend to change in abrupt succession. You will find that the rapid autumn rains of autumn quickly end the extensive heat of summer. Winters really tend to be mild in Provence France. The region gets the most rainfall in the spring which is around the same time that the plant life explodes into growth.

The Province of Provence France is actually located on the north tip of the Sahara Desert. Being located in this particular location, the Province can have some brutally hot summers. Without the Mediterranean, the Province of Provence France would be completely Saharan. The Mediterranean is an extremely salted inland sea that rarely sees any tides. There are period of time when the Algeria can go without rain for six months. The Provence will go without rain for a period of three months at times.

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Monday, June 29, 2009

Wellington - the World's Most Southern Capital

By Jill Lang

Wellington, situated on the southern tip of New Zealand's Northern Island is the southernmost capital city in the world. The harsh winds that blow non-stop off Cook Straight have earned it the nick name "Windy City".

Wedged between steep hills, Wellington's limited space for expansion has forced the city to build high in order to accommodate increased demand for commercial and residential space. Victorian structures fell victim to new construction and modernization, giving Wellington the most modern skyline in the country.

The Maori people called the area around Wellington "the Head of Maui's fish", a reference to an incident in the Polynesian Maui Cycle when the hero, Maui, battled his brothers over a huge fish, leading to the land being cut up both by the fish's thrashing tail and by their knives.

When James Cook made a side trip here in 1773, the rough landscape of the bay was densely settled. Maori tribes fought one another constantly for the best coastal locations. This, along with the strong, unfavourable winds, may explain why Cook did not drop anchor and go ashore.

European settlement began with the landing of the warship Tory on 20 September 1839. In January of the following year, William Wakefield, commander of the first expedition of the New Zealand Company, "bought" the area from the Maoris for one hundred muskets. Wakefield thus became the founder of Wellington. The city was named in honour of Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington and England's national hero in the Napoleonic Wars. Wellington was named New Zealand's capital on 26 July 1865.

Wellington is more than the political centre of the country; it has also made a name for itself as a city of culture. Wellington is the home of Te Papa, New Zealand's pioneering, interactive national museum, as well as to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and such national treasures as the original Treaty of Waitangi.

New Zealand's most famous writer, Katherine Mansfield, was born in Wellington and published her first short stories in a local literary magazine. New Zealand's capital is remarkably diverse topographically, with mountains and hills embracing the compact city and its prodigious harbour.

At the summit of Mount Victoria, which can be reached by a cable tramway built in 1902, visitors can enjoy the beauties of Kelburn Hill and the Botanic Gardens. The gardens, established in 1869, now cover 26 hectares.

Watch out for penguins Wellington is almost certainly the only capital city in the world where penguins freely roam the streets. This encourages visitors to walk alongside them; the city centre is best experienced on foot. Visitors (and penguins) can wander through its shopping arcades, lovely cafes and, less happily, constant traffic.

Nowhere else in the country is urban life lived as intensely as in Wellington. Unique adventure tours are available along the Kapiti coast and hiking trails run all along the craggy coastline, just off the coast, the world famous bird sanctuary of Kapiti Island attracts visitors from afar.

The environs of Wellington are known for their luxurious country lifestyle. Many great estates lie inland, just over the hills. Directly north of Wellington is Hutt Valley, where visitors can arrange bush and coastal hikes, SUV trips, golfing, mountain biking and angling.

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Saturday, June 27, 2009

Travel to San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rica's capital is San Jose and is considered as the largest city located in the middle of Grand Area Metropolitan. San Jose is the official residence of the national government. It is also the center of business and transportation in Central America.

Costa Rica nowadays features modern facilities as a result of the upsurge of its tourism. The combination of modern architecture and art has made become a favorite destination of tourist from around the world.

According to statistics, there are around 346,800 people residing in the city. This figure makes up one third of the overall population of the country. It has the strongest influence in terms of the political affairs of the country.

San Jose is home of the country's prominent school established during 1843, the University of Costa Rica. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is also located in the city.

The city boasts of its various tourist attractions which contribute to the economy of the city. The Banco Central de Costa Rica is among the tallest buildings considered as a landmark. Another landmark is the Cathedral, the office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Other landmarks include Melico Salazar Theatre and the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica. These theaters hold several plays and musicals attracting many visitors. The city is also home to some of the historical buildings and architectures of great importance to the history of the city.

Museums are also abundant offering a wide variety of ways to explore and learn about the beauty of the city. The Gold Museum features a unique collection of different artifacts made of gold from the early civilization of the Latin Americans. The Lankester Botanical Garden is among the favorite of those with an inkling about plants.

El Pueblo is the right place for visitors who love the nightlife. El Pueblo holds a lot of bars, restaurants, clubs and disco houses where you can enjoy your favorite wine. There are nearby resorts and hotels where you can stay while visiting San Jose. Many of the entertainment centers open at 9:00 PM till morning and hold various live bands.

Calle de la Amargura is close to the University of Costa Rica, and is another place of entertainment with several cafe, bars and restaurants. Majority of these centers provide cheaper prices for students of the university.

For nature lovers, the Parque La Sabana is a perfect place featuring beautiful fountains and a lagoon. This park is also a great place for family picnics. Within the park, visitors can enjoy their favorite sports such as volleyball, basketball, baseball, tennis and swimming pool. The park is also home to the national stadium in which the most popular game of soccer is being held regularly.

Pueblo Antiguo is another ideal place to visit where museums and centuries old architectures can be found. The theme park is good for jogging, sightseeing, biking and adventure.

Another exciting adventure would be a visit to the Arenal Volcan National Park. The park features an alluring trip through a rain forest. Witness the amazing view of the volcano which captivates every visitor coming to the park.

San Jose is indeed a great place for vacation wherein visitors can indulge in variety of outdoor fun and adventure. You can surely have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation right in San Jose, Costa Rica. You can also find the best accommodation from the most luxurious to the cheapest hotels in the city and experience the hospitality of the people of San Jose. Great travel packages are available to give you best budget deals.

For more information on Tours Around San Jose and San Jose Costa Rica please visit our website. http://www.sanjosemetropolitano.org/tours.html & http://www.sanjosemetropolitano.org/sanjose.html

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Fiery Arenal Volcano Of Costa Rica

By Frank Scott

All our luggage and camera gear is packed in the van by 8 a.m. and we are on our way to our first destination, soon to become a real life adventure. We are on a photography tour so everyone is talking cameras and pictures. This is the first day, we are getting to know one another, and the level of excitement in the van is high looking forward to the tour.

We are on our way to Arenal, an active volcano in Costa Rica, but there are a few stops along the way. First, we stop in Sarchi, famous for its tropical furniture, where magnificent, brightly decorated ox carts are made in an eighty plus year old water powered factory. From there, we drive to the little mountain town of Zarcero where the focal point is the old wooden church with its much-photographed double row of topiaries leading to its entrance. You can fill your camera's memory card just at these two places with the colours and patterns in Sarchi and the fantastic shapes of the topiaries in Zarcero.

Along the way, the potholes in the roads are many. Our Tico driver, Luis, knows this and so drives extremely cautiously to avoid them. However, it seems like everyone else on two or four wheels pass us. Those passing us seem to believe that they are Formula One contenders and in Costa Rica there is even a bus driver who is known to have passengers find God while on his bus.

After our planned stops and lunch in La Fortuna we are now just a few miles from our lodge at Arenal. As we leave the main highway we find ourselves on a road that is one continuous pothole. It is January and the rainy season has just ended so most roads are in poor condition but what is unique about this road is that it was constructed from crushed lava rock.

In rounding a curve we come upon a clearing at a river and behold, there is Arenal Volcano! The majority of my group have never been face to face with an active volcano and this perfectly shaped volcano is an awesome sight.

We see that the peak of the cone is shrouded in puffy little white clouds against a cerulean sky. The sight is picture perfect and we stop and everyone quickly descends from the van in the process of attaching cameras to tripods. Some of us wade into the tropical river to capture the incredible image from a different perspective and others are shooting from the riverbank.

Of course being this close to an active volcano could be very dangerous but Arenal is quite predictable, a low risk. The lodge is only one and a half kilometers to the base of the volcano and two kilometers to the top of the cone and needless to say, any activity attracts your attention.

While unpacking and getting settled in, Arenal speaks. It is a great roar, smoke and gas billowing many hundreds of feet into the sky and the sound of the rocks tumbling down the slopes. After the eruption, the Mantled Howler monkeys are extremely vocal but we do not know if they are protesting the roar of the eruption or just answering back.

While sitting in the lodge dining room enjoying our dinner Arenal speaks again. Everyone had been told of the many photo opportunities in Costa Rica but who would imagine eating dinner and having something like this happen? And this was only our first day of the tour!

Most of us do not get much sleep for the first two nights. Instead, we find some comfortable chairs in the common area outside our rooms and attach cable releases to our cameras and put them on a tripod. From past experiences I decide to use an 80-200mm lens set at 80mm and an aperture of f8, the camera shutter set at "B" for time exposure.

With the activity of the small flare-ups at the cone and the lava flowing down the opposite side I think a time exposure of more than twenty minutes will produce an ugly yellow blob of light, so if there had been no eruptions after this length of time I will close the shutter and start another exposure. Using a cable release makes these exposures very easy and Arenal puts on quite a display while we are there.

Arenal volcano was the first adventure for my photography group in Costa Rica. Everyone is looking forward to the next eight days and the marvelous and exciting photo opportunities they will have. Pura Vida!

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Thursday, June 11, 2009

What Can Israel Offer Tourists?

By Ret Howard

Israel's summer months, which occur during the winter for Australians, are completely dry. If you are coming for the sun, beaches and water sports, you can rest assured that not even one day of your visit will be interrupted by rain.

Israel boasts hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches dotted with world-class beach resorts. Para-gliding, wind-sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are abundant. Scuba enthusiasts will especially enjoy the unique opportunity to dive among ancient Roman-era ruins in the shallows of the Mediterranean Sea, or enjoy the grand coral displays nestled in the clear blue waters of the Red Sea.

Israel also caters to hikers with vast networks of marked, but largely untouched hiking trails crisscrossing geographical locations as diverse as deserts, pine forests and snow-covered mountains. Come during Israel's winter months and you can even ski!

A Culinary Experience Israel has something special to offer the culinary tourist as well. Home to Jewish immigrants from around the world and Arab clans from all reaches of the Middle East, Israel's national menu is as diverse as they come. Chefs who compete at the highest levels in European competitions stand ready to serve up this wide array of specialties at an every growing number of gourmet establishments.

Complementing Israel's rich assortment of foods is a local wine industry that is starting to grab the attention of top international critics. Wines from many of Israel's boutique and larger wineries - all of which offer tours and tastings - continue to win international awards and accolades.

Historical Crossroads Having played host to some of the world's most ancient civilizations, Israel is a paradise for history buffs. Just about every patch of dirt in Israel has some bit of history underneath it, often making construction of new structures a nightmare.

Fully developed archeological sites providing a glimpses of life in pre-historic times, the biblical period, the Roman era and the Middle Ages - to name just a few - abound in Israel. Each and every historical site carries a unique story that could fill books, and many have.

A special bit of history for Australians is the famous charge of the Australian Light Horse Brigade during the Battle of Beersheba in 1917, widely reputed as the last successful cavalry charge in history. The charge effectively broke the Ottoman Empire's southern defenses, allowing British General Lord Edmund Allenby to advance on and capture Jerusalem and marking a major turning point in World War I.

A memorial to the Australian Light Horse has been erected in the southern Israel city of Beersheba, and more than 1,000 Australians, New Zealanders and Britons came to Israel in 2007 to reenact the charge on its 90th anniversary.

The Holy Land Israel is best known to travelers as the Holy Land, an area central to all three of the world's monotheistic religions.

Jerusalem is the heart of the Holy Land, hosting the Temple Mount, Western Wall and the Garden Tomb where Jesus is said to have been buried. But the rest of the country is not left wanting for religious significance.

Jesus' boyhood home of Nazareth and his base of ministry on the shores of the Sea of Galilee are sites not to be missed. Nor would any tour be complete without visits to locations in Israel's southern desert and central mountain regions that the biblical patriarchs called home.

All in all, Israel is a well-rounded travel destination for every kind of tourist, and is second to none for those interested in history and religious pilgrimage.

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