Botswana's Thriving National Parks

By: Gary Terrazas

Visitors considering something a little different to the usual Okavango Delta safari circuit will be excited to learn about Leroo La Tau Lodge which has recently been completely renovated, and the totally new Nxai Pan Lodge. Both are located in the vicinity of the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi National Parks in Botswana's interior.

Leroo La Tau accommodates 24 guests in luxurious en-suite chalets, each raised on an individual raised wooden platform. The main lounge and dining area with its inviting wooden and thatch finishes, offers guests the opportunity to sit back and relax at the bar while listening to the wide variety of night sounds so characteristic of the African bush. Alternatively you can lounge around the pool while appreciating the herds of zebra and wildebeest which are often seen around the lodge grounds and the waterhole. The lodge offers both day and night drives.

The Boteti River is the natural boundary for the Makgadikgadi National Park and it is on the banks of this dry river course that you will enjoy the comfort of Leroo La Tau. The Boteti River last flowed in 1993, climate change and erratic weather cycles have caused the once crystal clear waters to dry up. Leroo La Tau is built on cliffs over 15m high above this arid riverbed, and in the dry season wildlife concentrates around the waterhole in front of the lodge. The main reception and lounge area of Leroo La Tau is located on the top of these cliffs, so the raised vantage point ensures unsurpassed views of these desert inhabitants as they congregate below to quench their thirst.

However, Leroo La Tau is not only about lion, zebra and wildebeest. Leroo La Tau also boasts Chobe bushbuck, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, impala, kudu, jackal, porcupine, genet and caracal, to name but a few. In addition, there is also the possibility of seeing the rare white rhinoceros. Most unique however, are the crocodiles and an amazing pod of hippo which have survived in extremely adverse conditions for over 12 years. The hugely contrasting seasons and terrain make this area of the Makgadikgadi a unique haven for large herds and predators alike.

Nxai Pan Lodge boasts eight purpose built tents accommodating a maximum of 18 guests. The main area consists of a dining room, lounge area and viewing deck. The lodge also offers a swimming pool, library and curio shop. Game drives are offered in 4x4 vehicles, as well as walking trails and historical tours to Baines Baobabs and Pandamatenga Cattle Trail.

Nxai Pan National Park was declared a game reserve in 1970, and then a National park in 1992 when the boundaries were extended to include Baines Baobabs. The Pan was once part of the great super lake that covered central Botswana. In pre-historic times, this was the largest inland sea in Africa - 80,000 square kilometres in extent, and up to 30 metres deep. Now, in the wet season, this vast area of salt pans interspersed with low-lying grass islands is the destination of herds of migrating Zebra. It has an unspoilt beauty unlike that of any other part of Botswana.

Nxai Pan is well known for its huge springbok population and once the rains have started gemsbok, elephant and zebra migrate to the region in large numbers. At this time zebra come in their thousands to deliver their young at Nxai Pan, an amazing sight. Extraordinarily large herds of giraffe can also be seen with up to 30 in a group. These large herds of plains game inevitably attract many predators - lion, cheetah, jackal, spotted hyena and the elusive brown hyena, as well as the rare wild dog and the secretive leopard. There are large numbers of bat-eared fox and at times rhino have also been sighted. The area is also excellent for birding, especially following the rains, and many raptors circle over the plains preying on rodents and reptiles.

Both lodges are a short 25 minute flight from Maun, and can also be reached by 4x4 vehicle.

Author Resource: For Namibia self-drive tours and safaris go to www.infotour-africa.com or email infotour@iafrica.com.na Tel. ++264 61 228 717

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Bogota The Athens Of The Americas

By: Gaizka Pujana

For the most part, you will be lucky to find a place that offers everything that you wish for. Luckily for you there are places like Bogota that exist.

The city is also known as Santa Fe de Bogota and the Athens of the Americas. This is a city that is filled with intrigue and has many different layers that will take some time to uncover. The best part about Bogota is the vast array of accommodation options. When considering a place to venture away to, you need to know first and foremost where you plan on staying. It all depends on your personal choice and your current needs.

As a single, young person, staying in a backpacker's lodge would suit your budget and lifestyle quite nicely. This is a way that you can see the city of Bogota at your own pace and come and go as you please without having to worry about being anywhere at a certain time. Bogota has a lot to offer young travelers. The main reason for this success is the policy of People First as introduced by the mayor of the town in the 1990s. The city's aim was to create more walkways and lanes for pedestrians and bicycles in order to keep the city more people-centric. This has worked wonders for Bogota's image and has attracted millions of tourists for this reason.

If you hire a bicycle, it does not really matter where you stay in the city. There is a lot of easy budget accommodation scattered around the city of Bogota. You can use your bicycle by day to see the town and the surrounding areas and when it comes to the evening time you have the option of using the public transport or a private cab. This way, you will be able to experience the Bogota night life without having to worry about how you will get back top wherever you decide to stay.

You will find backpacker's lodges or self-catering holiday apartments or hotels within the city of Bogota that won't break your bank by any means. You need to use your accommodation in Bogota as a stepping-stone to explore the amazing city and to take in as much of the surroundings and culture as you possibly can.

If you have the luxury of time, it would be in your best interests to spend as much time in Bogota as possible. Although you will thoroughly enjoy a few days in the city, it is not enough to really see what the city is about. There are too many museums, too much scenery and too much activity both day and night to only spend a short period of time there. If you book your accommodation long enough in advance you may be able to get a good booking for a longer time period.

Author Resource: Gaizka Pujana Amaya. Bogota

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The Dolomites: Italy's Ski Destination

By: Roger Munns

From every corner of the globe, skiers flock to Italy. Why Italy? What does this country, three-quarters surrounded by the ocean, have to offer skiers that other countries don't? The answer is simple. Italy has the Dolomites.

The Dolomites are a section of the Alps, located in northeastern Italy. While in the summer and autumn months, the Dolomites are primarily used for mountain climbing, hiking and base jumping, the situation changes in the winter. During the winter months, the Dolomites are a Mecca for international skiing, bringing hundreds of thousands of guests to the country. Year in and year out, this part of the Italian Alps serves as host to novices and experts alike.

The Dolomites get their name from the rock that causes their unique shape and colour. Named after French mineralogist Deodat Gratet de Dolomieu, dolomite is a sedimentary rock mainly formed from carbonate minerals. The molecular properties of the mineral give the mountains their rugged pinnacles and rosy color.

Several towns surrounding the Dolomites feature spectacular ski resorts. In particular, Cortina d'Ampezzo is a resort town with Mediterranean charm. Over fifty ski lifts dot the slopes, and one hundred and forty kilometers of well-groomed ski runs line the mountainside. There are five regions for skiers in Cortina d'Ampezzo, each connected by ski lifts or skibuses. If you're feeling adventurous, there is plenty of room for off piste daredevil skiing. To get to those hard to reach areas of the mountain, heliski services are provided. There is enough excitement for anyone looking to ski on the slopes of the Dolomites near Cortina d'Ampezzo. The town even features views of the Olympic ski area from some of the hotels.

Of course, if one ski area isn't enough, you can always purchase a Superski Dolomiti pass, which will grant you access to all 1220 kilometers of ski runs. This means that you can travel to any of the twelve resort areas and check out the slopes yourself. Check out the town of Ortisei, located within the valleys of the mountains. Ski in Alta Badia, where the Alpine Skiing World Cup often takes place. Wherever you chose to go, your access is granted with an all-inclusive pass. Adventure on the mountains until your heart is satisfied.

Towns near the mountains offer a combination of old-world charm and modern hospitality, with only the finest customer service. From the servers at the local restaurants to the greeter at the front of the hotel, the people of the Dolomite region are some of the friendliest you will ever encounter. They know that visitors don't come just for the great skiing. Visitors to the Dolomites are looking for fantastic dining and luxurious relaxation.

The resorts surrounding the mountains feature the finest accommodations, as well. Get a suite overlooking the valleys with a hot tub, then relax as you sip great Italian wine and enjoy the serenity of the natural landscape. When you wake up in the morning, get a massage to soothe your tired muscles and prepare for another day on the slopes of the Dolomites. Any way you see it, skiing in Italy is a winter vacationer's dream come true.

Author Resource: More information about skiing in Europe this winter are at yourandorra.com and has for those who want snow an Andorra weather forecast which includes an Andorra snow report and three galleries of Andorra photographs

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New Zealand Vacation For the Family

By: Phoenix Delray

With everything that a tropical vacation should have, New Zealand is the perfect place for couples, families, and anyone who wants to spend their days in a land so diverse it almost seems like a world of its own. On a New Zealand Vacation, you can experience everything from great dining to great golfing, and a coastline that is like none other in the world. The people of New Zealand maintain a deep connection to their ancestry and traditional culture, and invite travelers to experience the land that is uniquely theirs. Vacationers have found that the wine in New Zealand is exquisite, the shopping fantastic, and the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. New Zealand is comprised of two islands, where English is the main language, and Maori is a second one that is spoken. An abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and meats make this couple of islands the perfect getaway destination for thousands of foreigners every year.

The weather in New Zealand is for the most part warm and sunny. Many people have claimed that it is very similar to the climate of California in the United States. It has been known, however, to suddenly rain, so a good tip is to have an umbrella and rain gear kept close by. In the South Island, home of the Southern Alps, there is frequently snow, which makes skiers and snowboarders happy. The seasons are the opposite of the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere, keeping vacationers wanting a break from their winter more than glad to travel to New Zealand for their summer. There are mountains over much of the islands, with some coastal plains as well.

There are abundant opportunities to take advantage of guided tours that take you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. The native people welcome visitors and are eager to share their culture. Experiencing the cities is a favorite activity for many people, especially those who love shopping, dining, and great entertainment. Of course the beaches are near perfect, where tourists can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, scuba dive, or spend the day offshore on a mini cruise. Renting a car and driving through countryside and mountains, or hopping on the train for a tour of the land is one of the best ways to take in as much of these paradise islands as possible. A New Zealand vacation is the perfect way to spend your time on a honeymoon, family vacation, or a romantic getaway.

Author Resource: For guidance and more information on New Zealand vacation, please visit our website.

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Barcelona The Most Cosmopolitan City of Spain

By: Gaizka Pujana

It is located on the northeastern shores of the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is made up of seventeen autonomous communities, one of which is Catalonia and Barcelona is the capital of this area as well. Barcelona has two official languages Catalan and Castilian Spanish.

Barcelona's history, culture and traditions are steeped with Mediterranean influences and this is something that makes Barcelona a fascinating destination for tourists to Spain. It has a long and rich history dating all the way back to the second century when a Roman colony was founded in the area. Although today, Barcelona is a modern city at the forefront of economic and industrial development, it has prided itself in its ability to maintain its Gothic center, almost entirely intact. It has a fascinating maze of narrow streets that hint to its interesting history.

The city of Barcelona has been inhabited in the past by Carthaginians, Visigoths, Muslims and Catalans. The nucleus of the old city of Barcelona, known as Barri Gotic, is where you will find a cluster of medieval buildings. This is the area in which you will find the maze of narrow streets dark little alleys that connect a number of squares. The buildings in this area typically date to the 14th and 15th centuries and the architecture will attest to this. The Barri Gotic also contains the Cathedral Barcelona's, and in fact Spain's, most impressive Gothic structure. Here, you will also be able to see the preserved part of the fortress wall that surrounded and protected Barcelona. It has been retained and preserved for tourists to the city to see and it is worth a visit. The Ajuntament and the Palau de la Generalitat, Barcelona's two most noteworthy buildings, can be found in this old area. Barri Gotic is set out around a large square and in this square you will find a bustling market as well as weekly dances of the sardana.

Barcelona is home to many fascinating museums and art galleries. The Picasso Museum is Barcelona's most visited museum, however it contains many other museums that are rich with its heritage and very well set up. Many of them have hands-on activities and numerous exhibitions. They are an excellent way to get to know the background of the city which is important if you want to understand it modern set-up, as well.

There are many accommodation options in Barcelona it is just a matter of finding the right place for you. Prices range considerably depending where you choose to stay and there should be something to fit every tourist's budget. The cheapest accommodation can generally be found in the Barri Gotic section of the city. If you are interested in seeing this old area, then this may be ideal for you. You can choose to stay in an apartment or a hotel (with huge ranges in prices), an aparthotel (an apartment attached to a hotel with self-catering facilities) or a hostel.

Author Resource: The Best Vacation Rentals.Barcelona apartment rentals

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Beaches In The North And South Of Phuket

By: Daniel Wallace

Phuket Island has become the most sought after location in Southeast Asia for people looking for a "lifestyle" (as opposed to just "a house") in a lush, tropical environment. There are over
Phuket's improved infrastructure, combined with the laidback island lifestyle and the unlimited recreation options such as sailing, boating, diving, fishing, windsurfing, biking and golfing make Phuket the perfect dream location for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in an affordable, peaceful, tropical paradise, and that holiday they have always dreamed about.

For the perfect blend of luxury and privacy, the villas are an excellent choice. Many are located on or near Phuket's beautiful beaches and feature stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The island's villas offer a range of resort-like accommodations. Many include enough rooms for entire families or groups of travelers. The villas come complete with living rooms, patios, full-service kitchens and cable TV. Many also feature swimming pools, and offer maid and laundry service, and even private chefs.

One of the reasons for the popularity of luxury Phuket rentals in Phuket is that the airport offers direct flights to many cities in Asia and even Europe making a several day stay in beautiful villas in Phuket convenient, and easy. Within 4 hours a guest can leave the hustle and bustle of the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong for example and be sipping cocktails next to the infinity pool at their luxury villa rental.

Everywhere on Phuket Island is beautiful but the south part of the island is straight out of a tropical daydream. The southern coastline is blessed with magnificent mountains covered with lush jungle forest that stretch out to meet the azure blue sea and are framed with white powder sandy beaches and fringed with coral reefs. When you see a photograph of Phuket, it is likely to have been taken in the south part of the island.

The southern beaches offer superb vistas and some of the most glorious sunsets in the world. The South Coast Area covers the part of the island that lies south of Relax Bay on the west and then across the island to include the Cape Panwa area. Many of the best villa rentals can be found here with some of the most lavish and extraordinary designs imaginable.

By staying at a luxury property at the northern end of Phuket you will certainly be leaving the crowds behind. The north part of the island is less developed and gets only a tiny fraction of the visitors to Phuket. Miles of unspoiled beaches, and good food await you. The rugged beauty of the northern beaches can only be enhanced by the feeling of having them all to yourself.

As you travel north you will encounter beaches dominated with casuarina pine trees rather than palm trees. These unusual trees are like a natural beach umbrella and offer cool shade from the blistering tropical sun, and a if you listen carefully they make slight singing sound as they sway to the call of the offshore breezes. Expect a quiet enchanting experience if you break away from the herd and visit the north end of the island.

Whichever part of the island the guest chooses, they are sure to find a Phuket villa rental to suit their needs, and have everything taken care of by professional villa management and infections Thai charm.

Author Resource: MyAsianVilla.com provides accommodation options in various locations around Thailand and features some of the most beautiful villas available. Book your vacation today at http://www.myasianvilla.com/

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Why I Think You Should Visit Sofia

By: Lee Salz

Sofia has a huge nightlife scene with many different night clubs, live venues, pubs, mehani (Bulgarian traditional taverns), and restaurants. Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe with ruins spread across the city center. Sofia offers an excellent opportunities for international congresses, symposia,meetings,conferences and fairs.

Sofia has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Besides the city of Sofia, the capital province encompasses three other cities and 34 villages, being split into a total of 24 municipalities. The architecture in Sofia centre is a unique mixture of Western and Central European Architecture. The Largo, an architectural complex in downtown Sofia which includes the headquarters of many national institutions.

After the abolishment of Communism in 1989, Sofia has witnessed the construction of whole business districts and neighbourhoods, as well as modern skryscraper-like glass-fronted office buildings, but also top-class residential neighbourhoods. Some of the biggest and most popular telecommunications companies, TV and radio stations, cable television companies, newspapers, magazines, and web portals are based in Sofia.

With buses going several times a day in all directions Sofia is well connected to all regions. To get around Sofia you can use several means of transport: public autobuses, some trolley lines, many tram lines, a subway line and private mini-buses (marshrutki). Just south of the city centre is the City Center Sofia mall which also has a big supermarket (a rarity is Sofia) in the basement, a cinema and an indoor climbing wall.

Plovdiv Bulgaria's second largest city, an one-hours drive on a good highway away from Sofia, lies around three hills in the otherwise totally flat thracian plane. Most restaurants in Sofia serve European and Bulgarian cuisine.

Bulgaria

After a number of unsuccessful sieges, the city fell to the Byzantine Empire in 1018, but once again was incorporated into the restored Bulgarian Empire at the time of Tsar Ivan Asen I. Sofia was taken by Russian forces on 4 January 1878, during the Russo-Turkish War, 1877-78, and became the capital of the autonomous Principality of Bulgaria in 1879, which became Kingdom of Bulgaria in 1908. Fuelled by Bulgaria's sustained economic growth, the real estate market in Sofia has skyrocketed in recent years.

The decline of Sofia during the Turkish Ottoman Empire was followed by the rejuvenation after the Russian liberation in 1879, when Sofia was chosen as the capital of Bulgaria at the First National Constituent Assembly, and followed by a brisk and straight-forward period of construction. Sofia is the pearl of Bulgaria with its unique location near to skiing and beach resorts.

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