Is it Safe for Americans to Travel to Iraq Today?

No one will ever forget where he or she was when first witnessing the image of two planes crashing into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Since that tragic day, and the beginning of this war, too many lives have been taken. David Bowie sings it clearly in his song "I'm Afraid of Americans," saying that his fear cannot be helped, and in the mean time he will not pretend. Other than the distaste of glam rock stars of the 1970s and the French, are Americans safe to travel to foreign lands, such as Iraq? Even with homeland security working over time?

The presence of Americans has not been positive. Since U.S. troops first settled in Iraq on March of 2003, and Saddam Hussein no longer in leadership the hopefulness to this war sounds pretty promising. Currently terrorist attacks have been down 40 percent since 2001 and seem to be declining. Although, radical groups like Al-Qaeda and Hezbollah have done plenty of damage in Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan. And being American, one will most likely be targeted when visiting Iraq.

Such a country filled with history and beauty is experiencing the affects of gun shells, explosions and shattered lives. With over 4,000 U.S. causalities in Iraq, a visit to the country does not seem like a wise idea. Journalists covering their assignments on the war in Iraq put their lives at risk. Over 200 men and women in the media have given their lives for coverage of this war.

In 2002, Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl's murder made headlines.

Held captive and video tapped, Pearl begging for life, the tragedy of his death shook the hearts of millions. Journalists tend to disregard State warnings of danger, but everyone else should not. When there is a story, determination drives the pen of an eager reporter.

Images brought home from the war in Iraq impact citizens here, but they also impact the ones who snapped the photographs. San Diego Union Tribune senior photographer, Nelvin Cepeda has been behind enemy lines in Iraq. The images seen overseas are "too dense for our media outlets," said Cepeda. "They're accustom to this, and many have insisted on showing me the dead bodies."

Voluntarily putting ones self in such cross fire is the equivalence of walking blind folded down the freeway; you just do not do it. Soldiers and the media are there to do a job. Those residing in Iraq have no other option.

All a person needs to do is switch on his or her television sets, and see what the news is reporting from the front lines. Everyday the number of deaths of American soldiers and civilians increases at a rapid pace. Witnessing such terrible images of warfare first hand is not what one wants stashed in their memory.

Where a bulletproof vest is on your packing checklist next to sunscreen is not the ideal for most vacation routes. We are at war with Iraq; a visit to hostile territory is absurd.

Rudy Van Lancker is a consultant helping clients with in-depth advice on various topics including travel and Iraq, which he writes about on http://iraqtravelforamericans.com/ -- and his travel blog http://inyaka.net/

A World Cruise: You Should Try!

By John Siekdof

Are you considering a vacation and confused about the type of holiday you want to avail? Consider cruise vacation, which is the ultimate retreat. Cruise vacations are suitable for people of all ages and there are number of benefits of also. There is no scope of getting bored, unlimited fun and reasonable price.

Cruise around the world and make a memory of your life. There are various destinations for cruising such as Australia, Europe, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Hawaii, etc.

Cruising around the world has loads of advantages. Out of the many benefits, the major advantage of a cruise around the world is that the journey includes stoppages at several destinations at diverse duration of time.

There is absolutely no tension of visiting from one itinerary to another in a cruise trip. The cruise will sail you through varied destinations while you just relax on the voyage and enjoy the pristine beauty of nature. Visit the unique zones on board that you have never thought of visiting.

You will get everything that you need on a cruise trip. There are restaurants, bars, shopping centers, nightclubs, movie halls, etc. Thus, there is completely not a concern regarding the amusement and leisure factors on a cruise vacation. A thorough enjoyment and entertainment is guaranteed in a cruise trip. People of any age can enjoy their time in cruise.

There are people who have a dream to be on a cruise trip but the problem is that they need to take care of their kids constantly and hence they cannot enjoy the vacation. There are cruise lines that include professional staffs that are expert to take of the kids. They will keep your kids happily busy with several unique and fun activities while you enjoy the offerings of the cruise trip. If there is a need of medical treatment on board, then also you can be relaxed as you will get everything on cruise trip.

A number of admired cruise lines that take a trip across the world are Radisson, Silversea, Disney, Crystal and Princess. There are assorted selections of journey that can make people happy and satisfy the requirements of different persons. People who want to travel a cruise trip and have no kids can take pleasure in the voyages that are completely for adults.

Apart from special care for the kids and adults, there are special cruise for the single travelers also. In these cruise lines, people can make new friends and enjoy the vacation. There are some cruise lines like the Disney cruise that offer service for kids, adults and singles.

Cruising around the world with several activities, recreations, entertainment, etc gives a great high. Considering all the advantages, the price range of these cruise trips seems very reasonable.

Traveling on some of the best locations of the globe gives you huge pleasure. You become aware of dissimilar civilization, watch varied natural offerings and obtain immense knowledge. Cruising around the world is hence an ideal move away from the buzz of daily life. Make an arrangement of a trip and go on a cruise vacation to benefit from the experience of a lifetime.

About the Author:

The author is the webmaster of Cruise Reviews.me, where you can find more information about Cruise Around The World

Why Ionian Sailing Holidays Might Be An Option

You sit there in your car with rain streaking your windscreen, and the hoarding at the traffic lights promises endless blue skies, baking sun and bath-warm sea water. As the light remains on red, its bright, sharp circle is blotted and streamed with English rain - but all you see is the brilliant yellow sun promised by one of those Ionian sailing holidays.

The happy faces on the billboard suggest that going on Ionian sailing holidays might be truly thrilling, jolly experiences. Clear green blue water suspends a blinding white sailing boat, aboard which happy family members smile or leap into the inviting Ionian Sea.

A car beeps from behind you and you realise it's time to move off. As the day goes on you turn over the possibilities offered by Ionian sailing holidays. Remembering that most persuasive of adverts, you toy with the idea of that beautiful Greek coastal region - a place where the world of work seems never to have existed.

The heavy lead lining of English cloud which protects the damp natives from, well, a decent a tan - reminds you that it would be a stroke of genius to book one of those Ionian sailing holidays as soon as possible. You start ticking boxes mentally, why on earth you should spend that money. Those boxes get ticked very quickly.

Ok, Ionian sailing holidays - like many other sailing holidays out there - cost a bit, but perhaps that is one of the only drawbacks. As with similar holidays, a good deal of hot sun is guaranteed. Then there is the food of course. Great food is something that you would find across the northern Mediterranean coast; in Spain, Italy, France - and in indeed in Greece. Spanish omelettes, Italian pizzas, French cuisines of all kinds - and those full, juicy Greek olives, just begging to be skewered and devoured - they're all possibilities for a sailing break in this most pleasure focussed of geographical regions.

Ionian sailing holidays would presumably offer as much humus as one would require - and as much mouth watering feta cheese and refreshing Greek salad, as you could possibly pack on to your boat. And, like much of this region, Greece offers a superb range of historic attractions to enjoy, if you for some reason get tired of lounging around on a boat in the warm, glassy blue Ionian waters.

Discovering the long Ionian history is the rapidly melting icing on the Greek cake, laid out on a red white chequered table cloth on your deck, as a light Greek breeze rustles your hair, and you consider sliding into that beautiful ancient sea again. Ionian sailing holidays across this area offer a true escape from routine life - as do the many other great sailing holidays available in the Mediterranean, where broad azure skies and golden sunshine comes as standard.

Anna Stenning is an expert on Ionian sailing holidays, having been involved in the Mediterranean holiday industry for many years. For more information visit http://www.nisosyachtcharter.com/

Enjoy the Relaxed Atmosphere of Santa Monica

If you're looking for fun at the quintessential California beach town, then look no further than Santa Monica. Sixteen miles west of downtown Los Angeles, sitting atop sandstone cliffs that overlook 3.5 miles of sandy Pacific shore, Santa Monica will provide you with day after day of sunny good times. And when you seek a place to stay while here, look on the Internet. Lodging directories list a number of Santa Monica hotels and other Santa Monica vacation rentals, with a variety of sizes and locations. Among them you're sure to find the Santa Monica lodging to fit your needs.

Santa Monica truly has it all: terrific location, fabulous weather, loads of activities and a relaxed, fun atmosphere. And Santa Monica vacation rentals make this all easily available to you. This 'beachopolis'--part city, part beach town--enjoys the benefits of its southern California clime. Very little rainfall and year-round warm temperatures that rarely rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit mean you can savor your time here no matter when you travel.

Your only problem will be fitting in all you might want to do. Perhaps you'll choose one of the Santa Monica hotels because of its easy access to the beach. Some are situated right at the edge of the bluffs, providing an expansive ocean view and glorious sunsets. You might want to try your hand at surfing, snorkeling or sailing. Maybe you prefer spending your time on the sand, enjoying the sights and sounds of the rolling waves, letting the sun warm your face, and occasionally rousing yourself for a game of volleyball.

You won't want to miss Pacific Park. Located on the Santa Monica Pier, this amusement park is like no other. Enjoy a ride on the restored 1922 carousel, or enjoy the incredible view from the top of the roller coaster. Take a ride on the only Ferris wheel in the state that's actually situated over the waters of the Pacific! It's also the only Ferris wheel in the world that's solar powered. In between rides, you can stroll through the park, enjoying the carnival atmosphere, other rides and games. After such a full day, you'll be grateful that your comfortable Santa Monica lodging is nearby.

Perhaps you'll choose one of the Santa Monica vacation rentals because of its location in town. If you enjoy shopping for quirky, unusual, or one-of-a-kind items, you'll have to check out the shops on the Third Street Promenade. Here you'll be sure to find a memento of your trip that's much more original than a t-shirt!

Many hotels are situated along bicycle and jogging paths that parallel the oceanfront. Residents and visitors alike take advantage of the glorious views and fresh ocean breezes as they walk, jog, skate or bike here. You might take a walking tour through town to learn about the more than 20 historical buildings here.

Many families opt to choose their Santa Monica vacation rentals online because of the wide selection of homes and condos. They appreciate the privacy and quiet, as well as the convenience of having a kitchen to use whenever a snack attack hits. You might also want to try your hand at cooking some of the incredible fresh seafood available in local markets. However, when you do decide to eat out, you'll be faced with another dilemma--choosing which restaurant appeals most! Between here and L.A., you will have hundreds of restaurants from which to choose.

For more resources regarding Santa Monica vacation rentals, please visit this page http://rentalo.com/vacation-rentals/Santamonica/. You will find condos, villas and other types of accommodations that will fulfill your fabulous California vacation.

Planning Your Cabo San Lucas Adventure

By Paul Garnett

Cabo San Lucas is indeed a perfect place for everyone. Whether you are a golfer or a surfer, a beach addict or a scuba diving enthusiast, there are always activities that await you in Cabo San Lucas. The place boasts of golf courses, of beaches that are not only for those who love paddling on the shores but also for those who want to explore its marine life. Even staying in the luxurious hotels in Cabo will surely please you and let you enjoy the place fully.

So whether you are looking forward to a game of golf, or getting into the thrills of zip line adventures and rock climbing or just sunbathing along the shores, Cabo San Lucas is definitely one good place for a vacation.

You may find it hard in budgeting your time when you are in Cabo San Lucas so it is always wise to plan your vacation carefully and list down what you want to do while you are there. Among the things you might want to include in your list are the following.

Join a cruise. Cruise ships from the Pacific often visit Cabo San Lucas, so you can join those cruises. You can also opt to privately charter a sailboat for your snorkeling or whale watching cruises or join a dinner and sunset cruise offered by plenty of touring and cruising companies.

Cruising in Cabo will allow you to experience the beautiful waters of Cabo at the same time enjoy a beautiful scenery that you will best enjoy when looking at the place from a distance.

You can include whale watching on your list as well. Whales often take shelter at the Magdalena Bay in Cabo San Lucas, thus at certain times of the year, usually from January to March, whale watching is one good adventure to take.

ATV riding and horseback riding can also be fun activities. Cabo San Lucas has a desert where you can enjoy an ATV ride or a tour of the place on horseback. If you are on honeymoon, you might likely enjoy a relaxing horseback riding adventure on the beach.

If you love challenge and competition, you can participate in their fishing tournaments or you might want to challenge your friends in golfing. If you want a more relaxing fishing adventure, you can also do that aboard yachts where you can do fishing while enjoying a good cruise around Cabo.

There may be so many things to do in so little time so better plan your vacation wisely, find activities that will surely make your Cabo vacation the grandest of them all.

About the Author:

Author Paul Garnett wrote this article on behalf of Villa Pelicano, a Villa For Rent in Cabo San Lucas. If you will be planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico sometime soon, please consider this beautiful Cabo Rental Home. For rates and more information, please visit VillaPelicanoCabo.com.

Tanzania Travel - A Safari in Mnazi Bay and Southern Tanzania

By Andrew Muigai

The Southern coast of Tanzania is a favorite travel destination among Tanzania safari enthusiasts especially those looking to avoid the tourist crowds in the northern national parks and game reserves. Mtwara, a small Swahili town, and the surrounding beaches, together with the tranquil Mnazi Bay Marine Park make for quiet alternative to larger beach destinations to the country's north.

The south is also well suited for adventure travel, giving you the traveler a chance to explore Tanzania on your own without feeling crowded by other tourists. Some of the sites to see include Swahili ruins, the vast Indian ocean coast, and many beautiful yet unexplored beaches. Adventure lovers get a satisfying exploration experience.

The main gateway to Southern Tanzania travel is Mtwara. The town is easily accessible by sea and flight from Dar es Salaam. The laid back Mtwara town occupies a large area near the Mnazi Bay Marine Park. Visitors get to enjoy diving in some of the most secluded diving spots on the Tanzania coast. If you are traveling to the Mnazi Bay Marine Park, Mtwara town is just a perfect stop-over.

Mnazi bay was once known as the place to pick up dhow transport to Mozambique. Nowadays, visitors are motivated more by the miles of white sand and the presence of coral reefs close to the shore, which provide excellent snorkeling - even at low tide is good for exploring the coral reefs.

There are many water birds at Mnazi bay particularly waders which include the Greater Sand plover- Crab Plover - Brown-headed Parrot - Mangrove Kingfisher - Four-coloured Bushshrike and the Zanzibar - Black-bellied Glossy-starling.

Mnazi bay marine park has earned an international recognition because of its biodiversity. There are many varieties of mangroves found here, plsu sea grass beds and coral reefs, all of which are an important source of livelihood for the communities residing nearby.

Mnazi bay is protected on the seaward side by the Rawira peninsula to the south and by a series of small islands to the north. The government of Tanzania is looking to the future and plan to develop the area for tourism " it is an ideal location to unwind after a game safari in the Southern Circuit of Tanzania. The local communities are extensively involved in the running of the park which will ensure that the local communities benefit from tourism.

International gateway to Southern Tanzania is the city of Dar es Salaam. Known as Haven of Peace by its aficionados, Dar es Salaam can be reached through regional hubs at Nairobi and Johannesburg and to a lesser extent Addis Ababa. Dar es Salaam airport is also accessed from other Tanzania airports that serve domestic as well as international flights. These include Kilimanjaro International Airport and Dodoma airport among many others. There is a ferry service between Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam.

About the Author:

View a variety of Tanzania travel packages offers at the Africapoint website. Africapoint is one of the top online Africa travel agencies, offering tours and travel services to most regions of Africa. You can also arrange your Dar es Salaam flights online.

Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Toronto

Every year, visitors from all over the world come to Toronto to take in the sights and sounds of a diverse and amazing city. With so many places to visit, the following is a list of the top 10 must see-attractions in Toronto.

1. The CN Tower

Standing at an astounding 1,815 feet, the CN tower is the tallest free standing structure in the world. Take a trip to down town Toronto and then take the CN Tower's glass elevator up to the 1, 122 foot glass floored outdoor observation deck. You will take in the entire breathtaking city.

2. The Toronto Zoo

The amazing zoo is the third largest zoo in the world. Come see more than 5000 animals displayed according to their geographic location. There are over 10 kilometers of stunning trails throughout 710 acres of land. A new feature is the Savanna Exhibit which includes a 32 acre East African hiking experience.

3. Chinatown

Toronto is a wonderfully vibrant and culturally diverse city. Chinatown is a bustling and unique culture where you will find many delightful items in their vast assortment of stores. Enjoy lunch and dinner at an authentic Chinese or Vietnamese restaurant. There are many excellent restaurants to pick from.

4. Toronto's Harbourfront

Toronto's Harbourfront is one of North America's largest recreational waterfronts. Spectacular events that are held along the harbour include the Toronto International Film Festival, Caribana Festival; the Canadian National Exhibition and Winter City, and much more. It is near major attractions such as CN Tower; The Roger's Center; and the Air Canada Center.

5. The Eaton Center

The Eaton Center is one of the more popular tourist attractions. It receives over 1,000,000 visitors each week. The spectacular mall houses 320 shops and restaurants, 17 cinemas and a 400 room Marriott Hotel.

6. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The Royal Ontario Museum contains more than 40 galleries of art, natural science, and archeology exhibits. It proudly features the world's finest collections of artifacts from China.

7. Centre Island

Take a short ferry ride to the delightful Centre Island. Also referred to as Toronto Island, it is a great place to take a break from the busy city life. It is a pedestrian-only village that features historic architecture and a number of cafes, pubs, an amusement park, recreation areas, beaches, a yacht club, and restaurants. It is just one of a string of small islands that make up the biggest urban car-free community in North America

8. Yorkville

Tourists enjoy viewing Yorkville's charming Victorian architecture. There are also a vast assortment of pleasing restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

9. The St. Lawrence Market

Food and Wine Magazine rates The St. Lawrence Market as one of the 25 best food markets in the world. Located at Jarvis and Front Streets, it is home to the 200 year old Saturday Farmer's Market and the Sunday Antique Market.

10. Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a popular and entertaining facility that houses many interactive displays for both children and adults. It features a replica of the NHL dressing room, Broadcast Pods showing some of the most famous hockey games, and much more.

When traveling to Canada, Toronto is one city that millions of visitors make a point to visit each year due to its vast wealth of sights, activities, historical attributes, and exquisite diverse culture. After visiting the exciting city of Toronto, you will be sure to leave with long-lasting and fond memories.

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