by Mrbond74 Peterson
Imagine listening to Christmas music on the bagpipes. If you plan your cheap holidays to Scotland, you will hear beautiful Christmas music coming from bagpipes everywhere you go. In Scotland, you will keep the fires burning all night and on Christmas Day after having a roaring bonfire and some Scottish Whiskey, you will sit down for a traditional Christmas dinner. In Scotland, you are going to experience the custom of fire, which is a way for celebrants of the Christmas holiday to show their spirit for the day. Fire for some reason represents Christmas in Scotland and watching the tradition is spectacular.
When you plan you cheap holidays to Scotland at Christmas, you must plan a trip around the area to see the beautiful decorations on the houses. People go all out to decorate for Christmas and the sights are just amazing. You will see Santa's and some artificial snow on the roof tops. It is a joyous occasion and everyone shows their Christmas spirit in different ways. Christmas Day is always a day of food and champagne with eyes looking out the windows to see if maybe just maybe it might snow? After the Christmas celebration you have a few days to rest up for the New Year's celebration called Hogmanay.
Be prepared because everyone stays up until the New Year arrives. Scotland residents travel to friend's home right before the New Year to bring in the New Year with friends and some good foods and some more whiskey or a glass of wine. After singing the traditional "Auld Lang Sine", some people head to bed, but not all. The streets are buzzing with people drinking and wishing everyone a happy New Year. You do want to try to turn in early so you can enjoy some fine dishes on New Year's Day.
If you find yourself, wondering what cheap holidays to Scotland would be like, chances are, you should go and experience it for yourself. It is always exciting to visit other countries to see how they celebrate Christmas and New Year's. Last minute deals or late deals always have some great destinations for the holidays and Scotland is just another area to explore. Most people forget about countries that do not boast about the holidays, but they do celebrate them in a custom that is cheery and delightful. Enjoy some Scottish food and some fine Scottish Whiskey before making your way back home.
No matter where you travel for the holidays, take along the camera and take many pictures for your new family Christmas celebration scrapbook. Imagine a new destination every year and sharing your experience of the world at Christmas with family and friends. When you have some time in between the two holidays, you can do some sightseeing of the local attractions in Scotland as well. The fun and excitement does not end with the week leading up to the New Year. You will find many things to keep you busy and enjoy your cheap holidays in Scotland.
http://www.billige-flybilletter.net/
15 November 2007
14 November 2007
Pai in the Sky
Andy Burrows
The small town of Pai is not like any other town you may visit in Thailand. It has developed a unique and distinct character of its own, which is based on atmosphere rather than any special attractions. It has a remote location, not far from one of Thailand's most northern towns, Mae Hong Song, and next to the huge wilderness of the off-limits Shan State in Burma.
The town itself is situated in a mostly dry and flat area that looks similar to many other rural farming areas in this part of Thailand. Getting here is part of the fun as the narrow road winds over the top of some beautiful mountains. The forests are lush and dense, the temperature is cool and the vistas are truly breathtaking. Arriving in Pai makes you feel as though you have escaped the real world.
Pai attracts many different types of people, from new age travellers through to those looking for some peace and relaxation. It's a far cry from the pollution and noise of Bangkok, or the upmarket hotels and commercialism of Phuket. There are none of the expensive and lavish resorts found elsewhere in Thailand.
The riverside bungalows here are the perfect place to stay and provide you with everything you need. The basic facilities and laid-back service are all part of the appeal, and the lack of development in the town has helped retain the chilled out reputation it has.
But don't be fooled in to thinking that there isn't anything to do in Pai. There is a good choice of activities offered by numerous agents in the town including enduro motorcycle excursions, white-water rafting and trekking. If you don't want to be part of an organised group, then you can do your own thing by visiting Pai Canyon or by making a trip to the waterfall in the northwest of the town.
Another popular option is to rent a motorbike and cruise along some of the roads in the valley. The more adventurous might want to try some of the challenging off-road trails nearby. If, however, you just want to relax, then you won't be disappointed either. It's also worth taking the time to call in at the small elephant camp located a short distance from the town, and at the hot springs which are a great place to head to on a chilly winter morning.
Pai has a steady flow of visitors during the dry winter months when the weather is at its best. During the monsoon rains, tourist numbers drop and it’s usually the backpackers that keep businesses ticking over. The town also has a small group of expats that have escaped their stress-filled lives in their native countries for something completely different. They somehow manage to get by with the odd bit of work and are happy to blend in with the local lifestyle.
Pai isn't a place solely for foreigners as the Thais also are regular visitors. University students in particular enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and bohemian atmosphere, and they also benefit from the cheap lodgings and restaurants. Regular tour buses on their way to Mae Hong Song often call in for a brief stop.
If you have a limited amount of time and it's your first visit to the area, then it's a great way to experience this part of Northern Thailand. There is an established 'loop' that takes you to Pai, Mae Hong Song and returns to Chiang Mai via the southern approach and the impressive Doi Inthanon National Park.
There has been a steady rise in visitor numbers in Pai over the last several years, mainly due to its presence in various guide books and its establishment on the backpacker trail. The local people have benefited in many ways as they continue to build restaurants, bars, guesthouses and set up tour agencies. Fortunately, none of the international hotel groups have bought land or property in the area, so it retains a small town feel.
However, the old grass airport nearby has recently been paved, so it seems unlikely that Pai will retain its special appeal forever. If you're planning a visit in the near future, then you will surely enjoy the relaxed and laid back pace of life, beautiful scenery, traffic-free roads and the wide choice of great bars and restaurants.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/pai-in-the-sky-156419.html
The small town of Pai is not like any other town you may visit in Thailand. It has developed a unique and distinct character of its own, which is based on atmosphere rather than any special attractions. It has a remote location, not far from one of Thailand's most northern towns, Mae Hong Song, and next to the huge wilderness of the off-limits Shan State in Burma.
The town itself is situated in a mostly dry and flat area that looks similar to many other rural farming areas in this part of Thailand. Getting here is part of the fun as the narrow road winds over the top of some beautiful mountains. The forests are lush and dense, the temperature is cool and the vistas are truly breathtaking. Arriving in Pai makes you feel as though you have escaped the real world.
Pai attracts many different types of people, from new age travellers through to those looking for some peace and relaxation. It's a far cry from the pollution and noise of Bangkok, or the upmarket hotels and commercialism of Phuket. There are none of the expensive and lavish resorts found elsewhere in Thailand.
The riverside bungalows here are the perfect place to stay and provide you with everything you need. The basic facilities and laid-back service are all part of the appeal, and the lack of development in the town has helped retain the chilled out reputation it has.
But don't be fooled in to thinking that there isn't anything to do in Pai. There is a good choice of activities offered by numerous agents in the town including enduro motorcycle excursions, white-water rafting and trekking. If you don't want to be part of an organised group, then you can do your own thing by visiting Pai Canyon or by making a trip to the waterfall in the northwest of the town.
Another popular option is to rent a motorbike and cruise along some of the roads in the valley. The more adventurous might want to try some of the challenging off-road trails nearby. If, however, you just want to relax, then you won't be disappointed either. It's also worth taking the time to call in at the small elephant camp located a short distance from the town, and at the hot springs which are a great place to head to on a chilly winter morning.
Pai has a steady flow of visitors during the dry winter months when the weather is at its best. During the monsoon rains, tourist numbers drop and it’s usually the backpackers that keep businesses ticking over. The town also has a small group of expats that have escaped their stress-filled lives in their native countries for something completely different. They somehow manage to get by with the odd bit of work and are happy to blend in with the local lifestyle.
Pai isn't a place solely for foreigners as the Thais also are regular visitors. University students in particular enjoy the relaxed lifestyle and bohemian atmosphere, and they also benefit from the cheap lodgings and restaurants. Regular tour buses on their way to Mae Hong Song often call in for a brief stop.
If you have a limited amount of time and it's your first visit to the area, then it's a great way to experience this part of Northern Thailand. There is an established 'loop' that takes you to Pai, Mae Hong Song and returns to Chiang Mai via the southern approach and the impressive Doi Inthanon National Park.
There has been a steady rise in visitor numbers in Pai over the last several years, mainly due to its presence in various guide books and its establishment on the backpacker trail. The local people have benefited in many ways as they continue to build restaurants, bars, guesthouses and set up tour agencies. Fortunately, none of the international hotel groups have bought land or property in the area, so it retains a small town feel.
However, the old grass airport nearby has recently been paved, so it seems unlikely that Pai will retain its special appeal forever. If you're planning a visit in the near future, then you will surely enjoy the relaxed and laid back pace of life, beautiful scenery, traffic-free roads and the wide choice of great bars and restaurants.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/pai-in-the-sky-156419.html
09 November 2007
Good Tips For Your Next Cheap Holiday Vacation
We all want the cheapest airfair possible when traveling. Here are some tips on how to save cash on your next cheap holiday vacation.
1. Book Flights Early. The closer you get to your departure date the fewer options you will have. You will then have good time to keep an eye on prices daily in order to find the cheapest holiday available.
2. Stay flexible. Choose less popular dates. This will increase the amount of cheap holidays available. Do not get too picky with time either. Certain departure times are much more expensive than others. Be prepared to leave anytime of the day even at nighttime. The most popular days for traveling is always on weekends. Try to choose a cheap holiday that leaves around the middle of the week.
3. Skip school holidays. For families this is the most popular period to go on a holiday. These days are high in demand so try to avoid these in order to book cheap holiday deals.
4. Avoid the Holidays Season. These periods are always very busy for christians especially around Christmas and Easter.
5. Leave on Special Days such as Christmas Day or New Year's Day. People usually avoid traveling on these special days.
6. Get Tickets for the Off-Season. You can often do the best cheap holiday deals during this time. In Phuket, Thailand, for instance the rainy season is considered off-season. It is much cheaper to visit the destinations during the off-season.
7. Go for package deals. Airfares are almost always cheaper when they are combined with some sort of accomodation. Most hotels offer package deals during the off-season. This is yet another great oppurtunity to make a fantastic cheap holiday deal.
8. Do your Booking online. If you book the holiday yourself on the internet without the use of a travel agent it can save you money. Often the airline companies will give you a discount when you book the holiday on your own.
9. Choose a less popular airline company. They will sometimes offer cheaper airfares to attract new customers.
10. Fewer Travel Days. If you book your flight for less than a month, you can get a cheaper airfare than if you book it for a period longer than a month.
I hope my advices to you will be of any help when booking your next cheap holiday deal.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-85658.htm
1. Book Flights Early. The closer you get to your departure date the fewer options you will have. You will then have good time to keep an eye on prices daily in order to find the cheapest holiday available.
2. Stay flexible. Choose less popular dates. This will increase the amount of cheap holidays available. Do not get too picky with time either. Certain departure times are much more expensive than others. Be prepared to leave anytime of the day even at nighttime. The most popular days for traveling is always on weekends. Try to choose a cheap holiday that leaves around the middle of the week.
3. Skip school holidays. For families this is the most popular period to go on a holiday. These days are high in demand so try to avoid these in order to book cheap holiday deals.
4. Avoid the Holidays Season. These periods are always very busy for christians especially around Christmas and Easter.
5. Leave on Special Days such as Christmas Day or New Year's Day. People usually avoid traveling on these special days.
6. Get Tickets for the Off-Season. You can often do the best cheap holiday deals during this time. In Phuket, Thailand, for instance the rainy season is considered off-season. It is much cheaper to visit the destinations during the off-season.
7. Go for package deals. Airfares are almost always cheaper when they are combined with some sort of accomodation. Most hotels offer package deals during the off-season. This is yet another great oppurtunity to make a fantastic cheap holiday deal.
8. Do your Booking online. If you book the holiday yourself on the internet without the use of a travel agent it can save you money. Often the airline companies will give you a discount when you book the holiday on your own.
9. Choose a less popular airline company. They will sometimes offer cheaper airfares to attract new customers.
10. Fewer Travel Days. If you book your flight for less than a month, you can get a cheaper airfare than if you book it for a period longer than a month.
I hope my advices to you will be of any help when booking your next cheap holiday deal.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-85658.htm
08 November 2007
Booking A Holiday - Tour Or Vacation In Laos
By Stuart Cheese
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Laos.
When you visit Laos you will notice immediately how important the culture, heritage and Buddhism are to its inhabitants. Laos is located between Vietnam and Thailand in the south east of Asia. It is a beautiful country with many rivers, rugged mountains, forests, plains and plateaus. Laos has been isolated from outside influences so the tourist gets a unique view of traditional Southeast Asian life. With its fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley and the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos has got to be one of the highlights in Asia.
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with the rainy season during the months of May to November and the roads can become washed out & the dry season starting from December to April. The weather is not too hot and there is less rainfall between November and February. The most popular time that tourists actually visit Laos are December to February but the good thing is there are not too many during these times.
For trekking or visiting the mountains, May and July are good, warm, dry months to experience them.
One of the most beautiful places in Laos is Luang Prabang and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is a magical ancient city that seems to have stood still in time surrounded by its mountains.
In the centre of the city of Laos is Mount Phousi. From this amazing standpoint you will witness stunning views of the hills and temples that surround it.
Khone Phapheng is considered to be the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and with this in mind makes it an amazing place to experience. You will find this waterfall at the southern end of Si Phan Don home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
The Pak Ou Caves are an absolutely spectacular sight to behold. One of the caves is filled with hundreds of statues of the Buddha which can be seen through a rugged hole in the cliff face. If you want to see this amazing scene up close then it is possible to climb out onto the dock where the beautifully carved stones will lead you up to the entrance of the cave. There are statues of Buddha's absolutely everywhere that you look, balancing on stone shelves, lining the stairs and in the nooks and crannies in the cave.
Pilgrims and kings have gone to the caves to worship for at least the last 500 years. Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos which was built in the 16th century. The temple was destroyed by a Thai invasion but has since been restored to its former glory. There are some people that believe that relics of the Buddha are housed in this temple. This temple has become a symbol of Lao nationalism due to the architecture including the Lao people's culture and identity.
There is a wonderfully unique place known as the Plain Of Jars, located in the remote north east of Laos, where you will find hundreds of huge stone urns. These stone jars cover an area of several square miles and have become a great crowd puller. The urns are one of the most enigmatic ancient sights in Asia. To this day the many jars have kept their secret from the many historians who have tried to date them and discover what they actually signify.
In the province of Champasak you will find an amazing mountain Temple dating back to the 5th century which is known as Wat Phu, is an impressive ruin of Khmer style. There are a number of carved rocks above the temple site, each of them resembling different animals including a cobra, an elephant and a crocodile. Some believe that these rocks may have been used for human sacrifice in times gone by.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Cheese
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Laos.
When you visit Laos you will notice immediately how important the culture, heritage and Buddhism are to its inhabitants. Laos is located between Vietnam and Thailand in the south east of Asia. It is a beautiful country with many rivers, rugged mountains, forests, plains and plateaus. Laos has been isolated from outside influences so the tourist gets a unique view of traditional Southeast Asian life. With its fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley and the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos has got to be one of the highlights in Asia.
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with the rainy season during the months of May to November and the roads can become washed out & the dry season starting from December to April. The weather is not too hot and there is less rainfall between November and February. The most popular time that tourists actually visit Laos are December to February but the good thing is there are not too many during these times.
For trekking or visiting the mountains, May and July are good, warm, dry months to experience them.
One of the most beautiful places in Laos is Luang Prabang and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is a magical ancient city that seems to have stood still in time surrounded by its mountains.
In the centre of the city of Laos is Mount Phousi. From this amazing standpoint you will witness stunning views of the hills and temples that surround it.
Khone Phapheng is considered to be the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and with this in mind makes it an amazing place to experience. You will find this waterfall at the southern end of Si Phan Don home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
The Pak Ou Caves are an absolutely spectacular sight to behold. One of the caves is filled with hundreds of statues of the Buddha which can be seen through a rugged hole in the cliff face. If you want to see this amazing scene up close then it is possible to climb out onto the dock where the beautifully carved stones will lead you up to the entrance of the cave. There are statues of Buddha's absolutely everywhere that you look, balancing on stone shelves, lining the stairs and in the nooks and crannies in the cave.
Pilgrims and kings have gone to the caves to worship for at least the last 500 years. Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos which was built in the 16th century. The temple was destroyed by a Thai invasion but has since been restored to its former glory. There are some people that believe that relics of the Buddha are housed in this temple. This temple has become a symbol of Lao nationalism due to the architecture including the Lao people's culture and identity.
There is a wonderfully unique place known as the Plain Of Jars, located in the remote north east of Laos, where you will find hundreds of huge stone urns. These stone jars cover an area of several square miles and have become a great crowd puller. The urns are one of the most enigmatic ancient sights in Asia. To this day the many jars have kept their secret from the many historians who have tried to date them and discover what they actually signify.
In the province of Champasak you will find an amazing mountain Temple dating back to the 5th century which is known as Wat Phu, is an impressive ruin of Khmer style. There are a number of carved rocks above the temple site, each of them resembling different animals including a cobra, an elephant and a crocodile. Some believe that these rocks may have been used for human sacrifice in times gone by.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Cheese
07 November 2007
Food Tours and Food Vacation Destinations
by Exclusive Writers
Until a few years ago, America was not known for their famous chefs. Most famous chef came from foreign countries; however, American chefs are fast becoming some of the best chefs in the world. America is now becoming a very popular location for food tours for individuals in the United States and all over the world to enjoy the delectable local cuisine found in such cities as New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, San Francisco, and even various cities on the Hawaiian Islands. Today, you can see several of these chefs showcased by food tours in America. In many cases, just one city has more than one famous chef that owns unique restaurants giving visitors the opportunity to try various delightful meals
With food being a major part of vacations no matter where you might wish to visit, food tours are becoming even more popular. Not only do food tours give you the chance to try local cuisine, but it also brings the family together to enjoy a few meals. As everyone knows, in this fast-paced world of ours, many families hardly ever sit down and enjoy even one per week together. Food tours give you the chance to enjoy the meal along with the company of your family.
When you begin your food tour search, you can learn quite a bit just by visiting FoodTours.org, which has information on the various food tours available throughout America and the world.
If you visit FoodTours.org, you will be able to make an educated decision on which food tour will excite your taste buds, tantalize your palate, while giving your family a wonderful and unique family experience.
Some of the information you will find at FoodTours.org include information on Boston Food Tours. Some of the sights included on the food tours in Boston are Sam Adams Brewery, North End Market, and of course the restaurants famous for Boston Baked Beans.
Seattle has unique food tours that include such dishes that are within the Pacific Rim cuisine including delectable fresh fish, chowder, and some of the best coffee in the entire United States.
When it comes to New Orleans, most already know about the delicious food served during the Mardi Gras, the historical tours, and of course the delightful entertainment found in the French Quarters. On the other hand, not too many people realize there are wonderful food tours, which will fill you up with such delights as gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun treats.
Chicago may be known as the name windy city; however, when some people think about Chicago their mouth begins to water with the thoughts of the Chicago style pizza. However, Chicago is also known for other treats like bakeries, sweet shops, and coffee shops to name a few.
Hawaii has a blend that is unknown to the continental US with delicious treats with a variety of cuisine including Pacific Rim, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, French, Mediterranean, Classical, or Italian. However, if you desire local cuisine you will be thrilled to try some of the smaller restaurants owned by locals during your food tour.
http://www.exclusivewriters.com
Until a few years ago, America was not known for their famous chefs. Most famous chef came from foreign countries; however, American chefs are fast becoming some of the best chefs in the world. America is now becoming a very popular location for food tours for individuals in the United States and all over the world to enjoy the delectable local cuisine found in such cities as New York, Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, San Francisco, and even various cities on the Hawaiian Islands. Today, you can see several of these chefs showcased by food tours in America. In many cases, just one city has more than one famous chef that owns unique restaurants giving visitors the opportunity to try various delightful meals
With food being a major part of vacations no matter where you might wish to visit, food tours are becoming even more popular. Not only do food tours give you the chance to try local cuisine, but it also brings the family together to enjoy a few meals. As everyone knows, in this fast-paced world of ours, many families hardly ever sit down and enjoy even one per week together. Food tours give you the chance to enjoy the meal along with the company of your family.
When you begin your food tour search, you can learn quite a bit just by visiting FoodTours.org, which has information on the various food tours available throughout America and the world.
If you visit FoodTours.org, you will be able to make an educated decision on which food tour will excite your taste buds, tantalize your palate, while giving your family a wonderful and unique family experience.
Some of the information you will find at FoodTours.org include information on Boston Food Tours. Some of the sights included on the food tours in Boston are Sam Adams Brewery, North End Market, and of course the restaurants famous for Boston Baked Beans.
Seattle has unique food tours that include such dishes that are within the Pacific Rim cuisine including delectable fresh fish, chowder, and some of the best coffee in the entire United States.
When it comes to New Orleans, most already know about the delicious food served during the Mardi Gras, the historical tours, and of course the delightful entertainment found in the French Quarters. On the other hand, not too many people realize there are wonderful food tours, which will fill you up with such delights as gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun treats.
Chicago may be known as the name windy city; however, when some people think about Chicago their mouth begins to water with the thoughts of the Chicago style pizza. However, Chicago is also known for other treats like bakeries, sweet shops, and coffee shops to name a few.
Hawaii has a blend that is unknown to the continental US with delicious treats with a variety of cuisine including Pacific Rim, Hawaii Regional Cuisine, French, Mediterranean, Classical, or Italian. However, if you desire local cuisine you will be thrilled to try some of the smaller restaurants owned by locals during your food tour.
http://www.exclusivewriters.com
The Remarkable City of Las Vegas
by Kenneth Asselin
We live in a sensational time where Las Vegas Information related sites are abundantly attainable. A simple search on Google will find information about city maps, the history of this remarkable city, and the many things you can do in Las Vegas other than gambling. There are an abundant and interesting list of attractions around the city, and a mind boggling array of Las Vegas Specials, Las Vegas Packages, and Las Vegas Deals.
Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada, and growing at a remarkable pace each year. The city is often referred to as Sin City due to the existence of gambling, serving alcoholic beverages 24 hours per day, and the abundance of adult entertainment available. Prostitution is not legal in the City of Las Vegas, but is legal in some nearby counties.
While many may refer to Las Vegas as sin city, the local tourist promoters prefer to call it The Entertainment Capital of the World. The City is a favorite setting for many movie and television companies, and has a very glamorous reputation. The quality of entertainment available is unequaled in any other city its size, making Las Vegas a favorite vacation spot for many celebrities. What is commonly referred to as Las Vegas is really a combination of the City of Las Vegas which is commonly known as the downtown area, and a 6 to 8 mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard which is mostly outside the Las Vegas city limit, known as the Las Vegas Strip.
Las Vegas started its rapid growth in 1931 when work started on the building of Hoover Dam. Its population grew from 5,000 residents to 25,000 with many newcomers looking for work on the Dam. Gambling was legalized in 1931 and Las Vegas began its rise to become the gambling capital of the world. The city issued its first gaming license in 1931 to the Northern Club, and with the abundant electricity now available from Hoover Dam, Fremont Street became known as Glitter Gulch.
It's our desire to deliver the best news about Las Vegas as possible. Currently, there are a greater number of Las Vegas Specials sites on the internet than ever before, and it is essential that you track down the best resources available if you're looking for the most current information. You can rest assured that researching this subject will sooner or later generate an abundance of Las Vegas Specials, Las Vegas Deals, and Las Vegas Packages on the internet. Finding the best solutions for your ideas on the info superhighway isn't difficult
http://www.selectionsguide.com/
We live in a sensational time where Las Vegas Information related sites are abundantly attainable. A simple search on Google will find information about city maps, the history of this remarkable city, and the many things you can do in Las Vegas other than gambling. There are an abundant and interesting list of attractions around the city, and a mind boggling array of Las Vegas Specials, Las Vegas Packages, and Las Vegas Deals.
Las Vegas is the largest city in Nevada, and growing at a remarkable pace each year. The city is often referred to as Sin City due to the existence of gambling, serving alcoholic beverages 24 hours per day, and the abundance of adult entertainment available. Prostitution is not legal in the City of Las Vegas, but is legal in some nearby counties.
While many may refer to Las Vegas as sin city, the local tourist promoters prefer to call it The Entertainment Capital of the World. The City is a favorite setting for many movie and television companies, and has a very glamorous reputation. The quality of entertainment available is unequaled in any other city its size, making Las Vegas a favorite vacation spot for many celebrities. What is commonly referred to as Las Vegas is really a combination of the City of Las Vegas which is commonly known as the downtown area, and a 6 to 8 mile stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard which is mostly outside the Las Vegas city limit, known as the Las Vegas Strip.
Las Vegas started its rapid growth in 1931 when work started on the building of Hoover Dam. Its population grew from 5,000 residents to 25,000 with many newcomers looking for work on the Dam. Gambling was legalized in 1931 and Las Vegas began its rise to become the gambling capital of the world. The city issued its first gaming license in 1931 to the Northern Club, and with the abundant electricity now available from Hoover Dam, Fremont Street became known as Glitter Gulch.
It's our desire to deliver the best news about Las Vegas as possible. Currently, there are a greater number of Las Vegas Specials sites on the internet than ever before, and it is essential that you track down the best resources available if you're looking for the most current information. You can rest assured that researching this subject will sooner or later generate an abundance of Las Vegas Specials, Las Vegas Deals, and Las Vegas Packages on the internet. Finding the best solutions for your ideas on the info superhighway isn't difficult
http://www.selectionsguide.com/
04 November 2007
Alaska Ski Vacations
by Jackie
Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world, and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a 2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631 inches of snow annually.
Although this is some of the best skiing in the world, you won't find the slopes overly crowded, and there are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable car line. There are 68 trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the trails designed for intermediate skiers.
Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski trips by Skiing Magazine.
The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid November, and runs through mid April. This area of Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the United States, with approximately sixteen hours of daylight each day during April. During December, however, there are only about seven hours of daylight - which makes night time skiing necessary if you are going to get in the time that you want to spend on the slopes.
The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly entertainment is available as well. There are other nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not associated with the Hotel.
If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park. The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear viewing.
At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be! There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and there are many area sights and attractions to be enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter family ski vacation!
http://cheapvacation.infoplugin.com/ http://airline-travel.infoplugin.com/
Alaska, which has always been a source of awe and mystery, has some of the best skiing in the world, and the Alyeska Resort is one of the finest resorts in the state. With a top elevation of 2751 feet and a 2501 vertical drop, the area gets an average of 631 inches of snow annually.
Although this is some of the best skiing in the world, you won't find the slopes overly crowded, and there are no long lift lines. There are nine lifts, including six chair lifts and two surface lifts, and one cable car line. There are 68 trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts, with the majority of the trails designed for intermediate skiers.
Night time skiing is allowed, which makes your ski experience more adventurous and thrilling. You will see snow capped mountains, hanging glaciers, and of course, the famous Northern Lights. This resort is ranked number nine of the top twenty-five killer ski trips by Skiing Magazine.
The season begins at the Alyeska Resort in mid November, and runs through mid April. This area of Alaska boasts the longest daytime areas in the United States, with approximately sixteen hours of daylight each day during April. During December, however, there are only about seven hours of daylight - which makes night time skiing necessary if you are going to get in the time that you want to spend on the slopes.
The Alyeska Prince Hotel is the place to stay! Here you will enjoy elegant rooms and fine dining. Nightly entertainment is available as well. There are other nightlife spots in the area as well, that are not associated with the Hotel.
If tubing interests you, then visiting the Glacier Tubing Park is an absolute must! Featuring two lanes of terrain and a surface lift, everyone in the family will enjoy spending time at the tubing park. The Alyeska Terrain Park is a must for snowboarding enthusiasts. Other winter activities that can be enjoyed in and around the Alyeska Resort include flight seeing, helisking, ocean cruising tours, dog sledding, ice climbing, back country skiing, mountaineering, and polar bear viewing.
At the Alyeska Resort, the ultimate winter vacation can be experienced. Brave the elements, then return to the Hotel for some pampering. Get a taste of what Alaska is really like, and what skiing is meant to be! There are activities for the entire family to enjoy, and there are many area sights and attractions to be enjoyed as well. This really is an awesome winter family ski vacation!
http://cheapvacation.infoplugin.com/ http://airline-travel.infoplugin.com/
03 November 2007
A Caribbean Vacation Destination In St Vincent And The Grenadines
by Peter R Stewart
A unique and exotic Caribbean Vacation Destination in St Vincent and The Grenadines is Petit Byahaut.
Approachable only by sea, and hidden in the jungle. This is a 50 acre hideaway and the ultimate Caribbean Vacation Getaway.
This is an expensive but inclusive Caribbean Vacation, and be warned despite the price you won't get five star luxury.
What Petit Byahaut is all about is escaping the stresses and pressures of modern life, because here in this part of St Vincent there are no roads, no telephones, no televisions.
Indeed unless your electrical equipment works off batteries you should leave it behind.
At this particular Caribbean destination what you will find are a multitude of exotic birds, brightly coloured flowers, and a coral reef full of tropical fish and undamaged coral. All this is possible because Petit Byahaut is at the forefront of environmental care and protection.
Petit Byahaut will never have more than 14 guests at any one time, and the accommodations are totally unique. There are seven accommodation units, although for all practical purposes only five are in use for couples, which is one reason that Petit Byahaut is so suitable as part of a Caribbean honeymoon vacation.
Occasionally the other two, which are of lesser quality might be used for larger groups or for older children Each room is effectively a dwelling, and they are all completely private and unique in their design.
You could be accommodated in a room sized tent on a tree house platform. You might be in a slightly odd wooden hut with mosquito screens. It would be more than fair to say that Petit Byahaut is obviously not for everyone.
Each dwelling is however supplied with ceiling fans, reading lights, flush loos, and freshwater showers, with the power supplied by photo electric cells using the sun. Of course when the sun doesn't shine this has obvious consequences not the least of which can be a lack of hot water!!
Be warned the bathrooms are freestanding, and outside with your privacy assured by banks of fresh flowers and their clever positioning.
The dwellings have queen sized beds with fresh bed linen every day, and each dwelling has a veranda with chairs, a table and hammocks to sit or lie and admire the views.
One of the major necessities on any honeymoon vacation, in fact any vacation destination is the quality and quantity of the food. More than one exotic Caribbean vacation and honeymoon has been totally spoiled by poor food. Petit Byahaut is a total exception in that the food is a real focus, and as such is of incredibly good standard. There are three meals a day and picnic lunches in the inclusive price. Meals are served in their tiny alfresco restaurant and bar, where the seats are tree branches with a view of the bay. As you might expect the meals are focused on healthy eating with all dietary requirements catered for. You will especially find home baked bread, yoghurt and cookies as well as fresh local fruit, and the herb and vegetable garden plays an important role. You can snack liberally throughout the day!!
So what do you do in this Robinson Cruso hideaway on St Vincent?
Well there is fabulous snorkeling in the cove, or at Bat Cave. If you want to scuba dive you can do that on the reef off the beach. Trips farther away are also organized.
Be idle and swim a bit off the volcanic beach, sunbathe in your hammock, whilst relaxing and reading a book from the good library.
Petit Byahaut has kayaks and a sailboat if you feel energetic.
In addition there are rainforest walks, visit to Trinity Falls, Climb up Soufriere Volcano, and visit other islands in the Grenadines. In other words whatever you want, a lot or a little, or nothing at all!!
In terms of who you are likely to be sharing Petit Byahaut with, it is very popular with top executives, honeymooners, even celebrities who want to vanish for a bit.
isn't suitable for children under the age of twelve, or for guests who need 21st Century trappings. The best time to go is December to March, and it is shut September and October.
You will need to take insect repellent, and possibly a jersey or jacket for the cooler evenings. A week would probably be the optimum time to enjoy this Caribbean Vacation getaway at Petit Byahaut on St Vincent.
Enjoy reading about Caribbean Hotel Hideaways at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Caribbean-Hotel-Hideaways/
A unique and exotic Caribbean Vacation Destination in St Vincent and The Grenadines is Petit Byahaut.
Approachable only by sea, and hidden in the jungle. This is a 50 acre hideaway and the ultimate Caribbean Vacation Getaway.
This is an expensive but inclusive Caribbean Vacation, and be warned despite the price you won't get five star luxury.
What Petit Byahaut is all about is escaping the stresses and pressures of modern life, because here in this part of St Vincent there are no roads, no telephones, no televisions.
Indeed unless your electrical equipment works off batteries you should leave it behind.
At this particular Caribbean destination what you will find are a multitude of exotic birds, brightly coloured flowers, and a coral reef full of tropical fish and undamaged coral. All this is possible because Petit Byahaut is at the forefront of environmental care and protection.
Petit Byahaut will never have more than 14 guests at any one time, and the accommodations are totally unique. There are seven accommodation units, although for all practical purposes only five are in use for couples, which is one reason that Petit Byahaut is so suitable as part of a Caribbean honeymoon vacation.
Occasionally the other two, which are of lesser quality might be used for larger groups or for older children Each room is effectively a dwelling, and they are all completely private and unique in their design.
You could be accommodated in a room sized tent on a tree house platform. You might be in a slightly odd wooden hut with mosquito screens. It would be more than fair to say that Petit Byahaut is obviously not for everyone.
Each dwelling is however supplied with ceiling fans, reading lights, flush loos, and freshwater showers, with the power supplied by photo electric cells using the sun. Of course when the sun doesn't shine this has obvious consequences not the least of which can be a lack of hot water!!
Be warned the bathrooms are freestanding, and outside with your privacy assured by banks of fresh flowers and their clever positioning.
The dwellings have queen sized beds with fresh bed linen every day, and each dwelling has a veranda with chairs, a table and hammocks to sit or lie and admire the views.
One of the major necessities on any honeymoon vacation, in fact any vacation destination is the quality and quantity of the food. More than one exotic Caribbean vacation and honeymoon has been totally spoiled by poor food. Petit Byahaut is a total exception in that the food is a real focus, and as such is of incredibly good standard. There are three meals a day and picnic lunches in the inclusive price. Meals are served in their tiny alfresco restaurant and bar, where the seats are tree branches with a view of the bay. As you might expect the meals are focused on healthy eating with all dietary requirements catered for. You will especially find home baked bread, yoghurt and cookies as well as fresh local fruit, and the herb and vegetable garden plays an important role. You can snack liberally throughout the day!!
So what do you do in this Robinson Cruso hideaway on St Vincent?
Well there is fabulous snorkeling in the cove, or at Bat Cave. If you want to scuba dive you can do that on the reef off the beach. Trips farther away are also organized.
Be idle and swim a bit off the volcanic beach, sunbathe in your hammock, whilst relaxing and reading a book from the good library.
Petit Byahaut has kayaks and a sailboat if you feel energetic.
In addition there are rainforest walks, visit to Trinity Falls, Climb up Soufriere Volcano, and visit other islands in the Grenadines. In other words whatever you want, a lot or a little, or nothing at all!!
In terms of who you are likely to be sharing Petit Byahaut with, it is very popular with top executives, honeymooners, even celebrities who want to vanish for a bit.
isn't suitable for children under the age of twelve, or for guests who need 21st Century trappings. The best time to go is December to March, and it is shut September and October.
You will need to take insect repellent, and possibly a jersey or jacket for the cooler evenings. A week would probably be the optimum time to enjoy this Caribbean Vacation getaway at Petit Byahaut on St Vincent.
Enjoy reading about Caribbean Hotel Hideaways at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Caribbean-Hotel-Hideaways/
02 November 2007
Enjoy the best vacation at Freeport Bahamas
by Suzane Gray
They say that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so if you are afraid that you are falling in to Jack's category think fast and act faster. Taking a break from work and going on a holiday with your family or friends is perhaps the best way through which you can relax and have a good time with them. Today, having a good job and earning money is on the list of priority of many people and in this quest; most of us are missing out on enjoying the finer things of life. There are several vacations and tourist destination in the world, but what is important for you is to go to a place where you can enjoy the peace and serenity and have a good time with your family. Freeport Bahamas is one place where you must go if you want to enjoy the beautiful sceneries, walk around the beaches and enjoy indulging in water sports.
Today, the internet has made things very simple for us, so if you want to go on a vacation to Freeport Bahamas or any other place, you just need to find out a tour operator to materialize the vacation. Most of the tour operators have a web presence, so this makes it easier for us to plan things out. You can browse the web and find out the several packages that are bring offered for the vacation, you can compare the prices and settle for a tour provider who offer you the best deal with the best price and the best facilities. Now if you are worried about a financial crunch that you are facing, just rest easy. You can take a discount Freeport Bahamas package and go on the vacation.
Freeport Bahamas vacation is also organized by companies for their employees and if your company does that for you, then there is nothing better. If the Freeport Bahamas tour is organized by your office you will not have to worry about many things, they will make sure that you and your family is properly looked after. The beaches in Freeport Bahamas is one of the attraction of that place, the never ending white stretch of sand is the place where people love to go for long walks and be with nature. Anyone who goes to Freeport Bahamas for a vacation always comes back there as this is one of the most preferred and favorite holiday destinations.
If you are a water sport lover, Freeport Bahamas is definitely one of the places where you must go. Water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, skiing and fishing are some of the water sports that you can indulge in. Besides these, there are several other water sports and activities that you can indulge in, you just need to be adventurous enough to try that out. The shops at the market place in Freeport Bahamas sell wonderful souvenirs and mementos that you can take back home with your for friends. Freeport Bahamas is one holiday destination that you must go and relax if you what to take a break from your hectic life and work schedule.
www.gobahama.com
They say that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, so if you are afraid that you are falling in to Jack's category think fast and act faster. Taking a break from work and going on a holiday with your family or friends is perhaps the best way through which you can relax and have a good time with them. Today, having a good job and earning money is on the list of priority of many people and in this quest; most of us are missing out on enjoying the finer things of life. There are several vacations and tourist destination in the world, but what is important for you is to go to a place where you can enjoy the peace and serenity and have a good time with your family. Freeport Bahamas is one place where you must go if you want to enjoy the beautiful sceneries, walk around the beaches and enjoy indulging in water sports.
Today, the internet has made things very simple for us, so if you want to go on a vacation to Freeport Bahamas or any other place, you just need to find out a tour operator to materialize the vacation. Most of the tour operators have a web presence, so this makes it easier for us to plan things out. You can browse the web and find out the several packages that are bring offered for the vacation, you can compare the prices and settle for a tour provider who offer you the best deal with the best price and the best facilities. Now if you are worried about a financial crunch that you are facing, just rest easy. You can take a discount Freeport Bahamas package and go on the vacation.
Freeport Bahamas vacation is also organized by companies for their employees and if your company does that for you, then there is nothing better. If the Freeport Bahamas tour is organized by your office you will not have to worry about many things, they will make sure that you and your family is properly looked after. The beaches in Freeport Bahamas is one of the attraction of that place, the never ending white stretch of sand is the place where people love to go for long walks and be with nature. Anyone who goes to Freeport Bahamas for a vacation always comes back there as this is one of the most preferred and favorite holiday destinations.
If you are a water sport lover, Freeport Bahamas is definitely one of the places where you must go. Water skiing, scuba diving, swimming, skiing and fishing are some of the water sports that you can indulge in. Besides these, there are several other water sports and activities that you can indulge in, you just need to be adventurous enough to try that out. The shops at the market place in Freeport Bahamas sell wonderful souvenirs and mementos that you can take back home with your for friends. Freeport Bahamas is one holiday destination that you must go and relax if you what to take a break from your hectic life and work schedule.
www.gobahama.com
01 November 2007
Spanish Holiday Islands Enjoy Hot 2007 Tourist Summer
by Roger Munns
In the early summer months the outlook for many European holiday destinations wasn't looking good, and hundreds of thousands of holidays were being heavily discounted to tempt Brits to take a holiday in Spain.
But British travel agents saw a sharp turnaround in their summer season fortunes, as people fed up with weeks of rain and the heaviest flooding in living memory ditched home holidays in favour of an overseas trip.
The top destination was Spain, with the Balearic islands of Menorca, and in particular Majorca, heading the list. The Spanish mainland's Costa Blanca and Portugal's Algarve were also popular choices for families wishing to get away from it all.
With a rush for the sun, low prices and good deals were becoming hard to come by, and many holidays were selling at full price, with some companies even being able to increase their original prices with demand so high.
The general advice seemed to be to get a low price holiday holidaymakers needed to be at a travel agents as soon as they opened as there were so few about, or to regularly check internet sites for holiday companies like Thomas Cook and Thomson Holidays in the hope that they might bag a bargain.
'It was good news for the travel industry', commented one Menorca travel guide, 'it looked like there would be plenty of availability and prices would have to be slashed to lure people into a summer holiday abroad. But then with higher prices and strong demand hotels and the holiday industry in general benefitted from an unexpectedly good year.'
A spokesman for ABTA, the association of British travel agents, commented that April was so warm that everyone expected summer to be a scorcher and a lot of people decided not to go abroad. But then there was a rush to book a holiday.
The floods affected large parts of England and claimed four lives, and left a hundred thousand homes without water for two weeks in parts of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Insurance companies warned that the floods will ultimately cost small businesses millions, and insurers have been receiving tens of millions in claims from homeowners. The British government offered emergency aid to the worst affected areas to help with the cost of the clear-up. Yorkshire in the north of England saw some of the heaviest flooding, with thousands of homes left without power and three people dying.
The surge in holiday bookings came at a particularly opportune time for the three Balearic islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza, who were doing better than many holiday areas before the British floods.
Clubbers from around Europe, and especially from the UK, descend upon Ibiza in the summer months for a week - and often two - of non stop partying.
Ibiza runs second only to the UK's main cities of London, Manchester and Liverpool in terms of popularity for clubbers, and some of the Ibiza clubs are as well known as any in the UK.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract.
A surprise is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
Recent findings by the Balearics Tourist Authority show that after Ibiza, Menorca visitors stay on average for 11 days, with Majorca just behind. And the same pattern emerges for spending per day, with Ibiza top, Majorca second, and Menorca last.
The amount spent by Ibiza tourists averaged 94 Euros a day - a huge contribution to the island's economy, looked on enviously by Majorca and Menorca.
http://www.yourmenorca.net/weather
In the early summer months the outlook for many European holiday destinations wasn't looking good, and hundreds of thousands of holidays were being heavily discounted to tempt Brits to take a holiday in Spain.
But British travel agents saw a sharp turnaround in their summer season fortunes, as people fed up with weeks of rain and the heaviest flooding in living memory ditched home holidays in favour of an overseas trip.
The top destination was Spain, with the Balearic islands of Menorca, and in particular Majorca, heading the list. The Spanish mainland's Costa Blanca and Portugal's Algarve were also popular choices for families wishing to get away from it all.
With a rush for the sun, low prices and good deals were becoming hard to come by, and many holidays were selling at full price, with some companies even being able to increase their original prices with demand so high.
The general advice seemed to be to get a low price holiday holidaymakers needed to be at a travel agents as soon as they opened as there were so few about, or to regularly check internet sites for holiday companies like Thomas Cook and Thomson Holidays in the hope that they might bag a bargain.
'It was good news for the travel industry', commented one Menorca travel guide, 'it looked like there would be plenty of availability and prices would have to be slashed to lure people into a summer holiday abroad. But then with higher prices and strong demand hotels and the holiday industry in general benefitted from an unexpectedly good year.'
A spokesman for ABTA, the association of British travel agents, commented that April was so warm that everyone expected summer to be a scorcher and a lot of people decided not to go abroad. But then there was a rush to book a holiday.
The floods affected large parts of England and claimed four lives, and left a hundred thousand homes without water for two weeks in parts of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Insurance companies warned that the floods will ultimately cost small businesses millions, and insurers have been receiving tens of millions in claims from homeowners. The British government offered emergency aid to the worst affected areas to help with the cost of the clear-up. Yorkshire in the north of England saw some of the heaviest flooding, with thousands of homes left without power and three people dying.
The surge in holiday bookings came at a particularly opportune time for the three Balearic islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza, who were doing better than many holiday areas before the British floods.
Clubbers from around Europe, and especially from the UK, descend upon Ibiza in the summer months for a week - and often two - of non stop partying.
Ibiza runs second only to the UK's main cities of London, Manchester and Liverpool in terms of popularity for clubbers, and some of the Ibiza clubs are as well known as any in the UK.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract.
A surprise is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
Recent findings by the Balearics Tourist Authority show that after Ibiza, Menorca visitors stay on average for 11 days, with Majorca just behind. And the same pattern emerges for spending per day, with Ibiza top, Majorca second, and Menorca last.
The amount spent by Ibiza tourists averaged 94 Euros a day - a huge contribution to the island's economy, looked on enviously by Majorca and Menorca.
http://www.yourmenorca.net/weather
30 October 2007
Siam Chiang Mai
by Grant Wills
Siam Chiang Mai. The Rose of the North.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city and the center of culture and arts in Thailand. Chiang Mai celebrated its 700th year anniversary about 7 or 8 years ago. Siam Chiang Mai is the Home of adventure Tourism in the far North of Thailand. Chiang Mai was the capital of Siam for many years, being serviced from the south by river barge on the Mai Ping River. The large morning markets are still situated by the Mai Ping. All the main Consulates are still in Chiang Mai, with the British Consulate taking up a large block. The British had considerable influence here in the 1800s and early 1900s, helping the Thai Government set up the mail, railway and transport infrastructure. Thailand means FREELAND. Thailand was never colonized as they had a very astute King who did his schooling in Europe, When the British and French started encroaching on Thailand he summoned the respective consoles to his Palace and put forth the proposition that went something like this, We have (the Kings personal army) 5000 battle trained elephants with full body armour, you have cannon. Your cannon will take out some of my elephants but the other 4000 will trample you to death, we also have a massive army of foot solders that will mop up any survivors. To the British consul he said as a peace offering I will give you all the land on the other side of the mountains bordering Burma. As for Thailand at this time of history it was very hard to service (because of the mountain range). To the French he said something along the same lines but offering them all the land on the other side of the Mekong river. Both Governments looked at the logistics of the situation and accepted the proposition. Thailand has always maintained large armed forces as it was surrounded by hostile Countries who over the last 1000 years or so have each at one time or another ruled the whole Area. During the cold war America supported Thailand to the hilt with planes, tanks, equipment and training. During the Vietnam War the Americans had many bases here, Airport bases at Uban Thani etc. Then came Air America (but that's a whole story on its own) with arms for drug deals, CIA backing of the Hill tribe Drug Lord Armies, as in the CIA's mind they were the bastion against Russian and Chinese communist forces. Many of the treaties put in place in the cold war with the Shan people etc of Burma are still in place today and ratified by each incoming Prime Minister.
Thailand was the launching pad for the secret War in Loa, Cambodia and of course Vietnam. That all said explains why the Thai's are such a happy care free people, they have never had there spirit broken and don't have the undercurrent of hate that you see in a lot of the old French and British colonies. Thailand is a sub Tropical paradise, with plenty of lush rain forests, rivers and lakes. The mountains of the north run down to the flatlands and ocean. Chiang Mai is 11 or so hours by train from Bangkok or 1 hour by plane, It has its own International Air port, so depending on were you are coming from you can fly straight into Chiang Mai. If you take the train from Bangkok the overnight sleeper is a good idea (book a bottom bunk) you get on the train, they serve dinner, make up the beds and you wake up in the morning for breakfast coming into Chiang Mai all for the price of dinner back home. Thailand is a safe pace to travel; I have travelled back and forth from New Zealand for many years making 20 or more return trips with out ever having any thing stolen or the like. Getting over 16,000,000 tourists a year, tourism is its no one $ earner surpassing the rice crop for export $s. From Chiang Mai you can book and plan small excursions into the unknown ha (Burma, Laos and China) with return air tickets from as little as $50 - $150 or you can book on a over land cross river execution to Laos. Traveling up to Chiang Kong and then across the river to Loa.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com/2007/10/siam-chiang-mai.html
Siam Chiang Mai. The Rose of the North.
Chiang Mai is Thailand's 2nd largest city and the center of culture and arts in Thailand. Chiang Mai celebrated its 700th year anniversary about 7 or 8 years ago. Siam Chiang Mai is the Home of adventure Tourism in the far North of Thailand. Chiang Mai was the capital of Siam for many years, being serviced from the south by river barge on the Mai Ping River. The large morning markets are still situated by the Mai Ping. All the main Consulates are still in Chiang Mai, with the British Consulate taking up a large block. The British had considerable influence here in the 1800s and early 1900s, helping the Thai Government set up the mail, railway and transport infrastructure. Thailand means FREELAND. Thailand was never colonized as they had a very astute King who did his schooling in Europe, When the British and French started encroaching on Thailand he summoned the respective consoles to his Palace and put forth the proposition that went something like this, We have (the Kings personal army) 5000 battle trained elephants with full body armour, you have cannon. Your cannon will take out some of my elephants but the other 4000 will trample you to death, we also have a massive army of foot solders that will mop up any survivors. To the British consul he said as a peace offering I will give you all the land on the other side of the mountains bordering Burma. As for Thailand at this time of history it was very hard to service (because of the mountain range). To the French he said something along the same lines but offering them all the land on the other side of the Mekong river. Both Governments looked at the logistics of the situation and accepted the proposition. Thailand has always maintained large armed forces as it was surrounded by hostile Countries who over the last 1000 years or so have each at one time or another ruled the whole Area. During the cold war America supported Thailand to the hilt with planes, tanks, equipment and training. During the Vietnam War the Americans had many bases here, Airport bases at Uban Thani etc. Then came Air America (but that's a whole story on its own) with arms for drug deals, CIA backing of the Hill tribe Drug Lord Armies, as in the CIA's mind they were the bastion against Russian and Chinese communist forces. Many of the treaties put in place in the cold war with the Shan people etc of Burma are still in place today and ratified by each incoming Prime Minister.
Thailand was the launching pad for the secret War in Loa, Cambodia and of course Vietnam. That all said explains why the Thai's are such a happy care free people, they have never had there spirit broken and don't have the undercurrent of hate that you see in a lot of the old French and British colonies. Thailand is a sub Tropical paradise, with plenty of lush rain forests, rivers and lakes. The mountains of the north run down to the flatlands and ocean. Chiang Mai is 11 or so hours by train from Bangkok or 1 hour by plane, It has its own International Air port, so depending on were you are coming from you can fly straight into Chiang Mai. If you take the train from Bangkok the overnight sleeper is a good idea (book a bottom bunk) you get on the train, they serve dinner, make up the beds and you wake up in the morning for breakfast coming into Chiang Mai all for the price of dinner back home. Thailand is a safe pace to travel; I have travelled back and forth from New Zealand for many years making 20 or more return trips with out ever having any thing stolen or the like. Getting over 16,000,000 tourists a year, tourism is its no one $ earner surpassing the rice crop for export $s. From Chiang Mai you can book and plan small excursions into the unknown ha (Burma, Laos and China) with return air tickets from as little as $50 - $150 or you can book on a over land cross river execution to Laos. Traveling up to Chiang Kong and then across the river to Loa.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com/2007/10/siam-chiang-mai.html
29 October 2007
Great Maui Vacations for Families
by Judy Christensen
Maui is a great destination for families as well as honeymooners.
The Hawaiian word for family is 'ohana. Like many Hawaiian words, it evokes a feeling, an emotion, more than a literal "blood relation" meaning. It means belonging, to a group of relatives or a wider community, whose members support and nurture each other - like any family. Family is one of the touchstones of Hawaiian culture.
Family members of all ages will have a great time in Maui. There are so many things to see and do, and a wide variety of accommodations to appeal to families of any size or age.
The main resort areas are Ka'anapali, Kapalua, and Wailea. Each is a planned community, with accommodations and ammenities designed with visitors in mind. The resort communities of Maui have an abundance of condominium complexes, unlike Mexico or the Caribbean.
For families, condominiums provide the most comfortable, home-like atmosphere. There are condos available with up to 3 bedrooms, plus sofa beds, and can accommodate up to 8 people. There is no need for multiple hotel rooms or eating out at every meal. While no one wants to spend their vacation cooking for the family, having breakfast, snacks or quick meals in the condo save the family time and money - and it's much more convenient than getting dressed and getting into the car to go to a restaurant for breakfast or a light lunch after a swim.
Condos also generally have laundry facilities in the unit - you can toss some clothes in the washer before you leave for the day and into the dryer when you get home - and pack half as many clothes! This is especially good for young children, who often require several changes of clothes during the day.
Resorts also have activity desks to help you plan your stay. Kayaks and snorkle gear are generally available, and in some areas, you can snorkle right from the beach in front of your resort. The activity desk can also help you arrange a tour or guided activity, if you prefer.
Here are some of the family-friendly activities you can choose from:
- Swimming. Check with the activity desk for the best beaches for small children - it may not be the beach in front of your resort. Children, like everyone else, need to be careful in the ocean, but they don't need to avoid it. Just find out which beach to go to, and ask the lifeguard on duty for tips on enjoying the water.
- Snorkling. Even relatively young children can snorkle if they are so inclined. Seeing the colorful fish is a great activity for kids! Just be sure to check with the desk for a calm, shallow bay - and have the child wear a life vest for safety. Resorts often offer lessons and gear, or they can direct you to a local shop.
- Surfing. Older children can learn to surf at one of the many surf school or camps on the island. Some of them (such as Goofy Foot) guarantee you will be standing on the board and riding a wave at the end of a 2-hour lesson.
- Scuba diving. There are even more diving schools, and older children can take a lesson with you. Exploring the varied marine life deep under the ocean surface is a wonderful family activity.
- Building sand castles and lounging in the sun. Need I say more?
- Horseback riding. You may not think of horses in Hawaii, but the islands have a rich agricultural heritage, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) use horses just as they were used in the Old West. Seeing Maui on horseback allows you to see areas that are inaccessible any other way. And kids love horses!
- Drive the Hana highway (or take a tour). The scenery along the Hana highway is breathtaking - which is why it's a good idea to let someone else do the driving. The driver, unfortunately, needs to focus on the road and will miss the beauty of the lush foliage and waterfalls, so very different than the western side of the island. A tour also travels the rough roads circling the island, where rental cars are prohibited. This is a great way to see the whole perimiter of the southern island, and a treat for the whole family.
- Take a whale watching excursion. From December to April, humpback whales make their home on the western shores of Maui. There are thousands of them, and while you can often see them from shore, a boat trip gets you up close to the action. The whales are accustomed to the tour boats (and the boats are very respectful of the whales), so they often will swim right along side the boat for several minutes. You might see a mother and calf, or watch them breach the surface and dive below. A sunset cruise is a special treat.
- Take a hike. There are trails throughout the island, from easy walks to more strenous hikes past waterfalls, through lava tubes, and up hills. Some are guided, but you can pick up maps at tourist offices. A guided tour offers more information about your surroundings and its history.
- Take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train. This historic steam locomotive runs from Ka'anapali to Lahaina, and has open-air coaches to view the spectacular scenery along the way. There is also Hawaiian entertainment and stories of the railroad's role in the history of the island.
- Take a helicopter or small plane tour. There is no better way to see the island than from above. Maui has 5 distinct ecological zones, and the striking contrast between the dry western side and the lush, green eastern coast is best viewed from the air.
In addition to these activities, you can check with your resort's activity desk for age-appropriate activities offered at the resort itself. Many have hula or lei-making lessons, or art classes. You can let the kids enjoy themselves while you catch some rays on the beach!
Don't dismiss Maui as a honeymoon destination only. If you spent your honeymoon there, re-visit it with the kids - you'll experience a whole new island!
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=664187
Maui is a great destination for families as well as honeymooners.
The Hawaiian word for family is 'ohana. Like many Hawaiian words, it evokes a feeling, an emotion, more than a literal "blood relation" meaning. It means belonging, to a group of relatives or a wider community, whose members support and nurture each other - like any family. Family is one of the touchstones of Hawaiian culture.
Family members of all ages will have a great time in Maui. There are so many things to see and do, and a wide variety of accommodations to appeal to families of any size or age.
The main resort areas are Ka'anapali, Kapalua, and Wailea. Each is a planned community, with accommodations and ammenities designed with visitors in mind. The resort communities of Maui have an abundance of condominium complexes, unlike Mexico or the Caribbean.
For families, condominiums provide the most comfortable, home-like atmosphere. There are condos available with up to 3 bedrooms, plus sofa beds, and can accommodate up to 8 people. There is no need for multiple hotel rooms or eating out at every meal. While no one wants to spend their vacation cooking for the family, having breakfast, snacks or quick meals in the condo save the family time and money - and it's much more convenient than getting dressed and getting into the car to go to a restaurant for breakfast or a light lunch after a swim.
Condos also generally have laundry facilities in the unit - you can toss some clothes in the washer before you leave for the day and into the dryer when you get home - and pack half as many clothes! This is especially good for young children, who often require several changes of clothes during the day.
Resorts also have activity desks to help you plan your stay. Kayaks and snorkle gear are generally available, and in some areas, you can snorkle right from the beach in front of your resort. The activity desk can also help you arrange a tour or guided activity, if you prefer.
Here are some of the family-friendly activities you can choose from:
- Swimming. Check with the activity desk for the best beaches for small children - it may not be the beach in front of your resort. Children, like everyone else, need to be careful in the ocean, but they don't need to avoid it. Just find out which beach to go to, and ask the lifeguard on duty for tips on enjoying the water.
- Snorkling. Even relatively young children can snorkle if they are so inclined. Seeing the colorful fish is a great activity for kids! Just be sure to check with the desk for a calm, shallow bay - and have the child wear a life vest for safety. Resorts often offer lessons and gear, or they can direct you to a local shop.
- Surfing. Older children can learn to surf at one of the many surf school or camps on the island. Some of them (such as Goofy Foot) guarantee you will be standing on the board and riding a wave at the end of a 2-hour lesson.
- Scuba diving. There are even more diving schools, and older children can take a lesson with you. Exploring the varied marine life deep under the ocean surface is a wonderful family activity.
- Building sand castles and lounging in the sun. Need I say more?
- Horseback riding. You may not think of horses in Hawaii, but the islands have a rich agricultural heritage, and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) use horses just as they were used in the Old West. Seeing Maui on horseback allows you to see areas that are inaccessible any other way. And kids love horses!
- Drive the Hana highway (or take a tour). The scenery along the Hana highway is breathtaking - which is why it's a good idea to let someone else do the driving. The driver, unfortunately, needs to focus on the road and will miss the beauty of the lush foliage and waterfalls, so very different than the western side of the island. A tour also travels the rough roads circling the island, where rental cars are prohibited. This is a great way to see the whole perimiter of the southern island, and a treat for the whole family.
- Take a whale watching excursion. From December to April, humpback whales make their home on the western shores of Maui. There are thousands of them, and while you can often see them from shore, a boat trip gets you up close to the action. The whales are accustomed to the tour boats (and the boats are very respectful of the whales), so they often will swim right along side the boat for several minutes. You might see a mother and calf, or watch them breach the surface and dive below. A sunset cruise is a special treat.
- Take a hike. There are trails throughout the island, from easy walks to more strenous hikes past waterfalls, through lava tubes, and up hills. Some are guided, but you can pick up maps at tourist offices. A guided tour offers more information about your surroundings and its history.
- Take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train. This historic steam locomotive runs from Ka'anapali to Lahaina, and has open-air coaches to view the spectacular scenery along the way. There is also Hawaiian entertainment and stories of the railroad's role in the history of the island.
- Take a helicopter or small plane tour. There is no better way to see the island than from above. Maui has 5 distinct ecological zones, and the striking contrast between the dry western side and the lush, green eastern coast is best viewed from the air.
In addition to these activities, you can check with your resort's activity desk for age-appropriate activities offered at the resort itself. Many have hula or lei-making lessons, or art classes. You can let the kids enjoy themselves while you catch some rays on the beach!
Don't dismiss Maui as a honeymoon destination only. If you spent your honeymoon there, re-visit it with the kids - you'll experience a whole new island!
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=664187
Spain Ad Campaign Targets British Tourists
by Roger Munns
From the late 1950's when overseas travel became available to the masses, Spain and her islands have consistently been the favourite destination for the British, Germans, Swedes and other Europeans.
Even when longer haul destinations in Europe like Cyprus, Malta and Greece became possible, and later holidays in Florida and even more recently Australia became economically viable for more people, Spain has maintained her popularity.
Part of the appeal of Spain is that it is just a short flight away from the UK, with Majorca and Menorca, two of the popular Spanish islands, taking under two hours from London's Gatwick Airport. Fares have dropped dramatically in recent years with the advent of low cost airlines flying to Mallorca, Menorca and mainland Spain, making the possibility of more than one visit a year to the island by many tourists a reality.
Such was the appeal of Spain and the opportunity to holiday abroad in the 1960's and 70's parts of Spain saw a rapid hotel and holiday complex building programme, with some areas changing from quiet coastal villages to concrete jungles, but despite this the tourists still flocked in, later to consider other areas that hadn't been developed as much. Emerging holiday destinations view the development of Spain in the early days of mass tourism with caution, and Spain itself has introduced tougher building and planning regulations to ensure their initial errors aren't repeated by developers ever anxious to build a new hotel resort.
New competition from Eastern European countries is a threat to Spain's holiday market dominance, and the decision has been made to spend some money on advertising the Balearics in particular to the British and German markets.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract, making the advertising campaign necessarily a diverse one to reach the different markets for the three different Balearic islands. A surprise for example is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
But one thing does bind the three islands - the number of tourists from Germany, UK, and the Spanish mainland - which together make up over 80 per cent of their visitors.
The UK advertising campaign for Majorca includes a team distributing information at London's Victoria Station. Trains from Victoria run several times an hour to London's Gatwick Airport, allowing easy access to Mallorca for Londoners.
One spin-off from sustained tourism in Spain has been the number of Brits and Germans moving to the country and her islands, bringing with them the money they have made from selling their businesses and homes plus a pension, boosting the local economies further.
And the tourists who decide to call Spain home are becoming more involved with their new local governments and politics. Spain seems to be the new frontier for many weary inhabitants of the crowded towns and cities in the UK and Germany. While this trend bodes well for the Spanish economy, no one yet knows what sort of impact the influx of expatriates will do for Spain's political destiny.
Today, in 2007, nearly one million former British citizens call Spain their new home, and nearly a quarter of those are eligible to vote in Spanish elections. While they are allowed to vote on national issues, they are still curtailed from voting in local or regional elections, but that may change in the near future as more immigrants arrive on the sun-soaked sands of islands like Majorca, where British voting trends have decided the results of some elections already.
The San Fulgencio area, located in the Alicante province of Spain, currently heads the lead in foreigners calling Spain home now, with three quarters of them being British. Majorca and Menorca continue to be the most popular destinations for many Britains looking for new homes, new horizons and new destinies, and only time will tell what this means overall for Spaniards.
For Spain, spending money on attracting tourists doesn't just pay off with a two week holiday and spending spree - in many cases it's a case of a much bigger prize as the tourists buy a home and convert from being a holiday maker to living there full time.
From the late 1950's when overseas travel became available to the masses, Spain and her islands have consistently been the favourite destination for the British, Germans, Swedes and other Europeans.
Even when longer haul destinations in Europe like Cyprus, Malta and Greece became possible, and later holidays in Florida and even more recently Australia became economically viable for more people, Spain has maintained her popularity.
Part of the appeal of Spain is that it is just a short flight away from the UK, with Majorca and Menorca, two of the popular Spanish islands, taking under two hours from London's Gatwick Airport. Fares have dropped dramatically in recent years with the advent of low cost airlines flying to Mallorca, Menorca and mainland Spain, making the possibility of more than one visit a year to the island by many tourists a reality.
Such was the appeal of Spain and the opportunity to holiday abroad in the 1960's and 70's parts of Spain saw a rapid hotel and holiday complex building programme, with some areas changing from quiet coastal villages to concrete jungles, but despite this the tourists still flocked in, later to consider other areas that hadn't been developed as much. Emerging holiday destinations view the development of Spain in the early days of mass tourism with caution, and Spain itself has introduced tougher building and planning regulations to ensure their initial errors aren't repeated by developers ever anxious to build a new hotel resort.
New competition from Eastern European countries is a threat to Spain's holiday market dominance, and the decision has been made to spend some money on advertising the Balearics in particular to the British and German markets.
The three Balearic Islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza might be close to each other, but they are all different in character and the type of tourist they typically attract, making the advertising campaign necessarily a diverse one to reach the different markets for the three different Balearic islands. A surprise for example is that the amount of time spent on Ibiza by each tourist is longer than on Menorca and Majorca - destroying the myth that Ibiza is primarily for long weekends or short trips for a couple of nights in the club.
But one thing does bind the three islands - the number of tourists from Germany, UK, and the Spanish mainland - which together make up over 80 per cent of their visitors.
The UK advertising campaign for Majorca includes a team distributing information at London's Victoria Station. Trains from Victoria run several times an hour to London's Gatwick Airport, allowing easy access to Mallorca for Londoners.
One spin-off from sustained tourism in Spain has been the number of Brits and Germans moving to the country and her islands, bringing with them the money they have made from selling their businesses and homes plus a pension, boosting the local economies further.
And the tourists who decide to call Spain home are becoming more involved with their new local governments and politics. Spain seems to be the new frontier for many weary inhabitants of the crowded towns and cities in the UK and Germany. While this trend bodes well for the Spanish economy, no one yet knows what sort of impact the influx of expatriates will do for Spain's political destiny.
Today, in 2007, nearly one million former British citizens call Spain their new home, and nearly a quarter of those are eligible to vote in Spanish elections. While they are allowed to vote on national issues, they are still curtailed from voting in local or regional elections, but that may change in the near future as more immigrants arrive on the sun-soaked sands of islands like Majorca, where British voting trends have decided the results of some elections already.
The San Fulgencio area, located in the Alicante province of Spain, currently heads the lead in foreigners calling Spain home now, with three quarters of them being British. Majorca and Menorca continue to be the most popular destinations for many Britains looking for new homes, new horizons and new destinies, and only time will tell what this means overall for Spaniards.
For Spain, spending money on attracting tourists doesn't just pay off with a two week holiday and spending spree - in many cases it's a case of a much bigger prize as the tourists buy a home and convert from being a holiday maker to living there full time.
28 October 2007
The Bahamas, A Great Choice For Travel and Vacation
By: Robert Barner
This group of 700 islands, beginning sixty miles east of the Florida coast, is dazzling in its diversity. Activities like golfing with your family, world class bone fishing, or just hanging out and relaxing at the beach. For diving and snorkling the Bahamas boast the world's third longest barrier reef and visibility of over 200 feet. You can also explore the world's longest underwater cave and cavern system at Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Great shopping, and the resorts start at $33.00 dollars a day up to $300 a day.
The island of New Providence is divided into three main tourist areas -- Nassau, Paradise Island and Cable Beach.
Hotel complexes dominate expansive Cable Beach, which underwent a recent facelift, transforming it to a mecca for visitors who prefer beachcombing with options for exercise and lively entertainment nearby. Luxurious accommodations are offered in resorts of all sizes and types with gourmet food, world-class entertainment, sports facilities (including a golf course) and some large casinos never more than a few steps away.
Nassau, the capital, adds a grand British undertone to island life. Pink government buildings at Rawson Square (actually a circle) face cruise ships whose passengers are drawn to a day of duty-free shopping downtown. A new museum interpreting the colorful Junkanoo tradition is tucked at wharf side in the ships' shadows. Tiny pubs and restaurants dot Nassau's narrow side streets. And a bustling straw market houses hundreds of vendors ready to bargain with souvenir merchandise. You can even catch a ride on a horse drawn carriage.
Cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first- class and the resort selection is excellent -- from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport.
Grand Bahama, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace.
Kick back further and visit the Out Islands, favored by explorers who prefer their island life quaint, quiet, simple and barefoot. No rules here, just relaxation and recreation on land and sea when the spirit moves you. Interesting and excellent small and mid-sized hotels and family-run guest houses are interspersed with touches of history and hundreds of friendly faces. Out Island exploration is especially popular with eco-tourists in search of unspoiled island atmosphere, game fishermen seeking a record catch and all those who prefer to daydream in idyllic surroundings
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
This group of 700 islands, beginning sixty miles east of the Florida coast, is dazzling in its diversity. Activities like golfing with your family, world class bone fishing, or just hanging out and relaxing at the beach. For diving and snorkling the Bahamas boast the world's third longest barrier reef and visibility of over 200 feet. You can also explore the world's longest underwater cave and cavern system at Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama. Great shopping, and the resorts start at $33.00 dollars a day up to $300 a day.
The island of New Providence is divided into three main tourist areas -- Nassau, Paradise Island and Cable Beach.
Hotel complexes dominate expansive Cable Beach, which underwent a recent facelift, transforming it to a mecca for visitors who prefer beachcombing with options for exercise and lively entertainment nearby. Luxurious accommodations are offered in resorts of all sizes and types with gourmet food, world-class entertainment, sports facilities (including a golf course) and some large casinos never more than a few steps away.
Nassau, the capital, adds a grand British undertone to island life. Pink government buildings at Rawson Square (actually a circle) face cruise ships whose passengers are drawn to a day of duty-free shopping downtown. A new museum interpreting the colorful Junkanoo tradition is tucked at wharf side in the ships' shadows. Tiny pubs and restaurants dot Nassau's narrow side streets. And a bustling straw market houses hundreds of vendors ready to bargain with souvenir merchandise. You can even catch a ride on a horse drawn carriage.
Cross the bridge to Paradise Island where beaches are first- class and the resort selection is excellent -- from upscale chic on stately estate grounds, to a yoga retreat, condo facilities (great for family vacations), and large luxury properties (one with a glass tunnel for viewing marine life and a low-key water park). Activity abounds at every turn. Paradise Island has an excellent golf course and its own small airport.
Grand Bahama, with resort development at both Freeport and Lucaya, has the same features on a smaller scale. Golf, tennis, water sports and duty-free shopping are popular and plentiful. And the island moves at a leisurely pace.
Kick back further and visit the Out Islands, favored by explorers who prefer their island life quaint, quiet, simple and barefoot. No rules here, just relaxation and recreation on land and sea when the spirit moves you. Interesting and excellent small and mid-sized hotels and family-run guest houses are interspersed with touches of history and hundreds of friendly faces. Out Island exploration is especially popular with eco-tourists in search of unspoiled island atmosphere, game fishermen seeking a record catch and all those who prefer to daydream in idyllic surroundings
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
27 October 2007
Experience the Morocco Culture
RON VICTOR
Morocco has an amazing culture. If you are friendly and courteous enough by nature, then you would soon start making good friends with the local people. Further if this happens you would be invited for a meal, so it is good to maintain some of the local customs. For example, you would normally take off your shoes when entering inside any house. You could follow a host’s example in this regard. Also, it is a fine idea to take a gift of some sort with.
If you are in a home at Morocco, you may take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county, it might be better to purchase a live chicken for the household that is likely to not be quite so well off. A home call is may be the most bona fide way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan foodstuff is eaten with the hands.
Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you can generally wont have to go far to find one for yourself. You could often get good bargains here, but keep in mind that most Moroccans would have a lot more experience than you might when it comes to bargaining the price so you will hardly ever find yourself able to get better than that which is offered.
If you are going for a morocco tour and if you desire to take photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photograph of someone with out their authorization – particularly in rural areas – could certainly cause offense. On the contrary, taking photographs of someone you have become gracious with is generally very welcome.
In general, Moroccan culture could be very exiting and worldly wise experience. The people are really friendly and the place extremely colorful. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can clout up friendships almost anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually, this results in further friendship with these lively and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life. So you can plan for a Morocco tour in the near future for having a life time experience.
www.experienceittours.com
Morocco has an amazing culture. If you are friendly and courteous enough by nature, then you would soon start making good friends with the local people. Further if this happens you would be invited for a meal, so it is good to maintain some of the local customs. For example, you would normally take off your shoes when entering inside any house. You could follow a host’s example in this regard. Also, it is a fine idea to take a gift of some sort with.
If you are in a home at Morocco, you may take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county, it might be better to purchase a live chicken for the household that is likely to not be quite so well off. A home call is may be the most bona fide way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan foodstuff is eaten with the hands.
Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you can generally wont have to go far to find one for yourself. You could often get good bargains here, but keep in mind that most Moroccans would have a lot more experience than you might when it comes to bargaining the price so you will hardly ever find yourself able to get better than that which is offered.
If you are going for a morocco tour and if you desire to take photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photograph of someone with out their authorization – particularly in rural areas – could certainly cause offense. On the contrary, taking photographs of someone you have become gracious with is generally very welcome.
In general, Moroccan culture could be very exiting and worldly wise experience. The people are really friendly and the place extremely colorful. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can clout up friendships almost anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually, this results in further friendship with these lively and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life. So you can plan for a Morocco tour in the near future for having a life time experience.
www.experienceittours.com
Long-haul flying from Manchester - 8 tips to reduce the effects of jet lag
Based in the north of England, Manchester Airport handles 22 million passengers a year flying to more than 225 destinations worldwide. This vast array of destinations has led to more and more travellers venturing further a field and, whether you are flying for business or pleasure, long-haul flying and jet lag often go hand in hand.
Jet lag occurs when the body’s rhythms are out of sync with your destination time – the body operates on a 24-hour cycle, and travelling to a different time zone alters the body’s natural rhythm causing jet lag. The more time zones you cross the worse it can be - travelling east has a greater affect on jet lag than travelling west. It is easier on the body’s biorhythms to add a few extra hours to the day, as in travelling west, than reducing the number of hours in a day when travelling east. The speed with which your body can realign itself to your new time zone, adjusting its body rhythm to daylight, darkness, eating and sleeping in the new time zone, affects the length of time you experience jet lag for.
Jet lag can cause any or all of the following symptoms:
• Fatigue and lethargy • Insomnia • Disorientation • Swollen hands and feet • Headaches • Digestive problems • Irritability or anxiety • Lack of concentration • Loss of appetite and nausea • Dehydration.
It is often thought that it takes a day to recover for each time zone travelled through – this is great news for travellers on a week’s holiday or a business traveller on a three day conference halfway across the world!
So what can you do to minimise the affects of jet lag? The following tips are designed to help you avoid the worst of jet lag and realign your body clock as soon as possible.
1.Drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Water is best but, if you find drinking large amounts of water difficult or just plain boring, fruit juice and herbal teas will do.
2.If you are due to land in the morning at your destination, try to sleep during the flight. Sleeping on board a plane in cramped conditions isn’t easy but take off your shoes and try to get comfortable. An eye mask and ear plugs with help block out cabin distractions and a blow up neck rest should add to your comfort. Even if you are unable to sleep throughout the flight, just try to rest, close your eyes and try to ‘switch off’.
3.If you are due to land at night, try to stay awake throughout the flight. Read a book, listen to some music but try to resist sleeping as this will mean you will be unable to sleep destination time and take longer for your body clock to adjust. 4.Set your watch to your destination time as soon as you get on the plane and try to live by it straight away. Try to eat at times appropriate to your destination time not departure time.
5.Some people reduce the impact of time zone changes by gradually adapting their routine by an hour or so a few days before they travel. By getting up an hour earlier or staying up later for a few days prior to departure depending on their destination time.
6.If you arrive in the daytime, try to avoid the temptation to sleep, get outside in the sunshine - daylight, or any light, is a major factor in resetting your internal clock. If you are exhausted and have to sleep try to limit a nap to one hour – set an alarm clock or your mobile phone to wake you.
7.If you arrive at night and don’t feel sleepy, try a warm bath and a glass of warm milk – a natural sleep inducer.
8.Resist the urge to party all night for the first couple days and get a couple of good nights’ sleep. This should help you adjust your body clock to your destination time and make for a more enjoyable stay.
http://www.amazines.com/Travel_and_Tourism/article_detail.cfm/349154?articleid=349154
Jet lag occurs when the body’s rhythms are out of sync with your destination time – the body operates on a 24-hour cycle, and travelling to a different time zone alters the body’s natural rhythm causing jet lag. The more time zones you cross the worse it can be - travelling east has a greater affect on jet lag than travelling west. It is easier on the body’s biorhythms to add a few extra hours to the day, as in travelling west, than reducing the number of hours in a day when travelling east. The speed with which your body can realign itself to your new time zone, adjusting its body rhythm to daylight, darkness, eating and sleeping in the new time zone, affects the length of time you experience jet lag for.
Jet lag can cause any or all of the following symptoms:
• Fatigue and lethargy • Insomnia • Disorientation • Swollen hands and feet • Headaches • Digestive problems • Irritability or anxiety • Lack of concentration • Loss of appetite and nausea • Dehydration.
It is often thought that it takes a day to recover for each time zone travelled through – this is great news for travellers on a week’s holiday or a business traveller on a three day conference halfway across the world!
So what can you do to minimise the affects of jet lag? The following tips are designed to help you avoid the worst of jet lag and realign your body clock as soon as possible.
1.Drink plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine. Water is best but, if you find drinking large amounts of water difficult or just plain boring, fruit juice and herbal teas will do.
2.If you are due to land in the morning at your destination, try to sleep during the flight. Sleeping on board a plane in cramped conditions isn’t easy but take off your shoes and try to get comfortable. An eye mask and ear plugs with help block out cabin distractions and a blow up neck rest should add to your comfort. Even if you are unable to sleep throughout the flight, just try to rest, close your eyes and try to ‘switch off’.
3.If you are due to land at night, try to stay awake throughout the flight. Read a book, listen to some music but try to resist sleeping as this will mean you will be unable to sleep destination time and take longer for your body clock to adjust. 4.Set your watch to your destination time as soon as you get on the plane and try to live by it straight away. Try to eat at times appropriate to your destination time not departure time.
5.Some people reduce the impact of time zone changes by gradually adapting their routine by an hour or so a few days before they travel. By getting up an hour earlier or staying up later for a few days prior to departure depending on their destination time.
6.If you arrive in the daytime, try to avoid the temptation to sleep, get outside in the sunshine - daylight, or any light, is a major factor in resetting your internal clock. If you are exhausted and have to sleep try to limit a nap to one hour – set an alarm clock or your mobile phone to wake you.
7.If you arrive at night and don’t feel sleepy, try a warm bath and a glass of warm milk – a natural sleep inducer.
8.Resist the urge to party all night for the first couple days and get a couple of good nights’ sleep. This should help you adjust your body clock to your destination time and make for a more enjoyable stay.
http://www.amazines.com/Travel_and_Tourism/article_detail.cfm/349154?articleid=349154
26 October 2007
Bangkok Tourist Attractions Information
by Alex Albert
Bangkok Tourist Attractions are one of the major reasons that attract legions of travelers to Bangkok every year. The city is packed with old temples, historical monuments, parks and museums. Bangkok tourist attractions have greatly influenced and promoted tourism in Bangkok. Whenever you come to this bustling city, keep some days aside to surf the various Bangkok attractions.
Wat Phra Kaew and the neighboring Grand Palace together make up perhaps the most impressive tourist attraction in Bangkok. Though, it is no longer the Royal residence that it was, it's still an incredible compound of glittering buildings, golden spires, mythical guardian figures and the revered Emerald Buddha.
Wat Pho, conveniently positioned right next to Wat Phra Kaew and is famous for housing Bangkok's gigantic Reclining Buddha which is 46 meters long and 15 meters in height. It's also Bangkok's largest temple complex. Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of the Dawn, is a 100 meter high Khmer style prang with an excellent location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Despite the name, it's best seen in the evening with the sun setting behind it. Ko Rattanakosin is the old royal city area and there are other attractions here amongst the famous temples listed above. Lak Meuang, the city shrine, is often full of worshippers and there's a resident dance troupe for hire. Nearby Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's most important temples, and in it's grounds is a large amulet market.
If you have an interest in Thai and Asian art, history and culture, this do visit the various museums in Bangkok. The city has an extensive National Museum, which is reportedly the largest in all of South East Asia. Another very important Bangkok attraction is Dusit, which is mainly an administrative district, and where the current royal palace is now located. There are other attractions around here to see like Bangkok's reasonable zoo, the impressive Vimanmek Teak Mansion and Wat Benjamabophit or the Marble Temple. The Chinatown district of Bangkok is yet another very important tourist attraction of Bangkok. It mainly consists of busy, narrow streets packed with cheap gold shops, markets, fabric shops, pharmacies selling the traditional Chinese medicines, street stalls and consistent traffic jams.
Some of the other Bangkok tourist attractions include Jim Thompson's House, the impressive home of the Thai silk entrepreneur, Suan Pakkard Palace, the Erawan Shrine, the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, a well run snake farm, Lumphini Park, Siam society and many more.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com/2007/10/bangkok-tourist-attractions-information.html
Bangkok Tourist Attractions are one of the major reasons that attract legions of travelers to Bangkok every year. The city is packed with old temples, historical monuments, parks and museums. Bangkok tourist attractions have greatly influenced and promoted tourism in Bangkok. Whenever you come to this bustling city, keep some days aside to surf the various Bangkok attractions.
Wat Phra Kaew and the neighboring Grand Palace together make up perhaps the most impressive tourist attraction in Bangkok. Though, it is no longer the Royal residence that it was, it's still an incredible compound of glittering buildings, golden spires, mythical guardian figures and the revered Emerald Buddha.
Wat Pho, conveniently positioned right next to Wat Phra Kaew and is famous for housing Bangkok's gigantic Reclining Buddha which is 46 meters long and 15 meters in height. It's also Bangkok's largest temple complex. Wat Arun, otherwise known as the Temple of the Dawn, is a 100 meter high Khmer style prang with an excellent location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Despite the name, it's best seen in the evening with the sun setting behind it. Ko Rattanakosin is the old royal city area and there are other attractions here amongst the famous temples listed above. Lak Meuang, the city shrine, is often full of worshippers and there's a resident dance troupe for hire. Nearby Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok's most important temples, and in it's grounds is a large amulet market.
If you have an interest in Thai and Asian art, history and culture, this do visit the various museums in Bangkok. The city has an extensive National Museum, which is reportedly the largest in all of South East Asia. Another very important Bangkok attraction is Dusit, which is mainly an administrative district, and where the current royal palace is now located. There are other attractions around here to see like Bangkok's reasonable zoo, the impressive Vimanmek Teak Mansion and Wat Benjamabophit or the Marble Temple. The Chinatown district of Bangkok is yet another very important tourist attraction of Bangkok. It mainly consists of busy, narrow streets packed with cheap gold shops, markets, fabric shops, pharmacies selling the traditional Chinese medicines, street stalls and consistent traffic jams.
Some of the other Bangkok tourist attractions include Jim Thompson's House, the impressive home of the Thai silk entrepreneur, Suan Pakkard Palace, the Erawan Shrine, the prestigious Chulalongkorn University, a well run snake farm, Lumphini Park, Siam society and many more.
http://thai-smile.blogspot.com/2007/10/bangkok-tourist-attractions-information.html
24 October 2007
Booking a Holiday, Tour or Vacation in Laos
by Stuart Cheese
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Laos.
When you visit Laos you will notice immediately how important the culture, heritage and Buddhism are to its inhabitants. Laos is located between Vietnam and Thailand in the south east of Asia. It is a beautiful country with many rivers, rugged mountains, forests, plains and plateaus. Laos has been isolated from outside influences so the tourist gets a unique view of traditional Southeast Asian life. With its fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley and the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos has got to be one of the highlights in Asia. Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with the rainy season during the months of May to November and the roads can become washed out & the dry season starting from December to April. The weather is not too hot and there is less rainfall between November and February. The most popular time that tourists actually visit Laos are December to February but the good thing is there are not too many during these times.
For trekking or visiting the mountains, May and July are good, warm, dry months to experience them. One of the most beautiful places in Laos is Luang Prabang and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is a magical ancient city that seems to have stood still in time surrounded by its mountains.
In the centre of the city of Laos is Mount Phousi. From this amazing standpoint you will witness stunning views of the hills and temples that surround it. Khone Phapheng is considered to be the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and with this in mind makes it an amazing place to experience. You will find this waterfall at the southern end of Si Phan Don home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. The Pak Ou Caves are an absolutely spectacular sight to behold. One of the caves is filled with hundreds of statues of the Buddha which can be seen through a rugged hole in the cliff face. If you want to see this amazing scene up close then it is possible to climb out onto the dock where the beautifully carved stones will lead you up to the entrance of the cave. There are statues of Buddha's absolutely everywhere that you look, balancing on stone shelves, lining the stairs and in the nooks and crannies in the cave. Pilgrims and kings have gone to the caves to worship for at least the last 500 years. Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos which was built in the 16th century.
The temple was destroyed by a Thai invasion but has since been restored to its former glory. There are some people that believe that relics of the Buddha are housed in this temple. This temple has become a symbol of Lao nationalism due to the architecture including the Lao people's culture and identity.
There is a wonderfully unique place known as the Plain Of Jars, located in the remote north east of Laos, where you will find hundreds of huge stone urns. These stone jars cover an area of several square miles and have become a great crowd puller. The urns are one of the most enigmatic ancient sights in Asia. To this day the many jars have kept their secret from the many historians who have tried to date them and discover what they actually signify.
In the province of Champasak you will find an amazing mountain Temple dating back to the 5th century which is known as Wat Phu, is an impressive ruin of Khmer style. There are a number of carved rocks above the temple site, each of them resembling different animals including a cobra, an elephant and a crocodile. Some believe that these rocks may have been used for human sacrifice in times gone by.
http://www.oneworldtours.co.uk/laos/
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Laos.
When you visit Laos you will notice immediately how important the culture, heritage and Buddhism are to its inhabitants. Laos is located between Vietnam and Thailand in the south east of Asia. It is a beautiful country with many rivers, rugged mountains, forests, plains and plateaus. Laos has been isolated from outside influences so the tourist gets a unique view of traditional Southeast Asian life. With its fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley and the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos has got to be one of the highlights in Asia. Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with the rainy season during the months of May to November and the roads can become washed out & the dry season starting from December to April. The weather is not too hot and there is less rainfall between November and February. The most popular time that tourists actually visit Laos are December to February but the good thing is there are not too many during these times.
For trekking or visiting the mountains, May and July are good, warm, dry months to experience them. One of the most beautiful places in Laos is Luang Prabang and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It is a magical ancient city that seems to have stood still in time surrounded by its mountains.
In the centre of the city of Laos is Mount Phousi. From this amazing standpoint you will witness stunning views of the hills and temples that surround it. Khone Phapheng is considered to be the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and with this in mind makes it an amazing place to experience. You will find this waterfall at the southern end of Si Phan Don home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. The Pak Ou Caves are an absolutely spectacular sight to behold. One of the caves is filled with hundreds of statues of the Buddha which can be seen through a rugged hole in the cliff face. If you want to see this amazing scene up close then it is possible to climb out onto the dock where the beautifully carved stones will lead you up to the entrance of the cave. There are statues of Buddha's absolutely everywhere that you look, balancing on stone shelves, lining the stairs and in the nooks and crannies in the cave. Pilgrims and kings have gone to the caves to worship for at least the last 500 years. Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos which was built in the 16th century.
The temple was destroyed by a Thai invasion but has since been restored to its former glory. There are some people that believe that relics of the Buddha are housed in this temple. This temple has become a symbol of Lao nationalism due to the architecture including the Lao people's culture and identity.
There is a wonderfully unique place known as the Plain Of Jars, located in the remote north east of Laos, where you will find hundreds of huge stone urns. These stone jars cover an area of several square miles and have become a great crowd puller. The urns are one of the most enigmatic ancient sights in Asia. To this day the many jars have kept their secret from the many historians who have tried to date them and discover what they actually signify.
In the province of Champasak you will find an amazing mountain Temple dating back to the 5th century which is known as Wat Phu, is an impressive ruin of Khmer style. There are a number of carved rocks above the temple site, each of them resembling different animals including a cobra, an elephant and a crocodile. Some believe that these rocks may have been used for human sacrifice in times gone by.
http://www.oneworldtours.co.uk/laos/
23 October 2007
Beautiful Coastal Scenery in the Rias Baixas
by Scott James
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
Galicia in particular and Northern Spain in general have long been considered to be a hidden jewel in the entire Spanish tourist industry and hidden away within Galicia itself are some further jewels and we are going to examine Rias Baixas further.
If you look at all of the autonomous regions that make up modern day Spain, Galicia has to be the most remote and hidden away within that remoteness lies Rias Baixas.
Historically, always classed as the poorer cousin to some of the other richer regions Galicia had an economy that did not easily lend itself to modernisation and herein lies a paradox in that it is this very reluctance to embrace modernity throughout that gives the region much of its appeal as far as tourism is concerned.
The natives of Galicia if you trace them back far enough have origins very similar to their Celtic cousins in the north and are justifiably proud of their language and culture and these connections no matter how stretched or tenuous give them their sense of regionalism and uniqueness.
Galicia always seemed to be a very closed and inward looking area being fiercely resistant to any formal external invasion and in many ways this degree of isolation was very much driven by the geographical location of the region.
Slowly but surely in the 20th century, Galicia began to develop and today traditional lifestyles rub shoulders with modernity throughout the region whilst at the same time the region has lost none of its more traditional culture and within the tourism economy this is starting to show real benefits.
This southern part of Galicia's west coast consists of a series of four Rias or inlets set amongst pine covered hills and really is a most beautiful location.
The beaches on this part of the coast are extremely good, the scenery is terrific and beaches are extremely safe for tourists to bathe in and given that the climate is much milder than on the wild Coast to the north and you can understand why there is such an appeal for this part of Galicia for tourists.
This part of the Galician coast is very much the most popular part and whilst as has been said that the beaches are good they are perhaps not as good as those found further north round the Coast da Morte.
The Rias Baixas is very much the coastal tourist attraction as far as most Galicians are concerned and the description of the area can be very confusing. Firstly there is this general conception that the Rias are like Norwegian Fjords and whilst there may be an argument to be had on this issue further north, in the Rias Baixas the waters are very shallow and the beaches very sandy. The majority of the quality shell fish provided by Galician fishermen is farmed and caught in this area.
There are parts of the coast line of the Rias Baixas that are popular but by and large the coast is unspoilt. The areas around Vilagarcia de arousa and Panxon are the made tourist areas but there are quieter areas of the Rias such as the stretch of coast between Muros and Noia.
This part of the Galician coastline provides some of the richest and most fertile fishing areas on the entire Spanish coast and the climate in this area is such that it produces the finest in Galician Wines.
New Norfolk: The Perfect Laid Back and Lush Location
by Gavin Wyatt
With a wealth of natural resources, beautiful scenery and stunning vistas Tasmania is full of surprises as a touring destination. It is the most ideally situated state in Australia for a campervan holiday, and in fact there are few places in the world that can touch it in this regard. Over its relatively small surface are spread hundreds of natural attractions, from thick forests to rocky mountains to bright blue freshwater lakes and everything inbetween. For a relaxing and rewarding getaway many tourists are basing themselves in the picturesque town of New Norfolk, a secluded historic town surrounded by some of Tasmania's finest landscapes.
Just thirty minutes drive from Hobart, New Norfolk is perfect if you want the excitement and freedom of a campervan holiday but do not wish to spend countless hours behind the wheel. There is enough to do in the town and the surrounding regions to fill your holiday, and the great thing about Tasmania is that if you want a change of scene then new and fresh attractions will never be far away. New Norfolk is situated in the lush and green Derwent Valley, so between the amazing heritage attractions in the town and the natural attractions of the valley there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Being an established town with a long and rich past, New Norfolk is home to a number of historically significant heritage buildings. Willow Court is one such building, originally built as a military hospital in 1830. Many metres in length, but just one room wide, it is a unique building with a long and wide verandah and gabled two storey sections at either end and in the middle. Originally built to house invalid convicts, it is now part of the Royal Derwent Hospital.
The Oast House is also popular amongst tourists, and not just for the hearty meals it serves, or the well stocked gift shop. Built in 1867, it was a working Oast House from that year until 1969, and the old hops fields still surround the hill on which it is built. It now houses a museum where there are displays on old hops farming methods and the history of the Derwent Valley. It is a family run enterprise, so you are bound to be made to feel welcome while looking around.
Just out of town, in a small village called Plenty, lie the infamous Salmon Ponds. In operation since 1864, this was the first trout farm in Australia and it has been preserved in its working order. Boasting immaculately well-tended gardens, you can pass your time here in the Museum of Trout Fishing, or the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame. An on site restaurant also serves up the freshest trout you will ever encounter!
The Derwent Valley itself is home to a thriving yet relaxed community that are fiercely proud of their beautiful home. The Derwent River supports the lush vegetation of the region, and is the basis of all the settlement here. Spreading into a wide and majestic river when it reaches New Norfolk, it is perfect for water based activities such as kayaking and fishing, and the valley provides endless bushwalking opportunities and scenic walks. Early settlers planted hundreds of poplar trees in the valley, and in the autumn months their changing leaves create a sea of bright gold that visitors find dazzling and inspiring.
Mt Field National Park is located in the Derwent close to New Norfolk, and is probably Tassie's best loved park. It is especially renowned for its range of waterfalls, of which the mighty Russell Falls is the most visited. The trees in this park seem to tower higher than anywhere else in Tassie, and the giant ferns and the layers of moss that seem to cover everything lend it a mystical, fairy tale appeal. The vegetation on Mt Field changes the higher you climb up the mountain, from tall blue gums at the base to rainforest as you go higher and then to alpine vegetation near the top. This diversity adds to the appeal, and the array of wildlife you are likely to see only serves to increase this appeal.
So for your next holiday, be sure to give Tasmania some serious consideration. And when deciding where to go when you get there, remember New Norfolk and its beautiful surrounds will have something for the whole family, and is definitely worth a visit.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=657364
With a wealth of natural resources, beautiful scenery and stunning vistas Tasmania is full of surprises as a touring destination. It is the most ideally situated state in Australia for a campervan holiday, and in fact there are few places in the world that can touch it in this regard. Over its relatively small surface are spread hundreds of natural attractions, from thick forests to rocky mountains to bright blue freshwater lakes and everything inbetween. For a relaxing and rewarding getaway many tourists are basing themselves in the picturesque town of New Norfolk, a secluded historic town surrounded by some of Tasmania's finest landscapes.
Just thirty minutes drive from Hobart, New Norfolk is perfect if you want the excitement and freedom of a campervan holiday but do not wish to spend countless hours behind the wheel. There is enough to do in the town and the surrounding regions to fill your holiday, and the great thing about Tasmania is that if you want a change of scene then new and fresh attractions will never be far away. New Norfolk is situated in the lush and green Derwent Valley, so between the amazing heritage attractions in the town and the natural attractions of the valley there is plenty to keep you entertained.
Being an established town with a long and rich past, New Norfolk is home to a number of historically significant heritage buildings. Willow Court is one such building, originally built as a military hospital in 1830. Many metres in length, but just one room wide, it is a unique building with a long and wide verandah and gabled two storey sections at either end and in the middle. Originally built to house invalid convicts, it is now part of the Royal Derwent Hospital.
The Oast House is also popular amongst tourists, and not just for the hearty meals it serves, or the well stocked gift shop. Built in 1867, it was a working Oast House from that year until 1969, and the old hops fields still surround the hill on which it is built. It now houses a museum where there are displays on old hops farming methods and the history of the Derwent Valley. It is a family run enterprise, so you are bound to be made to feel welcome while looking around.
Just out of town, in a small village called Plenty, lie the infamous Salmon Ponds. In operation since 1864, this was the first trout farm in Australia and it has been preserved in its working order. Boasting immaculately well-tended gardens, you can pass your time here in the Museum of Trout Fishing, or the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame. An on site restaurant also serves up the freshest trout you will ever encounter!
The Derwent Valley itself is home to a thriving yet relaxed community that are fiercely proud of their beautiful home. The Derwent River supports the lush vegetation of the region, and is the basis of all the settlement here. Spreading into a wide and majestic river when it reaches New Norfolk, it is perfect for water based activities such as kayaking and fishing, and the valley provides endless bushwalking opportunities and scenic walks. Early settlers planted hundreds of poplar trees in the valley, and in the autumn months their changing leaves create a sea of bright gold that visitors find dazzling and inspiring.
Mt Field National Park is located in the Derwent close to New Norfolk, and is probably Tassie's best loved park. It is especially renowned for its range of waterfalls, of which the mighty Russell Falls is the most visited. The trees in this park seem to tower higher than anywhere else in Tassie, and the giant ferns and the layers of moss that seem to cover everything lend it a mystical, fairy tale appeal. The vegetation on Mt Field changes the higher you climb up the mountain, from tall blue gums at the base to rainforest as you go higher and then to alpine vegetation near the top. This diversity adds to the appeal, and the array of wildlife you are likely to see only serves to increase this appeal.
So for your next holiday, be sure to give Tasmania some serious consideration. And when deciding where to go when you get there, remember New Norfolk and its beautiful surrounds will have something for the whole family, and is definitely worth a visit.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=657364
14 October 2007
Italy As a Center of Tourism
Traveling around the world one can visit a lot of beautiful places, for example, Rome, Milan, and Naples. All of them are very popular and outstanding, but still Rome deserves much attention. It is the most wonderful part of Italy. This city is unique to some extant, as it has small country within the city- Vatican, with the head of the Pope. One more reason of Rome being a wonderful city is a great number of parks and lakes. Moreover, Rome is famous for its theatre, Opera Houses and Galleries, where one can see a lot of masterpieces, like works of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Another beautiful place is the Sistine Chapel with its amazing art on the ceiling. One more interesting city which is worth seeing is Naples. It is famous for its beautiful scenery and great number of medieval castles. Everybody, who visits Naples, always admires its beauty, its ocean with wonderful natural landscapes and Art galleries, for example Castel Sant’Elmo. Besides, in the city there are some gothic cathedrals, which can amaze with their beauty. The city possesses its many fashion industries. Milan is the exact city for those who like skiing and spending lazy days. From the Alps, one can see beautiful landscape and site of the whole city. The most wonderful time to travel through Italy is spring, as one can enjoy calm and practically desert beaches and beautiful spring landscapes. The night life of Italy is also very attractive. There are a lot of good restaurants, which is always ready to propose its guests only the best menu. For those who like dancing, there are a lot night clubs and discos. For the tourists who want to have action-packed night out of the towns, there are parties basically on every street, dance halls and a lot of other attractions. So, Italy is wonderful country for tourism and for spending time in the best way.
http://yourdissertation.com/
http://yourdissertation.com/
10 October 2007
Go North with Alaska Vacation Packages
By Aj Yeakel
Whether you want to tour Alaska by sea, foot, or even snow shoes, there are plenty of Alaska vacation packages that can fit both your needs and your budget. Guided tours are one simple solution that can help you maximize your Alaska vacation experience.
One of the most popular Alaska vacation packages is the cruise package, offered by many of the leading cruise lines. With so many glaciers and so much wildlife to see, taking a cruise through Alaska is a one of the best ways to see the most hidden features of the state. A cruise is also a great option for many other reasons. With plenty of entertainment, attractive ports of call, and fascinating tours that take you off of the ship, it is hard to not have a blast on Alaska cruise vacation packages. Plus, you’ll only have to unpack once, which is definitely an appealing benefit to this type of Alaska vacation package.
From Anchorage, to Seward, to South Denali, there are so many amazing sites to see on any of the many Alaska vacation packages. One of the most popular packages includes Mt. McKinley, a stunning mountain by just about any standards. Another popular stopping point is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, you’ll feel like the ice age is still upon us. Alaska is truly a place that is in constant change. So no matter how many times you visit you don’t have to see the same sight twice.
Whether you want to travel by air, land, or sea, there are many different varieties of Alaska vacation packages that can take you around this beautiful state. Alaska is a state with more floras and wildlife than you could imagine. Therefore, having a guide to explain the many ecosystems can come in handy. If you are going it alone (sans guide), there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Alaska’s wonderfully unique sites. Either way, Alaska is a truly enjoyable vacation experience and is definitely a place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aj_Yeakel
Whether you want to tour Alaska by sea, foot, or even snow shoes, there are plenty of Alaska vacation packages that can fit both your needs and your budget. Guided tours are one simple solution that can help you maximize your Alaska vacation experience.
One of the most popular Alaska vacation packages is the cruise package, offered by many of the leading cruise lines. With so many glaciers and so much wildlife to see, taking a cruise through Alaska is a one of the best ways to see the most hidden features of the state. A cruise is also a great option for many other reasons. With plenty of entertainment, attractive ports of call, and fascinating tours that take you off of the ship, it is hard to not have a blast on Alaska cruise vacation packages. Plus, you’ll only have to unpack once, which is definitely an appealing benefit to this type of Alaska vacation package.
From Anchorage, to Seward, to South Denali, there are so many amazing sites to see on any of the many Alaska vacation packages. One of the most popular packages includes Mt. McKinley, a stunning mountain by just about any standards. Another popular stopping point is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, you’ll feel like the ice age is still upon us. Alaska is truly a place that is in constant change. So no matter how many times you visit you don’t have to see the same sight twice.
Whether you want to travel by air, land, or sea, there are many different varieties of Alaska vacation packages that can take you around this beautiful state. Alaska is a state with more floras and wildlife than you could imagine. Therefore, having a guide to explain the many ecosystems can come in handy. If you are going it alone (sans guide), there are still plenty of opportunities to explore Alaska’s wonderfully unique sites. Either way, Alaska is a truly enjoyable vacation experience and is definitely a place you have to visit at least once in your lifetime
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aj_Yeakel
05 October 2007
Refreshing and completely unique Iceland
by Asberg Jonsson
Iceland is a small island situated in the North Atlantic Sea and is recorded as the westernmost country of European continent. It lies 800 kilometers far from Scotland in northwest direction and 970 kilometers from Norway in west direction. The northern coast of Iceland is touching Arctic Circle just a bit. The position of Iceland makes it accessible by air and waterways only. Keflavík airport, Iceland's international airport is connected with twenty big cities of Europe and America and delivers services of about 115 international flights in a week.
There are two words that can be joined with Iceland without any questions or doubts. They are refreshing and unconventional. The nature of Iceland is unscathed and becomes even more interesting and magical with the presence of spouting geysers, active volcanoes, plummeting waterfalls, huge mountains, vast lava grounds and some very beautiful lakes full of superstitious stories. The fjords, the glaciers and the highland plains provide the tourists' with some spectacular and supernatural sights they will not get to see elsewhere in this world with the sense of complete silence and extreme nature. In case of man made beauties, the nightlife of capital city of Reykjavik is considered legendary and is one of the best in the world. It is supported by number of social and cultural activities that takes place there almost 24/7. The infinitesimal size of Reykjavik adds to the advantage as the entire city can be seen only by walking on foot.
For those who are in search of some high flying action, Iceland again stands ahead of all and offers huge natural spaces to enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, horse riding, caves exploration, hiking, swimming, skiing, river rafting, kayaking and not to forget driving on mountains on an enhanced four wheel drive. Iceland also presents great differences in flora and fauna at every mile and hence, it is a numero uno loved spot for ornithologists. One thing which cannot go unnoticed while discussing about Iceland is the fact that it provides world's best whale watching spots and destinations.
This country attracts tourists all around the year. People are drawn here naturally because of its diversification in landscape and also because of its vital energy and shades of lights and seasons that gives new scenes on every visit. Iceland is considered the world's youngest country from geological point of view and is continuously growing in size. A volcanic explosion in 1963 on the southern shore of Iceland and it was named Surtsey. The latest explosion in Vatnajokull glacier occurred in 2004.
As told earlier that one can find every natural activity here next in the list is geothermal heating. It is one of the many subterranean activities occurring in Iceland. The flawless supply of geothermal heat is used very wisely and extensively for thermal spas, keeping house warmer during chilly winters. Iceland is second biggest user of geothermal energy in the world and it is marginally behind China.
Though the name appears very cool to the world but slowly and steadily, it has proved that, Iceland is not shy of showing what it has and what it is capable of having.
www.icelandvisitor.com
Iceland is a small island situated in the North Atlantic Sea and is recorded as the westernmost country of European continent. It lies 800 kilometers far from Scotland in northwest direction and 970 kilometers from Norway in west direction. The northern coast of Iceland is touching Arctic Circle just a bit. The position of Iceland makes it accessible by air and waterways only. Keflavík airport, Iceland's international airport is connected with twenty big cities of Europe and America and delivers services of about 115 international flights in a week.
There are two words that can be joined with Iceland without any questions or doubts. They are refreshing and unconventional. The nature of Iceland is unscathed and becomes even more interesting and magical with the presence of spouting geysers, active volcanoes, plummeting waterfalls, huge mountains, vast lava grounds and some very beautiful lakes full of superstitious stories. The fjords, the glaciers and the highland plains provide the tourists' with some spectacular and supernatural sights they will not get to see elsewhere in this world with the sense of complete silence and extreme nature. In case of man made beauties, the nightlife of capital city of Reykjavik is considered legendary and is one of the best in the world. It is supported by number of social and cultural activities that takes place there almost 24/7. The infinitesimal size of Reykjavik adds to the advantage as the entire city can be seen only by walking on foot.
For those who are in search of some high flying action, Iceland again stands ahead of all and offers huge natural spaces to enjoy most of the outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, horse riding, caves exploration, hiking, swimming, skiing, river rafting, kayaking and not to forget driving on mountains on an enhanced four wheel drive. Iceland also presents great differences in flora and fauna at every mile and hence, it is a numero uno loved spot for ornithologists. One thing which cannot go unnoticed while discussing about Iceland is the fact that it provides world's best whale watching spots and destinations.
This country attracts tourists all around the year. People are drawn here naturally because of its diversification in landscape and also because of its vital energy and shades of lights and seasons that gives new scenes on every visit. Iceland is considered the world's youngest country from geological point of view and is continuously growing in size. A volcanic explosion in 1963 on the southern shore of Iceland and it was named Surtsey. The latest explosion in Vatnajokull glacier occurred in 2004.
As told earlier that one can find every natural activity here next in the list is geothermal heating. It is one of the many subterranean activities occurring in Iceland. The flawless supply of geothermal heat is used very wisely and extensively for thermal spas, keeping house warmer during chilly winters. Iceland is second biggest user of geothermal energy in the world and it is marginally behind China.
Though the name appears very cool to the world but slowly and steadily, it has proved that, Iceland is not shy of showing what it has and what it is capable of having.
www.icelandvisitor.com
02 October 2007
Guiding Your Family Adventure Travel
by Alex J Smith
Can you still remember the thrill and chill of adventure films like Indiana Jones? But of course, who will forget the breath taking travel adventure that the protagonist's experienced? Now, you do not need to be Indiana Jones in order for you to experience travel adventure and excitement. In addition, you can have both adventure and vacation in one in just few steps.
Why do you need to have a travel guide? Basically, these are suggestions in order for you to enjoy and relax and have a fruitful vacation escapade with your love ones.
Relaxation and unwinding are main reasons of taking a travel adventure. Of course, no wants to have a chaotic travel especially when you are traveling with your family.
Here is a list of guides in order for you to have smooth travel adventure!
First and foremost of the guide, let your kids be involved in the planning. Let them speak and be vocal on what kind of travel they would want to have. This will allow them to be more excited and they will surely be looking forward for your family travel day to come. By doing this, you are also sorting their interests, their likes and dislikes. In addition, you are also building in your kids the value of decision and organization.
Family adventure packages are good. Search or scout for companies that can offer great and good deals. Most of the companies now are having different gimmickries in order to attract customers. Having this will also help you to find the cheapest offer. Some are offering discounts and others are giving away freebies. Choose the best package that will give you the best memorable family travel adventure at a good price.
Another guide is finding the perfect itinerary. Of course, you will have your family adventure travel so the itinerary should fit and suit you and your family's interest and desire. Do not opt for places that will kill your excitement. In addition, you should also consider you family member's condition. Yes, you are looking for family adventure but travel adventure should not always mean "extreme."
If you already have your vacation place, it is the time now to fly. However, checking your bags is a necessity. Be sure that you have the right attire and gears. Do not forget to bring you first aid kits for emergency and back up copy of every document for your flight.
These are just few travel adventure guides on how you can have the soundest family travel. However, the happiness of your vacation would still lies on you hands.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=633624
Can you still remember the thrill and chill of adventure films like Indiana Jones? But of course, who will forget the breath taking travel adventure that the protagonist's experienced? Now, you do not need to be Indiana Jones in order for you to experience travel adventure and excitement. In addition, you can have both adventure and vacation in one in just few steps.
Why do you need to have a travel guide? Basically, these are suggestions in order for you to enjoy and relax and have a fruitful vacation escapade with your love ones.
Relaxation and unwinding are main reasons of taking a travel adventure. Of course, no wants to have a chaotic travel especially when you are traveling with your family.
Here is a list of guides in order for you to have smooth travel adventure!
First and foremost of the guide, let your kids be involved in the planning. Let them speak and be vocal on what kind of travel they would want to have. This will allow them to be more excited and they will surely be looking forward for your family travel day to come. By doing this, you are also sorting their interests, their likes and dislikes. In addition, you are also building in your kids the value of decision and organization.
Family adventure packages are good. Search or scout for companies that can offer great and good deals. Most of the companies now are having different gimmickries in order to attract customers. Having this will also help you to find the cheapest offer. Some are offering discounts and others are giving away freebies. Choose the best package that will give you the best memorable family travel adventure at a good price.
Another guide is finding the perfect itinerary. Of course, you will have your family adventure travel so the itinerary should fit and suit you and your family's interest and desire. Do not opt for places that will kill your excitement. In addition, you should also consider you family member's condition. Yes, you are looking for family adventure but travel adventure should not always mean "extreme."
If you already have your vacation place, it is the time now to fly. However, checking your bags is a necessity. Be sure that you have the right attire and gears. Do not forget to bring you first aid kits for emergency and back up copy of every document for your flight.
These are just few travel adventure guides on how you can have the soundest family travel. However, the happiness of your vacation would still lies on you hands.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=633624
01 October 2007
I Love Touring Paris - The First Arrondissement
by Levi Reiss
The first arrondissement is at the center of Paris on the Seine River's right bank. It includes the western part of Ile de La Cité, one of the two Parisian islands. In ancient times this district was the heart of the Roman city of Lutetia. It occupies less than a square mile (less than two square kilometers) with a declining population of under seventeen thousand. But it employs more than sixty thousand people and attracts many, many tourists. Here are some of the reasons why.
Les Halles became the city's central market, covered in 1183. Read Zola's 1873 novel Le Ventre de Paris (The Belly of Paris) for a timeless picture of this unique setting demolished in 1971 and replaced by a huge underground modern shopping center, the Forum des Halles. The world's largest underground transportation station Châtelet-Les-Halles serves a half million train passengers and a quarter million subway passengers daily. Make sure to see the historic Gothic Church of Saint-Eustache where young Louis XIV received communion. This church boasts several Rubens paintings and offers organ concerts in the summer.
The Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum) greets more than eight million tourists a year, more than any other art museum in the word. It was called the Musée Napoléon in honor of all his war booty; which was eventually returned to the rightful owners. The initial "Castle of the Louvre" was founded in 1190 at the western edge of Paris to defend the city. The oldest standing building was begun in 1535. The Louvre contains almost four hundred thousand objects including twelve thousand paintings. Two of its most famous items are the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Plan to spend a lot of time in this fabulous museum.
The Sixteenth Century Tuileries Palace was built for Catherine de' Medicis, the widow of Henry II. Louis XIV lived there while waiting for the Palace of Versailles to be built. The Tuileries Palace was later used as a theatre but its gardens remained popular among the local upper crust. Louis XVI and family stayed there under house arrest and the building was stormed during the French Revolution. Subsequently both the revolutionaries and Napoleon used the buildings. Both Joséphine and Marie-Louise had magnificent bedrooms. Unlike the Paris City Hall and portions of the Louvre, the Tuileries Palace was not rebuilt after its destruction in 1871. The Tuileries Garden covers about 63 acres (25 hectares) and includes the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume, a contemporary art museum. There is a lot of talk about rebuilding the Palace. The original plans and many photographs are archived, and the Palace furniture and paintings were safely stored prior to its destruction. The cost of rebuilding is estimated at about $400 million (300 million euros) supposedly financed by subscription and not by taxes.
In the meantime why not visit the Palais Royal, former home of Cardinal Richelieu in spite of his vow of poverty. Many other bigwigs lived there over the years. During the French Revolution a guy nicknamed Philippe-Egalité (Equality Phil) became popular for opening the Palais-Royal gardens to all Parisians. His oldest son Louis-Philippe was King of France from 1830 to 1848. An Abbé wrote a little poem about the garden "Dans ce jardin on ne rencontre ni champs, ni prés, ni bois, ni fleurs. Et si l'on y dérègle ses moeurs, au moins on y règle sa montre." ("In this garden one encounters neither fields nor woods nor flowers. And, if one upsets one's morality, at least one may re-set one's watch.") A nearby café was the rallying point for the taking of the Bastille. Today's Palais Royale is the center of many government offices and some building of the Bibliothèque Nationale (Nationale Library) most of which have been relocated to less interesting parts of town.
The Comédie-Française or Théâtre Français is France's only state theater and one of the few with a permanent troupe. It is often considered the home of Molière but in fact he died before it was built. During the French Revolution it was closed and the actors were imprisoned. The Comédie-Française is the current resting place of the heart of Francois-Marie Arouet, more commonly known as Voltaire.
For a break from so much history visit Paris's second-oldest department store La Samaritaine on the banks of the Seine River. By the way, its name comes from a hydraulic pump with a guilded sculpture of the Good Samaritan located near the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), Paris's oldest bridge. The store was closed for safety reasons in 2005 and may not yet have reopened. The plans are to make it more upscale upon reopening.
If you feel like splurging consider the Hôtel Ritz, which was originally built as a private home in the early Eighteenth Century. The word ritzy comes from this hotel and similar lodgings in London and Madrid. A part owner was the world-famous chef Auguste Escoffier who revolutionized French cuisine and once trained Ho Chi Minh as a pastry chef. Famous guests include Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marcel Proust, Charlie Chaplin, and Coco Chanel, who lived there for over thirty years. This hotel was the last stop for Dodi Al-Fayed, son of its owner, and Diana, Princess of Wales before their tragic demise in August, 1997.
Of course you don't want to be in Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food - A White Beaujolais I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Cuisses de Grenouilles (Frogs Legs). For your second course savor Quenelles de Brochet (Poached Fish Dumplings). And as dessert indulge yourself with Galettes de Pérouges (Pérouges Pancakes). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.
www.wineinyourdiet.com
The first arrondissement is at the center of Paris on the Seine River's right bank. It includes the western part of Ile de La Cité, one of the two Parisian islands. In ancient times this district was the heart of the Roman city of Lutetia. It occupies less than a square mile (less than two square kilometers) with a declining population of under seventeen thousand. But it employs more than sixty thousand people and attracts many, many tourists. Here are some of the reasons why.
Les Halles became the city's central market, covered in 1183. Read Zola's 1873 novel Le Ventre de Paris (The Belly of Paris) for a timeless picture of this unique setting demolished in 1971 and replaced by a huge underground modern shopping center, the Forum des Halles. The world's largest underground transportation station Châtelet-Les-Halles serves a half million train passengers and a quarter million subway passengers daily. Make sure to see the historic Gothic Church of Saint-Eustache where young Louis XIV received communion. This church boasts several Rubens paintings and offers organ concerts in the summer.
The Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum) greets more than eight million tourists a year, more than any other art museum in the word. It was called the Musée Napoléon in honor of all his war booty; which was eventually returned to the rightful owners. The initial "Castle of the Louvre" was founded in 1190 at the western edge of Paris to defend the city. The oldest standing building was begun in 1535. The Louvre contains almost four hundred thousand objects including twelve thousand paintings. Two of its most famous items are the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Plan to spend a lot of time in this fabulous museum.
The Sixteenth Century Tuileries Palace was built for Catherine de' Medicis, the widow of Henry II. Louis XIV lived there while waiting for the Palace of Versailles to be built. The Tuileries Palace was later used as a theatre but its gardens remained popular among the local upper crust. Louis XVI and family stayed there under house arrest and the building was stormed during the French Revolution. Subsequently both the revolutionaries and Napoleon used the buildings. Both Joséphine and Marie-Louise had magnificent bedrooms. Unlike the Paris City Hall and portions of the Louvre, the Tuileries Palace was not rebuilt after its destruction in 1871. The Tuileries Garden covers about 63 acres (25 hectares) and includes the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume, a contemporary art museum. There is a lot of talk about rebuilding the Palace. The original plans and many photographs are archived, and the Palace furniture and paintings were safely stored prior to its destruction. The cost of rebuilding is estimated at about $400 million (300 million euros) supposedly financed by subscription and not by taxes.
In the meantime why not visit the Palais Royal, former home of Cardinal Richelieu in spite of his vow of poverty. Many other bigwigs lived there over the years. During the French Revolution a guy nicknamed Philippe-Egalité (Equality Phil) became popular for opening the Palais-Royal gardens to all Parisians. His oldest son Louis-Philippe was King of France from 1830 to 1848. An Abbé wrote a little poem about the garden "Dans ce jardin on ne rencontre ni champs, ni prés, ni bois, ni fleurs. Et si l'on y dérègle ses moeurs, au moins on y règle sa montre." ("In this garden one encounters neither fields nor woods nor flowers. And, if one upsets one's morality, at least one may re-set one's watch.") A nearby café was the rallying point for the taking of the Bastille. Today's Palais Royale is the center of many government offices and some building of the Bibliothèque Nationale (Nationale Library) most of which have been relocated to less interesting parts of town.
The Comédie-Française or Théâtre Français is France's only state theater and one of the few with a permanent troupe. It is often considered the home of Molière but in fact he died before it was built. During the French Revolution it was closed and the actors were imprisoned. The Comédie-Française is the current resting place of the heart of Francois-Marie Arouet, more commonly known as Voltaire.
For a break from so much history visit Paris's second-oldest department store La Samaritaine on the banks of the Seine River. By the way, its name comes from a hydraulic pump with a guilded sculpture of the Good Samaritan located near the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), Paris's oldest bridge. The store was closed for safety reasons in 2005 and may not yet have reopened. The plans are to make it more upscale upon reopening.
If you feel like splurging consider the Hôtel Ritz, which was originally built as a private home in the early Eighteenth Century. The word ritzy comes from this hotel and similar lodgings in London and Madrid. A part owner was the world-famous chef Auguste Escoffier who revolutionized French cuisine and once trained Ho Chi Minh as a pastry chef. Famous guests include Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marcel Proust, Charlie Chaplin, and Coco Chanel, who lived there for over thirty years. This hotel was the last stop for Dodi Al-Fayed, son of its owner, and Diana, Princess of Wales before their tragic demise in August, 1997.
Of course you don't want to be in Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. In my article I Love French Wine and Food - A White Beaujolais I reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Cuisses de Grenouilles (Frogs Legs). For your second course savor Quenelles de Brochet (Poached Fish Dumplings). And as dessert indulge yourself with Galettes de Pérouges (Pérouges Pancakes). Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.
www.wineinyourdiet.com
26 September 2007
Five Disney Vacation Secrets and Time-Saving Ideas
by Jane Smith
Disney is the most magical place on Earth, but it can also be one of the most expensive. I've put together five tips to help maximize your time, money, and enjoyment while there.
1. Develop an itinerary before you go. Disney is extremely large and can be very overwhelming. Without a plan you will never get to see all the things that are important to you. Do a little research before you get there and develop an itinerary. This will allow you to make the most of your trip and not waste time unnecessarily.
2. What are the park hours ... really? Every Sunday and Thursday Disney offers "Extra Magic Hours" where specific parks either open early or stay open late. Make sure to figure out which parks these are for the days you are there in order to get the most bang for your buck. The only catch to this deal is that you must be a Disney Resort Guest in order to participate.
3. Kids get scared, be prepared. We all have such fond childhood memories of Mickey that it can be easy to forget how intimidating he can be. Prepare your kids by letting them know that you might meet Mickey and some of his friends. Show them pictures before you go, especially pictures of Mickey with other people so that they can get an idea of how big he will be. When you get there, try to first show them Mickey from afar. If they are afraid, DO NOT push them - instead, walk away and offer them reassurance. Scaring them unnecessarily will cast a shadow over the rest of your trip.
4. Do I really have to wait in that line?!?! It is common sense that the most popular rides will have long lines. But many people are unaware that they can sign up for a free FastPass that will allow them to bypass many of these lines. When you get to a FastPass ride, swipe your card and your place in line will be held. They will then give you a time to return, but in the mean time you can visit some of the less crowded attractions or rides.
5. Wear comfortable shoes!!! I know that this sounds like common sense, but so many people forget this one. Disney is a HUGE place and you will be doing a lot of walking so dress accordingly. Those red kitten-heeled pumps may look great with your dress, but two hours into your day you'll be moving at a snails pace because your feet are so uncomfortable. Instead, opt for a trusted pair of sneakers to help maximize comfort and mobility.
Follow these tips and you will be on your way to getting the most out of your Disney vacation. I hope you enjoy yourself and let your inner child run loose at Disney!
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=627199
Disney is the most magical place on Earth, but it can also be one of the most expensive. I've put together five tips to help maximize your time, money, and enjoyment while there.
1. Develop an itinerary before you go. Disney is extremely large and can be very overwhelming. Without a plan you will never get to see all the things that are important to you. Do a little research before you get there and develop an itinerary. This will allow you to make the most of your trip and not waste time unnecessarily.
2. What are the park hours ... really? Every Sunday and Thursday Disney offers "Extra Magic Hours" where specific parks either open early or stay open late. Make sure to figure out which parks these are for the days you are there in order to get the most bang for your buck. The only catch to this deal is that you must be a Disney Resort Guest in order to participate.
3. Kids get scared, be prepared. We all have such fond childhood memories of Mickey that it can be easy to forget how intimidating he can be. Prepare your kids by letting them know that you might meet Mickey and some of his friends. Show them pictures before you go, especially pictures of Mickey with other people so that they can get an idea of how big he will be. When you get there, try to first show them Mickey from afar. If they are afraid, DO NOT push them - instead, walk away and offer them reassurance. Scaring them unnecessarily will cast a shadow over the rest of your trip.
4. Do I really have to wait in that line?!?! It is common sense that the most popular rides will have long lines. But many people are unaware that they can sign up for a free FastPass that will allow them to bypass many of these lines. When you get to a FastPass ride, swipe your card and your place in line will be held. They will then give you a time to return, but in the mean time you can visit some of the less crowded attractions or rides.
5. Wear comfortable shoes!!! I know that this sounds like common sense, but so many people forget this one. Disney is a HUGE place and you will be doing a lot of walking so dress accordingly. Those red kitten-heeled pumps may look great with your dress, but two hours into your day you'll be moving at a snails pace because your feet are so uncomfortable. Instead, opt for a trusted pair of sneakers to help maximize comfort and mobility.
Follow these tips and you will be on your way to getting the most out of your Disney vacation. I hope you enjoy yourself and let your inner child run loose at Disney!
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=627199
24 September 2007
Things to Do During Sea Travel
by Eric Slarkowski
When it comes to booking a vacation, some people are reluctant to travel by ship out of fear they will be bored while sailing at sea. These people obviously have not checked out today's cruise ships.
In many heads are the images of old where a person would sit on the deck of a cruise ship and read a book by the pool all day as they waited for the ship to get to the next destination. Sure, you can chose to spend your time that way if you want to, but there are plenty of other, active things to do aboard the ship as well.
Never fear, even if you were planning weeks of cruise travel you would not get board on the ship. Think of your stay onboard as a rental property in a floating city. It has all the great things that a city will have - entertainment, restaurants, and your lodging. But, unlike a rental property, this place to say keeps taking you to new places for adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.
If you have not been on a cruise ship, or floating city, in a while, consider this one. The Carnival Cruise Ship Elation is 885 feet long. In that space are a number of restaurants, three swimming pools, a theater, a gym, and a series of other venues for shows and entertainment offerings. That is a lot of entertainment space to cover in just a few days aboard. Chances are you will not be able to experience all of it.
Even if you manage to see all the major venues during your travel, there are also a number of minor venues that will be dotted across the ship.
If you are the type that likes the bright lights at night in the big city, make sure to check out the nightlife aboard the ship as well. Most evenings will find you a seat at a theatrical or musical performance, Broadway style. Alternatively, you may get a chance to see a stand-up comedian who will keep you chucking well into the night. And don't forget to check out the ships clubs and other nightspots for the rest of the nightlife offerings.
For daytime activities, you will not get bored either. If swimming some laps or playing a pool game is not enough for you, never fear. There are often volleyball games, racquetball courts, even putting or driving ranges on many cruise ships.
If you are worried about bringing the kids on a cruise because you think they'll get bored, think again. On today's ships are arcades, computer rooms, rock-climbing walls, and kids-only facilities that will keep them occupied throughout the travel time.
By the time you just start to be able to take in all the entertainment opportunities available aboard the ship, you'll likely be arriving at your first destination and preparing to go ashore. The good news is that once you get back on the ship and head to your next travel spot, you'll have plenty more onboard exploring to do.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=624812
When it comes to booking a vacation, some people are reluctant to travel by ship out of fear they will be bored while sailing at sea. These people obviously have not checked out today's cruise ships.
In many heads are the images of old where a person would sit on the deck of a cruise ship and read a book by the pool all day as they waited for the ship to get to the next destination. Sure, you can chose to spend your time that way if you want to, but there are plenty of other, active things to do aboard the ship as well.
Never fear, even if you were planning weeks of cruise travel you would not get board on the ship. Think of your stay onboard as a rental property in a floating city. It has all the great things that a city will have - entertainment, restaurants, and your lodging. But, unlike a rental property, this place to say keeps taking you to new places for adventures and memories that will last a lifetime.
If you have not been on a cruise ship, or floating city, in a while, consider this one. The Carnival Cruise Ship Elation is 885 feet long. In that space are a number of restaurants, three swimming pools, a theater, a gym, and a series of other venues for shows and entertainment offerings. That is a lot of entertainment space to cover in just a few days aboard. Chances are you will not be able to experience all of it.
Even if you manage to see all the major venues during your travel, there are also a number of minor venues that will be dotted across the ship.
If you are the type that likes the bright lights at night in the big city, make sure to check out the nightlife aboard the ship as well. Most evenings will find you a seat at a theatrical or musical performance, Broadway style. Alternatively, you may get a chance to see a stand-up comedian who will keep you chucking well into the night. And don't forget to check out the ships clubs and other nightspots for the rest of the nightlife offerings.
For daytime activities, you will not get bored either. If swimming some laps or playing a pool game is not enough for you, never fear. There are often volleyball games, racquetball courts, even putting or driving ranges on many cruise ships.
If you are worried about bringing the kids on a cruise because you think they'll get bored, think again. On today's ships are arcades, computer rooms, rock-climbing walls, and kids-only facilities that will keep them occupied throughout the travel time.
By the time you just start to be able to take in all the entertainment opportunities available aboard the ship, you'll likely be arriving at your first destination and preparing to go ashore. The good news is that once you get back on the ship and head to your next travel spot, you'll have plenty more onboard exploring to do.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=624812
23 September 2007
Bali Island Tourist Attraction
by Chris Chew
Bali, a beautiful island paradise in the Indonesian archipelago made international news when the island was rocked by suicide bombings in 2002 and 2005. However, the island is better known as an excellent vacation holiday destination and a major tourist attraction.
Tourists who have visited this South East Asian island will tell you that Bali exudes a certain magical charm and that is why, some people call Bali, the Island of Gods. After all, gods live in paradise don't they?
You will be pleasantly impressed by the many stunningly beautiful tourist attractions and the charming local people. If you are a scuba diver, you will be pleased to know that Bali is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.
Bali presents itself as a modern paradox because its ancient and traditional culture is still very much alive amidst modern living. While the basic conservatism of the Balinese people has enabled them to preserve many of their ancient customs, culture and religion, it has never hindered the acceptance of the new and innovative modern technological advancement.
The island is indeed a feast for the eye for tourists on holiday vacation in Indonesia. As the island is situated near the equator, it has almost equal amount of time for rain and sunshine making its environment very suitable for human inhabitation and as a result, Bali has been inhabited and civilized since ancient times.
Bali is also the only island in "middle Indonesia" that has more or less uninterrupted cultural continuity for hundreds of years. It is of this reason, Bali is the only part of Indonesia that remains "Hindu" and is still retaining elements of fusion of ethnic and Hindu cultures of more than a thousand years of cultural tradition.
When the island was colonized by the Dutch at the beginning of last century, the Dutch colonial masters were so impressed by the traditions of the Balinese that a concerted effort was made to preserve the island's mystical culture.
The Balinese society is a strong and cohesive one because the local people promote communal and family values. Feelings of alienation from parents and friends which are common in the western world are almost unheard of in Bali.
Children are carried everywhere or strapped to their mother's back until they are at least three months old. Religious rituals are performed regularly to keep the children safe, healthy and to protect them from harmful spirits. Every aspect of village life is organized in such detail that the individual's responsibilities and rights are meticulously defined by the Balinese tradition.
The Balinese are emotionally strong people and take the unfortunate incidents in their stride. The people are eternal optimists and believe that their Island of Gods enjoys a special place in the grander scheme of things. This is another reason why the local population can bounce back from the tragic terrorist attacks so quickly. Want to visit paradise? Then include Bali as your next holiday vacation destination for its many tourists attractions.
http://www.asiatravelbest.com/site/1391530/page/173181
Bali, a beautiful island paradise in the Indonesian archipelago made international news when the island was rocked by suicide bombings in 2002 and 2005. However, the island is better known as an excellent vacation holiday destination and a major tourist attraction.
Tourists who have visited this South East Asian island will tell you that Bali exudes a certain magical charm and that is why, some people call Bali, the Island of Gods. After all, gods live in paradise don't they?
You will be pleasantly impressed by the many stunningly beautiful tourist attractions and the charming local people. If you are a scuba diver, you will be pleased to know that Bali is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.
Bali presents itself as a modern paradox because its ancient and traditional culture is still very much alive amidst modern living. While the basic conservatism of the Balinese people has enabled them to preserve many of their ancient customs, culture and religion, it has never hindered the acceptance of the new and innovative modern technological advancement.
The island is indeed a feast for the eye for tourists on holiday vacation in Indonesia. As the island is situated near the equator, it has almost equal amount of time for rain and sunshine making its environment very suitable for human inhabitation and as a result, Bali has been inhabited and civilized since ancient times.
Bali is also the only island in "middle Indonesia" that has more or less uninterrupted cultural continuity for hundreds of years. It is of this reason, Bali is the only part of Indonesia that remains "Hindu" and is still retaining elements of fusion of ethnic and Hindu cultures of more than a thousand years of cultural tradition.
When the island was colonized by the Dutch at the beginning of last century, the Dutch colonial masters were so impressed by the traditions of the Balinese that a concerted effort was made to preserve the island's mystical culture.
The Balinese society is a strong and cohesive one because the local people promote communal and family values. Feelings of alienation from parents and friends which are common in the western world are almost unheard of in Bali.
Children are carried everywhere or strapped to their mother's back until they are at least three months old. Religious rituals are performed regularly to keep the children safe, healthy and to protect them from harmful spirits. Every aspect of village life is organized in such detail that the individual's responsibilities and rights are meticulously defined by the Balinese tradition.
The Balinese are emotionally strong people and take the unfortunate incidents in their stride. The people are eternal optimists and believe that their Island of Gods enjoys a special place in the grander scheme of things. This is another reason why the local population can bounce back from the tragic terrorist attacks so quickly. Want to visit paradise? Then include Bali as your next holiday vacation destination for its many tourists attractions.
http://www.asiatravelbest.com/site/1391530/page/173181
21 September 2007
Speed-boating the Mekong River in Laos
by Liz Saarelainen
It was early morning when we left the village of Huay Xai in Northern Laos for the Mekong River, planning to get to Luang Prabang the same day. The 150 km journey along the river by speedboat would take half a day, breaks included.
Contrary to the advice given by our Lonely Planet guidebook we had decided to take a speedboat, because our hostess at Chiang Mai had recommended this alternative. Traveling on a big, slow river boat would have taken two days and required an overnight stay at the village of Pak Peng.
There were a lot of people at the pier when we arrived and the small speedboats set out one by one as soon as they were full. We were among the last to board and when stepping on the boat we saw right away that we had made the wrong choice. There was no turning back however; the low, narrow boat was packed full of people and off we went.
The boat flew on the surface of the water at high speed, at times reaching 80 km/h, and we sat on the hard benches with our chins on our knees, space for each passenger being about 40 x 50 cm. After only half an hour's travel our muscles were cramped and we felt miserable. We watched the passing scenery with our earplugs on, because the noise from the motor was deafening. The Lao passengers also wore helmets and lifejackets provided by the boat driver.
When the river is low, as it was then, accidents happen when speedboats bump into sandbars or sunken logs. Those who have not survived have been mostly local people who cannot swim.
Water splashed on our clothes and soon we were soaked to the skin. The sun was shining and the air was warm but I felt cold. Andy had a pained expression on his face; there was definitely too little room for a big man, particularly for one with occasional but severe lover back problems. I got a cramp on my left leg, but there was nothing I could do about it.
We had been promised that there would be a break every sixty minutes or so and after what felt like an eternity, the boat stopped. We discovered that our feet had gone to sleep and Andy's right foot was totally numb for at least ten minutes.
Luckily there was an additional stop when the boat motor suddenly started to act up. After landing on a sandbank our driver began to repair it and we hoped that he would not get it fixed too soon.
Stepping onto the golden sand dune and warming our sore muscles, we enjoyed our freedom. But then we came to think that we were in the middle of nowhere, only forest on both sides of the river. If the driver were not able to repair the motor, when would there be other boats coming to our rescue? We had not brought any food with us. And how long would our drinking water last?
We then saw two hunters walking on a ridge with guns on their shoulders. One was also carrying what to us looked like a wild boar. He came to the shore with his dog, threw down the boar and, unconcerned about our presence took off his clothes and plunged into the water. The dog remained watching over the boar but could not resist the temptation, started to bite into it greedily. When the man got out of the water, he raised hell, and the dog moved aside with his tail between his legs, waiting for his master to calm down. Finally the hunter left with the boar, the dog walking close behind him.
Our trip continued. One more hour of speeding down the Mekong and we would reach the next stop, the village of Pak Peng. Our minds were made up; we would get off there and rest our limbs.
When and how we would continue our journey would remain to be seen. A traveler's tomorrow is always a new adventure!
http://www.farandfurther.com/mekong-river/mekong-river.htm
It was early morning when we left the village of Huay Xai in Northern Laos for the Mekong River, planning to get to Luang Prabang the same day. The 150 km journey along the river by speedboat would take half a day, breaks included.
Contrary to the advice given by our Lonely Planet guidebook we had decided to take a speedboat, because our hostess at Chiang Mai had recommended this alternative. Traveling on a big, slow river boat would have taken two days and required an overnight stay at the village of Pak Peng.
There were a lot of people at the pier when we arrived and the small speedboats set out one by one as soon as they were full. We were among the last to board and when stepping on the boat we saw right away that we had made the wrong choice. There was no turning back however; the low, narrow boat was packed full of people and off we went.
The boat flew on the surface of the water at high speed, at times reaching 80 km/h, and we sat on the hard benches with our chins on our knees, space for each passenger being about 40 x 50 cm. After only half an hour's travel our muscles were cramped and we felt miserable. We watched the passing scenery with our earplugs on, because the noise from the motor was deafening. The Lao passengers also wore helmets and lifejackets provided by the boat driver.
When the river is low, as it was then, accidents happen when speedboats bump into sandbars or sunken logs. Those who have not survived have been mostly local people who cannot swim.
Water splashed on our clothes and soon we were soaked to the skin. The sun was shining and the air was warm but I felt cold. Andy had a pained expression on his face; there was definitely too little room for a big man, particularly for one with occasional but severe lover back problems. I got a cramp on my left leg, but there was nothing I could do about it.
We had been promised that there would be a break every sixty minutes or so and after what felt like an eternity, the boat stopped. We discovered that our feet had gone to sleep and Andy's right foot was totally numb for at least ten minutes.
Luckily there was an additional stop when the boat motor suddenly started to act up. After landing on a sandbank our driver began to repair it and we hoped that he would not get it fixed too soon.
Stepping onto the golden sand dune and warming our sore muscles, we enjoyed our freedom. But then we came to think that we were in the middle of nowhere, only forest on both sides of the river. If the driver were not able to repair the motor, when would there be other boats coming to our rescue? We had not brought any food with us. And how long would our drinking water last?
We then saw two hunters walking on a ridge with guns on their shoulders. One was also carrying what to us looked like a wild boar. He came to the shore with his dog, threw down the boar and, unconcerned about our presence took off his clothes and plunged into the water. The dog remained watching over the boar but could not resist the temptation, started to bite into it greedily. When the man got out of the water, he raised hell, and the dog moved aside with his tail between his legs, waiting for his master to calm down. Finally the hunter left with the boar, the dog walking close behind him.
Our trip continued. One more hour of speeding down the Mekong and we would reach the next stop, the village of Pak Peng. Our minds were made up; we would get off there and rest our limbs.
When and how we would continue our journey would remain to be seen. A traveler's tomorrow is always a new adventure!
http://www.farandfurther.com/mekong-river/mekong-river.htm
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