TRAVELLING

What image does a New England Christmas conjure up in your mind?

A Currier and Ives scenes of a snow-bound village with festive decorations… skating on a frozen pond… or taking in an exciting holiday show in Boston? And if you have kids… no Christmas is complete without a ride on the Polar Express – New England style.

Here’s where you can experience six holiday magic events this season…


BRIGHT NIGHTS AT FOREST PARK

Billed as New England’s single most popular holiday destination, “Bright Nights at Forest Park” is entering its ninth season. Located in the Forest Park area of downtown Springfield, Western Massachusetts, it’s a wonderland of marvelous displays such as this year’ lost in time display where eight mammoth dinosaurs come to light along side an exploding volcano with flowing lava.

Entrance fee is $12 per car and the show begins on November 23, 2005 at 6:00pm and operates through January 1, 2006.



CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS

Each holiday season the Newport Mansions of The Elms, The Breakers, and Marble House put on a stunning show of spectacular evergreens, trees, thousands of poinsettia plants, fresh flowers and wreaths. The great entrances and hallways display magnificently decorated trees. The dining tables are set with period silver and china, and mannequins are dressed in authentic costumes.

You can see this stunning display of seasonal decorations at these Newport Mansions yourself November 12 through to January 1, 2006.


NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

Between December 1, 2005 and January 1, 2005 Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts will be transformed so you can experience a 19th century New England Christmas.

Old Sturbridge Village has always been one of my favorite places to visit and discover about life in 19th century New England. Now with the holiday season upon us, the village once again displays its ability to provide a discovery experience in a fun and entertaining way, and with a New England Christmas flavor.


THE BOSTON CHRISTMAS SEASON

Whether you delight in taking in the seasonal favorite of Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” or soaking up “glad tidings of joy” at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops Holiday Series, Boston knows how to celebrate the season with special shows and concerts. And of course there’s always the Candlelight Carol Concerts at Trinity Church in the Back Bay area, and the famous “First Night” celebration.

The Boston Pops kicks off on Friday, December 9th at 8:00pm and continues through to their annual New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st at 10:15pm. The Boston Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” at The Opera House, and the season starts on November 25th with performances through December 30th.


POLAR EXPRESS – CONNECTICUT STYLE

The North Pole Express is a popular nighttime steam train ride with live readings of Christmas stories, hot chocolate and cookies, sing-along, and holiday surprises. Special guest Santa Claus has a treat for all children, and you’re guaranteed lots of fun and lots of extras.

Essex Steam Train’s North Pole Express operates Fridays through Sundays December 2 through December 23, with special early trips on November 25-27. Tickets are sold at the Essex Train Station in Essex, Connecticut - call (860) 767-0103 or toll free 800 377-3987.


NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS TIME AT SANTA’S VILLAGE

Way up north is the village of Santa. You can visit him in the summer, and you can visit him in the fall, but the best to time visit him is… Christmastime! Santa’s Village is located in Jefferson, New Hampshire - a spot deep in the White Mountains. Santa is preparing for his world tour on Christmas Eve, but you can take a peek for a brief time if you hurry.

The village opens for the Christmas season on Friday November 25th from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Then every Saturday from November 26th through December 17th from 11:00am to 7:00pm, and every Sunday from November 27th through December 18th from 11:00am to 6:00pm.


Make your New England Christmas magical this year by experiencing one or more of these attractions. It is after all the season to create unforgettable memories.

People are traveling with diverse desire one want to do business, to meet relatives or for holiday and total relaxation. If you are on vacation alone, couple or with your family and may be boring with the glint and the glamorous of the big hotel or the bustling city, why don’t you choose a place away from the beaten track?

Since few years ago villas or small resort became the popular choice to those who desire and insist to find fully relaxation for body and mind. Bali is a small island in Indonesia Archipelago the ultimate holiday island in Asia famed for its cultures, arts and the beauty of its breathtaking nature prepare you a lot of choice of luxury villas and small resort for self retreat with its best massage and spa treatments using either local ingredients or imported luxurious range of products.

You will be pampered by seaside or mountains breeze during massages and treatments offer exclusive service and expertise of Balinese hands. The superior ingredients and efficacy are used in combination with specially developed techniques to nourish, firm and hydrate the skin while enhancing the serenity and alleviating stress.

Understanding that beauty is not merely skin-deep. The resort usually offer yoga, meditation and stretching just ask to the manager. You can select hotel or small resort situated on the beach facing the ocean or beautiful resort in the countryside near the mountains.

The quickest and easiest way to find hotels or resort or villas at your destination is to go online and visit a hotel reservation or travel agent website. Do a search for the country, island and city you are traveling to and you will be presented with a list of available hotels/resorts in that area. As the wide choice can be confusing – especially for the first-time visitors and it’s sometimes difficult to select the right Bali Resort. So just let your travel agent knows (by e-mail) your personal needs and your preferences that he can recommend those resorts he feels will suit you best.

For short information I try to present you with some of the nicest and pleasant place to retreat in Bali.

Waka di Ume Resort & Spa.
Boutique Resort is situated at Jalan Sweta, Sambahan Village Ubud about 3 minutes by car from the center of Ubud and 45 minutes from international airport “Ngurah Rai” Bali. The resort offers very friendly ambience and situated within lush tropical garden and surrounded by a verdant terraces rice field. A real rural atmosphere.

The resort is built in traditional Balinese style using most of local materials like teak and coconut palm wood, stones, the elegant grass thatch roofs (alang-alang) and soft local fabrics. It is combined with all the modern amenities to complete your conveniences. The Resort offers excellent service of room, restaurant and spa.

Waka Gangga Resort & Spa.
The resort offers a fantastic view of the Indian Ocean and the most beautiful sunset (weather permitted). It is located at Sudimara Village Tabanan about one our drive from Bali International Airport "Ngurah Rai" after passing Kuta the way offer the road through an infinity panorama of verdant and fertile rice field. A truly place away from crowd.

The resort built in typical Balinese bungalows within the terraces rice field with the view of the thunderous of the Indian Ocean’s waves at the front and the spectacular view of the Mount Batukaru at the far back. For the total comport the room are furnished with local materials and modern amenities accompanied by smiling Balinese staffs with their most cordial services.

So for everyone who is reading this article and has chosen / will make Bali their preferred holiday destination; my thanks a lot; I am sure you will have the memorable holiday of a lifetime here.

Boracay in the Philippines is among one of the best beaches in the world. It is because of the great sand and clean waters that make Boracay a wonderful beach to relax. There are also lots of establishments there in Boracay that can make their experience better. The nightlife there during peak seasons such as holy weeks and all saints day is great because lots of people go to Boracay to have fun.

But what happens to Boracy during the off-season when the bad winds arrive? It may seem stupid for lots of people to go there when the winds are scary and the rain is pouring. Who would want to swim when the rain pours and makes you chill more? The rain will also make people think that it will dampen their merry night life. But here are some reasons why it is still ok to go to Boracay even if it is off-season. Here are some reasons that can help convince people that Boracay is great no matter what season it is.



1. It is cheaper to go to Boracay during the off-season. If you are on a budget it is the best time to go. The flights from Manila to Caticlan are cheaper. If you are on budget and have motion problems when riding boats, you can just go during the off-season because you can ride the planes and it can still fit your budget. The hotel accommodations and food are also cheaper, usually up to 25%


2. The strong winds can help make an experience riding a Paraw or a special kind of sail more fun. For P500 you can be able to sail with two able-bodied sea goers. You can be able to enjoy cruising for an hour on the shoreline. You can be able to watch the crystal clear waters when sitting on the Paraw's left wing while holding on the ship's rigging for support.

3. The massage will be cheaper compared to massages in Manila. You can be able to get massages for only P350 in your own room and have coconut oil rubbed on you.

4. Surfing on a kite board is better on a windy day. It is called a kite board because the person will strap their feet onto the surfboard and will lasso their upper body to a 15-foot kite. Hoe can you be able to do that on a summer day without any wind? The price of kite boarding is around $200 because it includes trainers and P1, 000 per hour for the board. It is cheaper to pay this amount than pay for future hospital bills when you end up in an accident.



These are only a few reasons why Boracay in the Philippines is still a fun place to go to even during the off-seasons. I'm sure that you can be able to find your own reason why going there during the off-season is still fun.

When you travel for business or pleasure, what type of accommodations do you go for? Merriam-Webster(r) defines an accommodation as, "something supplied for convenience or to satisfy a need," which is typically related to lodging and its related services. The word is based on the Latin word referring to something that has been "made fit." Which type of accommodations is fit for you? Most customers go for those that offer low prices and good customer service. Appreciation of those two things, however, differs among different people. To most of us are average Joes, the thought of spending $5,000 a night for a hotel accommodation is absurd. On the other hand, the idea of staying in a hotel without television in the rooms seems equally ridiculous. So, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find a hotel accommodation in Cornwall that fits you!



Virtual Money

The Information Age has revolutionized the way we travel. Now, we can access our accounts on the fly, simply by making a few flicks with a computer mouse. There seems to be an unlimited number of ways to fund our trips: traveler's checks, credit cards, debit cards, and good old-fashioned cash. But while it is now easier to access our money, remember that we are still limited by credit card limits, bank account balances, and how much we have in traveler's checks. So if you are planning a future international vacation, make sure that you have enough money for all of your travelling expenses, including a hotel accommodation in Cornwall.

From Cupboards to Cash

After you determine how much you need for you vacation, including a hotel accommodation in Cornwall, you need a plan of attack to reach your goal. Here are some tips:

* Invite your extended family members to split the costs of the trip. Of course, end any family feuds before you go. Also, plan the itinerary before you leave, so everyone is happy.


* For those who have young kids, choose tourist spots that have free children's admission, and restaurants with free children's meals.

* Before you take off, eat everything in your cupboards and pantry. Reduce your grocery shopping trips, eating out, and junk food runs a few months before leaving for vacation.

* Try selling your unwanted books, CDs, and the like on the Net to get extra bucks for vacation.

* Save any gift cards and coupons that you can use while travelling. This can save you a ton of money, especially when dining out at restaurants.

Accommodating Accommodations

When travelling abroad, you will need to budget for lodging as well. So when looking for a hotel accommodation in Cornwall, do your homework first. Pick one that falls into an affordable price range for you. Many people like to book online because of the convenience and lower rates. In fact, several independent hotels allow you to book online.

Next, know what types of amenities you want to have. Resources such as tour books, brochures, and travel guides will reveal what particular lodgings can offer. See if it matches with what you want. If you are looking for a hotel accommodation in Cornwall, many of them offer online reviews so you can learn directly about the customer service.

Whether you want to visit a dairy farm or coastal town in Cornwall, you should consider your budget. That includes how much you are willing to shell out for a hotel accommodation in Cornwall. With a little planning, you can live like a king without spending like one.

Illinois is a myriad of sites and sounds, history and multiculturalism, all blended harmoniously into what is considered a perfect microcosm of the United States. The exploding diversity of the north and Chicagoland balances perfectly with the wilderness and historic sites of the south.

The major financial, cultural and commercial hub of Illinois, Chicago, is situated on the Great Lake Michigan. The rest of the state is largely bordered by major waterways, including the Mississippi River to the west and the Ohio River to the south. Due to its geographic location, Illinois has blossomed over the centuries to become the unofficial capital of the Midwest region of the United States. Get a true taste of America's Heartland when you book your airfare to Illinois' Interior Plains.

The Joy of Illinois: Chicago and Beyond

When you plan your itinerary, remember that Illinois is divided into six distinct regions that all offer a different flavor of the Midwest and are best explored by automobile. Southern Illinois is not short of parks, recreation and open spaces. The Shawnee National Forest, expanding between the Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, is a 270,000 acre wilderness wonderland, complete with rock climbing, horseback riding and observation towers. If you love wine, travel Illinois' wine region in the south. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail provides an excellent tour of five wineries that are easily accessible by car.

Central Illinois is a notable mix of fantastic stops that will certainly round out your travel to Illinois. It also happens to be where President Abraham Lincoln's former home and the state's capital is located. In Springfield, take a stop at Looking for Lincoln, a collection of houses, buildings and countryside where the 16th president actually spent time. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is also located in the heart of Springfield. You can also get your kicks in Central Illinois where the Historic Route 66 passes through the state. Along the way, stop at the Amish Interpretive Center for a glimpse into the life and history of the Old Order Amish community. The fun is certainly not over yet; convince the kids that Santa does exist by visiting Hardy's Reindeer Ranch where real Alaskan reindeer roam the grounds!

Chicagoland in Northern Illinois is another influential region. After you find cheap airfare to Illinois through O'Hare International Airport, you will find yourself in the true heart of the state. Stroll along the waterfront of Lake Michigan or enjoy world-class theater and dining. Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States and a historic center for America's civil rights movements as well as the birth and growth of modern music, including jazz, blues and techno.

Witness the cultural melting pot that is the United States on a smaller scale. From hiking and fishing to historic sites and cosmopolitan exploits, travel to Illinois is certainly an all in one adventure!

If the workaday world has worn you down, you may be interested in taking a truly memorable holiday trip or vacation. In this regard, you might want to consider a Celebrity Cruise Line trip. A Celebrity Cruise Line trip truly would be a vacation of a lifetime.

(Keep in mind that while the Celebrity Cruise Line is discussed with specificity in this brief article, nothing in this piece should be construed as an explicit endorsement of the Celebrity Cruise Line or its services. Rather, the materials presented in this article are provided for informational purposes only. As you plan your own holiday or vacation, you need to undertake your own course of research to determine what sort of trip is most appropriate to your own travel needs and desires.)

Celebrity Cruise Line provides a wide range of destinations and points of call for its guests, including:

• Alaska
• Bahamas
• Bermuda
• Canada
• New England
• Caribbean
• Europe
• Galapagos
• Hawaii
• Mexico
• Pacific Northwest
• Panama Canal
• South America
• Trans-Atlantic

In addition to providing its guests with a wide array of different, interesting ports of call, Celebrity Cruise Line also schedules cruises of different lengths. From longer journeys to various ports of call to shorter jaunts that provide perfect breaks from the hustle and bustle of daily living, Celebrity Cruise Line has it all.

When it comes to on board entertainment on the high seas, Celebrity Cruise Line works hard to have "something for everyone." One of the most popular entertainment features offered on most cruises is a "lavish Vegas style spectacular." These dazzling performances are thrilling to see.

For those people who prefer something more laid back after a day of cruising, Celebrity Cruise Line includes a Michael's Club on every ship. These richly decorated piano bars provide a perfectly relaxing venue for travelers.

The Celebrity Cruise Line has worked hard in recent years to develop a unique set on onboard amenities. Included within the Celebrity Cruise Line scheme is "Acupuncture at Sea." Through this program and regimen, the cruise company is working to give its traveling guests the opportunity to recover the balance between "the physical, emotional and spiritual." Acupuncture is a natural, comprehensive health care practice that is said to strengthen a person's immune system through the use of thin needles used at specific energy points in the body. The company created the "Acupuncture at Sea" program as part of its overall commitment to its guests. Celebrity Cruise Line believes that a cruise should be a restorative process on all levels for its guests.

Excursions to the shore are a vital and interesting part of nearly every Celebrity Cruise Line voyage. At Celebrity, you have a number of different options when it comes to going ashore. Of course, if you are so inclined, you can spend your time onshore "doing your own thing." On the other hand, Celebrity always has available knowledgeable and professional guides that can make your time onshore truly memorable. Celebrity can arrange a wide array of different types of onshore excursions -- everything from historical and cultural tours to wildlife adventures.

The city called Dumaguete in the Philippines is named after the word "daggit" which is from a local dialect of Visaya which means "to snatch" or "to swoop". Dumaguete City was named as such for the pirates that had always been active in the coastal city, Dumaguete long time ago. Historically rich in culture from many years ago, the city of Dumaguete has beautiful heritage sites to offer.

The tiny city Dumaguete has always been on the Philippine map; it is a coastal city situated in Negros Oriental. Contrast to the size of Dumaguete City, it offers greatly awesome things for you to discover. The beauty in the panoramic view of Dumaguete City will inspire the old traditional wonder of the place with the reconciliation of the modern amenities it can provide its guests. Being a peaceful bay area, people are warm which earned Dumaguete City the title, City of Gentle People.

The city of Dumaguete has finally ended its silence. The beauty of Dumaguete City has caused the influx of tourists. Many people heard of the city's name for the reknown beautiful outdoor adventure experience it has offered its visitors.

Presently, industrial technology is continuously developing in Dumaguete City since it is also known as the "Center of Learning in the South" or as the "University Town".

Dumaguete City's most tempting quality is the adventure outdoor that can lasts your whole life. Paradise in its own simple luxuries are offered in Dumaguete City through the shiny crystals of white sands surrounding the beaches.

Finding the place called Dumaguete is synonymous to finding a place of haven. Imagine the modern amenities within the city with historical beauty and wonders all rolled into a little corner in the Philippine Islands. You can always find a diving site, a vacation home that can assure to make you feel at home. Getting from other famous places from Dumaguete to other neighboring areas famous for tourism in the Philippines is another convenience of the city's location as well.

Visit the city named Dumaguete in the Philippines and plunge into the lure of different gifts of nature in the small coastal city. Experience the breath-taking relaxation of the soul, mind and body. Find the perfect nature's beauty in Dumaguete City; beauty at its purest form. Discover the relaxation and splurge into the magic of the place.

Endless journeys in search for the perfect paradise with the sun, sand, and water can be finally brought to an end in Dumaguete City!

In an era when gas prices are at record levels and the cost of an airline ticket buys you a bag of peanuts and little else, it's difficult to imagine taking any kind of family vacation.

Yet according to the Travel Experts Survey conducted at MLT University, the nation's largest travel agent education event, more than 750 travel professionals indicate a renewed interest in family travel this year. Agents predict that this trend is likely to continue throughout the holidays and the new year.

This December, no vacation kindles family togetherness more than a scenic rail journey through glacier-capped mountains and snow-filled valleys aptly labeled the "Land of a Million Christmas Trees."

Rocky Mountaineer Vacations' two-day "Winter Rail Journey" between the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, British Columbia, and the ski resort town of Banff, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies promises breathtaking views, entertaining stories about the region and a holiday filled with memory-making moments.

Festivities on every winter rail vacation include music and entertainment. Children enjoy a dedicated specialty coach that features an entertainer who leads the group in song, holiday crafts, board games and other activities. For adult guests, a second specialty coach features live jazz music and a bar serving holiday beverages such as mulled wine and eggnog.

With two levels of service, Rocky Mountaineer guests can choose how the family will see the Canadian landscape. Guests opting to stay in RedLeaf Service can anticipate spacious, reclining seats with large picture windows and warm meals served at their seats. The bi-level, glass-domed GoldLeaf Service car, however, features panoramic views on the upper level and an elegant dining room on the main floor.

And if two days doesn't seem like nearly enough of an escape, there are also seven different winter packages to choose from, ranging from four to 10 days.

So whether travelers seek a one-of-a-kind experience or just a different way to travel with the family, there are adventures just waiting to be discovered in Western Canada this winter.

The city of the Medici, Machiavelli, and the Pazzi, Florence is also the metropolis that gave birth to Italian Renaissance. It is a city with history and culture as old as its ruins. Florence saw the rise and fall of the Medici power, the burning at the stake of the prophet Girolamo Savonarola, and the magnificent orations of Niccolo Machiavelli. Florence is also a city of architectural wonders, spawning such marvels as the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi museum, and the famous Duomo, the domed cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Florence the Florentine Way

If you're planning to see the sites of Florence, as well as experience Florentine living, then a bed and breakfast accommodation in Florence is right for you. Bed and breakfast accommodations in Florence give you an opportunity to glimpse Italian culture and experience the typical Florentine lifestyle.

More than Just Bed and Breakfast

Mostly remodeled old homes and mansions, bed and breakfast accommodations in Florence are often exceptionally comfortable places to stay in. These homes have been painstakingly restored to bring out their original charm. Bed and breakfast accommodations in Florence feature antiques, beautiful woodwork, brick fireplaces, and other designs of the period they represent. They also feature modern conveniences such as air conditioning and heating systems, hot and cold showers, Internet access, minibars, and even jacuzzis.

As the name implies, bed and breakfast accommodations in Florence provide breakfast. Some provide complete meals of meat, eggs, toast, and pancakes. Others only provide continental breakfasts consisting of doughnuts and juice or coffee. Normally, the morning meal is included in the room rate. However, some bed and breakfast accommodations in Florence may require you to pay extra for breakfast.

Bed and Breakfast in Florence

There are many bed and breakfast accommodations in Florence. If you are looking for a place with a spectacular view or Florence's many sites, then the aptly named A Florence View Bed and Breakfast is right for you. A Florence View is in an enviable position at the heart of the city, providing you with breathtaking views that will ensure an unforgettable experience. The Martin Dago Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Florence is located in a part of the city that has retained the traditional feel of Renaissance Florence. Martin Dago exudes the magical atmosphere of ancient Florentine Houses in the Sant'Ambrogio district.


If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of a thriving city yet still experience its culture firsthand, the Villa Sestini Bagno a Ripoli Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Florence is the best choice. Villa Sestini is situated on a beautiful hilltop overlooking Florence. It is only 15 minutes away from Ponte Vecchio and the city's main monuments. Another bed and breakfast accommodation in Florence that is away from the city's busy districts but sits close enough to be convenient is the Bed and Breakfast Vittoria. This bed and breakfast is a nondescript house in the residential district of Sesto Fiorentino, located close to the University Campus of Sesto Fiorentino. Bed and Breakfast Vittoria offer special prices to visiting students and professors.

When staying in Florence, go Florentine! Try the bed and breakfast accommodations in Florence and see what it's like to live large, in leisure, and as a local in beautiful, culture-steeped Florence.

A vacation in New England is best spent in the Autumn. People from around the world visit New England to marvel over the beauty of the fall foliage. From the end of August right up until October the leaves on the trees display a spectacular array of colors. It is no wonder that Fall is one of the busiest tourist seasons in New England. Find out what all the “peepers” are going to see.



New England is home to a multitude of different landscapes. You can find mountains and coastline, forests and vineyards all contained in this quaint and tiny area of the country. New England experiences all four of the seasons completely. In the summer the beaches are a warm sandy paradise. In the winter the mountains offer skiing at its finest. And of course, the fall offers beautiful nature walks in the orange and gold beauty of the forests. There are six states in New England and each one of them offers a unique perspective on the New England area.

Rhode Island has the unique distinction of being the smallest state in the United States. It is only forty eight miles long and thirty seven miles wide. Even though it is tiny in size it has over four hundred miles of beautiful New England coast. From the mansions of Newport to the stunning landscape, Rhode Island is a picturesque New England state.

Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and has gone through some changes in the 1990’s. Brown University is located in Providence and is considered one of the top universities in New England. The mile of history, located on Benefit street is filled with gorgeous 18th century houses. Marvel at the architecture as you walk down the historic street. There are shopping malls in the downtown area that will fill your days. You will also find many small quaint New England shops for your shopping pleasure.



Federal Hill is a wonderful place to experience world class dining. Rhode Island offers the culture and mansions in Newport alongside the history of Providence. One gets to experience both when Rhode Island is your vacation destination.

You won’t be disappointed with an Autumn New England vacation. Find out what all the fuss is about and be amazed by the beauty of the changing fall colors. You will need nothing more than a walk in the woods to know why everyone makes the trip.

Tip #1 : Buy a beach front Caribbean villa! Buying Caribbean beach front property can range from a bargain to outrageous. This does not mean that the cheaper Caribbean beach front property is any less attractive or luxurious than the more expensive ones, but means the location is different. For instance, Caribbean beach front property in the Bahamas is attractive, over run with tourists, & incredibly expensive. However, Caribbean beach front property in the Dominican Republic is as attractive, has less tourists, & a considerably more affordable price tag.

Tip #2 : Rent a villa for your trip! If you are not into real estate investment, why not rent a villa instead? Often, the price won't be a lot more expensive then an all inclusive package in a crowded hotel. & instead of having to eat buffet food for a week, you can cook your own meal, or even have someone do it for you!

Tip #4 : Charter a luxury Yacht! If you are looking for something a little less extravagant then the huge private Yachts, & a lot more affordable then there's a variety of luxury yacht charters Caribbean providers that will also be able to meet your needs & your budget. The wonderful thing about they Caribbean is no matter what your budget, preferences, & schedule there's someone who will be able to provide exactly what you are looking for.

Tip #3 : Rent a Caribbean island! Did you know you can rent a whole island for yourself? This can come with staff & everything you need to spend a luxurious holiday. it's also a very cool idea for a wedding!

Tip #5 : Contact a Caribbean holiday specialist Certainly, you can get online & start searching & learn everything there's to do in the Caribbean, however it's certainly a lot not as hard to basically employ Caribbean holiday specialists to help you plan your holiday. Not only will this save you time, but it will also save you funds because more often than not Caribbean holiday specialists are aware of different discounts & preferred rates. they have insight & knowledge & plenty of years experience booking Caribbean vacations, where you will have to do some serious work & effort to plan the holiday yourself.

Travel Rotorua

This article is a basic tour guide to traveling in Rotorua highlight and evaluating the main sites in the district.

Introduction:

If you had only one day in the North Island of New Zealand and you asked me where should one go for that day I would without hesitation say Rotorua.

This article is my personal guide to Rotorua from someone who has visited it more times than I can remember and if given the chance I would visit it again. This article is non-commercial and is intended to be for general information.

Location:

Rotorua is approximately 2.5 - 3 hours drive south of Auckland. Head south through Hamilton and Cambridge, or for a quicker route via Mata Mata. Shortly after Cambridge turn left and take the number 5 which will lead you right to Rotorua. Coming up from Wellington head to Lake Taupo and take the number 5 to Rotorua. Train and Bus routes also service Rotorua.

Attractions:

Rotorua is a jewel in the North Island, with geothermal wonders, a center of Maori Culture, Parks, Lakes, Natural History and numerous modern day attractions. Most visitors comment on the smell when they arrive. It is Hydrogen Sulphide (rotten egg gas) and while distinct at first, if you stay for any length of time you will adapt and seldom notice it.



Geothermal Parks

The main geothermal parks in Rotorua and its surrounds include Whakarewarewa thermal area, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Waitapu Thermal wonderland, Orakei Korako Geyserland and Hell's Gate. All these required payment.

Whakarewarewa:

Visiting this site used to be standard fare in any visit to Rotorua. Unfortunately the park has now divided into two parts, and I personally don't believe either site has enough to stand alone. So what you used to get for one entry price now costs two (be warned). On the Hemo Road entrance is the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute with its master carvers. Also includes a weaving house, kiwi house, and Maori meeting house. Pohutu (big splash) and the Prince of Wales geyser are also on this side. (Prince of Wales geyser so named because the 3 directions the geyser shoots out resembles the feathers on the Prince of Wales crest). On the Tyron street entrance you get another meeting house where a cultural show is put on, a village, shops and some hot pools, etc. Also here outside school hours you may find the local Maori children willing to jump off the bridge into the stream below in return for chasing your loose change thrown into the same.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley:

A nice walk along a valley with numerous hot pools, lakes, and near the end of the track the Warbrick thermal terrace - a multi coloured silica terrace, probably the most colourful terrace in Rotorua. Worth a visit if you have already seen some thermal parks and want more, or like a more expansive tour, you can link with a boat tour. (see the gallery for some photos courtesy Waimangu's website). The pink and white terraces once existed in the area prior to the 1886 eruption.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland:



My personal favourite, about 20 min. south of Rotorua towards Taupo. Be prepared to walk abit. Numerous rainbow pools, the huge champagne pool, artist palette, sulphur vents, boiling mud and a huge silica terrace. If you arrive early in the morning, before 10am, a short drive leads you to the Lady Knox geyser that gets set off once a day by them feeding it with soap, cost of this is included in your admission (was $25 an adult). Also on this road is a natural mud pool which is the best display of boiling mud I have seen and its free.

Orakei Korako Geyserland:

Closer to Lake Taupo than Rotorua on a side road connecting route 5 to the main route 1. You need to catch the ferry across the lake to begin exploring the park. Like most of the parks good tracks requiring you to walk to see mud pools, a large cave, the emerald terrace and the largest silica feature in the country. Worth the visit if you are passing that way.

Hell's Gate:

Another thermal park with numerous boiling things, including Adam's frying pan, a mud volcano, hot water falls and one of the few places I found I could buy the multi-colour sand in a glass container (quite pretty). Once visited by Mark Twain who stated he would have gladly paid not to have gone there. I'll have to disagree; I think it’s worth the visit.

Maori Culture

Rotorua has plenty of Maori based attractions. These include Tamaki Maori Village (I've yet to visit). The NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (already spoken about), the Buried Village and numerous Hungi and Cultural Performances.

The Buried village is what it sounds like, a half buried village. During the 1886 eruption a number of local Maori perished buried in mud. Some of the village has since been dig out and rebuilt to give tourists an idea of a Maori village.

I haven't been to Tamaki Maori Village so can't give a review.

If you really want to get a good taste of Maori culture food and hospitality then book one of the many feasts and concerts put on by the local hotels. The food, music and friendship are always top rate.

Other Attractions

Rainbow Springs Park:

A nice park with trout fish as its centerpiece, beautiful clear running water and a top bushland. Lovely walking tracks and you can feed the fish. Also has a farm show attached.

Skyline Skyrides:

The main reason to take this ride on a gondola is not just to get to the top for the view, the main reason is to ride the luge. Massive fun, as long as you don't fall off. They have a small chairlift operating so that you can ride the luge for as long as your budget can afford.

Agrodome:

Everything you wanted to know about sheep. Surprising a show about sheep and farming in NZ is interesting and entertaining.

Rotorua Museum of Art:

One of the first buildings built in NZ solely with tourists in mind. Originally built as a bath house and hot water treatment center it has now been converted. Good museum but the highlight is the movie on local history, sit down and be sure to be holding on - a total multimedia experience. Definite must do. The building itself is one of the finest examples of Edwardian design and is an art piece in itself. The surrounding gardens are always nicely maintained.

Natures Wonders

There are numerous things to do, totally free for nature lovers.

Huka Falls:

Just North from Lake Taupo on the M1 is Huka Falls and the world famous Huka Falls Lodge (for the novu-rich of the world). Huka Falls itself is free for all. Near the beginning of the mighty Waikato river (NZ longest river) it’s not the height of the falls but the sheer volume of water that is forced through which is impressive, few people have gone over the falls and survived. Boat trips are now run up to the base of the falls for those wanting a different perspective.

Whakarewarewa Forrest Park:

On the road to the blue and green lakes. Contains beautiful stands of redwood trees, walking and horse riding tracks. The redwood trees are relatively young for trees, but they are already huge in size.

Government Gardens:

Outside the Rotorua museum is well kept flower beds, rose gardens, bowling greens and more.

Kuirau Park:

Opposite the main hospital on Kuirau road is Kuirau Park with numerous boiling pools and geothermal activities. Contains some foot pools to ease your sore feet and a children’s park with miniature railway. On my last visit there was a huge hole in the ground and several trees blown over or covered in mud due to a localized eruption. It is a reminder the whole area is geothermally active and has the potential to be dangerous.

Blue and Green Lakes:

Past Whakarewarewa Forrest Park is the blue lake, great for swimming or boating activities, clear water with a pumice bottom, those further out there is a problem with weeds. Keep going on the road to get a view of Mt. Tarawera. The green lake is banned and tapu (Maori for cursed, sacred, special) and no is supposed to enter it.

Mt. Tarawera:

For the true adventure fanatics. Take the back road and climb Mount Tarawera. Enter the crater and run down to the bottom at full speed. The massive crater was caused by the 10 June 1886 eruption which destroyed the pink and white terraces and buried many villages.

Lakes:

The number of lakes is simply too many to mention. Great for trout fishing, boating or picnics. Some lakes even have black volcanic glass and/or pumice stone lying on their shores.

Hamurana Springs:

If you want to see a beautiful spring feed stream, this is worth a visit, pure water with a hint of blue flowing over white pumice bed. There is also a nice stand of redwoods and I would be surprised if you didn’t' see any trout in the stream (no fishing allowed, sorry).

This list is by no means exhaustive and like any tourist destination new venues are always opening up. I hope this provides you with a basic to do list when visiting. To see pictures go to the website in the resource box below.

The road veers right and begins the steady climb to the heady heights of Pendennis Point. My modest car huffs and puffs as traffic files patiently behind me. A barrier to my left clouds the seascape and the temptation to peep is too immense. I stop the car and stride eagerly to the wall and peer over. The scene is impressive, revealing a small section of old Falmouth harbour. A vast warship, presumably undergoing maintenance prior to setting out to defend the shores dominates the visible harbour view.

As the road continues to twist and climb en route for the summit, hungry seagulls swoop overhead, groups ever-increasing as we approach the peak and assembled tourists. Surprisingly, parking is free, hence I immediately set off to take in the diverse panorama at the top.

The journey to the summit merits every second. To the north lie the Falmouth docks and an abundance of vessels anticipating their next voyage on the open sea. Facing eastwards, the eye is drawn to the glut of yachts spread throughout Falmouth Bay, sailing freely in the steady sea breeze. In the distance sits the appealing little town of St Mawes, a mile or so across the water.

“Magnificent view over there,” remarks an elderly fellow standing beside me, gesticulating towards the yachting event and its zealous sailors. I smile in acknowledgement as he shuffles back to his car and his waiting wife. I frequently wonder if folks living here fully appreciate such magnificent surroundings or if the beauty becomes taken for granted. Coming from central England, the sea has always held fascination with me, vacations to the coast forever keenly anticipated.

Look due south and on a clear day your eye is drawn along the magnificent, rugged coastline leading to Lizard Point, the most southerly part of Britain. As the wind howls and pounds the shoreline, a flock of seagulls unleash a cacophony of sound, daily rituals unperturbed by the resident tourist.

While the road twists and turns back towards sea level, my thoughts drift to the competing yachts, racing in the bay. What a wonderfully liberating sensation it must be sailing open sea. Envy races through my mind, but my thoughts return to the road. I’m heading west along the A394 to where my dad claims to have had the finest pint of ale in Britain – Helston.

One of my favourite places in England sits in the far south-westerly reaches of the country, amongst the myths and legends of Cornish past. St Ives is a beautiful little harbour town, largely unspoilt by commercialisation. Resting at the northern tip of the A3074 (off the A30) in western Cornwall, St Ives is not easily accessible for the majority of the country but is well worth the effort.

A vast myriad of narrow paths and cobbled streets remind of days gone by and offer great contrast to modern day town planning. Most of St Ives is old-school, a throwback to bygone days of uncomplicated living. Artists seem to be on every corner, benefiting from the excellent natural light as the fresh Atlantic winds blow pollution from the air. Car parking is at a premium in St Ives during the holiday seasons and therefore it's advisable to arrive as early as possible in the day.
A good alternative is to park in Lelant and catch the train. It runs at half-hour regular intervals during high season and is reasonably priced. The short ten-minute journey takes the coastal route, part of which feels like you are directly over the water. The journey is worth taking for the view alone, a magnificent vista taking in the whole of St Ives Bay, from the town itself, stretching all the way to Godrevy Point. However, some of the younger travellers can get somewhat restless.
< "SIT DOWN! " orders an irate mother whose children scurry about a crowded carriage. The smell of suncream exudes around a noisy carriage as day-trippers gather their buckets and spades ready for disembarking. The station is at the top of the high street, approximately five to ten minutes walk downhill to the harbour front. The narrow streets can get extremely congested as pedestrians and vehicles fight for the same space. Shoppers are frequently forced to move aside for passing traffic. The tight, cobbled streets are home to some enticing shops, relatively free of the typical seaside souvenir rubbish.

Art galleries are everywhere, many displaying local work of St Ives and the beautiful surrounding coastline. Tiny little shops display local craftsmen's intricate work; sometimes you can see them working on their next masterpiece. As the road winds downhill to the shore, the harbour suddenly opens up in front of you. The smell of the salty sea breeze hits you in the face; cries of the seagulls echo about the quay. The local ice-cream tastes delicious, though beware the seagulls. My young son once had his rudely stolen from his grasp and devoured by a hungry bird!

Ibiza is famous around the world due to its amazing night life, although it offers several other things as well. This island is one of the most visited ones in the group of the Balearic Islands in Spain, and maybe the one which attracts the highest amount of young people as well. From June to endings of October, Ibiza's night life, as well as the rest of the attractions in the island, is at its best moment due to the fact that it is when the highest among of tourists arrive. This way, if you wish to meet the island when all pubs, discos, cafes, bars, restaurants, and all other spots are open, you should chose a date between those months.

Before planning a trip to Ibiza, it is important to consider the fact that during August, this island receives a great amount of tourists due to what prices tend to rise and it might be very difficult to find a hotel room available. This way, it is very recommendable to make sure of counting on a hotel room before arriving or trying to visit the island once it becomes less crowded. There are several methods of transportation available for tourists in Ibiza.
This island counts on an important amount of taxis as well as buses in such a way that going from one point to another should not be a problem. There also are several car rentals for those visitors who wish to rent a car, and in such case it is recommendable to make sure there will be one available at the time of visiting the town, especially if it will be during August. Besides its night life, Ibiza also offers many other activities suitable for visitors of all ages and preferences. One of the main activities which attract visitors to this spot is going to its beaches. This island's beaches are extremely beautiful and allow tourists to relax, sun bath, swim, dive, and surf among many others. Besides this, those visitors who enjoy sports would be able to choose from a wide range as well since Ibiza allows them to practice biking, tennis, golf, and karts among others.

Menorca (also known as Minorca) - situated east of Mallorca - is one of Spain's own Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of about 82 thousand Spanish-speaking people, you're sure to find a wide variety of interests to enjoy should you decide to travel here - especially on January 17. January 17 is a nationally celebrated day that marks when Alfonso III of Aragon conquered the island.

In fact, the history of this island is what makes it so interesting to outsiders, as it has changed ownership several times over the centuries, inevitably showing the architectural and art influences with each successive change of rulership. Of particular interest to traveling Americans is the fact that Menorca was completely under British control in 1763 thanks to the Treaty of Paris, fell capture to Spanish and French forces during the American Revolutionary War - only to change hands again to the British during the French Revolutionary Wars.

This is of course before Spain acquired the island in 1802 once and for all. This does not suggest however, that Menorca lived peacefully ever after. Political stresses have continued to pull the island back and forth between reigning parties and powers over the years. Aside from this rich history, Menorca is known for bringing us some fun facts and trivia.

For instance, this little section of the world is responsible for sobrassada - a sausage that's made with paprika. The natives here also brought us gin and Mao cheese among other things like the world-known megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taulas, and talaiots for example. As you can see, Menorca has much to offer the new world traveler or adventurer and it really is to your advantage to experience some of the new and exciting things that the culture of this land has to offer.

In an effort to learn as much as you can during your stay in Menorca, take a crash course in Spanish, the native language of the island. It's not necessary to become fluent - although that would certainly make things easier for you and the locals that you communicate with. But it's helpful to learn at least a few phrases that will enable you to get help when needed or to develop a meaningful and educational relationship with the people that you interact with.

You should be comforted in knowing that Spanish is one of the most easiest languages to learn and chances are that you already know a little Spanish if you're an American. Many words of the English language are derivatives of the Spanish language, so as you learn it, you'll find that it's something you can pick up rather quickly.

Of course you could also educate yourself about the island prior to your visit. Learn about Menorca by reading books, learning about its art, literature, and music, its geography, its political history, and more. Viewing photographs will help you associate what you've learned from books with the images of the land so that they'll be easily recognizable once you get there.

At Menorca however, don't let books dictate how you'll receive the island. Another way to absorb Menorca's culture is to just get out and about and interact with people and the events that you find. The two major towns of this island are Ciutadella and Maó. So bring along a camera and really get into the experience so that you can not only enjoy it, but also learn from what the cities of Alaior, Es Castell, Ciutadella, Ferreries, Mahon, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, and Saint Luís have to offer.

Just be sure that if you've arrived to the island with a schedule to follow, you can arrange your list of activities so that they grant you ample time to tour significant landmarks, taste the food, visit its religious buildings, and experience it's landscape. If time allows, rent a car and adventure out on your own or sign up for a tour. Treat the island as if it were your own homeland and experience it to the fullest.

Being so close to Spain, you can take a short trip to the mainland and witness the las fiestas de San Fermin celebrated every July 7th. This unique festival is known as "the release of the bulls" and precedes the exciting bullfights that this country has become famous for. Or you could take in a quick but intense game of futbol (soccer).

The important thing is that you make an effort to learn a new style of living, that you observe how that style of living works for others as well as how it can work for yourself and others you care about, and that you bring what you've learned back home. If all goes well, you should return home with a wider perspective and bigger appreciation of how the world really works.

Travel in Menorca by Taxi

Traveling by taxi in Menorca provides an extremely convenient way to move about and "sight-see." Like traveling by taxi in the United States, minimum charges accompany metered mileage plus a small additional fee for baggage and evening - night - or holiday drives.

Menorca Driving Advice

European Union citizens (18 years or older) must own a national driving license to drive in Menorca, however non-European Union citizens (18 years or older) also need an International Driving Permit as well. Both types of citizens must have car insurance and identification (license, passport, etc.) by law, is required at all times. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and travelers under the age of 14 must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle. When driving, remember that driving positions are reversed to American drivers. You must yield to on-coming traffic from junctures and traffic circles. Driving speeds are generally restricted to 30 mph (in urban areas) to 56 mph (on major routes).

Special care should be taken to restrict your driving to the main routes outlined on the most recent maps of this area as other routes may not be appropriate for driving (dirt roads, mountain passes, etc.).

Traveling in Menorca by Car / Car Rental

Because Menorca's city centers are so popular, you are cautioned to avoid driving in these areas - especially since the narrow roads in these places can accommodate traffic traveling in one direction only. In addition, parked automobiles make driving extremely difficult. Traveling by car rental is best accomplished by following a current map of its roads - which offer views that are nothing short of amazing.

What comes to mind when someone talks about a UFO? Do you think about the cover of a science fiction novel and the image of mysterious bluish lights beaming down from it? Do you think about a time when you were out late at night and you saw a flash of light, wondered what it was only to realize a moment later that what you saw wasn't a UFO - it was just the lights of a plane that was beginning its descent. Do you think of movies, or little green men, cartoons, or do you just turn away shaking your head?

A lot of people discuss UFOs as flying saucers - it seems to be the best description that they can come up with. Others suggest, rather dismissively, that UFO simply means unidentified flying object and that the light that someone saw flashing in the sky was either a plane, a helicopter or a reflection of light off of a cell phone tower or another metal object.

Reflections of light from a cell phone tower do little to explain away "mysterious materials" found in Roswell, New Mexico in the late 1940s. While the United States military has always stood their ground that these materials were merely fragments of a research balloon, a top secret test that ended badly, others offer another explanation. They assert that the materials were fragments of a UFO, an alien craft that crashed rather than safely landing. They believe that the "flying disc" - as it was called by military personnel - that was recovered could not be something from this world, and so began one of the most talked about UFO encounters in the world.

Many who believe that the UFO in Roswell, New Mexico deserved more attention than it was being given, believe that it wasn't something that could just be dismissed. In part, this is likely to have something to do with other stories surrounding the flying saucer. A farmer talked about having found materials miles away from Roswell, and the story was picked up by newspapers, accompanied by photos of the strange find - strips of rubber, something like aluminum foil, sticks. It's a story that has gained so much attention around the world that it has influenced many people's sense of alien life and alien visitations to earth.

If the Roswell, New Mexico story had never become so widespread, UFO and flying saucer may not be so common in our language, in our experiences and in novels, television programming and films. How common is it for people to see a UFO? <


It's hard to say, really, because many people who see an unidentified flying object in the sky are reluctant to report it. Either the person who saw a UFO believes that there is a far more logical explanation or merely thinks that no one would believe them if they were to say anything about it. And yet, there are UFO sightings that are shared and that become the topic of conspiracy theories by those who believe that beings from other planets and galaxies have visited the earth.

One such incident occurred in 1980 in Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk, England. Those who saw the UFO all claimed to have seen flashing lights coming from an unidentified flying object that was descending towards the woods - a UFO that was roughly the size of a car and seemed to float on a beam of light. After reports were made about the object, it was discovered that trees were damaged, radio frequencies became nothing but static and soil samples later showed radioactive activity.

Similarly, in Gulf Breeze, Florida in 1987 tales of a UFO began to circulate when a man saw a strange light coming from his lawn. When he saw the flying saucer, he grabbed a camera and started shooting photos as proof of what he had seen. Of course, in this situation, the story was not just of a UFO sighting, but about repeated experiences and of the man's being beamed up onto the craft.

Though discussions of these UFO sightings continue, and there has been audio recordings and photo documentation, it is still difficult to know whether or not the unidentified flying objects were indeed from space. Many claimed, in regard to the Gulf Breeze, Florida UFO sightings, that the man had manipulated the photographs and fabricated the story.

In each case, both sides - the believers and the skeptics - find evidence to support their claims. Those who believe in UFOs and alien visitations cite facts that they claim cannot otherwise be explained. Those who are skeptical offer their own explanations along with their own supporting evidence. Which side is right? For now, that's up to you to decide.