Travel and Leisure

2007-01-25T10:37:00.000-08:00

Best Valentines deals according to Shermans Travel

The editors at ShermansTravel.com have sorted through the ever-increasing number of Valentine’s Day travel promotions and picked their five best Valentine’s getaway deals… including one for singles!

Celebrate Love in the City of Lights for $569

La Dolce Vita in Venice this Valentine’s from $439

Valentine’s Sojourn on the Snow for $595

Romantic Beach Escape to Bermuda from $740

Singles Cruise this Valentine’s from just $699

For further details on the packages, see their romantic deals page.

[via A Luxury Travel Blog]

2007-01-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

St. Kitts Vacation Club from Marriott

A new vacation club from Marriott, which shares its facilities with the St. Kitt’s Resort and the Royal Beach Casino, has opened in the West Indies with one quarter of its proposed 88 villas. The villas have either 2 or 3 bedrooms, king beds and oversized soaking tub, full kitchens, and separate living and dining areas. Prices starts at $17,500 per deeded week.

[via A Luxury Travel Blog]

Canada

2006-02-15T03:20:00.000-08:00

Canada is located in North America and stretches all the way from the Atlantic
to the Pacific, being made up of ten Provinces and three Territories. To the
North is the Artic ocean; Davis Strait on the North East separates it from
Greenland, to the East is the Atlantic Ocean; the South is bordered by the
United States of America and the West by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska.

A country of outstanding natural beauty, Canada has a wide variety of landscapes;
the mountains, the prairies, lakes and rivers with many national and provincial
parks to protect the habitats. With a total land mass of 9,984,670 sq km
(3,855,103 sq mi), Canada is the second largest country in the world. There are
more lakes and inland waters in Canada than any other country, in fact 7.6% or
755,180 sq km (291,577 sq) is made up of fresh water.

Most images of Canada refer to the Mounties, bears, snow or the Rocky Mountains
with the amazing turquoise lakes though there is truly more to this vast
landscape. Tourism is a large part of the economy with the abundant natural
resources quickly turning Canada into a rich and vibrant country that is a
permanent listing at the top of the best places to live. With distinct seasons –
the winters are cold with plentiful snow and then warm summers, the best way to
survive is to make the most of natures offerings. Skiing, snowboarding and
snowmobiling are popular pastimes and great exercise and fun. In the summer,
hiking, camping and exploring the great outdoors are fantastic ways to spend
your free time. This is especially true when you are amongst the most
breathtaking and fabulous scenery the world has to offer!

The monetary unit is the Canadian Dollar. It is made up of cents with 100 cents
making 1 Canadian dollar. There are 1 cent coins usually called a penny, 5 cent
coins usually called a nickel, 10 cent coins called a dime, 25 cent coins called
a quarter, 1 dollar coins called a loonie and two dollar coins called a twoonie.
The notes or bills are in 5 dollar, 10 dollar, 20 dollar, 50 dollar and 100
dollar denominations. The Canadian dollar traditionally trades at a lower value
than its American counterpart but is now coming closer to parity.

All motor vehicles are driven on the right hand side of the road and are left
hand drive. Each Province or Territory is responsible for its own driving laws
and regulations so each has a different system.

Demographics

Canada has a population of 30,007,094 (2001 Census), compared with 28,846,761
(1996 Census) which shows a 4% increase. Most of the population lives in the
cities and most of these are located in the South of the country; about three
quarters of the population live within about 300 kms of the U.S border. The most
populated Provinces are Ontario and Quebec with Toronto (in Ontario) being the
most populated city.

There are two official languages - English and French - and Montreal in Quebec
is the world's largest French-speaking city outside of France. All of the
services offered by the Federal Government are in English and French. Almost
every product you buy has English and French on the labels and most public
services are available in both languages. Outside of Quebec the majority of
people speak English; about 18 percent of Canadians are fluently bilingual.

The First Nations or Indian people were the original inhabitants of Canada and
the name comes from their language and means "Village" or "Community". The
Vikings, who arrived in the 11th century and didn't stay for long, were the
first Europeans to land in Canada.

More Europeans arrived in the 16th century bringing with them manufactured goods
which they traded for furs and native products - because of this they were made
welcome by the indigenous people. The two main groups of European settlers were
the French, who came first, and then the English. Despite France losing its part
of the territory to Britain in a war in 1760, many of the French speaking people
stayed. In 1867, three colonies of Britain merged in an event called
Confederation; this created a partially independent state of four Provinces. Six
more Provinces and three Territories have since been added and in 1931 full
independence was achieved. Canada still belongs to the Commonwealth of Nations.

Canada is a Democratic Federation and has both a Federal and Provincial
Governments. The responsibilities and powers are divided between the Federal and
Provincial Governments which make for a complex political system (see
http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/canadian_political_system.html for more
details).]

Education

Public education is the responsibility of each Provincial Government (please
refer to our Provincial pages for more information) and is paid for through
taxes. Public education is free and all children are required by law to attend
school from the age of 6 years until they are 15 or 16, the majority of students
continue until they are 18 and graduate high school with a high school diploma.

The main languages of instruction are English and French.

Healthcare

Canada has a public health care system; essential medical treatment is available
to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Although the health care
systems are run by the Provincial ministries of health, the Federal Government
sets the standards for health care across the country.

There are three Provinces that charge healthcare premiums (BC, Alberta &
Ontario). In the other Provinces and Territories healthcare is paid for through
taxes. In some Provinces there is a three month waiting period before you
qualify for healthcare, (refer to
http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/healthcare.html for more information)
so you should make sure that you have insurance to cover any medical expenses
for this period.

In essence such an article can never describe such a vast and beautiful country
in adequate detail so if you are planning a visit or move go to
http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/canada.html for detailed information.

About the author:
The author immigrated to Canada in 2003 and has constructed a free information
website about Canada and Canadian
Immigration based on his family’s experiences.

Barcelona…and Beyond

2006-02-15T03:10:00.000-08:00

Barcelona…and BeyondOne of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, Barcelona has something to offer even the most discerning tourist. From beautiful beaches to the vibrant street life of the Ramblas, from architecture to football, Barcelona truly is a city for everyone. But what if the unthinkable happens, and you get bored of Barcelona? What if Gaudi’s masterpieces hold no interest for you? What if the thought of going to the Nou Camp makes your heart sink? What if you just can’t deal with one more piece of street theatre, or one more smiling face trying to sell you beer as you walk down the street? The answer is simple. Set on the beautiful east coast of Spain, Barcelona sits in the middle of stunning country, within easy reach of some of Spain’s hidden treasures.
Hire a car (try http://www.easycar.com), and set about exploring the depths of Catalonia. There are many different self drive routes to make the most of your time in Spain. But to make the most of your time, try leaving Barcelona and driving up the Costa Brava to La Gavina (available at http://www.hotelnet.co.uk), one of Spain’s most beautiful hotels and the only Five-Star Grand Luxe resort hotel in Catalonia, just 120km northeast of Barcelona.
Even if La Gavina is somewhat outside your price range, S’Agaro itself has a huge amount to offer, with beautiful beaches, tranquillity and a relaxed pace of life that is almost impossible to find in bustling Barcelona.
From S’Agaro, carry on north to Figueres, the home town of Salvador Dali. Figueres houses the famous Teatre Museu Dali (Dali Museum), a true spectacle which contains not only the largest single collection of the Dali’s work, but maybe even the spirit of the surrealist himself, as he is buried within his Museum.
A short drive from Figueres lies Girona, an ancient walled city with a wealth of history and culture. Alternatively, drive inland towards Cardona, set deep in the mountains. Cardona is a beautiful town, a real ‘find’ off the beaten track, sitting on a hill almost surrounded by the river Cardoner and boasting an imposing citadel set high on a hill – the Parador, which is now a hotel with luxury accommodation and unbelievable views.
Tired yet? For the hardcore tourist, why not make one final stop on the way back, with a day trip to the monastery at Montserrat – destination of thousands of pilgrims every year, hoping to touch the famous black Virgin Mary (La Maroneta).
After all this excitement, you may well be ready to head back to Barcelona for a couple of days recuperation (and souvenir shopping!) before returning your hire car and heading home, with a wealth of experiences and memories that could never have been accumulated in one place. Barcelona is a fantastic city – but the rest of Spain’s pretty lovely too, and definitely worth setting out to explore.

About the author:Rebecca is a freelance travel writer, writing articles for a range of online and offline resources. Although travel is her first love, she occasionally gets distracted by exciting ideas and theories, which more often than not lead to new writing outside the travel sector.

Hello from New York City (1) - First Impressions of the Big Apple

2005-11-22T13:01:00.000-08:00

So yesterday morning our American Airways flight (booked for free with my Airmiles) left at 7:13 am to bring us to the Big Apple, a place I had always had a fascination with, but only had visited twice very briefly in my life,and that more than 10 years ago.
Just flying in over NYC was an experience itself, seeing all the skyscrapers of Manhattan, the various bridges linking the mainland with the island, and shortly after flying over the Rykers Island prison we landed at La Guardia Airport, a rather small airport actually, when compared to Toronto.
Our luggage was out in no time and we grabbed a couple of week long transit passes (a pretty good deal at US$24 for unlimited travel for a whole week) and we started our trip to Brooklyn. One bus (through a mostly Latin area in Queens) and one subway ride (through Manhattan) later, we ended up in our lovely bed and breakfast in a gorgeous neighbourhood, just south of Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
Since we didn't know the area and the website of our B&B had provided just a tiny little map, we had chosen the wrong subway line to get off from and we had to walk about 1/2 hour to find the B&B, but it gave us a good first look at this part of Brooklyn.
It is an area with stately homes and houses that are about a century old. Magnolia and cherry trees are blooming everywhere and gardens are meticulously kept around here. Our Brookly neighbourhood feels very safe and we got to meet our bed and breakfast hosts: a very hospitable and outgoing couple in their 40s by the name of Harry and Bibi. They showed us to our room, a nice room on the third floor of this spacious house, with a shared bathroom.
Actually the whole house has been turned into a B&B and there are 8 bedrooms, the 2nd and 3rd floor of the house each have their own kitchen and bedroom areas and it actually makes for a really comfortable stay since it feels more like having your own apartment, rather than just renting a room.
Before leaving I thoroughly researched accommodation options in New York City, and after looking at all the options (hotels, hostels, B&Bs), I decided the B&B option would be the most comfortable route to go. And at US$90.00 a night it's definitely turned out to be one of the most affordable options and a great base to start exploring New York City...

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the t-ransitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Preparing for the Rio Carnival

2005-11-22T12:52:00.000-08:00

So, this is the Brazil. This is what Rio de Janeiro is really all about. When the Carnival arrives, companies close down, shops shut their doors early, and streets are closed off to make way for dancing, parties and parades. This awe inspiring festivity not only provides entertainment for the thousands of people attending the Carnival, but also for the millions watching it on their televisions, giving them a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil.
The next Carnival starts on Saturday 25th February 2006, and ends on Fat Tuesday leading up to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent in the Roman Catholic calendar. This happens to be during the hottest time of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, when summer is at its peak. When that Saturday arrives then it’s Carnival all over the place, in the streets and squares, bars, clubs and other venues, taking over the whole city of Rio and culminating in the Rio Carnival Parade also known as the Samba Parade.
The Rio Carnival is an event of mere days, but the result of months of preparation. The most giving and hardworking hands during the months before are often the ones most overlooked by outside eyes. These are the people who make the Carnival what it is, they add an ingredient that couldn’t possibly be replicated by the largest tourist operator, most experienced guide or multi million dollar sponsor. They are the people from Rio de Janeiro’s poorest neighbourhoods, the so called favelas or shanty towns.
So where did you think all the magic and thrill Carnival is famous for started? From the production of the elaborate costumes to the performance and choreography of the costume bearers, residents of the favelas are deeply involved with every aspect of the Carnival. More often than not, this is done through their participation and membership to a local samba school.
The samba schools, with members reaching the thousands, will get together on a regular basis throughout the year for rehearsals and samba nights. All the samba schools have rehearsal spaces, called samba courts, or locally known as quadras de samba. They open, in most cases, at weekends for anyone, including tourists like you and me, as long as you pay the small fee at the door. To anyone who’s not been to one of these places they can only be described as nightclubs with samba.
This is the best way to make contact with the real samba and people of Rio de Janeiro. The nights are totally informal, and members of all ages including many old people can go to the party of any school. Most are quite far out of from the main parts of Rio de Janeiro and some of the areas they are situated in can be rough. To this end I would recommend going with a group in a package including a local escort, and round-trip transportation. Once you're inside, it's very safe. I would recommend not going flashy or having anything valuable with you except of course your camera. This is only due to the high density and energetic atmosphere of these events and you are more likely to lose or damage such items rather than have them stolen.
So maybe you are planning to come to the Rio carnival, or maybe not and you just want to sample some of the rich carnival energy that lasts all year round in this city. Either way, visiting a Samba school is a great pre-Carnival excursion.
If you are coming for the main event then remember it also means a bit of preparation on your part too. You should not only get your flight, but do a bit of research on your Carnival tickets in advance. Try to plan your Carnival activities ahead to sample the immense variety on offer. Include in your must-do's the Samba Parade, street parties, and balls. You should also really organize your accommodation for the carnival well in advance. The best hotels, especially around Copacabana and Ipanema, are booked up early, so it’s advisable to make your hotel reservations as soon as you have decided to attend this spectacular event.

Ally Colquhoun has travelled extensively throughout South America, particularly in Brazil and visits Rio de Janeiro on a regular basis. He runs a website at http://www.riolocal.com where tourists can find more information and resources about Rio de Janeiro.

The Real Australia

2005-10-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

Australian vacations are great for extended holidays and summer fun particularly if you like the warmer weather. In fact, since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere a hot summer in the United States will be a nice winter in the land down under. You might even think about taking an Australia cruise during this time of year. Take your swim suit, your sun cream and your spending money and you will bve all set for the trip of a lifetime.
When you first decide on taking an Australian holiday you will probably run into a challenge trying to decide where to go because the options are simply endless. There are so many great places to visit such as Sydney - the home of the Harbour Bridge, Melbourne - the home of AFL, Adelaide - teh City of Fine Wine and Alice Springs - the home of Ayers Rock. Don't get discouraged because you might be able to do more than you think since you will certainly be able to book cheap airline flights within Australia to get around the country while you are there.
Australian vacations offer something for everyone no matter where you end up traveling in the country. Sydney will enhance your sense of culture. Be sure and visit the Opera House. Melbourne is an extremely cosmopolitan city full of jumping clubs and great restaurants.
Other Australian vacations can take you into the outback where you can see the real Australia that you have only seen on television. The Aborigines live throughout the country too and have a culture well worth discovering. If you can take as much as a month in Australia then you will have the chance to really enjoy the experience. Nothing less than two weeks will do for your first trip to this diverse country.

About The Author
Cusion Delause is the owner of Australia DEX which is a premier resource for Australia information. for more information, go to http://www.australiadex.com

Attractions in Lanzarote

2005-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

There is a great amount of different things to do and places to meet in the island of Lanzarote. Lanzarote is located towards the eastern area of the Canary Islands, and shows a size of about 13 miles in width and40 miles in length. One of the most appealing characteristics of Lanzarote is its climate. Lanzarote offers warm temperatures and scarce rains year around, turning it into a great place for those who wish to spend time at the beach and enjoy as many outdoor activities as possible.
The Limantaya National Park is one of the first spot tourists should visit while being in the island. This park was created over an area of lava field of more than 20 square miles. This lava field was created around the year 1730, when several volcanic eruptions covered the area with lava.
The House of Cesar Manrique is another interesting place tourists can visit in Lanzarote. This house is interesting from several points of view, such as from an architectonic perspective or a historic and an art related one. Near this place, within the central region of Lanzarote, there is the island's city of Arrecife, where tourists can find hotels, shops, restaurants and other facilities.
The northern area of Lanzarote has several attractive places to visit. One of these places is the Jameos del Agua, offering a formation of lava underground tunnels created after a volcanic eruption. Another spot to visit near the Jameos del Agua is the Mirador del Río. The Mirador del Río allows visitors to enjoy an amazing view and incredible landscapes since it is built over a strategic cliff area.
Another great place tourists can visit in this area of the island is La Cueva de los Verdes or Cave of the Greens. La Cueva de los Verdes is a system of lava caves and tunnels which are very interesting to meet. Visitors can walk through them and observe some unique spots and amazing lava formations. Near this place, the Jardín de Cactus is another interesting spot to meet, containing a wide variety of species and kinds of cactus which those who enjoy nature and plants would surely like to observe.

Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit http://www.eurotomic.com/spain.php if you're planning a trip to Spain.

10 Best Activities Hawaii Has To Offer

2005-10-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

You can read a hundred of the “10 Best Activities Hawaii has to Offer” and find as many lists with differing information. This is not because the lists are wrong, it is simply because there are so many amazing activities to do in Hawaii that each list maker can only include their top 10 favorites, which is why there are so many differences. Here are 10 more of the best activities in Hawaii, but they are generalizations that appeal to the general population and tourists heading to the islands for vacation. So, the best thing to do is read this list and rank the activities you like most and call and make reservations before your vacation begins. Then, when you reach the islands you can look around, check out other activities, and either choose more on this list or some of your own. Remember, there are several islands that make up Hawaii and all of them have special activities. The goal is for you to have the most fun possible and enjoy your Hawaiian vacation.
Hawaii Activity #1 Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay, on the island of Oahu, boasts an amazing coral reef that is simply out of this world. There are many fish species that call Hanauma Bay and the coral reef their home, which makes for incredible snorkeling. In fact, so many people snorkel at Hanauma Bay that it often gets quite crowded. So, if you want to snorkel at Hanauma Bay you should get there early or find out which days are the slowest in order to enjoy this fabulous experience.
Hawaii Activity #2 Hawaii Volcanoes
The Volcanoes National Park on the main island of Hawaii is out of this world. When you visit this park you will encounter 330,000 acres preserved for hiking and the like, as well as Mona Lau volcano that is dormant and the active, lava flowing Kilauea volcano. You will be impressed to see the red, hot glow of lava oozing out of this volcano. Spend a few hours or even a few days in The Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii Activity #3 Maui Drive
Take the road from the Kahului Airport all the way to Hana and you will pass over countless bridges, enjoy the beautiful landscape where you will see pineapples growing and proceed through the tropical rainforest where other amazing fruits grow in addition to eucalyptus trees. It takes several hours to make this short drive, but near the end you will be blessed with the vision of black sand beaches that are simply astonishing in their beauty. When you finally end up in Hana you can enjoy excursions to waterfalls as well as great hikes.
Hawaii Activity #4 Waimea Canyon
On the island of Kauai is the Waimea Canyon which is simply a breathtaking experience. The canyon is so large and colorful that Mark Twain dubbed it the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You will love the adventure and scenery at Waimea Canyon so you must include this on your vacation “to do” list.
Hawaii Activity # 5 Waikiki Beach
If you are looking for a luxurious resort and a relaxing beach, then Waikiki Beach is the place for you. In fact, the majority of the resorts are located on Waikiki which was made popular in the 1800s by Hawaiian royalty who frequented the area for its beautiful beaches. This area is certainly not economical, but every type of luxury you can imagine is available to you.
Hawaii Activity #6 Kona
The Kona coast is also a great resort location and its beaches are fabulous for sun bathing and other beach activities, as well as fishing and even snorkeling. As a result, many people vacation at Kona because there are so many activities available in one place. There are also coffee plantations that produce the natural and organic Kona coffee so you could always take a tour to see how coffee is grown, processed, and ultimately packaged and sold. Whatever you decide to do, Kona has a lot of options.
Hawaii Activity # 7 Na’Pali Coast
The island of Kauai boasts the Na’Pali Coast which is one of nature’s wonders. The towering cliffs originate on the ocean’s floor and ascend from the water to create amazing gorges created by waterfalls streaming down over centuries and eroding the stone. You can hike to the Na’Pali coast, but this might take all day. There are other options like boat tours and helicopter rides that will also allow you to reach Na’Pali without so much effort if you are not in the best physical condition to walk 11 miles or don’t have that much time to spare.
Hawaii Activity #8 Iao Valley
This cloud covered valley on the island of Maui provides a historical lesson for tourists because this flourishing valley was the home to the agricultural god, Lono, and during feast week the Hawaiians all joined together in the Iao Valley to honor Lono. You will be amazed at the shape of the valley and the general feeling you have of history when you visit this amazing place on Maui.
Hawaii Activity #9 Go Whale Watching
Whale watching can be a spectacular experience so you should definitely include this in your itinerary. There are whale watching tours that can be booked from Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, or Maui. You should book in advance, however, because these tours can get filled up quickly and don’t happen year round!
Hawaii Activity #10 Luau
When people think of Hawaii the first thing that comes to their mind is the luau. As a result, when you visit the islands you absolutely must attend a Polynesian luau to top off your vacation. You will enjoy the food, music, dance, and sites of the luau and it will be an experience that will stay with you long after your vacation ends and you return to your real life.
When you visit the islands you will not have enough time to do all the amazing activities waiting for you. However, you should pick the ones you find most interesting and save the rest for subsequent vacations. When you visit Hawaii, you are sure to be enchanted and engaged.

Stephanie Coburn is the Marketing Director for Wailua Bay View, an oceanfront Kauai vacation rental. She has personally researched and experienced many of the activities and destinations graced with Hawaiian culture as described above. Learn more at http://www.wailuabay.com.

Gambling In Las Vegas

2005-10-04T14:32:00.000-07:00

The two letter noun that completely defines gambling is LAS VEGAS. It has become the dream destination of all gamblers and holiday seekers. The one place you can drain all the tension and if unlucky all the money is VEGAS. Set in the midst of the desert it makes an oasis worth reckoning. Offering free drinks and luxurious ambiances the casinos of Las Vegas are nothing short of wonderland. It’s so easy for a person to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the busy streets or overcrowded casino tables. One must be care full while in Vegas as you may loose more then you plan to earn.
The gambling sees no rich or poor. All you need is the willingness to spend the money you have, the daring to go for the risky bets and you never know you can be the crowned king of gambling. This is the philosophy of the gambling paradise on earth. The casinos are full of games to bet on. There are sophisticated games with latest technology and there can also be the most famous card games to play. For example, despite all the advances games like blackjack and poker remain most played.
Although the whole city and places around it are mushroomed with casinos and entertainment centers but some places are better then others. And the best Las Vegas has to offer can be found on the Fremont street. It has been the street where you can find the most advertised items that Las Vegas has. The El Cortez, the Horseshoe etc. are the major places to go and try luck. Gambling majors like Steve Wynn have brought about a completely fantastic arena for the gamblers by the name of Golden Nugget. It has an excellent accommodation and luxurious settings for the gambling lovers.
Gambling is not the exclusive domain of the rich and spendthrift. With the increasing numbers of non-gambling tourist making it to Vegas every year, it has become imperative for the city to have places that offer cheap and dilettante gambling. you can make it to the Klondike, one of the most inexpensive casinos, then you can fulfill your dream of sitting on an poker table and yet not be robbed of. Most non-gambling tourists look for such places.

You may also decide to come out of Vegas with riches in both hands. This requires a lot of skill and time to spend. One has to survey the prospects and identify the one where the odds to win are the best and then intelligently with some prior knowledge bet on it. All the time one is betting, temperament is one thing you can’t loose. You have to be cool and play on. Keeping in mid what you have with you and what are you willing to loose. There is no point wonder what went wrong in the last bet that you even lost your shirt in it. The only advise for new visitors is that, in a place that offers free drinks for a person betting any thing over 25 cents, better safe then sorry.

Mansi Gupta writes about. gambling in las vegas Learn more at http://www.betsinvegas.com.

Holiday in Paphos, Cyprus

2005-09-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

ABOUT PAPHOS
Situated in the South-west of Cyprus, Paphos has an interesting harbour with lots of fishing and pleasure boats and the Saturday market in the old town should not be missed. Just inland are three championship golf courses, where slightly cooler temperatures mean that you can tee off comfortably throughout the year. Other sights include the Tomb of the Kings and the Paphos mosaics. A few kilometres to the north, Coral Bay has an excellent beach, while Peyia is a firm favourite with many visitors. For a quiet, low-key holiday you could head a little further north to the Akamas peninsula, famous for its turtles, and the very pleasant fishing village of Latchi.
KATO PAPHOS - HARBOUR AREA
Situated 2 miles south of Paphos town, Kato Paphos was an important port during the 4th Century BC. The whole area is scattered with remains of the past and is an archaeological paradise for any visitor. The tourist area of Kato Paphos stretches along a shoreline boulevard from the large hotels to the east of the resort to the harbour, and then from the harbour along the coast on the Kings Road to the Tomb of the Kings. The distance from one end to the other takes just over an hour to walk, which has resulted in the formation of two distinguishable tourist areas namely the harbour area and the Tomb of the Kings area.
The majority of the holiday accommodation in the harbour area is situated in Universal Gardens, a 10-15 minute walk inland. There is a beach within walking distance of the harbour and Universal Gardens.
Places of Interest
The Harbour
Full of colourful fishing boats and yachts from all over Europe.
St Paul’s Pillar
Situated to the west of Ayia Kyriaki Church, the pillars were named after St Pauls visit to Paphos in 45 AD
Paphos Museum
Attractive collection of Cypriot antiquities from the Paphos area, dating from the Neolithic Age to 1700 AD.
The Mosaics of Paphos
House of Dionysos, House of Theseus and the recently excavated House of Aion. The amazing mosaic floors, of these 3rd century AD noblemen's villas, are considered among the finest in the Eastern Mediterranean. They mostly depict scenes from Greek mythology and are beautifully executed.
Paphos Medieval Castle
Originally built as a Byzantine fort to protect the harbour, it was rebuilt by the Lusignans in the 13th century, then dismantled by the Venetians in 1570, who found themselves unable to defend it against the Ottomans, who in their turn restored and strengthened it after they captured the island.
Paphos Odeon
A small 2nd century Odeon entirely built of limestone blocks. It was uncovered by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities in 1973 and is now regularly used for musical and theatrical performances.
Theoskepasti Church
Theoskepasti means 'Veiled by God' and according to tradition, God sent down a fog to protect the original church during the Arab raids. The modern church was built in 1923.
Restaurant Recommendations
Pavarotti’s
Close to the Alexander the Great Hotel. This is probably the best restaurant in Pafos and you must book in advance. It is the ideal place for a special occasion and prices are similar to top restaurants in the UK. Tel: 00357 26912588
Grazie
Situated opposite Theoskepastis church, just off Bar Street. A quality Italian restaurant with good service.
Apomero
One of the best meze houses and great food at reasonable prices. They also offer all of the local main courses as starters so it is a great place to experiment. Closed on Monday and only open in the evenings.
Demokritos
A traditional Cypriot restaurant with Greek dancers. The 18-course meze is very good value and food from the grill is also good. Opposite the Robin Hood on Bar Street.
Koh-I-Noor
A quality curry house opposite the Alexander the Great Hotel
Eidleweiss
A traditional Cypriot restaurant with friendly service
Plaka
varied menu with reasonable prices. Near the Amathus Beach hotel
Napoleon
Excellent French restaurant but can be expensive. Near the Avanti hotel
Rendezvous
Varied menu and often have 3-course offers. Near the Avanti hotel
Gabor
Classy French restaurant but expensive. Near the Amathus Beach hotel
Oleastra
Classy modern European. Near the Amathus Beach hotel
Deep Blue
Excellent fish restaurant
La Spaghetteria
A popular Italian Restaurant with a varied selection of dishes
Chloe’s
One of the best Chinese restaurants in Paphos. Same road as Alexander the Great on left from harbour.
KATO PAPHOS - TOMB OF THE KINGS AREA
Situated 2 miles south of Paphos town, Kato Paphos was an important port during the 4th Century BC. The whole area is scattered with remains of the past and is an archaeological paradise for any visitor. The tourist area of Kato Paphos stretches along a shoreline boulevard from the large hotels to the east of the resort to the harbour, and then from the harbour along the coast on the Kings Road to the Tomb of the Kings. The distance from one end to the other takes just over an hour to walk, which has resulted in the formation of two distinguishable tourist areas namely the harbour area and the Tomb of the Kings area.
Stretching for two miles from the Catacombs to the Tomb of the Kings the holiday accommodation is on either side of the costal road. Walking distance to the harbour is from 15-30 minutes and this area is very close to the beach.
Places of Interest
Tombs of the Kings
Wide area containing underground tombs carved out of solid rock dating to 4th century BC, many decorated with Doric pillars. Whether Kings were buried here or not, the magnificence of the tombs gave the locality its name.
Restaurant Recommendations
Fat Mama’s
The fillet steak is superb and the portions are massive. The restaurant offers “entertainment” throughout your meal. You can’t book so just turn up.
Peach Blossom
Excellent Chinese/Japanese/Thai Restaurant. One of the best in Paphos. Opposite Fat Mamas
Phukett
Another excellent Chinese restaurant
Alteo
Classy modern European restaurant
Sisyfos
Offers local and international cuisine and is reasonably priced
CORAL BAY
Coral Bay is 10km from Kato Paphos and has developed into a tourist area and holiday village with houses owned by locals as well as many British, who have established a well organised community. There are a number of tavernas and restaurants and the sandy beaches are some of the best in the area. The water is very shallow so it is ideal for young children and non-swimmers and there is a wealth of water sports facilities on the beach.
Places of Interest
Maa-Paleokastro
An early bronze age settlement which was fortified and believed to be a major disembarkation point for the first Greek settlers to the island.
Restaurant Recommendations
Coral King
Situated in the heart of Coral Bay this restaurant offer a lovely setting with efficient, friendly waiter service
Viklari
Located near Avakas Gorge. In the summer you can sit out in the sun on the top of a mountain with a cool breeze blowing through the vines. Viklari is made out of the remains of an old castle (The Last Castle) with grape vines hanging above your head. The grapes are served as a desert if you want them. The food is mainly Cypriot salads and BBQ'S-absolutely delicious! A very nice restaurant! It is advisable to try to get here with an off-road vehicle. Open in season, but probably best to telephone first on 26 991088 or 99 489000.
Phideas Tavern
Is a must for any visit to Coral Bay. Your host will be Phideas, an evenings entertainment in himself. As you will see when you walk through his door, he has a collection of tea towels from around the world, so if you are coming pack a tea towel with some sort of local design in your suitcase, he will get you to personally sign it before hanging it with the hundreds of others he has in his collection. The food is meze, which means he will bring you various Cypriot dishes one after another until you tell him to stop, you get everything from salads, cheeses, grilled meats, sausages, it's truly an experience to remember!!
PEYIA
The picturesque village of Peyia tumbles down a hillside overlooking the sea. The village has a church and some interesting little houses and is of Byzantine origin. Most of the accommodation in Peyia are villas situated between the village and Coral Bay.
Places of Interest
Jail Pub
Situated in the village and used to be a regional prison in Ottoman times
Restaurant Recommendations
Kyrenia
Serves a good fixed meze
Peyia
Generous-portioned appetizers and nearly always full
YEROSKIPOU
The village of Yeroskipou is 2km from Kato Paphos. The worship of Aphrodite brought great importance to this village where her Holy Gardens (Yieros Kipos) was where pilgrims stopped to relax before continuing there journey to the Holy Temple of Paleapaphos. The village square, with cafes and souvenir shops, is always busy with people.
Places of Interest
Folk Art Museum
The name of the village comes from the Greek word "Hieroskepos", the sacred Garden of Aphrodite. Fascinating collection of Cyprus folk arts and crafts gathered together in the house known as Hadjismith.
Ayia Paraskevi Church
One of the most interesting and attractive Byzantine Churches on the island, dating to the 10th century, with a vaulted basilica, a nave and two aisles surmounted by five domes, with later frescoes dating to the 15th century.
Restaurant Recommendations
Seven St Georges Tavern
Experience a truly authentic Cypriot evening (closed Monday)
CHLORAKAS
The village is 5km from Kato Paphos and is where ancient tombs were found. It is located just off the coastal road to Coral Bay. Many properties in the village have sea views.
Places of Interest
Panayia Khryseleousa Church
Dating back to the 13th century and one of the rarest of its type in Cyprus
Restaurant Recommendations
Petros
Petros the owner also cooks and waits. Very pleasant service which opens from breakfast till late into the night. A few tables situated outside on the small balcony. Menu is typical Cypriot but you can also pop in there during the day to make a special request or ask Mrs.Petros to make a vegetarian dish. Very reasonably priced and good village wine.
Railway Tavern
Good British pub food
KISSONERGA
The village is 7km from Kato Paphos and was built in the middle ages as an agricultural estate, although remains have been found of even earlier civilisations. It is a centre for banana plantations and similar to Chlorakas, is just off the coastal road with sea views.
Places of Interest
Banana plantation
Stretching along the coastline between the village and the sea
Restaurant Recommendations
The Pithary
In the village with an extensive international menu
Apothiki (The Old Barn Tavern)
a rustic-looking place, but good food, including a fantastic meze
Tweedie's
Lovely food and atmosphere. Booking is essential
EMBA
The village is 6km from Kato Paphos and in the spring the countryside around the village is full of wild flowers and cyclamen. Many properties in the village have sea views.
Places of Interest
Church of Panagia Chrydeleousa
Dating back to the 12th century contains wall paintings of the 12th to 16th century
Restaurant Recommendations
Big Brother Tavern
Traditional food in a friendly environment
LATCHI
Latchi a picturesque fishing village situated on the North West Coast. Before tourism had discovered Latchi its main industry apart from fishing was the exportation of sea sponges. The main focal point of Latchi is the fishing harbour sporting fishing boats bobbing gently on the clear waters weighed down with nets, wicker baskets and the catch of the day. Fresh fish can be sampled in one of the many small stone build tavernas surrounding the harbour; a popular eating place for the locals. Sun worshippers and beach goers will appreciate the sandy/pebbly beaches nestling on the Akamas National Park. Cool waters and gentle summer breezes. By night Latchi becomes a hive of activity with night cruises, local discothèque and a selection of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Places of Interest
Baths of Aphrodite
A small semi-cave draped with cool vegetation. Water drips from a spring at the top into a pool of water. It is believed that bathing in the pool would bestow eternal youth, but unfortunately it is not permitted to enter the water
Latchi Harbour
Populated with small fishing boats this is slowly becoming one of the most important attractions of the Paphos district
Restaurant Recommendations
Yangos and Peter's
The oldest restaurant in Latchi serving fresh seafood
Periyali
Traditional Cypriot restaurant
Finikas
Traditional Cypriot restaurant in Polis old town
Akhontariki
Traditional Cypriot restaurant in Polis old town
POLIS
This country town derives its name from the Greek word for city, and is the shortened version of Polis Chrysohou, which translated, means “the City of the Golden Land” thus named for the fertile land surrounding the river Chrysochou. There are no large hotels so travellers can step into a world away from the usual tourist attractions and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this small but attractive village. The main feature of Polis has to be the village square boasting cobbled streets, souvenir shops, banks, jewellers, chemists and bars where thirsty travellers can sample locally made wines, including Command aria a sweet dessert wine favoured by “Richard the Lion Heart” and used as a holy communion wine. Traditional restaurants surrounding the square offer tantalising home baked cuisine. Ice cream parlours, tiny coffee shops are a few of the delights on offer in Polis. Walking enthusiasts will love the many walks available in the area.
Places of Interest
The Archaeological Museum
Two galleries worth of grave finds from nearby Marion and Arsine
Adios Andronicus
A little sixteenth century church
Restaurant Recommendations
Mystery
A family tavern offering good maze
Moustakallis Tavern
For a good Souvla off the Polis Square just say the word Moustakallis and you're there!
Mylos Tavern
Mylos Restaurant in Pano Gialia welcomes you to a traditional Cyprus Taverna. Mylos is one of those hidden tavernas you must discover and visit in your quest for the real Cyprus
Savvas Bar
For a good breakfast try this restaurant in Polis square. Savvas and Demetris offer various local, continental and of course for the shy, English breakfast.
NEO CHORIO
Situated 1500m from Latchi, the inland turning leads to a hillside village dotted with luxury villas. The village is famous for its Easter Sunday Festival.
Places of Interest
Petratis Gorge
Famous for its bat cave (one of two caverns here) filmed by David Attenborough in 1985
Restaurant Recommendations
Prangos
The Stone Tavern
Assorted oven dishes, roasts and meze
ARGAKA
Situated on the coast 7km north of Polis Argaka is a small traditional Cypriot farming village with a church and a few tavernas. The nearest beach is a short walk from all of our properties and the popular resorts of Latchi and Polis are a short drive away
Places of Interest
Ayios Merkourios Monastery
Agia Harbour
Restaurant Recommendations
Lizas Place Tavern
This tavern is only 500meters from the villas offering local Cuisine in a nice atmosphere.
GOLF
Cyprus is the new jewel in the crown for golfers seeking golfing breaks in the warmth of the eastern Mediterranean. It offers golfers challenging world-class championship courses, top quality hotels, safety, warm hospitality and almost year round sunshine. There are currently three golf courses within a short drive of Paphos.
Aphrodite Hills Golf Club
This spectacular Resort Course designed by Cabell Robinson really puts Cyprus on the golfing map. It is located on two stunning plateaus with views of the Med. Its fantastic condition provides for a great golfing experience. Must play course when in Cyprus - on a par with top resort courses in Europe. 20km from Kato Paphos.
Par: 71, Yardage: 6815, Maximum handicap: 28
Website: www.aphroditehills.com/golf
Tsada Golf Club
Founded in 1994 on the hills of Tsada, the Tsada Golf Club is set in the grounds of a 12th century monastery, in a gentle valley. Situated on the outskirts of Paphos on an altitude of 550m above sea level, it ensures cool breezes during the summer months. From the 7th tee a monk can often be seen in the garden of the monastery. The course, designed by Donald Steel in two loops of nine, reveals the subtle hand of a man who always allows a course to blend into its natural surroundings. 10km from Paphos.
Par: 72, Yardage: 6060, Maximum handicap: 28
Website: www.cyprusgolf.com
Secret Valley Golf Club
It lies in a scenic valley with grand trees adding to the course`s maturity and the beautiful scalped natural rock formations offer panoramic views to the golfer. It`s believed that the course lies by "Petra tou Romiou" the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.
The front nine offers four holes for warming up, two birdie opportunities and a dog leg. The back nine plays longer than the first nine and the challenge starts immediately - no warm-up holes on this side. 18km from Paphos.
Par: 72, Yardage: 6120, Maximum handicap: 28
Website: www.cyprusgolf.com
SCUBA DIVING
Paphos makes a good destination for divers and Paphos Lettings recommends leading dive centre Cydive. Cydive has been established in Paphos for over 25 years and was the first dive centre in Cyprus to achieve PADI IDC five-star accreditation.
Cydive offer a wide range of dives, training courses and packages including diving for children. They visit over 50 dive sites throughout the year and at any one time they have 24 unique sites in their fortnightly timetable.
Cyprus is a good place to learn to dive with some basic sites on offer, as well as progression onto the simple wrecks then onto the more adventurous wreck, cave and tunnel and night dives. Most dive sites are only a few minutes boat journey and there are a number of shore dives available. The Zenobia is one of the best wreck dives in the world and the wreck is worth a trip to Cyprus for alone. There are also sites where artefacts such as Roman pottery can be found on the seabed.
Please call us on 08700 429147 or email at address below to receive a 5% discount and a representative from Cydive will contact you.
SKIING
It has to rate as one of the strangest places to find a ski run, but Mt Olympos, the highest point on Cyprus, boasts not one but four pistes. In addition, there are three T-bar ski lifts, a ski school, a shop hiring out skis and boots and a restaurant. Nobody comes to Cyprus specifically to ski, but if you are here at the right time of year (December to February) and fancy a quick slalom in between the islands more traditional sights, it is certainly a unique place in which to strap on the skis.
Hera - 350m long - Beginner
Aphrodite - 150m long - Beginner
Hermes - 150m long - Intermediate
Zeus - 500m long - Advanced
At both the North Face (Zeus lift) and especially the Sun Valley area of the resort, there is ski equipment rental via the Cyprus Ski Club. It pays to get there early as the rental equipment ranges from excellent high quality latest models to mediocre relics of 20+ years ago, and on busy weekends they all go pretty fast!
A daily ski-pass costs around CY£13, Lessons CY£11 and equipment hire CY£10
WATER PARK
Located close to the sea front within the tourist area of Kato Paphos. Nestling amidst 3500sqm of landscaped grounds, it allows comfortable spread of its wide range of attractions, facilities and food & beverage outlets. Perfect engineering and the latest technology guarantees a high level of safety and water hygiene. There are all types of water slides, shutes and even kamikaze style slides for those who enjoy speed. If you prefer taking life at a more leisurely pace, that is equally possible on the `Lazy River` and as water fun is hungry work, there are plenty of places to enjoy a snack and cool drink before going on your favourite ride - just one more time…
www.aphroditewaterpark.com
WALKING
Paphos offers a number of walks the most popular of which are as follows:
The Aphrodite Trail – 7.5km – 3 hours duration
Starts at the Baths of Aphrodite with views of Polis and the Paphos Forest.
The Adonis Trail - 7.5km – 3 hours duration
Starts at the Baths of Aphrodite with views of Lara, Tzioni and Karavopetres beaches.
The Smigies Trail - 2.5km – 1-hour duration or 5km – 2-hour duration
Starts at Neo Chorio with views east of Polis Chrysochous Bay, Latchi, Pachyammos and Paphos Forest.
Pissouromouttis Trail – 3km – 1.5 hours duration
Starts at Neo Chorio with views of Polis Bay and the beaches of the Akamas.
Kathikas Trail - 2km - 1-hour duration
Starts near Kathikas and passes a stone-built fountain and the chapel at Agia Marina
The Cyprus Tourism Organisation (Tel 020 7569 8800) publish a guide called Nature Trails which lists a number of other trails on the island.
KARTING
There is karting in Kato Paphos (near the water park) and in Coral bay.

Colin Hall is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Paphos Lettings who are experts in arranging tailor-made accommodation in Paphos, Cyprus
For more information on Paphos, Cyprus or to book holiday accommodation visit our website: www.villas-paphos.com

Waddesdon Manor and Garden, Buckinghamshire

2005-09-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

A popular tour when visiting the south of England is to Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild created Waddesdon Manor in 1874. His love of France and French art is instantly obvious by the startling sight, confronted by first time visitors to Waddesdon, of an extravagantly turreted chateau in the French Renaissance style sitting on a hilltop in rural Buckinghamshire. However it is not only the exterior of Waddesdon Manor that is stunning. The Rothschilds were the greatest collectors of the 19th century and inside the house you can see one of the finest collections of French 18th century decorative arts in the world.
Going round the house you get a glimpse of a way of life most of us can only dream of. Waddesdon was always intended as a venue to entertain and give pleasure to friends during ‘Saturday to Monday’ parties. Highlights of which would be tours of the house and the garden both of which reflect the personality of the Baron and his penchant for gimmicks and novelties. The number of rooms open to the public is one of the best things about visiting this house. Unlike some stately homes where you can only visit 3 or 4 rooms, at Waddesdon you can really let the imagination run riot and entertain thoughts of how it would be to be a guest of Baron Ferdinand as large parts of the house are open to view The only disappointment, to my mind, is that there are no kitchens open as I always find the kitchens a fascinating part of the history of a house.
You really do need a full day to visit Waddesdon Manor because as well as the house, which takes a good two hours plus to do justice there are many features to view outdoors. When Baron Rothschild arrived at Waddesdon the site was totally bare, in his own words, “There was not a bush to be seen, nor was there a bird to be heard” This is hard to believe now as six years later it had been completely transformed. Although a French Landscape architect, Elie Laine, helped him in the layout of the hard landscaping many of the planting schemes were designed by Ferdinand. This results in an intriguing mixture of French formality and English romantic parkland. On arriving at Waddesdon, as you walk up the hill toward the Manor, carefully sited gaps in the planting reveal glimpses of the lovely Buckinghamshire countryside. Even in the garden Ferdinand’s love of object d’art is reflected in his collection of sculptures, which are placed throughout the garden. Ferdinand built the cast iron Aviary before 1889 to house his collection of exotic birds, from all over the world, including ibises, flamingos and African cranes. This Aviary was restored in 2003 and now houses a breeding pair of Rothschild Mynahs, a species that became extinct in the wild as recently as 2004.
No visit to Waddesdon would be complete with a visit to the Stables restaurant, which boasts a menu, which is not vast but includes a regularly changing selection of well-cooked meals.
As well as all this, Waddesdon also host special monthly events such as a Fine Food and Wine fare in May where 25 producers from across the country sell the highest quality food, wines and spirits in the Old Coach House at the Stables. There are regular wine tasting days where Waddesdon’s own Master of Wine uses 6 wines to introduce guests to the pleasure of wine tasting. For those hardy enough to get up for a 6.30 a.m. start there are regular early morning wildlife walks where you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the grounds looking for Waddesdon Wildlife before returning to the Manor Restaurant for breakfast.
Waddesdon Manor is a gem and well worth a visit if touring England in the area around Buckinghamshire.

Susan Robson provides catered accommodation and personal tours to stately homes and gardens in the south central area of England. (www.hopecottagetours.co.uk)

Riviera Maya, Mexico – Paradise Defined

2005-09-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast was a secret getaway to paradise for many years. No longer. Now it is considered one of the finest beach areas in the world.
Riviera Maya
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, the Riviera Maya is jaw dropping beautiful. Although the area was only known to a select few for years, the last 10 years has seen a boom in tourism and resorts. Depending on your personal views, this is or isn’t a good development.
The best-known destination in the area is the beach town of Cancun. From Cancun, you can travel to the south down the beaches. Since the Riviera is not a defined area, it is generally agreed the town of Tulum is the southernmost point. Regardless of how you definite it, the beaches along the coast have something for everyone.
Top Locations
Although everyone has different views, Cancun is as good a place to start as anywhere. If you want to cram as much as possible into your vacation, this is the place. From loafing on the beach to snorkeling and jet skiing, your beach needs will be satisfied. If you prefer an adventure, you can head inland to see Mayan ruins or take jungle tours. The downside of Cancun, on the other hand, is it tends to be a bit crowded and lacks the “authentic Mexican feel.”
To get a better feel for the local culture, you should consider heading down the coast to explore the little towns dotting the coast. In places such as Tulum and Xpu-Ha, you can experience the laid back Mexican culture while staying in cheap cabanas. It’s a slow life, but truly amazing. Have you seen Corona Beer commercials showing people on the beach on thought, “Where is that?” This is the place.
The Riviera Maya is an incredibly beautiful collection of beaches. Next time you get a hankering for a beach vacation, check out this paradise.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com/ - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are perfect travel accessories. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com/ to read more travel articles and travelogues.

Travel to South America: How to Start

2005-09-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

You set your mind and you're ready to travel to South America, a magical place of immense beauty where myth and legend continue to walk hand in hand. I've traveled 18 months in South America and can give you some tips on how to prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure.
Common Sense
We all hear the unpleasant stories and South America has a fame of being dangerous. I traveled thousands of miles traversing cities, jungles, islands and mountains. I survived 6 weeks in a street child care center in the favelas of Salvador da Bahía (Brazil) and had the party of a lifetime during carnival. Nothing, I repeat, nothing happened. Use your common sense. Avoid badly lit streets at night and if your sixth sense is giving you the "something is wrong" sign then take a taxi to your destination.
Travel Guide Book
The first thing that you will need is a travel guide book. It will be your best companion in your search for adventure. I can highly recommend Lonely Planet´s South America on a Shoestring to get you started. The book covers all you need to know to get the most out of your trip and is ideal to plan your journey ahead. I've used the guide extensively during my 18 month adventure. They offer excellent separate travel guides of all the countries (besides using the Lonely Planet Shoestring I've used their separate travel guides of Peru and Brazil). Their guides are the most popular among backpackers.
Other popular guides are The Rough Guide to South America and the South American Handbook. Ideal, but not practical because you want to travel light, would be to enjoy the adventure with a Lonely Planet and either the Rough Guide or the Handbook.
Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese
The most rewarding thing for me was the fact that you can travel in a huge continent like South America with only 2 languages. Spanish and Portuguese. If you plan to travel just for a few weeks you can invest in a Spanish and/or Brazilian Portuguese Phrase Book. English is not widely spoken and even a basic knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese makes the trip so much more rewarding (they're extremely willing to help you, so don't worry, be happy).
If on the other hand you're planning to travel for a few months I can highly recommend taking a language course. Ideal would be in a school in South America (I took lessons in Quito, Ecuador, and had a private teacher for $2.50/h).
Walking Shoes
South America's nature is overwhelming. You'll walk for many hours day after day. It would be a shame to walk in the footsteps of the Incas with blisters on your feet. My biggest recommendation is to invest in high quality walking shoes with Gore-Tex.
Health Vaccinations
Yellow Fever (if you plan to go to the Amazon Basin), Typhoid (consists of two injections taken 4 weeks apart), Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Cholera (only when necessary), Smallpox
Medical Kit:
Depending on what you plan to do you can include the following: Antiseptic cream, aspirin, lomotil for diarrhea, antibiotics, throat lozenges, ear and eye drops, antacid tablets, motion sickness medication, alcohol swabs, water purifier, lip salve, foot and groin powder, thermometer (in a case), surgical tape, assorted sticky plasters, gauze, bandages, butterfly closures, scissors and last but not least, first-aid booklet
Note: malaria pills are required in the amazon basin, please be aware that those pills are very strong and you should check with your doctor before departure
Traveling Gear
Backpack:
Obviously a high quality backpack is a must. Choose the type that has different compartments that can be opened separately. Very handy if you need something quickly. Travel as light as possible. A heavy backpack is destined to undermine your traveling pleasure.
Clothing:
Depends on where you go. If it's the mountains and the jungle, get some quality clothing from home. If it's the beach, buy your t-shirts there (cheap).
Camping and Climbing Gear:
You can rent camping and climbing material in South America but the quality may be questionable. Always check the material. Bring your own gear if possible. I traveled 18 months with my own tent and various camping utensils.
Photography
Pictures are something personal. Some people just want some snap shots, others want to publish in the National Geographic. All my pictures were taken with a cheap Nikon F50 camera. Have a look at some amazing photographs at http://www.travel-amazing-southamerica.com/.
I had two zoom lenses, a 35-80 mm. and a 70-210mm. I also dragged a tripod and an excellent flash with me. I used FUJI slides (100 ASA) but you definitely need 200 to 400 ASA if you plan to go to the jungle. A polarize filter enhances the colours tremendously on sunny days.
Conclusion
South America will embrace you with open arms. It's nature, people and history is overwhelming. With the right preparation and set of mind you're ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Mark Van Overmeire is a passionate musician, photographer and traveler. He has traveled extensively in South America and Southeast Asia.
After spending 4 years in South America he released his critically acclaimed CD Impresiones, a musical adventure traveling from world to jazz, from folk to classical, from ambient to soundtrack. The 6 compositions on Impresiones were composed, arranged and produced by Mark.
As a passionalte traveler Mark has been able to shoot many wonderful photographs and various pictures have been published in magazines and websites. You can visit his portfolio at Shuttermap.com
Mark founded Travel Amazing South America, a travel website at http://www.travel-amazing-southamerica.com/ on June 2005. Travel Amazing South America offers many wonderful photographs, stories and tips for a journey to south america.

A Cruising Honeymoon

2005-09-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today more than ever newly married couples of all ages are opting for cruise honeymoons. What could be better after months and months of high-stress and preparation of the wedding than for the couple to be able to lay back, relax and not have to think of anything other than each other? No cares about anything. It's all been done for you. Along with being a carefree vacation choice cruises are generally very affordable. Lodging, entertainment, food and all shipboard activities included in the price.

Some cruise ships even offer romantic honeymoon packages. Imagine a private oasis for the two of you. Arriving in your room to find a bottle of champagne, flowers and gourmet nibbles. Make time to have a romantic massage for two, how about the honeymoon table specially set aside in the dining room? How about a pampering facial, manicure and pedicure for the bride? Most cruise ships also offer complimentary sessions for hair and make up, depending on the package you choose.

The most difficult decision about the cruise could be one that takes place months before the cruise itself. It's the decision of which cruise to take. This would depend of course on the couple and their interests. The Caribbean is a very popular honeymoon cruse destination, along with Hawaii and Mexico. What could be more romantic than walking hand in hand with sweet warm tropical breezes blowing and a full moon shining overhead?

Cruises are the ultimate all inclusive honeymoon. You unpack one time, and have six or seven or even more days of cruising from port to port shopping and exploring each one. You can take the excursions offered by the cruise line or do some exploring on your own. Your time is your own, and this is the true beauty of a cruise. You have no where in particular to go, and all day to get there. You can sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, relax by the pool all day and go dancing into the wee hours of the night.

Hana Lee

This article courtesy of http://www.cruise-buyers-guide.com.

Top City Museums In Spain

2005-09-25T21:17:00.000-07:00

Spain, with its myriad of influences and epic history, is a country with a diverse gamut of sights and sounds to offer its 45 million tourists who visit every year. An area where this can be seen in particular is in its museums and galleries, a rich history of art and culture has left Spain a huge legacy in this department with names such as Dali, Picasso and Miro leading the list:
Guggenheim, Bilbao:
Now one of the most easily recognised buildings in Europe, the Guggenheim in Bilbao is a work of art itself. Opened in 1997 and designed by American architect Frank O. Gehry, the museum has been a lynchpin for the city’s redevelopment programme and in many ways the museum symbolises the new, modern Bilbao.
Standing right in the city centre alongside the river the museum offers 11,000 sqm of exhibition space over three galleries. The museum has a body of permanent work always on display as well as large exhibitions which run for months at a time. Currently on View is the “Aztec Empire” comprising of a huge body of work from the pre-columbian civilization. Previous exhibitions have encompassed an eclectic blend of art with work from the likes of Matisse, Michelangelo, Reubens and Warhol having graced its corridors.
Dali Theatre-Museum, Figueres
Located in Figueres, the Dali Theatre-Museum is the broadest collection of his work in the world tracing his first artistic forays, the surrealist period and even including some of the last works painted before his death. Figueres also happens to be Dali’s hometown and the decision to build the museum from the ruins of the town’s Spanish civil war-damaged theatre, didn’t seem like a difficult one. Indeed, it was here as a boy where Dali first had the chance to display his work so is a fitting place to exhibit the cream of his life’s work. Dali himself supervised the building and creation of the museum turning it into a huge surrealist playground. Dali also created some works specifically for the museum itself – the “Mae West Room”, the “Wind Palace Room” and the “Monument to Francesc Pujols and the Rainy Cadillac” are larger than life and superb examples of Dali’s fertile imagination.
Reina Sofia, Madrid
One of Madrid’s most celebrated museums, the Reina Sofia houses a huge collection of contemporary art. Once the city’s San Carlos hospital, the museum was originally founded in 1986 but underwent a serious revamp in 1990 at the hands of British architect, Ian Ritchie. They envisioned creating something to rival the Tate in London and the Pompidou centre in Paris, and, with 36,000 sqm of exhibition space, it’s one of the world’s largest museums and an extremely impressive place. The most famous painting housed there is undoubtedly Picasso’s Guernica, an immense cubist work and war protest and probably the great painter’s most famous work. Visitors can also see the many preliminary sketches that he made for the work. Other great Spanish artists on display are Dali, Miro and Orteiz to name but a few as well as Spain’s most important artists of the last 20 years.
Fundacio Joan Miro, Barcelona
One of Spain’s most important artists and often overlooked due to the lure of Picasso and Dali, the Fundacio Joan Miro in the Montjuic area of Barcelona is well worth a visit. Spacious and set in its own grounds, the museum is a step away from the regular metropolitan museums and galleries – the white building built around an internal courtyard is typically Mediterranean. Huge amounts of natural light help to bring Miro’s surrealist works to life and the museum also houses some of his sculptures and ceramic works as well as the paintings he’s more famous for. The museum also has a permanent exhibition space in which the foundation gives special attention to Spain’s more experimental artists – not everyone’s cup of tea, granted, but worth a look if you’re visiting the museum.

Mike McDougall has five years experience working as a travel writer and marketeer. He is currenlty working to provide additional content for http://www.babylon-idiomas.com/, a Spanish language school with an excellent presence in Spain and Latin America.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico – The Island of Women

2005-09-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

Isla Mujeres in Mexico is a great way to escape the tourist crush in Cancun. Roughly 9 miles offshore, the island contains the Mexican beach culture of a bygone era. Oh, and the name translates to “The Island of Women.”
Isla Mujeres
First things first, the Island of Women is not populated with more, different or any other classification of women than you would normally find in Mexico. Okay, there is a Bay of Women, but don’t go there. Instead, Isla Mujeres is simply a stunningly beautiful island.
Snorkeling and Diving
El Garrafon National Underwater Park is located on the southwest end of the Island. If you’re interested in underwater fun, this park provides tremendous visibility in warm water. Unfortunately, a private company now runs the park. This, of course, means you have to pay to enter and the tranquil area has a definite touristy feel with kayaks and other water toys for rent. Still, the park is very large and your experience shouldn’t be overly impacted.
If you’re looking for more of a beach town feel, the northern tip of the island should be your destination. Playa Norte’ offers nice beaches, restaurants, hotels and more or less everything you could need. Head out on Zacil Ha road and you can find some fairly isolated beaches.
If total isolation is your thing, there are plenty of remote beach areas on the island. Walk south from Playa Pescador and you’ll leave humanity behind. The same is true if you head north from Playa Lancheros. Just grab a map of the island or ask a local for directions.
Getting There
Isla Mujeres has an airport, but traveling by boat from Cancun is cheaper. There are numerous public ferries traveling to the island. Getting back and forth is no problem. Just make sure you check the schedule for return trips.
Although Isla Mujeres doesn’t live up to its name, there is definite beauty to be found. If you vacation in Cancun, make sure you visit the island for a one-day getaway.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com/ - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are perfect travel accessories. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com/ to read more travel articles and travelogues.

The Best Time To Go To Disney World

2005-09-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

When deciding on the best time for you and your family to visit Disney World, the main issue is usually the crowds. When visiting any major theme park, you are going to experience large crowds; And since Disney World is the most popular theme park in the world, there is hardly a day at the park without large crowds. If you do your research, you can find certain times of the year, January and September for example, that are less busy at Disney World. Even though you may enjoy shorter lines during these times, there are downsides to going at these less busy times of the year. For one, Disney has more festivities planned during certain times of the year like Christmas and New Years. For many people, it is worth fighting the crowds to be at Disney World during these times of major festivities.
Crowds are not the only factor when deciding on the best time to visit Disney World. It is also a good idea to take the weather into account. Many people assume that any time of the year is perfect weather in Florida but that is definitely not the case. The summer time can bring extreme heat and severe thunderstorms to the Orlando area that can ruin your day at Disney World. The brief showers are usually a great time to go inside and take a break. Some of the best weather at Disney World comes in the evening with mild temperatures so make sure to rest up during the day so you’re ready to go out at night.
Other tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Disney World:
- If you are ok with taking your kids out of school for a trip, do it! Any time other kids are at school is a great time to go to Disney World because you can expect smaller crowds and shorter lines
- Keep a close eye on park opening and closing times so you can take advantage of late nights and early starts
- Two weeks after the Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to go to Disney World because the crowds are minimal and the Christmas decorations are already up.
So when is the best time to go to Disney World? When it’s called the happiest place on Earth, every day of the year is the best time to go.

Ryan Bowman is the webmaster for http://www.world-of-disney.com, your portal for everything Disney on the internet. Going to Disney World? Find the best time to visit at http://www.world-of-disney.com/best-time-to-visit-disney-world.htm