How To Take A Luxury Vacation

by: Zenobia Peoples



You’ve reached the voicemail of Zenobia Peoples. I’m away from the office and will be unavailable to the phone beginning Friday, February 29, through Tuesday March 18. During this time I will not be checking messages. Therefore, if your call is urgent, please dial 0 to speak with the operator and you will be directed to someone else.

But wait a minute. Since you called me, I just want to tell you where I’ll be for the next three weeks. Tomorrow morning I’m boarding a plane to Hawaii. My bags are packed and I am ready! In fact, my entire family is ready. Everyone is going except our beagle, Max.

We’ll stay three weeks on three different islands, relaxing, touring, swimming and just plain chilling. We’ve rented fully staffed villas on each island and also arranged for drivers so that we can tour the islands at our convenience.

We have a chef on staff at each house also, but I still made a few dinner reservations, so that we can check out some restaurants that have been recommended to us. I could go on, but I’ll just tell you more upon our return.

Yes, this is a fairly costly vacation, given the accommodations that we’ll use. But life is short. So why wait? And because of additional money that I’ve earned with my online travel agency, http://www.traveruscashmachine.com, we have the extra funds to travel first class. Plus it doesn’t hurt that I can write the entire vacation off our taxes when we come back home because of my travel agency business! See you when I get back to work.


About The Author
Zenobia Peoples is a wife, mother and works as a trial lawyer. she also owns an online travel agency. For more informaton, go to http://www.traveruscashmachine.com

Presenting: Niagara Falls Tourism - One Wonder After Another

by: Susanne Pacher

In early December of 2007 I decided to embark on a three day winter getaway to Niagara Falls, Ontario. In order to explore the city in the best possible way I contacted the experts at Niagara Falls tourism to help me work out a comprehensive itinerary to explore the many facets of Niagara Fall. Their travel specialists helped me put together a packed schedule that exposed me to many interesting sights and activities in this unique city.

My three-day adventure included a thrilling helicopter sightseeing tour, an encounter with nature at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and at Bird Kingdom, the world's largest aviary. I sampled culture and entertainment in a magic show at the Greg Frewin Theatre and a musical production at the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Theatre.

I also got up close to the majestic Niagara Falls, viewed them from the Skylon Tower and saw an Imax movie called "Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic" which presented an interesting dramatization of Niagara Falls' colourful history. I also checked out some of the actual vessels used by real-life daredevils who went over the Falls and explored the tunnels that take you behind the big cascade of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in the Journey Behind The Falls experience.

Naturally I sampled some of Niagara Falls hospitality offerings: from my convienent accommodation at the Best Western Cairn Croft to the cozy luxury of the Kilpatrick Manor Bed and Breakfast to a variety of culinary experiences, I got a good idea of Niagara Falls' broad tourist offering. And of course I explored Clifton Hill - Niagara Fall's most popular tourist promenade with its gift shops, wax museums, haunted houses, restaurants, hotels and themed attractions.

I even partook of the gambling experience at the Fallsview Casino Resort, a giant top-modern mind-boggling gaming, shopping and entertainment complex. There were so many more things on the list that I could have done, but three days were simply not enough to sample it all.

To help you with your own plans for a visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario, here is an interview with Anna Pierce, the Executive Director of Niagara Falls Tourism who has graciously agreed to provide a general overview of Niagara Falls and everything it has to offer:

1. Please provide us with some general information about Niagara Falls, Ontario. Where is it located and how can I get there? How big is the population of Niagara Falls, Ontario? How do I get around the city?

Niagara Falls is located between Lakes Erie and Ontario sharing a border with New York State. To get to Niagara Falls from the United States, visitors can travel by car over one of three bridges: The Rainbow, Peace or Queenston-Lewiston Bridges. Three international airports service the area: Buffalo in the US, Hamilton and Toronto. Buffalo and Hamilton airports are approximately 40 minutes drive and Toronto is just over one hour away. Via Rail/Amtrak also provide service directly into Niagara Falls.

2. Niagara Falls has a very interesting history. Please give us a brief historical overview of this unique city.

Niagara Falls was first brought to the attention of the European explorers when Father Hennepin was shown the wonder by Native Americans. It was named the Honeymoon Capital of the World after Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother spent his honeymoon here.

Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over the Falls in a barrel. She was hoping this feat would make her rich and famous. She died penniless. Since then, several attempts have been made to conquer the Falls. Unfortunately, more have failed than succeeded – they never lived to tell the tale. Attempting any such daredevil exhibitions now is illegal and comes with an extremely hefty fine.

Several battles of the War of 1812 (the only war the American Army ever lost) were fought here. Laura Secord, a settler's wife, played a prominent role in that war – before the chocolate company made her famous. She overheard US troops planning an ambush against the British and walked over 20 miles in enemy territory to inform British Troops of the impending attacks. Although she received little recognition for her heroism during her lifetime, today Laura Secord is considered to be a Canadian folk hero.

3. Please tell us about one of the most significant attractions in Niagara Falls - the majestic waterfalls themselves. What makes them special and how can I experience them?

Our Falls are special in so many ways, but the most important is the sheer volume of water that flows over the brink. 600,000 gallons per second, in fact. The Falls is NOT the tallest in the world. It only measures 170 feet deep and 2200 feet wide. The best way to experience the Falls is to make sure you view it from ABOVE, BELOW AND BESIDE. Aerial views via tower or helicopter show how it all works. The Maid of the Mist provides the absolute best vantage point below the brink and the Journey Behind the Falls or Table Rock Point give you the best possible view from beside the Wonder. You have to experience all three to truly understand just how spectacular the Falls are.

4. What type of sightseeing opportunities do I have in Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls offers a wide variety of Sightseeing Opportunities that centre around the Falls as well as many other wonders. We offer Winery Tours featuring Niagara’s World renown ice Wines, biking and hiking along the Niagara Escarpment, wildlife viewing at Marineland, ZOOZ, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, the Bird Kingdom, gaming at one of two Vegas-style Casinos. You name it, we have it.

5. Niagara Falls also has a number of attractions that appeal to nature lovers, featuring birds, butterflies and elaborately designed parks and gardens. Please provide us with further information about these attractions.

I would suggest checking out the following websites for more information on these great attractions:

www.niagaraparks.com
www.niagarafallsaviary.com

Most of the gardens in the Niagara Parks system can be accessed free of charge. For example, their School of Horticulture, the Greenhouse Collection, Queen Victoria Park, and many others.

6. What kind of museums and locations of historic interest does Niagara Falls, Ontario, have to offer?

We have several museums in and around Niagara Falls. The Clifton Hill area is filled with many novelty museums including Louis Tussaud’s, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Guinness World Records Museum and a few haunted houses sprinkled in. The Lundy’s Lane Historical Museum houses memorabilia from the War of 1812. One of the battlefields of that war is also located on Lundy’s Lane and is said to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in Canada. The Laura Secord Homestead is also open to the public as are two forts – one in Niagara-on-the-Lake and one in Fort Erie. Both were strategic outposts for British troops fighting the attempted invasion from the US.

7. Niagara Falls, Ontario, offers many opportunities to travellers who like the casino and gaming experience. Please tell us more.

Niagara Falls is home to two Casinos: Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort. The Fallsview Casino is a showpiece in and of itself. It houses over 3000 slot machines and 150 game tables, world-class big-name entertainment in the Avalon Ballroom, and great shopping in the Galleria Mall.

8. What other entertainment options and attractions does Niagara Falls, Ontario, have to offer? What are some of the main entertainment areas? What about theme parks?

Clifton Hill offers great family entertainment: museums, arcades, rides including the newest arrival: the SkyWheel (a ferris wheel which is a smaller version of the EYE in London with air conditioned and heated pods providing great views of the Falls).

Many of our hoteliers are opting to add or build indoor waterparks to add to their existing offerings. We have the Great Wolf Lodge Resort, Waves at the Americana Resort and the Sheraton on the Falls Fallsview Waterpark. All three provide visitors with indoor thrills for year-round fun. They each have several waterslides, a wave pool and the mandatory “Giant Bucket”. The Fallsview and Waves are both open to the public.

9. What options are there for nightlife in Niagara Falls, Ontario? What about theatre offerings, shows and special performances?

Nightlife is fantastic here in Niagara. In addition to the great outdoor and indoor pubs, clubs and karaoke bars, we have several great shows available. The Oh Canada, Eh? Dinner Theatre features great Canadian music paired with a fantastic dinner. Greg Frewin is a master magician whose show is sure to please the entire family. We also have several comedy shows and blockbuster performances at the Fallsview Casino.

10. Niagara Falls is embedded in one of Canada's most popular wine regions and the entire area is often referred to as the "Breadbasket of Ontario". Please tell us more about the areas surrounding Niagara Falls.

The Niagara Escarpment is located in the Niagara Fruitbelt. This area is some of the most fertile land in the country. We have a microclimate in the Niagara Region which is ideal for growing fruit. The temperatures in the Fruitbelt are generally 10 degrees less than the surrounding area. Frost is always a consideration. This is why you will see windmills in the middle of fields throughout the region. The windmills are used to break up the frost which is so dangerous to the fruit – especially grapes.

11. What types of festivals and special events highlight the yearly calendar in Niagara Falls, Ontario?

In September we celebrate the grape harvest with the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. In winter, our Niagara Parks are illuminated with over 2 million twinkling lights. The Winter Festival of Lights is filled with animated lighting displays featuring Disney Characters. The celebration culminates with a free New Year’s Eve Party in Queen Victoria Park.

12. What type of accommodation options are available in Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls offers accommodation from 2 to 4 star hotels to bed and breakfasts from cottage rentals to campgrounds from budget to luxury.

13. Please describe the culinary options available in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Our signature culinary experience is, of course, Fallsview Dining. The Skylon Tower offers the best view from their Revolving Dining Room, but the Keg Steakhouse, a Cut Above and the Watermark Restaurant all boast excellent food with a view. Dining at the brink of the Falls is also available at the Table Rock House. In Niagara-on-the-Lake the vineyard cafes and restaurants are some of the best in Southern Ontario. The chefs in these restaurants pride themselves in offering recipes featuring meats and produce grown in the Niagara Region.

14. Please tell us about the shopping opportunities in Niagara Falls.

Canada One Factory Outlet, the Fallsview Galleria, the Penn Centre and Niagara Square Malls are all within 15 minutes of the Falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake has many quaint one-of-a-kind shops to choose from as well.

15. What outdoor, recreational and sports opportunities are available in and around Niagara Falls? How about golfing?

Niagara Falls has many hiking, biking and roller-blading trails. Water-based sports such as boating, sailing and fishing are also huge draws for us. Niagara Region is also gaining renown as Canada’s Golf Capital. We have over 48 Golf Courses – both public and private. Several are PGA quality and have been designed by leading course architects. John Daly and Greg Norman have both designed courses in the region.

16. What are some of the big news stories that will be coming up for Niagara Falls in 2008 and beyond?

The biggest news for Niagara Falls is the announcement of a new Convention Centre for Niagara Falls. The details are being finalized as we speak, but they should be breaking ground fairly soon. We are expecting the opening to happen some time in 2010. In short, it’s an exciting time to be part of Niagara Falls’ Tourism Industry.

Thank you, Anna, for your taking the time to provide us with this comprehensive information about Niagara Falls. You have given me some great ideas for a summer getaway and I look forward to visiting Niagara Falls again.


About The Author
Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions. Travel and Transitions deals with travel to foreign countries and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travelers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features.
Check out some of Susanne's several hundred video clips at http://www.youtube.com/user/travelandtransitions from all sorts of exciting destinations (Cuba, Mexico, Sicily, Austria, Puerto Rico, the United States and Canada).
Life is a Journey – Explore New Horizons.
Please take advantage of her articles.

Safety Is High Priority in Selecting a Tour Bus Company

by: Robert Janis

Whenever travel on the highways is involved safety should be a top priority. That is no less so when selecting a bus company for your tour. Several elements are involved in the issue of safety when bus tour companies are concerned. They are: The condition of the bus itself The driver The length of time a tour bus company has been in business and that company’s safety record A bus tour company’s understanding of laws and regulations A company’s involvement in such organizations as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Its compliance to U.S. Department of Transportation and Department of Defence regulations

The Bus

One issue that is up front for you to actually see is the tour bus itself.

The age of the fleet of buses used by a tour bus company should be considered. It should be obvious that the latest models of buses should be in the fleet. The latest, the better. Many companies like USA Bus Charter says that they replace their buses after 10 years of service. They also point out that there are bus companies that own buses that are as old as 25 years. In short, you don’t want the transportation you will be using to be too old. Inquire with the bus tour company about the age of their fleet.

If at all possible, go to the tour bus company and inspect their buses. Check the interior, the exterior and underneath. Look at the tires including the tread depth and examine the seat covers, dents, bumps, scratches and cleanliness. If all of that is not up to your standards, then it is possible that the company is not concerned with safety and appearance as a top priority.

If things look good after a visual inspection, don’t be afraid to ask questions concerning things you don’t see.

And that would be how often the buses are analyzed by the company’s mechanics. It is not uncommon for well managed tour bus companies to have their mechanics inspect things every time a bus returns to the garage.

The Driver

The driver of a tour bus, not the president of the tour bus company, is probably the most important employee.

When push comes to shove, it is the skills of the driver that assures that the bus gets to its destination on time and that the trip is safe.

Of course, you would expect that the driver has experience. Industry standards call for the driver to have at least three years experience. Some companies are stricter than that and call for them to have a little more.

This could be as much as five years or more. Of course, the more experience they have, the more skilled they are in driving the bus. But they are also knowledgeable of the routes they are expected to drive and would be well seasoned to be able to find alternative routes should the need arise.

An important element in assuring that you get to the destination on time.

You will want the driver to be emotionally balanced. It’s been said that there are three types of drivers (not necessarily bus drivers): the passive, the aggressive and the hostile. Of course, you want a driver who is passive. You would expect him to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, not speed, slows down when it is raining, drive with caution at night, etc.

You also want the driver to be alert when he is driving and drug free. To assure that drugs are not an issue there are laws the require companies test prospective drivers during the hiring process and then to administer random drug tests.

You want the driver’s schedule to be such that it doesn’t change his sleep patterns.

Commonly, drivers are expected to drive 10 hours. A driver who has a schedule of sleeping at night should stick to that. He should not be expected to drive all night. It is better to be safe and permit the driver to either share the duties with some one who could drive at night or allow him to pull the coach into a motel where he and the passengers can get a good night’s sleep before proceeding on a gruelling trip of let’s say 1,000 miles without rest.

Making certain that the passengers of the bus – that means you -- stays on their best behaviour is another perhaps overlooked responsibility of the driver. How you act can be a safety issue. It is not a bad thing for the driver to pleasantly remind passengers of such etiquette as remaining seated when the bus is in motion, move to the restroom by holding on to overhead racks,

handrails or headrests to assure good footing, never stand up before the bus has come to a stop, and activity that could prove to be distracting to the driver be minimized if not totally avoided.

A Company’s Record

The longer a company has been in business the better chance that it will be well managed and have a good safety record. The companies that don’t have a good safety record won’t be in business for any length of time.

One entity that assists you in the research of a company’s record is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov).

The organization’s website includes a safety and security page that provides you with all sorts of information including a safety database, a snapshot or profile of particular companies and safety initiatives.

Moreover, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Defence have regulations that tour bus companies are expected to follow. For example, the Department of Transportation requires tour bus companies to assure that their drivers are fully qualified. Companies that comply urge that their drivers have a current commercial driver’s license with a passenger endorsement, undergo a thorough physical and hold a valid medical certificate.

You can find out more by visiting the U.S. Department of Transportation website at http://www.ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/Passenger/home.asp.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is involved in regulating motor coach safety because these companies are often used by military personnel and the DOD wants to make certain that their troops are safe. The DOD monitors the bus industry through the Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC). This part of the DOD implements and maintains a “pre-qualification” process.

The DOD will not allow any bus company to transport military personnel until its buses have been inspected by the MTMC. The MTMC also analyze a carrier’s performance, reliability and responsiveness. The MTMC has a rating system using a scale of 1 to 5.The best rating is 1 and the worst is 5. Companies rated from 1 to 3 are approved to transport military personnel. More on the MTMC can be found at their website.

Finally, nothing is perfect. Things go wrong. The best companies, however, provide a mechanism to make the wrong right. To assure that such a remedy can take place, you should find out who to contact in the company when something does go wrong. Some companies equip their drivers with cell phones that permit them to call the company to help solve a problem that the driver can’t. Later, if you have a complaint or a comment you can call the designated employee who you can alert to a problem and who work with you to solve it.

The mission of a tour bus company is to provide you with a service that will make your tour as pleasant as possible.


About The Author
Robert Janis from IMG Coach specialises in writing articles relating to the automotive industry and Bus Tour in the US. Visit his website at http://www.imgcoach.com

Great Heritages are the Major Tourist Attractions in Lithuania

Lithuania is the fastest growing tourist destination in Europe. Summer is the best season to visit the Lithuanian cities and experience the beauty of beach life of Lithuanian seaside. Visitors can avoid the tourist rush during late spring and early autumn. If, visitors are targeting to experience the night life and restaurants only then perhaps weather does not matter.

Vilnius is one of the main Lithuanian tourist attractions. It is situated at the crossroads between Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Western Europe. Gediminas Castle and Cathedral Square are prime sights of the city. The Old Town of Vilnius also has historical significance and it is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage list in 1994. Vilnius has been targeted to transform into capital of European Culture up to 2009 which will be a great achievement for the city in modern time.

Another, tourist attractions in Lithuania is Curonian Spit and Palanga. Curonian Spit can be recognized as the major separation line between Curonian Lagoon and Baltic Sea. It has been speculating that Curonian Spit was formed approximately 5000 years ago. On the other hand, Palanga is a seaside resort town. There is myth about the name is that it is named after a beautiful priestess who had promised the god to guard her virginity for the whole life but it could not happen and after the death of her husband ‘Kestutis’, she returned to this place and served the god until she died. Today, visitors can get here pagan’s shrine. Some famous tourist centers of Palanga are Church of Saint Marie, Zemaiciu alka, Pajurio Regional Park, Sea Bridge, the street of J. Basanavicius, Birute hill and museum of Amber.

The major pilgrimage site of Lithuania is hill of crosses. Its religious significance was recognized on September 7, 1993 when Pop John Paul II visited this place and declared it as the place of hope, peace, love and sacrifice.

Druskininkai is situated at the estuary of the Nemunas River. The USP of this place is its beautiful landscape which is amalgamation of rivers, lakes, hills and forests. It is also known as ‘spa town’ which was honored by czar Nicholas I of Russia in 1837. The first water park of Lithuania is also in the credit of Druskininkai. The city is also a prime centre of historical museums and galleries. ‘Druskininkai poetic fall’ is a very famous annual event of the city.

Thus, Lithuanian tourist attractions are perfect combination of art, culture and trendiness which have capability to attract visitors of different tastes and interests. If, someone is looking for spirituality then ‘hill of crosses’ may be the perfect choice. Similarly, Vilnius is offering balance between trendiness and historical legacy and everyone should have faith upon the administration as the city is targeted to be the capital city of European culture. The great Myth attached with Palanga may attract various tourists. Even, Curopian Spit has capability to proof itself as a heritage hub. Although, in spite of various environmental concerns; it is in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List under cultural criteria ‘V’.

Author: Nancy Eben

Avoiding Injuries - Snowboard Safety For Beginners

I have never been snowboarding before but I cannot deny how amazingly cool snowboarding holidays look. It now seems likely that I will get a chance to prove myself on the slopes this coming April. After watching a few videos on the internet, I concluded that good snowboarders really do look fantastic. Less than good snowboarders however, look injured on hospital stretchers, which then prompted me to look up basic snowboard safety.

This, however, did not mean that I am put-off from the impending experience, through the fear of pain. If you never did anything that scared you occasionally, you would never take part in anything. I am in the mood to be a bit reckless and do something exciting for once and snowboarding holidays are always great for raising the adrenalin.

As with all snowboarding holidays, in order to get the most out of the experience, and indeed to get out of the experience itself in one piece, a healthy knowledge of the dangers and the pitfalls is essential for a safe snowboarding trip, for yourself and your fellow boarders.

I was slightly amused to find out that snowboarding injuries are statistically similar to car accidents, there is a tendency to be more accidents among women but injuries in men are often more severe. It is 'bump in the car park' vs. '70mph head on collision' gender thinking.

Even if you are a strong skier and it is your first time on a snowboarding holiday, take a lesson or two to begin with. Just because you are a good skier, does not automatically mean you will be a good snowboarder as things like body tension and movement are very different from skiing. This means you will need much time to adjust, it also means the injuries you can sustain vary as well.

The most common injuries sustained while snowboarding are sprained or fractured wrists, elbow dislocations or contusions and rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder area. In addition, other common risks include neck injuries and concussion.

A good advice for beginners (or any snowboarder with safety in mind) is to invest in wrist and elbow guards, kneepads and a pad for your tailbone. People going on snowboarding holidays for the first time are more than likely to spend a significant proportion of their time falling on their backside and a bruised tailbone can be excruciating.

Most people have heard of the term 'tennis elbow', but not many people know that snowboarders have their own signature injury called Snowboarders Ankle. This amounts to a fracture to the lateral process of the Talus bone, located deep in the ankle and is rare in the general population. The injury gains its name by being 15 times more common in snowboarders and is very tricky to spot in the early stages owing to the swelling. If you suffer from sustained pain in your ankle after a fall, you may need a CT scan to rule out this sneaky fracture.

Prevention is simple, when out on the slopes, wearing ankle braces can offer more support, making serious injury less likely. Good training that you can do before, after and during your snowboarding excursions is using a wobble board. In addition, a popular and effective method of rehabilitation, involves balancing on a circular board on top of a half sphere. This works the muscles and ligaments in the ankle and knees, and can reduce repeat injuries cutting down rehab time dramatically.

As with all extreme sports, snowboarding does come with risks (it would not be half as exciting if it did not). The best snowboarding safety advice offered is also the simplest.

* Do not take on more difficult runs than you can manage safely.
* Be aware of other skiers and boarders.
* When trying something new or challenging, do not go it alone and do not let others experiment alone.
* Make sure all your equipment is in good condition and keep checking it.
* Resist the urge to show off. It can end badly.
* Do not give up on your first day, keep on persevering and you will do well.
* Remember to smile!

Author: Anna Stenning

Cheap Airfares Is The Solution For A Budgeted Holiday

Whether you are planning for that dream vacation for the family, making arrangements to see loved ones for the holidays or a special occasion, or making preparations for a business trip, looking for cheap airfares is always high on the priority list anytime people need to travel by air. No one wants to spend more money than is needed to get to their destination. Often the ability to secure discount airline tickets can really make or break a trip.

Most people lose interest in planning for even cheap vacations if they are going to end up being strapped for cash once they get to their destination. Cheaper fares can make a huge difference in the travel budget, both for the business traveler and for those traveling for pleasure.

For some people, finding cheap flights makes a trip possible that would otherwise have been out of the question. For others, a discount on the flight means they can indulge themselves a bit and enjoy some pampering while away.

With the way that gas prices have shot up recently, some travelers who enjoy winding their way cross-country in the car are discovering that cheap airfares can actually make more sense than driving to their destination. But, the increases in fuel costs have also pushed up the rates on plane fares, which as in turn has made it even harder to find those elusive discount airline tickets.

For the most part, the cheaper fares are most abundant when booking your trip early. But, you should be careful not to book too early. Recently, experts have stated that booking airline tickets more than six months in advance can end up costing you more than if you wait for that six-month mark. Booking three to six months before your trip will usually give you the most options and the best airfare deals.

It should come as no surprise that the internet is one of the best places to look for and secure the best deals for your travel needs. While there are many different websites that collect and display comparisons of airfare costs from a number of different airlines, such as Expedia and Travelocity, even these sites do not have all of the discount flight information.

There are some airlines, such as the popular discount airline Southwest, that do not list any of their flight information on other travel websites. In addition, many of the airlines only show their best fares, or special web-only discount airfare rates, on their own websites and not on the travel websites. Because of this, it is a good idea to take the time to go to the web sites of the different carriers that cover your departure and arrival cities.

Another way to find cheap airfares is to check to see if there are better airfare deals available for nearby airports. For example, when planning a trip to the Los Angeles area, there might be cheap air tickets available to some of the smaller landing strips that are nearby, such as Burbank, Santa Ana or Long Beach. Not only are flights into these airports sometimes cheaper, but they might also be more conveniently located to your final destination, as well as being less congested.

Author: MIKE SELVON

Vacationing in the Wilderness

For a unique New Zealand Vacation destination, Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki stands out above the rest. Owner Gerry McSweeny, a biologist who also heads the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, created the lodge together with his wife Anne.

When we established the lodge in 1989, says McSweeny, the immediate concern was to create jobs with ecotourism as an alternative to the timber industry, which was logging 1,000 year old podocarp trees. Now weve moved on to other conservation efforts.

The lodge, located in the lakeside clearing in the historic podocarp forest, is run entirely on hydroelectric power courtesy of the nearby Moerkai Rapids. Guests can enjoy guided treks to the Tasman Sea coast, to view fur seals and Fiordland penguins, take a canoe ride along Lake Moeraki and hike the nearby trails.

The neighboring Te Wahi Pounamu Reserve makes up more than 10% of the total landmass of the country, and is the perfect place for an eco friendly New Zealand vacation. These days, going green is all the rage, and what better place to do so than at one of New Zealands premier eco tourism destinations.

With 24 new Rainforest Rooms, each with private facilities, the lodge itself is the pinnacle of eco luxury. The forests, mountains, rivers, and wildlife around and within Lake Moeraki are protected as property of the South West New Zealand Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage site, and offer visitors a myriad of sights to see and experiences to enjoy.

The Monro walk, a four hour trek in an exotic rainforest, is perfect for do-it-yourself naturalists and eco adventurers. On the way, the Giant Rimu lookout, with its breathtaking and picturesque views is not to be missed. There are also shorter walks to the Paringa historic cattle track, the Hapuka estuary, and the Cascade Valley glaciers.

Where can you explore a rainforest, view penguins and seals in their natural habitat, explore the cultural origins of the Maori tribe, hike a canyon to a waterfall, and so much more?

New Zealand, of course, and the Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki is the perfect place to begin. Book your trip early, as the lodge does tend to fill up fast, particularly during the peak tourist season. Your travel agent will be able to assist you with all of the final details of the planning the perfect New Zealand vacation, and help you chose the itinerary that is perfect for you, so make sure to avail yourself of their expert opinions when it comes to travel.

Author: Phoenix Delray

What to Do In Dubai

Cities Look on the map! Is it Las Vegas? Is it New York City? Is it Miami? No, it is Dubai, the city that is experiencing the biggest construction boom of any city in the world. The most lavish and progressive emirate of the UAE obviously is thinking big, as everything raised here is the largest, the grandest or the most luxurious ever. Dubai currently boasts having the largest shopping mall, the largest manmade island and marina, and the tallest five-star resort hotel in the world. Building marinas and islands on deserts is a majestic feat that is a phenomenal accomplishment.

Since this enclave may one day soon be the most luxurious destination on the planet, we thought a little intelligence on lodgings, fine dining, and things to do would be appropriate.

Luxury Hotels in Dubai

Crowne Plaza Dubai is, that is, at least for now, Dubais most centrally located five-star hotel. It is on Sheikh Zayed Road and directly opposite the World Trade Centre, the International Convention Centre, and the Emirates Towers. Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and a short distance from the Media City, the Internet City and the Knowledge Village. The hotel is part of the InterContinental Hotel Group. The Montgomerie, Dubai, features a championship golf course, a full service spa by Angsana Spa, an array of fine-dining options, and great proximity to daytime and nighttime fun activities. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which was built to resemble a breaking wave surging through the blue frothy waters, has its own private beach on the shoreline of the Arabian Gulf. The visually and physically exhilarating Wild Wadi Water Park also is on the premises. Jumeriahs striking architectural imagery is on display twice in Dubai with the Burj Al Arab. The billowing sail-shaped hotel was named the best hotel in the world by the Institutional Investor Magazine and the 2007 World Travel Awards.

Best Restaurants in Dubai

Century Village is a modern-day food village with an array of fine dining restaurants located in a central courtyard with fountains, rocks, benches and greenery. Restaurants include menus and influences of Portugal, Italy, Persia, India, the Mediterranean, Japan, France, Britain, and Arabia. The Yakitori House, which is located in the Ascot Hotel, is regarded as one of the best Japanese-themed restaurants of Dubai. The decorum and the menu share the same level of excellence. Ashas offers contemporary cuisine of India. The opulently designed complex puts patrons in an Old World ambiance in the middle of some of the most futuristic manmade environments ever raised.
To Do in Dubai

The entire city is a tribute to visionary architecture and ingenuity. There is the World Trade Centre, the Wild Wadi Water Park, and the Mall of the Emirates. The Mall of Emiates is the largest shopping center in the Middle East with approximately 6.5 million square feet of shopping space. It is so large that there is an indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai, inside the mall. The mall is a shoppers haven with more than 450 upscale stores and boutiques, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Company, and many more. Dubai has several major malls. It is one of the largest importers of luxury goods. The majority of nightlife occurs at the major resorts that offer fine dining and nightclubs. There are numerous manmade parks to enjoy.

When completed the Dubai Marina will be the largest manmade marina in the world. It is a city within a city. There are skyscrapers and moors for megayachts. The marina will have more than 200 high-rise buildings around it. Charter a motor or a sailing yacht with the Bristol Middle East Yacht Solution.

Dubai has many outdoor attractions. There are championship golf courses, spas, water sports, and desert adventures. Sporting events in Dubai include the world's richest horserace at the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al-Sheba; the Dubai Desert Classic Golf Tournament, the Dubai Tennis Championships, Rugby Sevens, the Emirates Grand Prix power-boating; the UAE Desert Challenge, and camel racing.

Author: Phoenix Delray

Great Things To Do In Milan

Arguably Milan is the world capital for all matters concerning style and fashion. It is among the largest cities in Europe with a population of more than 7 million in the Greater Milan area. There are several new construction projects under way in an effort to rehabilitate or revamp some of the industrial areas. Several acclaimed architects, such as Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, Massimiliano Fuksas and Daniel Libeskind are participating in the development of Milans new skyline.

Both Izmir (Turkey) and Milan are bidding to host Expo 2015. Milans proposed theme is: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.

It is not necessary to pack a hardhat while visiting. The new buildings complement the citys rich history, while the overall growth of the metropolis demands expansion. Here is look at some of citys luxury hotels, best restaurants, and things to see and do while visiting.

Luxury Hotels in Milan
The Straf is a suave, sexy boutique hotel with 64 guestrooms designed with a provocative configuration of exotic woods, metals, and stones. The hotels bar is a stylish haunt with decor on par with the guestrooms and the lobby. Additionally, check out the sensual healing powers of the Japanese massage chairs in the spas chromo and aromatherapy rooms. Let me hear you say aaahhhh!

The Straf is located close by to Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, and Montenapoleone where the best of haute couture have shops. Townhouse 12 also is a boutique hotel that offers great proximity to local sites of interests to travelers. The elegant 18 guestroom deluxe hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

The Petit Palais Hotel de Charme is a converted 17th century mansion located in the center of the city. Three of the hotels 18 guestrooms have a fireplace and a terrace. The stunning decor makes the place look more like a museum of style than a hotel. The Piazza Duomo, the worlds oldest shopping mall, is within walking distance of the Petit Palais lobby.

Best Restaurants in Milan
Foodies frequently flock to Antica Osteria del Ponte to savor Ezio Santins innovative gourmet cuisine the restaurants extensive wine collection. Chef Ezio opened the restaurant and then became an award winning chef. Previously, cooking was a hobby for Santin. It is all about the food at the Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia. However, the artwork adorning the walls by Paolo Ferrari is as appealing to the eyes as the delicious food is to the palate. However, it is like dining inside an art gallery at times. Owner chef Claude Sadler's of Ristorante Sadler is a culinary genius. Although Sadler's devotion to prime ingredients is viewed as obsessive by pundits, he always delivers with surprising tastiness from simple dishes, such as spaghetti roasted wild duck. The cuisine is Italian, and there also is a full bar. Reservations are recommended.

To Do in Milan
The southwest area of the city is among the best for bars and cafes. The Shocking Club is where you go to shake, find, probe, seek, or establish your groove thing. It is a pulsating dance club with VIP ambiance, multiple bar stations, secluded areas, and a great dance floor. It is big on fun yet cozy enough to be a smoldering nightspot. Milan has highly regarded venues for both theatrical and operatic events, such as La Scala Opera house and the Auditorium di Milano. The Teatro Piccolo is a foundation that has strongly influenced Italian drama since being established in 1947. Masterfully produced works can be seen at three different theaters Teatro Grassi, Via Rovello, and Teatro Studio.

Obviously Milan is hallowed grounds in fashion and design circles. It is the home of such fashionista stalwarts as Armani and Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Ext, Ferragamo, Gucci, Missoni, Prada, Trussardi, Valentino, and Vuitton. These are just a few of the vendors of Montenapoleone. Top designers in home decor are found at the Quadrilateral in Corso Matteoti. Most of the shops are closed on Sundays.

Author: Phoenix Delray

Annual or Single Trip Travel Insurance – Which to Choose?

So what does an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy offer you over a single trip policy? Firstly, the more trips you take in a year, the more cost effective an annual policy will be and one purchase lasts the whole year. Many annual travel insurance policies have options, such as Winter Sports cover, included as standard but do check the small print. It is normally possible to extend the individual trip duration for a small extra premium, say from the industry standard of 31 days a trip to 60 or 90 days, which is a much cheaper option than buying a single trip policy for the same period.

But set against this, an annual policy only provides cover for the area you have selected. That is, if you take out an annual policy that provides cover for Europe but then book a holiday later in the year to the USA, then this destination will not be covered so it is something to consider when buying such a policy. The annual policy is a more expensive up front cost though there are some very good internet annual travel insurance deals to be had. Many insurers impose stricter age restrictions for taking out an annual policy compared to the single trip equivalent and there might be restrictions on family annual travel insurance policies that prevent children from travelling independently.

The place to look is on the internet and most travel insurance providers will provide an annual travel insurance quote at the same time as giving you the single trip price so this helps to compare at the time of taking out insurance. If you can plan ahead and want the flexibility of taking more than one holiday or trip abroad, then buying an annual travel insurance policy is, more often than not, a good investment, but do make sure that what you buy satisfies your particular needs.

Author: Keith McGregor

City Guide To Cabo San Lucas

It is absolutely not true that Sammy Haggar is the official founder of Cabo San Lucas. However, it is true that when Sammy first became aware of the tiny fishing town at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, there was not a single jetsetter to be found in the little municipality of Mexico. Today, Cabo is among the hottest of haute-spot destinations of the JustLux jetset.

And forever young, old school rock and roller Sammy Haggars Cabo Wabo Cantina is where this little communitys trip uptown all began. With one small investment by Sammy, a new haven for luxury loving world travelers surfaced.

Cabo San Lucas, often just called Cabo, is a smolderingly desirable vacation destination for extreme adventure seekers of both daytime and nighttime fun. Cabo is one of the most mentioned hotspots by characters on the hit TV show The O.C. What more needs be said?

Days

Pinpointing the timeframe for the advent of nightlife is much simpler than selecting the finest beach of Cabo San Lucas for daytime adventures. There are eight picturesque, sandy white beaches that are perfect for sightseeing and many water-related activities. For romantics, the Twin Dolphin Beach is perfect for couples seeking an intimate secluded hideaway. Even when more crowded than usual, the beachs rock formations and coves offer surprisingly sufficient privacy to guests. Although topless and nude sun bathing are prohibited in Mexico, such behavior occurs frequently around Cabo. It occurs frequently at the Twin Dolphin and Playa San Pedro beaches.

Nights

The mighty Cabo Wabo Cantina is a music venue, a restaurant, and a nightclub. Haggars former band, Van Halen, was the first act to perform on stage. Other VH members were originally co owners of the Wabo with Sammy. The cantinas pioneering efforts have transformed Cabo San Lucas in to a 21st century Mecca of decadence of worldly proportions. The club has been featured on E Channel, Travel Channel, VH1, and MTV. New bands and acts appear weekly. As the Wabos slogan goes, Go there once, you will be there twice!

The Zoo Bar & Dance has appeal for all party animals regardless of specie. Hunters on the prowl for award winning game will find the surroundings quite invigorating. The decorum is definitely African with tiger spotted seat covers and wild animals throughout the joint. The clubs music runs the gamut from pop to dance, but all music played is danceable. Management baits big end-game hunters to show up Thursday evenings for Ladies Night. The cover charge for gentlemen is $25.

Days

Westin Beach, which is part of Playa Buenos Aires, is located near the Jack Nicklaus designed Eldorado Golf Club and the Cond Nast Traveler recommended Westin Regina Resort. The Eldorado golf course features six oceanfront holes. With the rise of new resorts and influx of vacationers coming to Cabo, Westin Beach is now a good setting for family outings. However, do keep in mind that there are swift sea currents and powerful waves. The beach is ideal for lounging but not recommended for swimming.

Nights

Directly across from the Hard Rock Cafe is El Squid Roe. While it is called both a nightclub and a restaurant, the notoriety of Squid Roe stems from its rep as a raucous house of partying. Directions are not necessary. Just follow your ears! Waiters come equipped with strapped on spray tanks of tequila. Pretty much anything goes. There is no official dress code.

The Hard Rock Cafe is a club of two tales. Families and children are welcomed during the day. However, after 10:30 p.m., the minors are out and the adult swim begins. Hurricane, Earthquake, Howling Wolf, and Lovely Rita are just a few of the drinks served from the bar. Located in the Plaza Bonita Mall, the HRC has been a pillar of the community since opening its fabled doors in 1995.

Cabo is an area that definitely will be revisited, as there are too many pleasurable sources for entertainment and recreation to cover in just one article.

Get Travel Insurance - Make Sure it Doesn’t Happen to You!

Luckily for Mr X he was covered by his travel insurance and is now claiming back for damaged ski equipment, rescue costs, medical expenses, the unused portion of his lift pass and is considering taking out a third party claim against the reckless skier who hit him, which again his travel insurance should cover the legal expenses to do so. This is not an isolated event and resorts in Switzerland now have speed patrols to take action against the ‘boy racers’ and ‘speed merchants’ who endanger others by their actions. Other countries will follow suit as this trend increases.

But alarm bells should be ringing here, not just against the rise in the accident rate on the slopes but that recent surveys still show a high number of people going abroad without any travel insurance at all. Whether this is just forgetfulness or a desire to live dangerously, it is shows that many people view travel insurance as an extra expense which can be added or deleted depending on the holiday budget. But with price of travel insurance premiums, particularly on the internet, being relatively cheap – you can find a week’s Winter Sports cover to Europe for under £10, it does seem to be an unnecessary risk to take. It is not necessary to pay through the nose these days and if you are prepared to surf the net then there some excellent deals to be had.

So to go back to Mr X for a moment. Although he has had to come to terms with having his holiday cut short, he does now have the backing of his insurance company to recover most of his costs and maybe some compensation from his assailant. But picture the scene again if, like an increasing number of travellers these days, he had decided to overlook travel insurance. He would be facing hefty medical and rescue bills including the potential of being repatriated home at own cost. So the next time you are undecided about taking out travel insurance, do remember Mr X, unless of course you are one of that increasing band who do want to live dangerously!

Author: Keith McGregor

Travel Deals to India

by: Mandy Chagger


So you want to visit India? Well, good choice: you'll need to access cheap flight India opportunities. Wild tigers, Buddhist Monasteries, the Lotus Temple and the Taj Mahal ' India is a country rich in beauty, culture, color, and sound. The problem, of course, is getting there ' and finding travel tips to India can be done with just a little thought and preparation.

As always when looking for cheap flight India offers, there are a few things to keep in mind. The biggest key to getting discounted airfare is flexibility: off-season, weekday, or after-hours flights will always be cheaper than a Friday afternoon 4:00 flight to Paris. Enter multiple dates when searching for tickets; Monday and Wednesday may be the same to you, but have a hundred-dollar difference to the airline carrier. Flying right around holidays can be difficult, but flying on a holiday ' such as Thanksgiving ' can be a major steal, since the day itself is a slow one for airlines. Being flexible with your route ' for example, stopovers in Bangkok or Taipei ' may also save you money; instead of looking at it as an extra long flight, see it as an opportunity to experience even more places!

Another tactic for saving money and finding a cheap flight India offer is flying in to a major city in India even if it's not where you're ultimately trying to go. Big airports in Bengal or Calcutta will cost a lot less than a private charter plane to Mynokaleesh, and public transport ' such as train, taxi, or jeep ' is relatively cheap. With this method, of course, you have the added benefit of seeing even more of the country ' something no smart traveler would say no to.

India is a fascinating and vibrant country, with a huge span of culture and diversity. Start in the south, perhaps in Calcutta, and make sure you take a guided tour into the heart of the lush jungles. One of the last places where wild tigers, wolves, and elephants still exist, these vine-entangled forests set the scene for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book, an author well worth reading if you are going to his beloved country.

From the south you will want to work up ' and the north is as different from the south as the east is from the west, so much different. Where on one end you find tropical flowers and exotic spices, on the other you are immersed in towering mountains, Himalayan peaks and steaming cups of fresh-picked Darjeeling Tea. The tea, of course, is a facet in itself of Indian culture; everywhere you go vendors selling hot pots of creamy chai will meet you.

India is chosen as a destination by thousands every year, coming for reasons as varied and complex as the country itself. Student backpackers flock to the country for the rich, delicious and inexpensive food, as well as cheap lodging and amazing sights. Older tourists may come for the history, beauty, and architecture, admiring the stunning expanse of the Taj Mahal and Indian Palaces, while others may come for spiritual reasons, giving honour to the ancient traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism that have made India a Mecca for many spiritual seekers. Hikers and Bikers also come, eager to tackle those royal peaks, scaling the Himalayas and looking across to neighbouring Mount Everest.

India is a country of sharp and striking colours; destitute poverty alongside riches and wealth, dirt and grime against silk and beauty, delicious spices mingling their scents with the smell of elephant manure. Not for the weak stomach, India will explode on your palate, your vision, your ears, and your soul. As always when traveling, there are a few things to be careful of: always keep copies of your passport and important documents somewhere other than your wallet, and keep money or valuables strapped close to your body, not on a loose-strung purse or hanging from a backpack. With a few precautions, however, India is both a warm and friendly place, and one of the safest places on the continent to visit.

The food is an experience in itself ' thick breaded naan, spicy mushroom masala, lentil dal, and rich potato somalas will leave you with cravings you may never get rid of. India is unique in its cuisine, specialising of course in heavily spiced dishes fairly exploding with flavor. The exotic quality of the food mingles well with the sights and sounds ' a scitar player sings loudly as he walks down the street, the monkeys screech from the temple, pots and pans jangle noisily on the back of a water buffalo. No matter what your reasons for coming, your experience in India is bound to be more than you expected. Finding a cheap flight to India is more than a quick trip ' it is a discount ticket to a once in a lifetime adventure.


About The Author

Mandy Chagger
Travel deals to India Tel: 08700 490002 or +44 (0)1780 484824 Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm or Sat - Sun 10am - 4pm or visit http://www.jigsawconferences.co.uk/travel/india/cheap-flights-to-india.aspx or for general travel enquiries visit http://www.jigsawconferences.co.uk/travel Our staff are multilingual and very friendly with many years of experience.

Day Tripping To St. Kitts' Little Sister Island - Nevis

by: Justin Burch


Resting only a few miles apart in calm Caribbean waters, St. Kitts and Nevis have always shared an intimate relationship. Today, that relationship finds St. Kitts as one of the Caribbean’s premier travel destinations, while the smaller island of Nevis offers plenty of great activities for day tripping tourists. Though St. Kitts remains a superior resort destination with more tourist opportunities, the islands have much in common. For starters, both islands feature dormant volcanoes at their center, each surrounded by lush rainforests with miles of hiking trails. Furthermore, as St. Kitts and Nevis represent former colonial outposts with economies once dominated by successful sugar plantations, both islands possess an incredible array of historic architecture. Lastly, as most visitors to the Caribbean take great interest in the beaches and the recreation opportunities provided by the Caribbean Sea, tourists will find plenty of warm, clear water and powdery sand wherever they travel.

Rising over 3,200 feet above the Caribbean Sea, Nevis Peak dominates the landscape of St. Kitts’ sister island. Similar to Mt. Liamuiga at the center of St. Kitts, Nevis Peak is surrounded by lush trail-filled rainforests and diverse plant and animal life. As a result, hiking and biking in the shadow of Nevis’ dormant volcano are two of the most popular activities for day-tripping tourists. With tours available for every age and skill level, visitors can spend a few hours experiencing the unspoiled beauty of Nevis and learning about her vibrant Caribbean ecosystem.

Scuba divers and snorkelers will also want to spend an afternoon on Nevis, enjoying pristine coral reefs and ship wrecks. As only 2 miles of Caribbean waters separate St. Kitts and Nevis, many of the best diving tours visit the most popular sites surrounding both islands. Many of the other water sports popular on St. Kitts can also be found on Nevis. A number of tour operators cater to deep sea fishermen and wind surfing enthusiasts, with many offering lessons for those new to the adventurous pursuits. After spending some time in the water, many day-trippers spend their afternoons relaxing on Pinneys Beach – one of the Caribbean’s most beloved stretches of sand.

If you would rather spend your day on land experiencing Caribbean history, there are plenty of sites worth visiting on Nevis. Much like the historic city of Basseterre on St. Kitts, much of the activity on Nevis revolves around the island’s colonial capital – Charlestown. Walking the streets of this quiet city, you will see charming remnants of the island’s history around every corner – from Anglican churches and the Caribbean’s first hotel to elegant plantation homes and the childhood residence of an American founding father, Alexander Hamilton. Elsewhere on the island, you can spot the remains of the once-bustling sugar industry in the form of 18th century plantations, windmills and mansions.

As St. Kitts sister island is close enough to be visible from the beach, a short ferry ride is all that is required to access the small island of Nevis. For many visitors, the 45-minute ferry ride itself is a memorable activity, as the trip provides exceptional views of both islands and the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, as the ferries operate daily from the early morning until the evening hours, it is easy to spend the afternoon on Nevis and return to St. Kitts for the superior dining and nightlife.

Additionally, many tour companies operate on both islands, making it possible to find activities on Nevis through your resort on St. Kitts.

When in St. Kitts, try to make the short voyage across the Caribbean to Nevis. Though St. Kitts may feature superior resorts and recreation opportunities, it is hard to deny the charm of St. Kitts’ little sister.


About The Author
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about vacationing in the Caribbean for the St. Kitts Resort

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/skbrb-st-kitts-marriott-resort-and-the-royal-beach-casino/

A Family Vacation Getaway In One Of The Best Luxury Hotels In Krabi Thailand

by: Peter R Stewart


So far as luxury hotels go anywhere in the Far East, the Rayavadee in Krabi Thailand is as good if not better than most other luxury hotels.

It is a great beach vacation hotel, with 77 rooms, perfect for a family vacation getaway, and equally fantastic for a honeymoon vacation special deal.

The Rayavadee has to be seen to be believed and everything from the staff to the accommodation, to the grounds, the beaches, and the food are close to being perfect. Krabi is possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth so it is just the perfect position for the Rayavadee.

You have to get to Rayavadee by boat, and the first thing that will strike you is the boat. White leather upholstery and the crew all in matching sailors uniforms. Initial impressions are lasting ones, and this certainly makes you feel you are going to a luxury resort. Moving from the speedboat to reception, the impression continues with details all being taken whilst sitting down with hot towels and drinks, which beats standing around a crowded reception area any time.

The accommodation is top class, and if you are on a family vacation getaway there is the family villa with two bedrooms, one on the ground floor, the extra bedroom being the only difference from the De Luxe Pavilion

A two storey villa, and it is so well equipped with all mod cons. It is the small touches like the bathroom own brand products, the bottles of water everywhere, tea, coffee, and biscuits replaced every day. More food and drinks in a huge sideboard, and chocolates left every night by the bed.

A huge bath which holds two, is a feature of the bathroom, and a huge bed are all part of the ambiance.

A great luxury resort has great food, and on a family vacation getaway with hungry kids to feed, this is a very important consideration. If the reader is considering the Rayavadee for a Beach honeymoon vacation special then food is probably high on your agenda.

You will find the restaurants at the Rayavadee are all of the very best, with impeccable service in each of the four different restaurants. It is fair to say that food is not cheap but the views are just out of this world, and you may find it sensible to go down the beach and eat instead, where you will pay perhaps $15 instead of $100, and get genuine Thai food. It’s perfectly safe and worth the effort.

If you want to be active, then there is lots to do from kayaking through the sea caves hiking, swimming, snorkelling, tennis.

The service from the staff could not be more helpful, you will be treated like royalty.in every way. The only downside is the service by the pool which seems to be on the slow side of slow, but always extremely polite.

They are exceptional apart from that small point in every way, and are a big part of the success of the Rayavedee.

Words cannot do justice to the incredibly beautiful beaches, especially the Phranang and Railey beaches which have powder white sand and views of islands in the distance with little caves to explore. Beware however of the monkeys, who although friendly are everywhere!!

All in all there is no doubt that the Rayavadee in Krabi is one of the best luxury hotels in the Far East. It is an ideal spot place for a family vacation getaway on some of the best beaches anywhere. It would also be a good choice for a honeymoon vacation special, so look out for some great honeymoon vacation deals.

For more informaton on Far East Hotels go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Far-East-Hotels/


About The Author
Peter Stewart writes exclusively for http://www.in-kenyasafari.com as well as http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com and has visited personally many of the places he reports on, and has done extensive research on the others

A Kenya Safari Holiday At A Private Game Lodge Next To The Lewa Conservancy

by: Peter R Stewart

A Kenya Safari Holiday, part of which is spent at a Private Game Lodge called Borana adjacent to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy may not at first seem to be what you are looking for, because Borana is probably a name you are unfamiliar with.

You are going to spend a lot of money taking any African safari Trip, especially one at the luxury end of the scale, so it is very well worth your while doing a lot of research before committing your hard earned cash to a safari picked because you liked a picture in a brochure. The best Private Game Lodges are very often not in the popular holiday brochures

Choosing a Kenya Safari as part of your Holiday in Kenya can be difficult, and then on top of that there can be a bewildering choice of accommodation from Camps to Lodges. More often than not you will take a package and these decisions will be taken out of your hands, and this can be a great pity.

There are Game Lodges, and private Game Lodges, safari camps and luxury camps, and there are very popular and sometimes overcrowded game parks, and on the other hand places that are less well known, which will have all the game you could want to view with no other vehicles in sight at this time.

There are game lodges where you will pile into a mini bus for a game drive, and others where you have your own 4x4 with your own knowledgeable guide who will go where you want to go.

With this in mind, study Borana Lodge at the foot of Mount Kenya roughly 6500 feet above sea level, and only sixteen miles from the equator.

Your temporary Kenya Safari Holiday Home at Borana Private Game Lodge has six cottages, so it is small, a good thing as far as it meaning personal attention. There are two cottages with large double beds, and four with Queen sized beds. They are all situated well for privacy, and views from their verandahs, and each has an open fireplace, and ensuite bathrooms.

At Borana there is a selection of available activities which includes Game drives accompanied by rangers and trackers who know all there is to know and more about everything that moves and even stuff that stands still, like trees, flowers, and bushes.

You can take game walks with an experienced guide.

There will be night Game Drives and you will be staggered at the activities of those nocturnal creatures you encounter.

You can explore the 35000 acre ranch on horseback.

Eat farm fresh cooked bush meals wherever and whenever your fancy takes you.

On returning to Borana Lodge you can relax and unwind in the swimming pool which has lovely views over the valley below.

In addition you can choose trips to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy specifically to see the black and white rhino who are protected here.

You can take professionally guided walking safaris.

Above all else remember that whilst you are on a Kenya Safari Holiday, living in some luxury at Borana private game lodge, that Borana is not just a game sanctuary it is also a working ranch, so take the time to be shown round and try to understand the challenges facing those who live and work in what are pretty hostile conditions, where dangerous game such as lions and elephants cause damage and death on an everyday basis.

Borana Private Game Lodge is a very different way to spend part of your Kenya Safari Holiday, but its situation next to the Lewa Conservancy gives you the opportunity of a lifetime to see and do things out of the ordinary.

For more information on In Kenya Safaris go to http://www.in-kenyasafari.com/pages/Site-Map.html

How To Find Cheap Holidays To Spain

by: Terry Roberts


Are you thinking of visiting Spain but are put off by what you’ve heard from your friends about the expense of a holiday there? It’s true that often people think of a holiday to a Mediterranean country such as Spain as a very expensive and difficult trip to plan. This is simply not true. There is a good selection of cheap holidays to Spain that include airfare, hotels and even car rentals or tours once you arrive.

Looking for one of the many cheap holidays to Spain is simple if you have access to a computer and the internet. Many of the online booking companies offer discount packages if you travel slightly off season, which may mean planning your vacation either just in front or just behind the peak tourist season.

In Spain the peak vacation times are the summer months of June to September, but the warm weather often extends well past September and even in April and May. In fact, you may find that a holiday outside the peak periods is in fact much more enjoyable – and bearable. After all, it’s no fun at all walking around cities like Seville, Cordoba or Granada in the boiling heat of a July or August midday.

Planning your vacation just off the main tourist times will usually give you cheaper flights, cheaper hotels and a lot less people around. Another option is to take last minute flights that have not sold, often these flights are a fraction of the price but do require a lot of flexibility.

Staying in hostels is a great way to have cheap holidays to Spain but many hostels have requirements on age and time that you can stay. Sticking to independent hotels rather than the larger chain hotels can also provide slightly decreased costs, plus it allows you to really experience the culture of the area. Another option is to stay in one place that has a good low daily rate and simply travel using rental cars, buses or even the train on day trips to see the surrounding areas.

One of the best ways to decrease the costs of a trip to Spain is to stay just slightly off the beaten path. Many of the smaller towns around the larger cities have wonderful accommodations at a fraction of the price. Meals, food and drink are often much more reasonable in smaller areas than in the big cities.

A rail pass is a relatively inexpensive way to get around the country and saves the traveler from having to navigate the roads and deal with a rental car. Rail or train travel is popular and inexpensive throughout Europe and the rail passes can be used outside of Spain, making them a good cost saving idea for cheap holidays in Spain.

As you can see, there are many ways you can look into to reduce the price of your holidays in Spain. The main thing is to actually get there and soak in the sun, the joie de vivre of the people, the delicious food – or whatever else attracts you!


About The Author
Terry Roberts is a professional linguist and translator who has lived in Spain for over 30 years. To read more travel advice and tips for your next trip to Spain, visit his website at http://www.spain-traveler.com/

Grand Canyon Rafting--The Greatest Vacation in the World

by: Walker D. Mackay


As the snow continues to fall in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming my mind drifts toward the upcoming summer in the Colorado Plateau of Utah and Arizona. Not because I am chilled by the weather outside, but instead I am thrilled about the thought of water in the mighty Colorado River and in its largest tributary the Green River. I have traveled to Costa Rica and ridden the zip lines through the rainforest, I have seen the incredible animals of the Galapagos Islands, and walked on the glaciers of Alaska; but no place on Earth has captured my mind, body, and soul as the Grand Canyon has. There is no vacation on earth better than a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip.

A Grand Canyon Rafting trip is great for families, groups, or individuals. People are allowed to escape from the ordinary on a multi-day rafting trip. Their worries change from cell phones and business to adapting to the natural world. Trips to the movies are traded for hikes to waterfalls. Crowded swimming pools in the city are traded for natural quiet swimming holes. The bedroom ceiling is traded for the dark star filled night sky. A sense of the natural world is put back into those who have been on a rafting trip.

I feel sorry for those who never see the Grand Canyon, or only peer into its depths from the popular South Rim. As a river guide for Colorado River and Trail Expeditions (http://www.crateinc.com) for the past 13 years I have seen many people's lives change on the Colorado River. It is truly amazing how many people tell me that their trip through Grand Canyon is the greatest thing they have ever done. Many of them are very worldly travelers having been to places I have only seen in magazines, or read about in books. I think that a rafting trip fills people with a sense of accomplishment. After all you usually sleep outside, deal with changing weather, surive rapids, and get sand blasting facials. A huge amount of people come back year after year with Colorado River & Trail Expeditions. Take Wilma for example who had never been camping until she came on a rafting trip alone at age 58. Since that time she has been back twelve times. She always says "Why would I do anything else when I like this so much?". I think the canyon makes you selfish. I always feel offended when it comes up #2 or #3 in a magazine's greatest vacation list or 100 things to do before you die.

The Grand Canyon can only be seen from the bottom to really get the praise it deserves. Pictures don't give the Grand Canyon the justice it deserves. The bottom of the Grand Canyon is unbelievable if you have not seen it. There are waterfalls, steams, pinnacles, rapids, buttes, caves, caverns, animals, grottos, rapids, wildflowers, vertical walls, metamorphic rocks, sedimentry rocks, igneous rocks, trees, and open space.

If you are thinking about doing a rafting trip next summer here are some suggestions. Take enough time to see the Grand Canyon. If you want to do a Grand Canyon Trip do the whole 280 miles, don't do a partial trip. If the eight days are too long then try a shorter trip on the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. Colorado River and Trail Expeditions offers motor, row, and paddle rafting trips in both locations. Grand Canyon trips usually originate and end in Las Vegas. Plan on a day of rest and spa treatments after your trip, it will give you some time to start thinking about your next river adventure.


About The Author
Walker Mackay and his wife Mindy are Grand Canyon river guides for Colorado River & Trail Expeditions (http://www.crateinc.com). They live in Fredonia, AZ in the summer and Salt Lake City, UT in the Winter.