Cruise Lines Exclusive Private Islands

When choosing a Caribbean cruise you may well come across some islands you never even knew existed. Princess Cays, Labadee and CocoCay are all examples, and they all have one thing in common; they are used exclusively by the cruise lines who own them. So, forget busy ports, hassling street vendors and uncertain territory, and arrive in style at your own private island instead!

The majority of these islands are far too small for locals to reside in, and therefore have been leased out to the cruise companies, providing an exclusive getaway for cruise passengers and a valuable income for the local governments. The cruise lines have transformed the once "dead land" into their own mini paradise islands.

Typically situated in the Bahamas, these islands feature regularly on many Caribbean itineraries. Often reached by tender only, the islands lie uninhabited out in the middle of the ocean, waiting to indulge the lucky passengers who step ashore.

If you are lucky enough to visit a private island as a port of call, the real luxury is having the freedom to make the day as relaxing or as active as you want it to be. Whether floating out across the bluey-green coral reefs takes your fancy, or even parasailing, it's all on offer. Whatever you choose, a day in paradise can be surprisingly tiresome, so a big buffet style beach barbeque usually comes as standard.

Royal Caribbean comes out top in the owners' stake with access to two of its very own islands, Labadee and CocoCay. They are also pretty much the only cruise company to have ownership of an island outside of the Bahamas.

Of all the islands, Labadee is one of the most popular. Situated on the north coast of Hispaniola, Labadee is part of a larger, inhabited island, occupied by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Labadee boasts 260 acres of beautiful beaches, exotic foliage and coral reefs bordered by contrasting mountain slopes.

Land is reached by tender (an accessible small ship to transfer you to the shore when waters are shallow) which allows for an impressive and truly unique perspective of the cruise ship. Once ashore, Royal Caribbean have provided an abundance of activities and tours, including, kayaking, parasailing and jet ski hire - allowing guests to take a tour down the coast of the island - or, for the less adventurous, floating beach mats (great for both sunbathing, and floating out to sea on!), snorkeling around the tropical reefs and shopping for beautiful handmade local goods. Kids will be a million miles from boredom with an Aqua Park, featuring trampolines and inflatable slides.

CocoCay is Royals second offering, a small, secluded island situated around 50 miles from Nassau, encompassing 140 acres of Bahamian land. Again reached by tender, the island has recently undergone a huge renovation providing an improved guest experience. As CocoCay is an isolated island, the only people occupying it will be guests from the ship and staff; this creating both a relaxing and safe environment.

CocoCay features much of the same activities as its sister island, including the Aqua Park, jet skis and opportunities to parasail and kayak, but in addition, invites guests to snorkel out to sea to explore both a ship and plane wreck, which is not to be missed - if you are brave enough! To wash away the salt water a must is to sample either a "Coco Loco" or "Labaduzee" one of the islands signature cocktails.

The very first ownership of a private island took place in 1977 when the tiny island, today named Great Stirrup Cay, was purchased by Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Situated some 120 miles off Fort Lauderdale, this island has an impressive history of visitors including pirates who used the island as a safe haven, and more gallantly, American troops who occupied the island during World War II to defend the eastern shores of the U.S. Today, Norwegian Cruise Lines has transformed the once somber island into one big beach party!

Accessed by tender, this island will offer everything you would expect; a total of 5, varied, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters full of tropical fish, but what sets this island away from all the others is that the guests really have come to party! Fun is the main agenda here, so if you fancy competing in "Olympic" games or Limbo this is the island for you. The island also boasts volleyball courts and ping-pong tables, and for explorers, snorkelling and paddle boats with viewing areas in the base.

Whatever you choose to do here, it will be set to the sound of the live Calypso band which plays island favourites for listening or dancing to throughout the day.

Disney puts forward a strong competitor for top private island with Castaway Cay.
The only company to own an island which doesn't require a tender, here you can walk straight off the ship and into the fun! This combined with paved walkways and a tram service to different parts of the island also makes Castaway Cay the best choice for wheelchair users.

The 1,000 acre island is located 225 miles from Disney's year-round home port of Port Canaveral.
Parts of this island have been developed like no other island has, even featuring its very own post office! Yet Disney have appreciated the natural beauty of the land and has only developed 10% of the whole island.

Most cruise companies can offer a number of beaches on their island, but few can ensure one to really suit everyone's requirements. Castaway Cay has Serenity Bay, a 1 mile stretch of secluded beach reserved for adults only, where guests can indulge in massages in private cabanas overlooking the sea, Teen Beach, the name says it all! Or guests can head down to Castaways Family Beach where everyone is welcome to play in the lagoon, paddle out to sea or partake in organised beach games.

Disney can offer its guests so many options of how to spend their day on the island, including a 12 acre snorkelling site to explore, kayaking, paddle boats and parasailing. For the younger visitors there is a dig site for kids to find fossils and sharks teeth among other treasures, and also a water play area situated in the lagoon, just off the family beach.

Holland America is another cruise line in the running for best private island. They own award winning Half Moon Cay, situated less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau. Of the total 2,450 acres they own, 2,400 have been left untouched so guests can truly appreciate the beauty of the remote island.

The island features a 9 mile long beach, a wild bird reserve, a beach front bar, air conditioned beachfront cabanas along with shaded hammocks. And whilst the adults are relaxing, the kids can make use of Half Moon Lagoon, an aqua park which also features the Stingray Adventure Program which involves swimming with stingrays. Beach sports, parasailing, nature trails and windsurfing are all other options to fill your day on the island.

Much the same as the other islands? Not when you look at the amazing excursions offered. Horseback Ride 'n Swim excursion will allow guests to explore the island on trails that are accessible only by horseback. During the ride, experienced guides will share insight on Bahamian history, people and culture. The trail will lead guests to a deserted beach where you can enjoy refreshments and can take an unforgettable swim in the sea with the horses.

Although Half Moon Cay is reached by tender, which can sometimes prove difficult for less able guests, the island itself is wheelchair friendly and therefore another good choice for those who require this access.

Not to be out done by its competitors, Princess Cruises puts forward Princess Cays as its little piece of private paradise. Located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, 30 miles off Nassau, Princess Cays is 40 acres of fun and relaxation set in truly beautiful surroundings.

Unlike the majority of the other islands, Princess Cays is part of a larger island, and therefore does have neighbouring inhabitants. (Maybe better referred to as a private beach than private island then! although a very nice one at that) A range of equipment is available to hire from snorkels, aqua chairs and sea boards to kayaks to aqua bikes for the more adventurous!

Princess Cays is a place where it seems to be more about soaking in the beauty of the island and making use of all the cushioned chairs, tiki huts and hammocks settled between the palm trees than filling your day with water sports.

So, which is the best private island?

Over all, Disney provides an excellent island that caters equally well for families, young children and teens, as well as less able guests and wheelchair users. For those wanting a more "toned down" island, Holland America is also a very strong competitor. Each of the islands has its own unique attractions, but it really comes down to personal choice. And of course, although a fantastic part of your cruise, it is only one day, so other factors may well come higher when choosing which cruise is right for you, i.e. the cruise line, ship, remaining itinerary and of course the price!

So when you book your next cruise, look out for one of these islands on the itinerary and you can judge for yourself who really does own the best private island!

Genna Roberts is web editor at Inside Cruise - an online cruise community with the latest cruise news, features and reviews.

Come join us! http://www.insidecruise.co.uk

Cruise Ships

Many people look for enjoyable holidays with family and they search for best options available to them to spend their much-expected holiday in a fruitful way. Mostly these people end with finalizing on a cruise ship. Cruise ship travels has grown multi fold during last decade and many cruise ship providers have come up with many ships with more and more facilities and tempting offers.

What are all facilities one look from a cruise ship? How one can compare the facilities and price tags offered by different cruise ships? What are options to get the required information on cruise ship? This article will try to answer these questions one by one.

The facilities in cruise ship include the dining halls, relaxing places, restaurants, bars and cafeterias. There can be many restaurants and many dining halls in big cruise ships. The restaurants usually offer very delicious eatables for the travelers. Many special items, like fried prawns, fishes and seafood. There can be many cafeterias on board to enjoy the sea travel and beauty of zenith while sipping a tea or coffee or while enjoying a chilly beer.

Other facilities offered by the cruise ships are dance halls, musical rooms and entertainment halls. Also luxurious cruises will have facilities for indoor sports like chess, carom, cards and bridge. These ships will have mini tennis courts and mini swimming pools built in it. There can be gymnasiums for daily workouts. There will be special secluded space for relaxing and watching the sceneries around. Most of the cruises have day care centers, cartoon shows, video and computer games all are intended for family tourists with children. Some cruise ships offer good library facilities as well. Some cruise ships are well equipped with casinos. Gambling can be enjoyed with much enthusiasm and vigor here. Bars are also set up for adults in most of the cruises. The travels in cruises are very enjoyable and unforgettable for a lifetime for many.

The details of all cruise ships are available now online. You can get the price tags, the routes, the tour plans and the facilities available in the cruise ships from an online search. There are many offshore offices set up for the cruise lines. You can approach these offices also to get the details of the cruise travel. Online reservation facilities are available for most of the cruise lines. You can get all required information from the online web sites or from the executives of the cruises contacting directly. It is always advisable to do a thorough search before deciding up on a cruise line. You have to compare the cost, the facilities they offer for the price you pay and also check the security aspects of the cruise line.

Robert Grazian is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about cruise ships visit Single Cruise Travel for current articles and discussions.

Alaska's "Other" Ferry System

You hear a lot about the Alaska Marine Highway System, and no wonder. It's been around for more than four decades now doing yeoman service for Alaskans and Alaska visitors who are looking for a ferry cruise from the "Lower 48" states to Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound,and even to the Aleutian Islands. It's been a perennial huge hit.

But have you heard about Alaska's "other" ferry system - the passenger and vehicle ships of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority?

Unless you live in Ketchikan or in one of the communities on Prince of Wales Island or in Wrangell or Petersburg the name probably means little to you. That may change.

What they have - the people who live in these Southeast Alaska communities - is a really splendid little ferry operation connecting three islands and more than a half dozen communities to each other and the outside world. For Alaskans or visitors from "Outside" who are looking for an easily accessible "Off the Beaten Path" experience for a few days or longer the routes of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) can be ideal.

Two Vessels

This pleasurable travel opportunity is possible because of IFA's two vessels: the m/v Prince of Wales which entered service in 2002 and the new-in-'06 m/v Stikine. Both ships are 98 feet long and can carry 160 passengers and 35 standard-size autos. And make no mistake about it, these are no plain and simple utility craft. Each contains a comfortable forward observation lounge with recliner chairs, reading room, a "quiet room" for passengers who need privacy, galley and restaurant, and a solarium. And attention parents or grandparents traveling with children: Each ferry contains a youngster's playroom.

Prince of Wales connects Ketchikan twice daily in summertime with Hollis on Prince of Wales Island (POW) and 1,100 miles of paved and gravel roads. These highways run through forests and alongside streams, lakes, saltwater inlets and bays. The fishing can range from good to grand and the wildlife viewing and birding can be equally superb. Colorful totem parks exist in Hydaburg, Kaasan, and Klawock. And for a walking tour unique in Alaska the U.S. Forest Service offers escorted underground excursions (bring your own flashlights) through the El Capitan limestone caves in the northern portion of POW. (The USFS asks for two days notice; call 1-907-828-3304 for details.)

Especially for visitors with RVs or autos the travel opportunities are the stuff of dreams. You'll find a number of government and private campgrounds and if you're not a camper don't despair. Friendly Alaskan hosts run lodges and B&Bs in the larger communities on the island as well as in Wrangell and Petersburg where you'll find comfortable hotels as well. After a day or two (or a week or two) of exploring POW travelers have only to drive to Coffman Cove Thursdays through Sundays to catch the new Stikine for a two-hour, 45 -minute ride to Wrangell on the island of the same name. The Stikine then proceeds on a one-hour journey to the southern end of Mitkof Island and 25 miles of road travel to Petersburg. Wrangell and Petersburg also are served by the ferries of the Alaska Marine Highway System.

Wrangell and Petersburg

You may have heard about many of the visitor attractions in Wrangell and Petersburg. At Wrangell you can book Stikine River tours up one of America's swiftest flowing navigable rivers, as well as a daycruise to observe and photograph the bears at Anan Creek. Too, you can view ancient petroglyphs along the city's shoreline, play a round of Muskeg Meadows golf, or take in a flick at the community's new movie theater. On Chief Shakes Island in the middle of the community boat harbor you'll find one of the most varied and photogenic totem parks in the Alaska panhandle. The Tlingit tribal house on the island is no small item of interest as well.

Petersburg, known as "Little Norway" because of its Nordic heritage and dcor, also provides access by daycruise to nearby thundering LeConte Bay and Glacier. Petersburg, you'll find, is an easy walkabout community. If you take a stroll be sure to visit the Clausen Memorial Museum where you can view a record 126.5-pound king salmon, the old Cape Decision light station lens, a Tlingit canoe and all kinds of old time fish processing equipment. At least one eagle is almost always in residence at Eagle Roost Park and whale watching can be awesome on day cruises from the community or from Outlook Park on Sandy Beach.

Ketchikan

At Ketchikan where travel aboard the Prince of Wales begins or ends the things to see and do are well nigh endless. You'll find three world class totem collections in the community - at Saxman village just south of Ketchikan, at Totem Bight State Historical Park 10 miles north of town, and at the Totem Heritage Center in the City Park near downtown. The heritage collection contains nearly three dozen magnificent ancient totem poles or fragments, retrieved from outlying deserted Tlingit and Haida villages. The center ranks as the largest exhibit of original totems in the United States. Other monuments in cedar may be seen around the community.

The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center on Ketchikan's Main Street near the waterfront is one of four federal Public Lands Information Centers in Alaska where visitors can gather tons of information about travel throughout Southeast Alaska and the entire state. Fishing charters abound in the city, as do daycruises to outlying attractions such as nearby Misty Fjords National Monument. A new (in 2005) attraction, Alaska Canopy Adventures, offers zipline tours, during which visitors "zip" through Southeast Alaska forest canopies at 35 miles per hour - suspended in harness from treetop cables sometimes 135 feet above the forest floor.

Want to know more about the Inter-Island Ferry Authority, including senior discounts on both vessels? Contact the IFA toll-free at 1-866- 308-4848. The authority also hosts an excellent informative website at www.interislandferry.com.

# # #

Copyright (c) 2006 by Mike Miller; all rights reserved

Alaskan travel writer Michael Miller lives in Juneau where his current passion is publishing an information-packed website about Alaska cruising and ferry travel: http://www.AlaskaCruisingReport.com. Says Miller: It's all there - all the cruiseships, all the lines, all the ferries and all the ports plus excursions, health afloat, Alaska family cruising, and even a fun Alaska travel trivia quiz. Miller has authored or contributed to a number of books (Fodors, Sierra Club Books, Globe Pequot, The Milepost and others). He also writes for TravelAge West (for travel agents) as well as for major newspapers and magazines.

France - Bordeaux and St. Tropez

France and Paris, Paris and France. Youll have a great time exploring Paris, but youll miss places like Bordeaux and St. Tropez if you dont get out of the city.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is both a city and the center of the wine region in France. As a city, Bordeaux is surprisingly bereft of things to see. One can find unique statutes, fountains and the like, but there isnt really a particular location to mark of on your, I saw that list. The city is, however, a good place to relax, drink and eat. For relaxation, you can put around this low key town and take in food at the outdoor cafes in the Place de la Comedie. The specialty food of the region are canellas, which are very good. If youre with the wine and cheese crowd, Bordeaux is going to seem much more exciting. The surrounding region produces wine by the mega cask loads and you can visit locations such as Chateau Mouton-Rothschild to smell and taste the grapes. Moderation is suggested as you want to avoid the grapes of wrath the next morning!

St. Tropez

St. Tropez has gone through roughly three stages in its history. Originally, the town was a little fishing village no different than others dotting the coast of France. At some point, however, it became the place to be for artist who had given up on Paris. No less than the painters Matisse, Signac and Seurat lived and worked in the town. Fortunately or unfortunately, those times have passed. While artist still populate the town, St. Tropez is now the hangout of celebrities and the wealthy. While still a beautiful location, the over the top glitz of St. Tropez is a bit much.

Once you get out of Paris, your options are wide open when it comes to exploring France. Bordeaux is definitely worth a visit while St. Tropez tends to be a take it or leave it destination. I left it.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about France Travel and Adventure Travel.

The Wiccan Holidays

The Wiccan Holidays, which are also known as the Sabbats are celebrated though out the year. The Sabbats represent the turning of the seasons and are celebrated through rituals and traditions. There are 8 Sabbats during the years and dates vary due to the position of the sun and length of sunlight and also whether you live in the southern hemisphere or northern hemisphere.
During these celebrations symbolic items are collected to be used during the ritual or for decoration. These items can consist of flowers, herbs, crystals, certain colored altar cloths and candles, which represent that particular season.

Yule/Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice is celebrated around the 21st December for the Northern Hemisphere and around June 21st for the Southern Hemisphere. This holiday celebrates the rebirth of the sun to the earth and it is also the longest day of the year.

Imbolc

Imbolc is celebrated on the 2nd of February for the Northern Hemisphere and on the 1st of August for the Southern Hemisphere. This Holiday celebrates growth, strength, light and inspiration.

Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox is celebrated around the 20th of March for the Northern Hemisphere and around the 21st of September for the Southern Hemisphere. This Holiday celebrates the return of life and growth to the earth after a long and cold winter; it is also a time where there is equal light and dark in the day.

Beltane

Beltane is celebrated on the 30th of April for the Northern Hemisphere and on the 1st of November for the Southern Hemisphere. This holiday celebrates the sacred union between the God and Goddess, which form that union comes, creation, growth and harmony.

Lammas/Lughnasad

Lammas, which is also sometimes called the grain holiday, is celebrated on the 1st of August for the Northern Hemisphere and the 1st of February for the Southern Hemisphere. This holiday celebrates the first harvest for the season.

Fall Equinox

Fall Equinox is celebrated around the 22nd of September for the Northern Hemisphere and around the 21st of March. This holiday celebrates the final harvest for the season and the preparation for the long winter ahead.

Samhain

Samhain is celebrated on the 31st of October for the Northern Hemisphere and the 1st of May in the Southern Hemisphere. This holiday is a time to celebrate and remember those who have past. It is also the day where the veil between the two planes of life and death is the thinnest.

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice is celebrated around the 21st of June for the Northern Hemisphere and around December 21st for the southern Hemisphere. This Holiday celebrates the peak of the sun's power, and it is also the longest day of the year.

All these Sabbats are apart of the Wiccan tradition and are all part of the growth of the earth, the spirit, the mind and the body. They are also a way in which we give thanks to the God and Goddess for all the gifts, blessings and lessons received during each season.

For more information on this topic or any other related topics go to my discussion forum Wicca and Witchcraft at http://wiccaandwitchcraft.110mb.com

If You Are Looking For A Vacation With A Difference

If you are looking for a vacation with a difference then you really need to book a Caribbean cruise; with the exotic and beautiful islands these ships travel to, their popularity is not surprising. You can have everything you want with a different Caribbean island every day and all the wonderful evening entertainment of a resort on board the cruise liner. Vacations can be for extended period and it is up to your budget, choice of locations and preferences, ranging from as little as three days up to fourteen days or more.

The great thing about cruising is that these ships have immense experience in catering for just about all tastes so whether you just want to relax on the deck or want a full itinerary of events, they will be able to supply exactly what you want. If anything, you will have a hard time keeping up with everything that you can possibly do on a cruise liner.

Planning is the key to vacationing and with the number of packages now available it will be well worth your time to have a chat with your tour operator's agent. As there are so many islands over quit a large area, Caribbean cruises arrange for only certain ones like Jamaica, Antigua, Bermuda or Bahamas; these islands will get a visit for each type of package that has been arranged so your job is to find one that matches the islands you want to visit.

Some cruise vacations to the Caribbean are for people that like to party with plenty of discos and non-stop entertainment and may not be the ideal place for families. Don't forget that more and more information is put online these days and whilst the travel agent will be helpful, there is every chance you can take a virtual tour of the Caribbean cruise ships if you visit the website directly.

Remember that a vacation on board a ship allows you more opportunity to dress up as there are more functions than you are probably used too. There are more formal evenings where women will to have take evening gowns and men will need a tuxedo as you may be invited to the captains table.

The great thing about cruise vacations is that if you take your children along you can be sure they will have a fun filled time. There is always something for them to do and people to take care of them if you need a few hours of adult time.

But Caribbean cruises can be for adults to and there are those that do not have children on board. There is no end to what you can actually request on your cruise liner vacation so if you have just got married or are celebrating your fiftieth wedding anniversary, something special can be arranged.

A Caribbean cruise vacation is the ideal venue for singles, couples and for families as everyone is looked after with a multitude of activities available; no-one ever feels left out.

G.Wadel: You can find out More if your looking to have some Fun, Sun and Relaxation, Such as the Virgin Islands and many more. http://my-marketing-tips.com/virginislands

Disney Accommodation Options

Your children love all things Disney, right? They keep asking when you're going to take them to the happiest place on earth. You think back to your own childhood with fond memories of strolling down Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom with an ice cream cone in one hand and a Mickey shaped balloon in the other. You've dreamed, you've saved, and now you're ready to book your dream vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida.

So, where will you stay? The Walt Disney World Resort offers a myriad of options for those choosing to stay on sight. From the budget conscious traveler to those who are ready to splurge, they may just have a property that's perfect for you and your needs. Deluxe hotel accommodations include such resorts as The Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Contemporary Resort, The Grand Floridian and Disney's Polynesian Resort, among others. These properties offer the highest standard of luxury and amenities, with prices starting at $215.00 per night. Disney's moderate resorts offer rooms starting at $145.00 per night. This category includes the Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs and Port Orleans. The lowest cost resorts are classified as value resorts and have rooms starting at $82.00 per night.

Staying on Disney property offers some additional benefits for guests. Disney's transportation system consisting of buses, ferry boats and the Monorail system are all available to transport you free of cost to your Disney destination. Be prepared though to wait in line as many other guests also make use of this system. Disney also offers its' hotel guests Extra Magic hours to visit the four theme parks.

Many families prefer to stay at a private vacation villa while in Florida. These privately owned villas offer more spacious accommodations and all of the amenities of home. You'll often have use of a private pool as well as three to seven bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, laundry facilities, comfortable family rooms and fully stocked kitchens. Having a kitchen can be a big help for those on a budget or for those who prefer not to eat out at every meal. Being able to spread out and get comfortable can promote family relaxation and happiness. Prices for a three or four bedroom vacation villa are often comparable to a single hotel room at a value resort.

So, whatever type of accommodations you desire, be assured that there are lots of options available and plenty of websites to help narrow down your list. So schedule some vacation time at work, find the suitcases, get the kids and tell them what they've been longing to hear: "We're going to Disney World."

Please visit http://AllDisneyCharacters.com and http://DisneyVacationHome.net for more great Disney Tips.

The Chianti Sculputre Park

The Chianti Sculpture Park is located in Tuscany about 11 km north of Siena. The area is famous worldwide for its beautiful hilly landscape, its vineyards and the evergreen olive trees and cypress trees. Quiet medieval villages are scattered here and there; the small hamlet of Pievasciata, with its church of San Giovanni Battista, dating back to the XI century, is just one kilometer away.

The Chianti Sculpture Park offers each of its visitors a unique experience. In an untouched wood of ilex and oak trees in the heart of Sienese Chianti, many internationally renowned artists from five continents have created imposing contemporary sculptures in accordance with their own creative ideas and style. Piero Giadrossi the founder of this Park, has travelled extensively for over 20 years and has always collected small and large contemporary sculptures.

His vision was to share with the discerning visitors of Tuscany, his love for sculpture and so he decided to create a permanent exhibition along a shadowy trail which runs through a beautiful wood of oaks. Each artist chose the site for his or her installation, thus each work becomes a unique presence in the corner of the wood where it is mounted.

To select the artists Piero was helped by an Art Committee and careful thought was given to the nationality and the media used. "All the sculptures therefore, can be considered to be truly site-specific, which explains their harmony with the trees, the sounds, the colours, the light, and every other element of the wood. In fact, these man-made works do not extend beyond the limits of nature, rather, they integrate with it and enhance it," says Piero Giadrossi.

Twenty countries are represented so far and this makes the Park truly unique in Italy. One of the objectives of the Park was to give room to artists barely known in Europe, but famous in their country of origin; significant talents that otherwise would have no exposure to the western public.

Temporary exhibition will be held annually in the amphitheatre. Opposite the entrance of the Park an old building which was a pottery, has been transformed into a large art gallery and so visitors who have admired the large sculptures in the Park can have a chance to admire smaller works made by the same artists.

How to get to the Chianti Sculpture Park:

Milan-Rome highway: Firenze Certosa exit.

Superstrada to Siena: Siena Nord exit.

Left onto SS 222, towards Castellina and then take a right turn after 1.5 km towards Vagliagli.

Drive for about 8 km and then turn right towards PIEVASCIATA. It is a country road and you will find the Park at your right after about 4 km.
From Rome: drive the Superstrada around Siena until you find the Siena Nord exit. Then follow the instruction above.

Margit Holzer is an international expert for the travel industry. With a degree in Economics and being a multilingual tourism expert, she is now the CEO for http://www.dde-europe.com Contact her on her mail m.holzer@dde-europe.com for any kind of question regarding travelling, accommodation and tourism above all in Italy.

Branding Positioning Travel Business MLM and Finding a Niche

Today the travel industry is doing very well and many entrepreneurs are jumping on for the ride. Annually the U.S. travel industry is worth 1.3 trillion dollars and new travel companies as well as seasoned ones are trying to cash in.

Those who will be the most successful will learn how to brand and have a specialty niche related to the travel industry. They must be creative and consider services that carter to businesses, destinations, cruises, groups, and more. Offering planning that will allow individuals to get from one location to another and provide ultimate care for specialized needs.

A research study conducted by Access America found that 10% of Americans are planning to spend their federal tax rebate for economic stimulus to travel. The stimulus package is valued around $105 billion dollars; which means that Americans are planning to spend $10 billion dollars on travel and tourism. Early summer should be a big payday for those who love to plan and find wonderful places to visit.

Targeting the right audiences to carter to means learning which consumer groups are the big spenders when it comes to booking locations. Learn how to address and appeal to specified consumer groups and study their buying patterns.

African Americans spend $35 billion dollars annually on travel.

Hispanic travel is growing 10 times the rate in the traveling population.

The American gay and lesbian community spends $65 billion dollars annually on travels and represents 5% of the U.S. travel industry.

Come up with solutions to provide customization skills that will help individuals on the move get where they are going. If you are a hopeless romantic position your brand to offer wedding destinations, cruise marriages, romance retreats, etc. Select a field or industry that you have a strong passion for and help people needing to plan a trip by making life simple.

For assistance with branding a travel business MLM contact CR Cataunya Ransom for coaching, publicity, and ideas postmaster@mosnarcommunications.com.

Learn how to develop a successful PR Campaign: http://www.mosnarcommunications.com/prguide.html

"CR" Cataunya Ransom is the Co-founder of Mosnar Communications, INC. She developed a niche for Luxury PR & Global Marketing. Guiding clients on how to brand, market, and promote luxury products, events, and services. Highly respected as a luxury public relations expert! "CR" consults clients and speaks to audiences about luxury public relations and global marketing practices.

http://www.mosnarcommunications.com

How To Vacation With Friends - Affordably - In The World's Most Luxurious Estates!

The secret is in traveling with your family or friends. Some of the world's most beautiful, luxurious and exciting accommodations are exquisite villas, town homes and estates in prime vacation destinations around the globe. Most of them are huge, featuring four, six, ten or more bedrooms and baths. Why not invite your closest pals, your extended family, a group or association you belong to and rent one of these fabulous venues for a few days, weeks or even a month?

Through websites like Villa4vacation.com, it's easy to find just the right location in the country, city and region you prefer. Looking for a spacious residence overlooking a major metropolis in North America, Europe or Australia? Use the websites easy-click search tool to determine the location, number of bedrooms, cost per day or week, amenities and other options you prefer.

Want to vacation in a sprawling country estate or a spectacular home in the suburbs? You'll find that, as well, by searching for the criteria that best meets your needs.

Here are a few examples of some of the most sublime residences on the vacation rental market today. Villa Fiorentino is a wonderful Mediterranean-style villa in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Positano, the pearl of Italy's Amalfi Coast, just a short distance from the beach, features 14 bedrooms and sleeps 20. Weekly rates range from 600 to 2500 Euro, depending on season.

If Mexico is your dream destination, check out Casa Angela, a very private luxury estate on almost an acre overlooking Puerto Vallarta and the bay. Luxuriate in 20,000 square feet of splendor with up to 10 bedrooms, 11 baths, a chef and staff of six, heated swimming pool and 4 Jacuzzis. Rates range from $1200 to $2400 a day.

Then there's the manor house and guest house at El Castillo de Esparza, located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This secluded mountaintop estate, sprawling over 43,000 square feet of private luxury, comes complete with ten bedrooms, large pool, Jacuzzi, water slide and tennis courts all overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Nicoya. It's yours for about $3000 a day.

Looking to North Carolina for a mountain retreat or getaway with a group? Beech Mountain, the highest city east of the Mississippi River, features a. 4900+ square foot log home in a beautiful wooded setting with ten bedrooms and wood beamed ceilings throughout. Close to the Beech Mountain Club recreational facilities, the area features golf, swimming, tennis, hiking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, tubing, sledding, horseshoes, fishing, miniature golf, horseback riding and lots more. Weekly rates range from $1,875.00 - $3,875.00.

If Cape Cod, Massachusetts is more your style, check out this new home with breath-taking waterfront views from the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom to the second floor bedroom decks. Seven bedrooms, an entertainment room and private beach make this a New England vacation paradise that you can grab for your gang for $7,000.00 - $11,000.00 a week.

Once you find the destination of your dreams, Villa 4vacation.com gives you contact information for connecting with the owner directly, to ask questions, get more details and reserve your place. Since owners are pre-screened for credibility, you can be confident about arranging your vacation through the advanced technology available at the Villa4vacation.com website. Hundreds of vacation rental transactions are successfully completed each year because of the simplicity, selection and savings in comparison to hotel and resort rates.

To explore your dream vacation options for free, visit http://www.Villa4vacation.com and use the easy-search tool to enter your preferences and discover the vacation treasures you can find. With the world's most exclusive residences available to you, why settle for just another ordinary venue?

http://www.villa4vacation.com/rentals/All.aspx?Type=0&Beds=10

Rosalind Sedacca is a writer, an award-winning professional speaker, and Certified Corporate Trainer specializing in both communication and relationship issues. Rosalind is a PR director of http://www.villa4vacation.com

Popular Places For Medical Tourism

Medical tourists from different countries travel for health care purposes to those countries having quality healthcare services at reasonable prices. So they spend extra money on travel, health care and accommodations on the places of treatment. Medical tourism is an old concept because thousands of years ago people traveled for medical purposes or for spiritual treatments to different countries. Many factors are considered while choosing a destination place for medical tourism such as high healthcare services and costs, waiting for certain procedures, availability and affordability of international travel, quality and latest technology used in the treatment.

Some of the most popular places include Europe, Japan, Middle East, UK, United States, Canada and Costa Rica. These places are popular due to the quality of their health care services, technology and competency of physicians. The hospitals of Bolivia, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Cuba and Turkey are popular for Cosmetic surgery treatments. Surgeons of South American countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Argentine lead in plastic surgery due to their experience and knowledge. Plastic surgery is very common in Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Colombia and US. Slovakia, Belgium and Poland are entering in the business of health care.

A large number of Americans are going abroad for health care although the facilities of health in US are also available. There are many intermediary companies which provide help in medical tourism. These companies offer global health care at reasonable costs. There are different commissions and societies which care for the quality and standards of the hospitals available for medical tourism. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, India and Costa Rica have many infectious diseases as compare to North America and Europe . So medical tourists need to stay for some time in the country which they choose for health care because travel soon after surgery can create many complexities. Tourists having breath and heart related problems avoid long flights and combine their vacation tours with medical tours.

North American Places

The quality of healthcare in Canada is not less than that of America but medical tourists can save 30 to 60 percent of their costs as compare to America. Medical tourists can save up to 80 on healthcare services in Costa Rica as compare to US. Costa Rica is popular for cosmetic procedure, dental, weight-loss and orthopedic surgeries. Knee replacement surgery is very cheap so patients travel to Costa Rica for medical tourism. Patients from all over the world travel to Cuba for the best quality of healthcare services and fine reputation of their doctors. Medical tourists of Europe and Latin America travel to this destination because of its situation and save up to 60 to 80 percent as compare to the charges in US. The hospitals of Cuba are best known for cancer treatment, cosmetic surgery, joint replacement, eye surgery and addictions rehabilitations. the government of Cuba has taken many steps to increase income from medical tourism and patients of US, Canada and UK visit Cuba for medical treatments. Dominican Republic is very popular destination for hip replacement, bariatric surgeries, plastic surgeries, knee replacement, eye surgeries and all other medical treatments. Medical tourists can save from 50 to 75 percent as compare to the costs in US. The plastic surgery and dentistry healthcare services of Mexico are appreciated by all the world. The costs of these treatments are one-fourth to one-fifth of American costs. The quality of health care services in Mexico is very high and medical tourists are satisfied.

Quality health services, location and dollar as the official currency are the reasons that Panama is famous for its medical services. The medical professionals of Panama are trained by US and use the latest technology to provide quality healthcare services. Medical tourists can save more than 50 percent of healthcare costs as compare to Europe and US. Dental implants, assisted reproduction, cosmetic dentistry, plastic surgery, cardiology, orthopedics and pulmonology are the popular procedures in medical treatments. Surgeons of Brazil have gained world wide fame in cosmetic surgery.

South American Places

Orthopedic surgeries , Cosmetic surgery, transplant surgery, eye surgery and cardiovascular are popular procedures in Colombia. Healthcare services in Colombia are cheap and foreigners can get human organs from Colombia. The doctors of Colombia are experienced and have worked in many countries of Europe and US.

Asian Places

China has gained popularity in stem cell treatments. The medical professionals of India are popular for hip resurfacing, heart surgery and areas of advanced medicine. The treatment costs in India are very low which is nearly one-tenth to the treatment costs of US. The healthcare service in Malaysia are also very popular and the doctors of Malaysia are trained in the hospitals of US and UK. New Zealand is a popular medical tourism destination for fertility treatments and non-acture surgical procedures. The doctors are trained in the hospitals of UK and US. The costs of healthcare services are very low as compared to US. Thailand is popular in organ transplant and cardiac surgery at lower prices.

Europe

Moreover British and Canadian medical tourists don't wait long and travel to Germany for medical treatments. Novel cancer and spine surgery are well treated in Germany at lower prices. Dentistry services in Ukraine are provided at lower costs. High class material and equipment is used in dental clinics and hospitals. There are many suitable places for medical tourism but a medical tourist chooses according to his own choice and affordability.

Radha Kishan is currently advertising for a Medical Tourism website and his own Medical Tourism By Radha Kishan

Best Deals On Cruises

Let's define deal. A deal in this case is a bargain arrangement for mutual advantage. A deal is only a good deal if everyone is happy. To provide you with a good deal, as your cruise agent we first get to know you. We spend time finding out what would make you excited about your vacation. Is it the destination that is your main priority? Or maybe it's the journey. Are you bringing the kids? Or is it a romantic get away? Do you enjoy lots of activity on board a ship? One size does not fit all when it comes to cruise vacations.

Cruise lines and their ships have personalities just as we do. There are luxury liners, mega ships, fun ships, ships with casinos, golf, basketball, spas, virtually whatever suits your fancy. It's just a matter of fitting it all in and finding the deal that is a good fit for you.

A Cruise specialist will find out which cruise would fit your personal style. They will discover what your desires are in a vacation and then go to work to find the best deal for you. There are discounts that they can look for that may include a special rate for being a Florida resident, or maybe you have sailed on a Cruise Line before and would be eligible for a loyal passenger rate. There are also group discounts they may be able to put you in and you don't even have to know anyone else in the group.

Cruise Specialists will book your reservation by using a system that will mimic and show the same fares that a Cruise Line Reservationist would see. The difference is that they will tell you about all the specials that would apply to you and help you stay within the amount you can afford.

The goal of the cruise specialist is to get repeat business. We want you to tell all your friends about what a great cruise you had and how we helped you to attain that. Some people think that they will get a better price by cutting out the middle man. In truth, without Cruise Agents, the Cruise Lines couldn't fill their ships. Our prices are equal or lower than going directly to the Cruise line or other on line travel sites. We give you our honest opinions about which Cruise Lines are offering the best deals. If you went into Burger King and couldn't afford their meals, do you think they would send you to MacDonald's? I think not!! When you call our number, you are going to reach us each and every time. The Cruise Line Reservationist is on a rotating call so you will get a different person handling your reservation every time. We want to gain your trust and treat you as a cherished friend. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

So for valuable advice, personal and customized service and a long term relationship regardless of which cruise line you book, seek out a cruise specialist. After, all it's YOUR vacation and your money so entrust it to a professional who truly wants you to have the best experience and most memorable cruise.

The deal that would be best is the one that fits your lifestyle into the destination, cabin and ship that will have you talking about for many years to come. The satisfied client is the one who has found the perfect fit, filled with activities that will have you thinking, When is it time to plan our next cruise vacation.

Our job as Cruise specialist will be to help prepare you by answering all your questions such as, What to pack, how do I book a shore excursion, what documents do I need. You wouldn't go to your hair dresser for advice on how to fix your car. Cruise Specialist-that is what we are here for, we can book your hotels and transportation to the port as well as air. It's all part of the service. What are you waiting for? Call us for the deal that will get you your dream cruise vacation.

Robbie Claus is a Cruise Specialist who has first hand knowledge and experience on the ins and outs of cruise deals. To get your best cruise deal contact her now.

Four Great Reasons For A Las Vegas Family Vacation

Despite being known as the Sin City, Las Vegas is becoming a top travel destination for families and kids. There is an enormous variety of attractions at affordable rates in . The combination of amazing Nature Tours, State and National Parks, top-rated kids' Shows and Amusement Parks is simply unbeatable by any other city. This will make your vacation a truly memorable one.

Below, we describe in more detail these Las Vegas family attractions.

1) STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS
Las Vegas for Kids it's not only the city itself, but also the surrounding areas including its famous State and National Parks such as Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead. Few miles off The Strip, you will find the Red Rock Canyon, one of Mojave Desert's most beautiful spots. As you go on sightseeing and taking photos, you may find Indian roasting pits and petroglyphs along the way. Don't miss the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, a working ranch nestled at the base of the dramatic Wilson Cliffs. This Las Vegas family tour from Calico Hills and finally to Willow Springs is definitely a must-see.

2) AMAZING NATURE TOURS

Grand Canyon is among the top-rated Las Vegas family tours. Parents need not to worry - your kids will enjoy the low flying helicopter tours. The flights are air-conditioned, secure and enclosed. Be amazed by the aerial views as the flight takes you over the desert to the Grand Canyon West Rim, over the Colorado River, and Hoover Dam.

3) AMUSEMENT PARKS

Las Vegas Amusement Parks should never be missed on your Las Vegas family vacation. Las Vegas is home to Adventuredome, one of America's largest indoor amusement parks encased in a five-and-a-half-acre glass pink dome. It is definitely a thrill-seekers' haven providing a Las Vegas family vacation the best value for money.
For added fun, check out The Aquarium at the Silverton. It holds 117,000-gallon saltwater, home to all types of exotic and colorful fish. There are other great Las Vegas kids' attractions that you should never miss such as the Big Shot, the Canyon Blaster, Chaos and Desperado.

4) MAGIC SHOWS

The Strip has lots of kiddy shows to choose from, to experience and to enjoy. Your Las Vegas family vacation will never be dull. There are a number of fantastic magic shows such as Lance Burton, the Greatest Magic Show at the Greek Isle Hotel and Mac King Comedy show. The Blue Man Group has been one of kids and teenagers' favorites for a long time. Other top-rated Las Vegas kids' shows should not be overlooked. You can check Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater featuring all kinds of animal tricks, the dinner show at Tournament of Kings, and V - The Ultimate Variety Show.

Sure enough, these kids' attractions will never fail to make your Las Vegas family vacation a truly memorable one.

Jamie Baker has traveled extensively with her kids across the United States and overseas. She is a travel and lifestyle expert currently working for VegasKids.info where she writes about Las Vegas for Kids and Las Vegas family vacations. She lives in California with her husband and three children.

Cruise Vacations - What to Do, What to Expect

Your mind is made up that you want to go on a cruise vacation, but you don't know where to begin. Before you have to worry about booking your trip, you need to find out all you can about what's available first. People from all walks of life go on cruises, for a lot of different reasons. Some see them as a great way to meet people and just relax and enjoy life. Some people like cruises for the sports adventures, like hiking and scuba diving. But maybe you'd rather go someplace where you can whale watch instead, or enjoy the nightlife. Whatever you're interested in, when you're planning your trip you should choose a cruise vacation that offers all the things that you want to do.

When planning a cruise vacation, you want to gather the following information:

- Where is the cruise ship departing from, and what will be its destinations? Most people will need to travel some distance to the port, whether it's flying or driving. Be sure to include expense this when you're figuring the total cost of a cruise vacation.

- What kinds of activities does the cruise package include? Any cruise vacation will include many different activities, but every cruise will have different options. Think about what kinds of things you'd like to do, and then look around for a cruise package that includes those activities.

- Who will be traveling with you on the cruise? Many cruises have special themes, and some don't. Cruise vacation packages that are geared toward children and families will offer a different variety of activities than you would find on a singles cruise, for example.

- What ports will the cruise ship be stopping at? Most cruises will make port at several different destinations, and you'll have an opportunity to disembark for a day in each place in order to take in some sightseeing, shopping, or participate in on shore sports adventures such as rock climbing and water skiing. Choose a cruise package that stops at places you'd like to see, and offers activities that you would enjoy.

When you've looked at all your options and decided on the cruise vacation that sounds right for you, you can probably book it right over the Internet. The number of cruise packages you have to choose from are almost overwhelming, but you should know that the most popular cruises (at the most popular prices) tend to fill up early. Once you've decided on your dream cruise vacation, it's best to go ahead and book it as soon as you can.

To learn more about cruise vacations or cruise travel please visit my website at http://guide2cruisevacations.com/

Crystal Lake Cave in Iowa - A Great Vacation and Travel Destination

Iowa has some beautiful places that are wonderful vacation destinations. One of the must see places is Crystal Lake Cave. There is an interesting story behind this location. Back in 1868 lead miners were looking for a lead vein and they drilled 40 feet into the ground. And although they were not successful in finding the lead they had hoped for they did find something else even more amazing. What they found was Crystal Lake Cave. Although the cave was discovered for many years it was not open to
the public until 1932. Bernard Markus, one of the original miners, played a role in getting the cave open to the public and it finally became so after his death.

While the miners were digging they found quite a few different types of gems and minerals that are on display in the gift shop. There is no other show cavern like Crystal Lake Cave and this is the longest a cave has been "alive" in Iowa. The cave is underground and continues to be one of the most amazing places to visit in Iowa. The tour of the cave takes about half an hour to 45 minutes and it is an adventure like none other you have ever taken. A tour guide will lead you so that you get the most out of the adventure. Keep in mind that no matter what the temperature is outside it will be quite cool in Crystal Lake Cave and the year round temperature is usually around 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cave is open from 9 am to 5 pm on weekends in May and daily in June, July and August from 9 am until 6 pm. In September the cave is open from 11 am until 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am until 5 pm on weekends. The cave is open through mid October from 11 am until 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am until 5 pm on weekends. The rest of the year the cave is closed for winter. Prices for adults are $10 and $5 for kids four to 11. Kids under four are free and senior citizens receive a 10% discount. Group pricing is available. The cave is located three miles south of Dubuque, Iowa and 20 minutes from Galena, Illinois.

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

Get a Credit Card or Fast Cash Loan!

http://www.rb59.com

Tips on Booking a Honeymoon Cruise

Cruises are romantic, relatively all-inclusive and a wonderful way to see a variety of ports on board a glamorous ship - making them a premier choice for honeymooners. If you're planning on booking a honeymoon cruise, keep reading for great tips on how to book a beautifully romantic honeymoon cruise vacation.

Check the Ship's Age Restrictions

Because your honeymoon is a romantic holiday, you may want to opt for a cruise that is geared specifically toward couples and adults rather than families with children.

Most cruise lines offer sailings and ships that have age restrictions. These boats are typically restricted to unmarried individuals over the age of 25 and married individuals over the age of 21. Before you book an age-restricted cruise, make sure you meet the ship's requirements.

Splurge on Something

Either book a small, inside cabin on a luxurious ship or a larger cabin on a smaller ship, but try to splurge on something. You're supposed to be saving for your new life, but you don't want to remember your honeymoon as being cramped inside a sardine tin. Remember to call ahead to have a bottle of champagne waiting for you when you arrive.

Read Traveler Reviews

Before you book a romantic honeymoon cruise, read through online traveler reviews. By reading other honeymooners' and vacationers' notes about their experiences, you'll get an accurate idea about the ambience of the ship, the quality of its facilities, food and accommodations.

Book for Your Interests

If you plan on actually leaving your cabin, book a cruise that appeals to your interests. If you both love wine tasting, then opt for a cruise that includes shore-side wine tours and nightly wine tasting. If you're into adventure travel, look for something that offers scuba diving alongside rock climbing and spelunking.

Remember, for almost every interest, there's a cruise that caters to it, so you should be able to find just about any specialty you desire.

Get Married On Board

Many ships offer wedding packages that allow couples to even get married on board. Fully catered and officiated by the ship's captain, cruise ship marriages are easy to organize and legal.

If you're looking for a "destination wedding" that includes a honeymoon, a cruise wedding is simple and definitely doable. Typically, cruise lines (like Carnival Cruises) offer wedding packages that range from a simple ceremony with cake and decorations to fully catered events that include an open bar, entertainment and shore-side activities.

For information on practical travel cruise recommendations, please visit http://www.travel-cruise-adventures.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning help with cruise line and location ideas, such as Holland America Cruise Lines, Crystal Cruise Lines, and many more!

Tee Off With Golf Holidays

Imagine the scene: The summer wind blowing past your face, the gentle tweeting of birds, absolute peace and quiet whilst you line up your shot. You draw back focussing on the little white ball placed in front of you and your opponents hold their breath as you begin your downswing and with all your might you smash the ball far off in to the distance landing neatly on the green much to the distain of your golfing partner.

This is what golfing abroad is all about, the peace and quiet and obviously an idyllic location for people to play the game and truly enjoy their surroundings, as opposed to traipsing round the 18 holes back home in the pouring rain or the cold, biting wind. People of all ages are discovering golf as a popular pastime thanks to the increase of young golfers such as Tiger Woods Ian Poulter and Michelle Wie.

Some holidaymakers this year are actually taking their clubs with them and chasing birdies at some of the best championship golf courses in Europe. Spain and Portugal are highly popular locations for golfers to practice a few rounds whilst in the sun. Obviously the agreeable weather mixed with some testing sea breezes makes for perfect golf situations.

In Spain, one of the most popular places for British tourists to spend their holidays, there are many championship grade courses near Valencia, Spain's third largest city. Valencia apart from being home to Paella is also home to courses such as El Saler, El Bosque and Foressos. Valencia is not just popular for it's golf courses either, it has plenty of other activities to do with stunning beaches and picturesque mountains there is much more than the 18 holes to explore.

Other areas such as Marbella have entire hotel and holiday home complexes built around golf courses as they've caught on to trend of people there on golfing holidays to Spain

Portugal is another popular golf holiday location, specifically the Algarve on the southern coast which is home to some of Europe's most popular courses such as Alto Golf and Palmares.

Obviously there are many more courses all over the world and depending on how dedicated you are there are the Canadian and American courses that are staples of championships such as the PGA Tour. When looking for cheap holidays though you can't beat the attractions of Spain and Portugal where golf courses are just a small sample of what you can expect when spending your time in the sun.

Many holidays like these are cheaper if you book them yourself rather than through a travel agent. This way you'll be able to get your cheap holidays to destinations for a fraction of the price you'd normally expect to pay for your holidays booked through a travel agent.

When Family And Holidays Don't Mix

As much as I would like to say that all of my holiday experiences have been warm and fuzzy and worth every bit of stress, it would definitely be an untruth. Most of us know what it is like to have one or two family members that we only have to deal with during the holiday's, and the holidays seem to come up way too soon. If you are one of the lucky people who adore each and every family member that you see each holiday, I envy you. Unfortunately not everyone is in that position. In a perfect world, each of my holiday parties would be live replicas of Thomas Kincaid paintings. Unfortunately, there is one member of my family who takes pleasure in ruining every holiday festivity from New Year to Christmas. This person is my sister in law. While I love my brother, his wife is another story. I could go into my reasons,which are very well known throughout my family, but I will spare you my rantings.

Every holiday or get together that is held at my mothers home stresses me out. There have been many gatherings that have ended in yelling and tears because of my sister in law attacking other family members. I have declined many, many invitations to family parties over recent years, reason being that I just cannot stand the constant bickering. My children are never aware of the problems during the holidays, and do not understand when we decline party invitations.They usually get very upset with me for not going.
This year, I have decided to put a new plan to work for myself so that my children would no longer miss out on family functions. I want to share my tips for a peaceful get together with you.

When you come in contact with that obnoxious someone at a gathering this holiday season, remember these 3 Easy Tips.

1. Ignore it: Seems obvious enough, but you would be surprised at how many people don't take advantage of this simple tool. Do not give anyone the power to get to you. Ignoring them will take the wind right out of their sails.

2. Remove Yourself: Do not put yourself in a situation where you are obligated to speak to the person. Socialize with other guests. Move around

3. Leave: If all else fails, just leave. Make sure you let your host know that you are leaving. Avoid a scene. Now is not the time to discuss the problem with your host, unless violence becomes involved. One option would be to call the host the next day and explain the reason for your early departure.

Most family members that are hosting a get together will understand and do their best to make sure that you are not put in the same situation at future events.
I am actually looking forward to the holidays again, and you will too.
Good luck and Happy Holidays!!

Please visit http://trujem.com/blog to see more of my work.

Houseboat Rentals and Vacations

Houseboat rentals make a perfect vacation living on the water. A rental houseboat can accommodate your whole family for that fun family vacations or find a romantic vacation for two. Houseboat vacations are normally called adventure vacations.

Have you ever imagined discovering Kentucky by way of houseboat? Houseboat rentals in Kentucky are very popular. There are so many waterways to travel in Kentucky that it is an adventure vacation for sure. Some of the more popular houseboat rentals are on Lake Cumberland, Kentucky Lake, and Dale Hollow Lake. These lakes are huge and the fishing is unbelievable.

How about traveling the St Lawrence River by way of houseboat? Discover the 1000 Islands of the St Lawrence. Enjoy some of the best scuba diving there is outside of the Caribbean. The St Lawrence has some beautiful crystal clear water for scuba diving. Travel International Waters on your rented houseboat between Canada and the United States. Catch some of the best fish you have ever had around upstate New York.

Perhaps you are interested in going west. Why not try Lake Powell houseboat rentals? Travel the Colorado River aboard your houseboat between Utah and Arizona. See the Red Rocks on your own houseboat. Pull into a secluded cove and watch the sunset over Glenn Canyon. Awake in the morning to the cool moist air and hear the sounds of the canyon awaken. A Lake Powell houseboat rental is probably one of the most popular houseboat vacations. You really have to book early to get a shot at renting a houseboat here.

From Michigan to Minnesota to California and Florida, there are houseboat rentals galore. Whether you want a houseboat vacation for a few days or a few weeks, there are plenty of things to see and do. You will experience a vacation like you have never known. Heck, some houseboats even come equipped with hot tubs. See the country at a different view.

Now with the rising gas prices many houseboat rental companies are even offering gas credits to defray some of the costs for you. They are trying to make sure your houseboat vacation is a memorable vacation and hopefully you will return.

djnuttall owns Houseboat Rentals to find the best houseboat vacation to suite you and your family. If you are looking for a unique vacation a houseboat vacation is the ultimate adventure vacation. Stop by http://boathousehome.com and see the many houseboat rental vacation spots for you.

A Cruise on Bangkok's Sea

An interesting tourist activity that can be enjoyed a little way out of the city of Bangkok is an expedition on the Bangkok Sea. Though located roughly 20 kilometers away from the city, it can be an interesting experience for tourists or a wonderful day out for Thai residents. The small pier that offers boat or in local parlance Klong rides to a small restaurant that only be termed as primitive when compared to the chic cafes and elegant restaurants in the city. Yet the gastronomical delights, the amazing view of the ocean coupled with the novelty of dining out, perched on bamboo stilts in the middle of the ocean is an experience one should not miss.

Visitors to this attraction can park their vehicles and board a long tail boat that transports them up the canal and into the open ocean, the whole trip last for about half an hour. The water of the canal is clean and docile; the greenish tinge is due to algae growth because of organic matter in the water. The trip is relaxing and peaceful and offers great insights into the lives of Thais that live on the banks of the canals.

The Klong trundles along in to the expansive ocean up to a peculiar shaped marker that I suspect has some sort of historical significance, however I was unable to verify my suspicions. The marker apparently signifies the outer boundary of Bangkok and the boat ride is a great way to see the coastline of the city.

The boat later does a rather dramatic u turn and heads to the restaurant that is located in the middle of the ocean, the rickety restaurant is actually built on tall bamboo stilts that have to be replaced periodically. Don't be put off by the Spartan appearance though the food here is fit for a king! A number of seating options are available from European style cutlery and proper chairs and tables to a short table and no chairs which is the traditional Thai manner of eating.

The food is cooked in the most authentic Thai tradition with plenty of spices, using a lot of sea food. The food is extremely good and can be described as a gastronomist's delight. A limited continental menu is also on offer but the traditional Thai food is recommended. Located slightly outside Bangkok this is a great place for tourists who stay for extended periods. For long stay tourists and executive long stay accommodation, a service apartment in Bangkok is an excellent option.

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers PPC Management and SEO services and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry.

Travel Agent Exposes Way to Take an Affordable Luxury Vacation in Our Current Economy

High-season for travel is here, and many people are trying to figure out how they are going to take their children to Disneyland, or how they will be able to celebrate their wedding anniversary in Hawaii or make it to their family reunion in Missouri to see their favorite Aunt Millie.

The falling dollar and rising cost of oil is squeezing the pocketbooks of all Americans - I don't need to remind anyone of that. Housing values are down, people are in foreclosure, and the "presidential hopefuls" are jabbing at each other every time you turn on the TV. The pressure and financial strain of the whole situation forces me to wonder what we can do to alleviate these everyday issues from our lives. The answer, of course, is TAKE A VACATION!!

People need to vacate their lives (as Cameron Diaz says in the movie "The Holiday"). People need to escape the daily grind, their worries about money, and just sit on a beach and sip a tropical coconut drink (complete with the little bamboo umbrella). It is scientifically proven that stress causes disease. I'll take the coconut drink with the bamboo umbrella over disease any day.

My husband and I own an Italian restaurant in the Seattle area and we know first-hand that the first thing people cut out when budgets get tight is their entertainment budget. This includes (unfortunately for us) dining out. Restaurants across the country are shutting down because of it. But it also includes travel, daytrips, road trips, etc. I would like to suggest there is a way out of this dilemma, at least where travel is concerned.

You can take a holiday in the sun this summer and still not break the bank. You can tour the vineyards of Napa in style; stay in Parisian hotels and even have money for shopping the Champs Elysees, or cruise the Caribbean. All these things can be affordable even under the present economic conditions.

Did you know there is a way to get discounts of up to 75% or higher in any area of travel? Have you ever known the sheer joy of flying in the upper cabin of the airplane? Have you ever paid pennies on the dollar for a luxury suite in a foreign country? Have you ever been able to rent a Porsche instead of that red Chevy Cavalier you normally get because it was affordable? Well, I have, and you can too.

As a travel agent, I have been able to get discounted and upgraded wherever and whenever I travel. In my report the Secrets To Traveling In Luxury I reveal exactly how you can be a first-class traveler. Check out this report - it will change the way you travel for the rest of your life!

Click here to learn more: http://www.secretstoluxurytravel.com

Bon Voyage!

Stephanie Clancy

Author of "Secrets To Traveling In Luxury" and "How To Treat Jetlag Using Natural Remedies"

Fun Halloween Ideas for Kids

Halloween is much loved time by kids and grownups too The build up to it is such an exciting time. Indulge your kids excitement this Halloween by trying one of these fun Halloween ideas.

Your Own Haunted House decorate your house with cobwebs, plastic spiders, and other scary Halloween must haves. You dont have to go out and decorate the whole house (although that would be fun too), you can choose one scary room and make that your Halloween haunted room.

And dont forget the outside. Gather lots of pumpkins, acorns, dried corn and other autumn and Halloween items and decorate your front and back yard. You can cut out a huge witch profile made out of felt and stick it to the side of your house or garage for extra fun.

Toast Marshmallows Invite a few kids over and toast marshmallows and read ghost stories. You dont have to wait for Halloween to do this, do it a few days before to keep the momentum going. And dont forget the nice hot chocolate or witchs brew too.

Scary Snacks A few days before Halloween prepare some scary food snacks to set the theme. Use scary themed cookie cutters to make scary sandwiches, cookies or even tortilla chips. Make a scary Halloween punch and enjoy.

Halloween Crafts Have fun with Halloween arts and crafts, use construction paper, felt, and anything else you can find to make Halloween cards or decorations for the house. The kids will really enjoy it and its nice to add some special homemade touches to your scary house.

Whatever you do this Halloween remember kids love this time of the year so dont limit it to just one day, set the theme for the perfect Halloween by building up to it with a few fun kid Halloween activities.

Find more Halloween Ideas and help with all your favorite holidays at HolidayIdeasforMoms.com

Bangkok to Bali on the South Bound Train

Being experienced on the Bangkok to Malaysia Train heading to the Penang side, seemed mellower compared to the Perhentian islands side. The train was scheduled to leave Bangkok in the early afternoon and it is a good idea to be there on time, as my experience with Thai trains is that they run on schedule out of the main Bangkok station. A good bit of advice is to stock up on munchies before you get to the train station especially if you like fresh fruit. The train does have a restaurant car that serves mostly Thai dish's that if you like Thai food are ok. The restaurant car can get a little rowdy at night as all of the train police, employees and regular riders all sit around and drink Mekong & Chang and unwind after a hard day at the office, which for many travelers is part of the charm and excitement of the trip, as you can be a fly on the wall and observe the locals with out feeling out of place or intruding.

The train is cheap, around $40 for a 2nd class air-con berth which is comfortable, be sure to get lower bunks as the upper bunks will sway more so you don't get as good a sleep. You can also get 1st class air con seats where there are only 2 people in the cabin. The cabin is fairly small yet they managed to fit in a sink and a mirror which are the only real upgrades to the seats - berths. The biggest benefits is the ability to lock the door from the inside, so if you are traveling with your significant other you can have some "Risky Business" type nocturnal entertainment, not quite the same as the mile high club but something that will I am sure make the trip more memorable.

The first class trains also have a shower which is a nice feature on long trips, the bathrooms otherwise are the same. They don't really check tickets to see what car you are suppose to be in after the first check so if you go from 2nd to 1st you can get away with a shower as well. In both the first class and 2nd class cars you can get electricity. For the 1st class cars the location of the sockets is apparent. For the 2nd class cars you need to look a little bit, on one of the pillars in the middle of the car about half way up is a covered 2 plug socket. You will also find connections in the bathroom areas where the conductors sit and where the hot water containers are. In Asia most airports and train stations have hot water available so it is a good idea to carry some Nescafe packets or tea and Cup of Soup or noodles, which are great budget stretchers when on the road regardless of flights or trains, as the terminals always zap you with a convenience premium.

The trains in Thailand for the 2nd class have seats during the day and then normally right after dark they start to make up the beds. The beds in the lower are generally a little wider. Both the lowers and the uppers have curtains that close off the entire sleeping area. A good idea is to sleep on your valuables, I have never had a problem or actually meet anyone that has had a problem but it always pays to play it safe. Something that the Thai train company should consider is lock boxes while they are at it some sort of internet connection would be a good idea as well.

Most passengers will find that there are no real surprises and the trip is straight forward and you can figure out what you need to know on your own. The only part that causes some agitation for most travelers on the trip is the border crossing, if you take the train to Malaysia Butterworth station you first get off the train for Thai customs with out your luggage, then get back on they move the train forward a bit and then you clear Malaysia customs where you need to bring all of your luggage, which is usually a mad dash to get off at the same time as everyone else and cue up. This should be straight forward, but the customs mouse trap that they setup on the Malaysia side is fluid so there can be some confusion on where you should stand to get in line. Lucky me I got behind the family that had some difficulty and was stuck in the line for nearly 30 minutes while they got the mess sorted and then back on to the train where now you have twice as many people as you had before and the seats are confused with new numbers and new passengers that are loaded at the Butterworth station, so beware of this, as it will cause agitation and confusion as you get it sorted out.

Next De Tour of Detours in Malaysia.

Fred's new project http://www.CheapCharliesHotels.com/ where he reviews cheap hotels , budget guesthouses, discount accommodations and cheap international flights, but is really an excuse to go scuba diving on vacation more, Fred is in Bali Indonesia adventure scuba diving and travel touring all the islands. Keep up to date with Fred and to view some great pictures go to the home page.

Fred Tittle has lived and worked in holiday vacation resorts his entire life, from Lake Geneva's Playboy Club, as a rock jock for KSPN FM in Aspen Colorado, he became a PADI Pro Scuba Diver in Hawaii, diving on Maui, Kauai, Kona on the big island, and Waikiki on Oahu. He founded Eco Adventures South East Asia in Sihanoukville Cambodia. he still teaches SSI and PADI scuba diving courses and runs liveaboards in the gulf of Thailand and Asia adventure tours, http://www.ecosea.com/

Your Dream - All Inclusive Family Holiday

Going for a holiday with family is a leisure trip which most people enjoy and wish to have at some point or the other. It is a family calling thing, where bonding and having fun are the buzz of the day. In the busy life which most of us follow, we hardly get the time to bond with our family. It is then that we need to take time out for one such family holiday which will help you reconnect and bond with your family.

In order to avoid the stress and worries which one might face while on a holiday abroad, it is suggested that you opt for the all inclusive family holidays that are offered by several travel agents. These all inclusive family holiday packages are much more convenient and also reasonably planned, so that they do not only take care of all your holiday requirement but also plan according to your budget. And what more, you can also get your family holiday customized through these travel agents.

Many travel agents offer the option to customize your all inclusive family holiday according to your requirement. You can tell them your destination, budget and the duration of your holiday, and they will take care of the rest. One thing which you need to make sure is that they incorporate all those aspects in your holiday package which you really wish to have included in your family holiday. If you are wishing to give your children an adventurous trip where they can enjoy the thrills of nature let your travel agent know about it, so that he can fix things for you. Or if you wish to have a hide-out vacation with your beloved get it organized by your agent.

Booking for your hotels, air-fare and local commutation are all takes care of in these All Inclusive Family Holidays and that too at a discounted rate. Booking your vacation too is an easy task. Just log on to a good online travel website and select your family holiday package. Holidaying with family was never so simple.

Writing on travel and tourism for quite some time now, Alfie James has now earned an expert title for himself. O Travel-Holidays is UK's number one travel agent providing Cheap Package Holidays, Late Holiday Deals and amazing bargains on the holiday destination of your choice. {Mexico Holidays}