2 Way Ticket To Ibiza Travel Resorts
Word Count:
420
Summary:
Ibiza is the ultimate destination for tourists looking for a good travel, the place is loaded with young party people, music and beach lovers, lively nightlife, and friendly locals all fused into its culture. Everyone who loves music especially trance, house, and electronic, the beach, and a good time all together can be found in Ibiza. It is practically sunny all year round, so any time of the year is ideal for this ultimate destination in Spain. Ibiza travel is known for it...
Keywords:
Article Body:
Ibiza is the ultimate destination for tourists looking for a good travel, the place is loaded with young party people, music and beach lovers, lively nightlife, and friendly locals all fused into its culture. Everyone who loves music especially trance, house, and electronic, the beach, and a good time all together can be found in Ibiza. It is practically sunny all year round, so any time of the year is ideal for this ultimate destination in Spain. Ibiza travel is known for its nightlife and party events.
Here are some Ibiza resorts and hotels:
• Pacha Hotel: The famed Pacha Hotel is a luxurious boutique Ibiza hotel with 57 rooms. It has a clean crisp design, with white as the dominant color and simple lines. Its recent renovation has made it one of the best hotels in Ibiza, contemporary, and modern. It is famous for the Pacha nightclub, and it has a Jacuzzi, valet service, and other high class accommodations to make your stay in Ibiza truly unforgettable.
• Talamanca Hostel: Situated right by the beach, this hotel is in the quieter area of Ibiza. Almost all of its 44 rooms have balconies overlooking the blue ocean while enjoying your fantastic Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel also has its own bar where you can quietly sip your drink while enjoying the great view and atmosphere. You can choose to take part of the exotic nightlife as you stroll down the beach.
• Can Pere: A 19th century colonial house restored to what is now a contemporary cottage. It is located near enough to the beach and just near to the city as well, perfect ultimate destination. Each of these hotel rooms are uniquely designed with a touch of the old world tradition, particularly on the materials. There are a limited number of rooms, a total of 12, which will make your stay in Can Pere more exclusive, memorable and unique, far from the crowds.
• Rocamar Hostel: A family owned charming Ibiza hotel. The rooms offer a great view of the Marina and the beaches, with the party scene of Ibiza just a stone’s throw away. The Rocamar terraces also offer a breathtaking view that you can take in along with the fantastic cuisine being offered. Its perfect location allows you to enjoy you Ibiza travel to the beaches, shops, nightclubs, cafes, and harbors in the town; ideal for romantic ultimate destination.
So the next time you choose Ibiza resorts and hotels, make sure to pick the best because you have so many options to begin with.
Monday, November 29, 2010
2 Great Ways To Discover Florida
2 Great Ways To Discover Florida
Word Count:
625
Summary:
For fun and adventure and culture, yes culture! Read on…
Here are Some Great Ways to Discover Florida.
# 1. Fun and Adventure
With over 34 million visitors each year, Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. But if you are after more fun and adventure after visiting the theme parks at Disneyworld, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld, you should try the sensational Busch Gardens in Tampa, the world famous Daytona International Speedway and explorin...
Keywords:
florida, vacation rentals, walt disney world, orlando, gulf coast
Article Body:
For fun and adventure and culture, yes culture! Read on…
Here are Some Great Ways to Discover Florida.
# 1. Fun and Adventure
With over 34 million visitors each year, Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. But if you are after more fun and adventure after visiting the theme parks at Disneyworld, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld, you should try the sensational Busch Gardens in Tampa, the world famous Daytona International Speedway and exploring the Everglades national park.
Don’t Miss a Space Shuttle launch…
Cape Canaveral on Florida’s ‘Space Coast’ is the only place in the West where people are launched into space. Being there when the Space Shuttle blasts into space is a truly incredible experience.
Don’t Miss Florida’s largest and fastest roller coaster…
Is Busch Gardens, Tampa
Prepare for the thrill of your life on Sheikra, Florida’s tallest roller coaster and the world’s tallest dive coaster. 70mph of pure adrenaline-pumping excitement. Travel 200 feet up and then plunge to the depths of an underground tunnel, with water!
Don’t Miss Bush Gardens Zoo…
With over 2600 animals, the zoo at Busch Gardens is one of America’s top zoos
# 2. Culture
Look beyond the more obvious tourist attractions and you will be surprised at what you find.
There is an abundance of architecture, museums, forts, art galleries.
Don’t Miss Historic Wrecks…
Pensacola has fascinating wrecks to explore. This includes the 500-foot World War 1 battleship USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo and an A-7 Corsair aircraft that fell off the deck of the USS Lexington.
Don’t Miss Art Deco Buildings…
Take a stroll down Ocean Drive, Miami, and enjoy South Beach’s Art deco buildings. Painted pink, lavender and turquoise, they line the palm-fringed walkway.
Don’t Miss a Driving Tour…
If you have a car whilst visiting Miami, do yourself a favour, and take a driving tour of Coral gables. Coral Gables Driving Tour isn’t just one of the country’s richest neighbourhoods, it’s a separate city within Greater Miami. Known as ‘The City Beautiful’ for good reason, its elegant homes line winding avenues shaded by banyans and live oaks. This driving tour winds its way along the lush peaceful lanes and is both relaxing and cultural.
Along the tour are these beautiful sights:
1. The Granada Entrance – a replica of the gate to Granada in Spain.
2. The Country Club Prado Entrance – complete with ornamental pillars.
3. Alhambra water Tower – built in 1925.
4. Coral Way – lined by live oaks and Spanish-style houses.
5. Venetian Pool – a beautiful public swimming pool.
6. Coral Gables Congregational Church – built in Spanish Baroque style.
7. Biltmore Hotel – one of the most stunning hotels in the country, beautifully restored to its 1920s century grandeur.
8. The Lowe Art Museum – contains European and Native American Art.
9. French City Village – one of several international villages built to add variety to the city.
10. Dutch South African Village.
11. French Country Village.
12. Chinese Village.
13. French Normandy Village.
14. Coral Gables City Hall
15. Miracle Mile – the district’s most important shopping street.
Other Bits of Culture:
- Hemingway’s House in Key West, where the novelist lived from 1931-1940.
- Little Havana in Miami – 3.5 square miles of Cuban culture and life.
- The Ringling Museum of Art and Ringling Museum (Sarasota).
- Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island – a charming Victorian resort.
- Salvador Dali Museum, St Petersburg.
Where To Stay
Choose your home away from home. If you are after home comforts, fully equipped Orlando and Gulf Coast homes can be rented directed from the owners at http://www.milkriver.co.uk/ and http://www.worldwidevillas.net/ They have their own separate pools and are set in private communities and offer you and your family the freedom to do what you want and the space to do it in.
Word Count:
625
Summary:
For fun and adventure and culture, yes culture! Read on…
Here are Some Great Ways to Discover Florida.
# 1. Fun and Adventure
With over 34 million visitors each year, Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. But if you are after more fun and adventure after visiting the theme parks at Disneyworld, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld, you should try the sensational Busch Gardens in Tampa, the world famous Daytona International Speedway and explorin...
Keywords:
florida, vacation rentals, walt disney world, orlando, gulf coast
Article Body:
For fun and adventure and culture, yes culture! Read on…
Here are Some Great Ways to Discover Florida.
# 1. Fun and Adventure
With over 34 million visitors each year, Orlando is the undisputed theme park capital of the world. But if you are after more fun and adventure after visiting the theme parks at Disneyworld, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld, you should try the sensational Busch Gardens in Tampa, the world famous Daytona International Speedway and exploring the Everglades national park.
Don’t Miss a Space Shuttle launch…
Cape Canaveral on Florida’s ‘Space Coast’ is the only place in the West where people are launched into space. Being there when the Space Shuttle blasts into space is a truly incredible experience.
Don’t Miss Florida’s largest and fastest roller coaster…
Is Busch Gardens, Tampa
Prepare for the thrill of your life on Sheikra, Florida’s tallest roller coaster and the world’s tallest dive coaster. 70mph of pure adrenaline-pumping excitement. Travel 200 feet up and then plunge to the depths of an underground tunnel, with water!
Don’t Miss Bush Gardens Zoo…
With over 2600 animals, the zoo at Busch Gardens is one of America’s top zoos
# 2. Culture
Look beyond the more obvious tourist attractions and you will be surprised at what you find.
There is an abundance of architecture, museums, forts, art galleries.
Don’t Miss Historic Wrecks…
Pensacola has fascinating wrecks to explore. This includes the 500-foot World War 1 battleship USS Massachusetts, the Russian freighter San Pablo and an A-7 Corsair aircraft that fell off the deck of the USS Lexington.
Don’t Miss Art Deco Buildings…
Take a stroll down Ocean Drive, Miami, and enjoy South Beach’s Art deco buildings. Painted pink, lavender and turquoise, they line the palm-fringed walkway.
Don’t Miss a Driving Tour…
If you have a car whilst visiting Miami, do yourself a favour, and take a driving tour of Coral gables. Coral Gables Driving Tour isn’t just one of the country’s richest neighbourhoods, it’s a separate city within Greater Miami. Known as ‘The City Beautiful’ for good reason, its elegant homes line winding avenues shaded by banyans and live oaks. This driving tour winds its way along the lush peaceful lanes and is both relaxing and cultural.
Along the tour are these beautiful sights:
1. The Granada Entrance – a replica of the gate to Granada in Spain.
2. The Country Club Prado Entrance – complete with ornamental pillars.
3. Alhambra water Tower – built in 1925.
4. Coral Way – lined by live oaks and Spanish-style houses.
5. Venetian Pool – a beautiful public swimming pool.
6. Coral Gables Congregational Church – built in Spanish Baroque style.
7. Biltmore Hotel – one of the most stunning hotels in the country, beautifully restored to its 1920s century grandeur.
8. The Lowe Art Museum – contains European and Native American Art.
9. French City Village – one of several international villages built to add variety to the city.
10. Dutch South African Village.
11. French Country Village.
12. Chinese Village.
13. French Normandy Village.
14. Coral Gables City Hall
15. Miracle Mile – the district’s most important shopping street.
Other Bits of Culture:
- Hemingway’s House in Key West, where the novelist lived from 1931-1940.
- Little Havana in Miami – 3.5 square miles of Cuban culture and life.
- The Ringling Museum of Art and Ringling Museum (Sarasota).
- Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island – a charming Victorian resort.
- Salvador Dali Museum, St Petersburg.
Where To Stay
Choose your home away from home. If you are after home comforts, fully equipped Orlando and Gulf Coast homes can be rented directed from the owners at http://www.milkriver.co.uk/ and http://www.worldwidevillas.net/ They have their own separate pools and are set in private communities and offer you and your family the freedom to do what you want and the space to do it in.
130 Acre Amusement Park In France
130 Acre Amusement Park In France
Word Count:
471
Summary:
The unique visual theme park, aptly named Parc du Futuroscope, spans over 130 acres of land devoted to entertaining, and inadvertently educating, the millions of tourists that visit each year. Built five miles north to the city of Poitiers, in France, Futuroscope was opened to public in 1987 and the park is celebrating 20 years of its existence in 2007. With new exciting attractions added to the park’s already impressive range of visual themes, tourists are bound to have an e...
Keywords:
Futuroscope, France amusement park, amusement parks in France
Article Body:
The unique visual theme park, aptly named Parc du Futuroscope, spans over 130 acres of land devoted to entertaining, and inadvertently educating, the millions of tourists that visit each year. Built five miles north to the city of Poitiers, in France, Futuroscope was opened to public in 1987 and the park is celebrating 20 years of its existence in 2007. With new exciting attractions added to the park’s already impressive range of visual themes, tourists are bound to have an enjoyable day when they visit.
Being a French theme park, most of the attractions are in French but those unable to understand the language are catered through infrared translation headsets which are provided for free if you leave your ID at the desk as a guarantee. There are, however, some attractions that can only be enjoyed in French; one is The Forest of Dreams, which, in fact, is a laser show so being in French only is not a problem, as dreams are understandable in all languages alike.
The attractions use visual and audio affects to make you a part of the scene; the powerful hydraulic jacks used in The Race for Atlantis take you through the lost city at a high speed and you are sucked into the experience with the dome shaped screen around you, producing a 3D world that is made even more believable with the use of liquid crystal glasses that give the feel of an enchanting underwater setting.
That is just one attraction though, Futuroscope holds at least 20 mind boggling, yet glorious shows that give you the sensation of movement while you experience different worlds, whether it is your Peril on Akryls or the story of the Dance with Robots, you will leave the ride feeling you’ve lived the sensations without having left your seat. The educational side of Futuroscope not only aims at entertaining but also gives us a greater insight into lives we have not experienced and creates empathy as well; A Journey into the Dark is one such attraction that lets you briefly live the life of the visually impaired who concentrate more on the other senses than visual, to gather a sense of direction.
Set right beside the Futuroscope is The Quality Alteora Hotel which, incidentally, is a great place for those visiting the park to stay at during their visit. At about 15 minutes drive from the Poitiers Airport, and a short walk from the Futuroscope TGV train station, communing to the hotel as well as the theme park is easy and convenient. The 100 rooms are spacious and offer all modern amenities with the added pleasure of a swimming pool. Your food will be served besides the pool as well, by the La Piscine Resturant. You can also enjoy a game of golf at The Saint Cyr Golf Course which is not far either.
Word Count:
471
Summary:
The unique visual theme park, aptly named Parc du Futuroscope, spans over 130 acres of land devoted to entertaining, and inadvertently educating, the millions of tourists that visit each year. Built five miles north to the city of Poitiers, in France, Futuroscope was opened to public in 1987 and the park is celebrating 20 years of its existence in 2007. With new exciting attractions added to the park’s already impressive range of visual themes, tourists are bound to have an e...
Keywords:
Futuroscope, France amusement park, amusement parks in France
Article Body:
The unique visual theme park, aptly named Parc du Futuroscope, spans over 130 acres of land devoted to entertaining, and inadvertently educating, the millions of tourists that visit each year. Built five miles north to the city of Poitiers, in France, Futuroscope was opened to public in 1987 and the park is celebrating 20 years of its existence in 2007. With new exciting attractions added to the park’s already impressive range of visual themes, tourists are bound to have an enjoyable day when they visit.
Being a French theme park, most of the attractions are in French but those unable to understand the language are catered through infrared translation headsets which are provided for free if you leave your ID at the desk as a guarantee. There are, however, some attractions that can only be enjoyed in French; one is The Forest of Dreams, which, in fact, is a laser show so being in French only is not a problem, as dreams are understandable in all languages alike.
The attractions use visual and audio affects to make you a part of the scene; the powerful hydraulic jacks used in The Race for Atlantis take you through the lost city at a high speed and you are sucked into the experience with the dome shaped screen around you, producing a 3D world that is made even more believable with the use of liquid crystal glasses that give the feel of an enchanting underwater setting.
That is just one attraction though, Futuroscope holds at least 20 mind boggling, yet glorious shows that give you the sensation of movement while you experience different worlds, whether it is your Peril on Akryls or the story of the Dance with Robots, you will leave the ride feeling you’ve lived the sensations without having left your seat. The educational side of Futuroscope not only aims at entertaining but also gives us a greater insight into lives we have not experienced and creates empathy as well; A Journey into the Dark is one such attraction that lets you briefly live the life of the visually impaired who concentrate more on the other senses than visual, to gather a sense of direction.
Set right beside the Futuroscope is The Quality Alteora Hotel which, incidentally, is a great place for those visiting the park to stay at during their visit. At about 15 minutes drive from the Poitiers Airport, and a short walk from the Futuroscope TGV train station, communing to the hotel as well as the theme park is easy and convenient. The 100 rooms are spacious and offer all modern amenities with the added pleasure of a swimming pool. Your food will be served besides the pool as well, by the La Piscine Resturant. You can also enjoy a game of golf at The Saint Cyr Golf Course which is not far either.
12 Easy Tips To Guarantee Stress Free Group Travel
12 Easy Tips To Guarantee Stress Free Group Travel
Word Count:
560
Summary:
If you are planning to go on a group tour, there are lots of things you can do to make the trip fun and enjoyable for yourself and for your fellow travelers. Here is a great checklist to get you started.
1. Pack a small bag to carry along on the bus.
While your main luggage will go in the designated area of the bus, you should pack a small carry on the bus. This will be handy for snacks, books to read, and other accessories you may want easy and quick access to.
2. Don...
Keywords:
best family vacation, family travel, group travel, group travel tour
Article Body:
If you are planning to go on a group tour, there are lots of things you can do to make the trip fun and enjoyable for yourself and for your fellow travelers. Here is a great checklist to get you started.
1. Pack a small bag to carry along on the bus.
While your main luggage will go in the designated area of the bus, you should pack a small carry on the bus. This will be handy for snacks, books to read, and other accessories you may want easy and quick access to.
2. Don’t’ forget your camera. And once you have packed your camera, don’t forget to take pictures! I know that sounds obvious, but I always get so caught up with the sights and sounds that I actually forget to take pictures! (Duh!)
3. Get a collection of great jokes, riddles, and experiences to share with the group! And it only takes one joke to get the rest of the group going! We had a great time sharing riddles, and jokes and laughing all the way to the next rest area.
4. Take along some great movies. Many tour busses have DVD players. At least ours did. Find out in advance and if it does, rent some great movies for “en route” entertainment” . Be sure to pick a variety of movies, such as cartoons if you have kids in your group, action movies to keep the teenagers engaged, and perhaps documentaries or family drama’s for the adult crowd.
5. Take along some great music CD’s. Many group tour busses also have CD players. We played our favorite and enjoyed group singing. Perhaps you can organize an “on the road” karaoke contest for your group.
6. Don’t’ forget your medicines. This is essential. Perhaps this should be at the top of the list, but be sure to keep all necessary medications close to you in the carry on bag you take on the bus.
7. Pack A small pillow for sleeping comfort. If you are like me, a moving vehicle and a well cooled environment is an open invitation for a good snooze! To boost sleeping comfort I took along a small pillow, and had a good nap between rest stops! The group leader has the photo’s to prove it! His “hobby” was collecting photo’s of sleeping travelers! Maybe I will post that picture here! (Not)
8. A blanket may be necessary. Those tour buses can get COLD!!! My blanket came in very handy.
9. Binoculars. If your tour involves outdoor sightseeing, a pair of binoculars is a must.
10. Bathing suites. Most hotels have swimming pools. This is a wonderful “treat” for kids who behaved nicely while traveling all day! And if you will be anywhere near a beach…you’ve got to take a dip!
11. Don’t forget your passport. If you are traveling internationally, you will most likely need a passport. Be sure to make copies of the passport and other important travel documents and keep them in a safe place!
12. Don’t forget you Airline tickets. This may seem obvious, but it has happened before. Thank goodness most airlines are switching to e-tickets, so this may soon be thing of the past. After all, there are enough other things we have to remember.
13. BRING A BIG SMILE! Smiles are contagious! And most of all… they are FREE!
Word Count:
560
Summary:
If you are planning to go on a group tour, there are lots of things you can do to make the trip fun and enjoyable for yourself and for your fellow travelers. Here is a great checklist to get you started.
1. Pack a small bag to carry along on the bus.
While your main luggage will go in the designated area of the bus, you should pack a small carry on the bus. This will be handy for snacks, books to read, and other accessories you may want easy and quick access to.
2. Don...
Keywords:
best family vacation, family travel, group travel, group travel tour
Article Body:
If you are planning to go on a group tour, there are lots of things you can do to make the trip fun and enjoyable for yourself and for your fellow travelers. Here is a great checklist to get you started.
1. Pack a small bag to carry along on the bus.
While your main luggage will go in the designated area of the bus, you should pack a small carry on the bus. This will be handy for snacks, books to read, and other accessories you may want easy and quick access to.
2. Don’t’ forget your camera. And once you have packed your camera, don’t forget to take pictures! I know that sounds obvious, but I always get so caught up with the sights and sounds that I actually forget to take pictures! (Duh!)
3. Get a collection of great jokes, riddles, and experiences to share with the group! And it only takes one joke to get the rest of the group going! We had a great time sharing riddles, and jokes and laughing all the way to the next rest area.
4. Take along some great movies. Many tour busses have DVD players. At least ours did. Find out in advance and if it does, rent some great movies for “en route” entertainment” . Be sure to pick a variety of movies, such as cartoons if you have kids in your group, action movies to keep the teenagers engaged, and perhaps documentaries or family drama’s for the adult crowd.
5. Take along some great music CD’s. Many group tour busses also have CD players. We played our favorite and enjoyed group singing. Perhaps you can organize an “on the road” karaoke contest for your group.
6. Don’t’ forget your medicines. This is essential. Perhaps this should be at the top of the list, but be sure to keep all necessary medications close to you in the carry on bag you take on the bus.
7. Pack A small pillow for sleeping comfort. If you are like me, a moving vehicle and a well cooled environment is an open invitation for a good snooze! To boost sleeping comfort I took along a small pillow, and had a good nap between rest stops! The group leader has the photo’s to prove it! His “hobby” was collecting photo’s of sleeping travelers! Maybe I will post that picture here! (Not)
8. A blanket may be necessary. Those tour buses can get COLD!!! My blanket came in very handy.
9. Binoculars. If your tour involves outdoor sightseeing, a pair of binoculars is a must.
10. Bathing suites. Most hotels have swimming pools. This is a wonderful “treat” for kids who behaved nicely while traveling all day! And if you will be anywhere near a beach…you’ve got to take a dip!
11. Don’t forget your passport. If you are traveling internationally, you will most likely need a passport. Be sure to make copies of the passport and other important travel documents and keep them in a safe place!
12. Don’t forget you Airline tickets. This may seem obvious, but it has happened before. Thank goodness most airlines are switching to e-tickets, so this may soon be thing of the past. After all, there are enough other things we have to remember.
13. BRING A BIG SMILE! Smiles are contagious! And most of all… they are FREE!
100% Grand Resort Travel In Florida
100% Grand Resort Travel In Florida
Word Count:
399
Summary:
Beachside promenades, lively people laid back lifestyles and sunny weather, Florida is a grand resort travel idea. Take a walk at the famous Miami Beach and enjoy a great meal by the sea or choose from the many popular tourist and travel resort spots in Florida such as Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. Here are some of best resorts in Florida to suit various budgets and maximize your stay in the sunny state.
Palm Beach: Perfect travel resort
The Bre...
Keywords:
Article Body:
Beachside promenades, lively people laid back lifestyles and sunny weather, Florida is a grand resort travel idea. Take a walk at the famous Miami Beach and enjoy a great meal by the sea or choose from the many popular tourist and travel resort spots in Florida such as Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. Here are some of best resorts in Florida to suit various budgets and maximize your stay in the sunny state.
Palm Beach: Perfect travel resort
The Breakers is a luxurious resort and hotel with all the best services you could ask for. All rooms offer spectacular views and each designed with classy décor and lavish facilities. Visit and take some time to detoxify and relax at the hotel spa.
Sundy House is a historic cottage originally built in the 1902. It has 11 designed rooms, all with artwork and luxurious decor. The house is located within lush, beautiful gardens, lovely balconies, and just a stone’s throw away from the beach. It’s an ideal escape from the hustle that you could spend with family and friends.
Miami
Double Tree Ocean Point Resort & Spa has this luxurious hotel fuses together the best of American amenities and European spas for you travel. Its amenities include a beachside pool, world class fitness center, lounges and umbrellas facing the ocean, and fine cuisine to give you the most luxurious, and relaxing trip, both inside and out, in Florida.
Marriott South Beach, a beachfront boutique hotel located in South Beach has 11 rooms and is perfectly situated in Miami. You can easily walk to the beach and the nearby shopping areas and nightclubs. With a very friendly and accommodating staff, well designed rooms, your stay in Miami will be unforgettable.
Visit Jacksonville
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel Baymeadows is for the budget traveler, an ideal way to enjoy a travel economically. It is also a pet-friendly hotel hence, you can bring along your furry friends to Florida. Feel right at home with kitchen amenities, a television set, and everything you need without breaking your wallet.
Courtyard Jacksonville Mayo Clinic/Beaches is a well-decorated room, a garden gazebo, fine dining, amenities including a swimming pool, patio, and fitness room. This hotel is located within the Mayo Clinic area and sure to satisfy your needs. Fast service from the well trained staff will guarantee that your choice is filled with maximum enjoyment.
Word Count:
399
Summary:
Beachside promenades, lively people laid back lifestyles and sunny weather, Florida is a grand resort travel idea. Take a walk at the famous Miami Beach and enjoy a great meal by the sea or choose from the many popular tourist and travel resort spots in Florida such as Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. Here are some of best resorts in Florida to suit various budgets and maximize your stay in the sunny state.
Palm Beach: Perfect travel resort
The Bre...
Keywords:
Article Body:
Beachside promenades, lively people laid back lifestyles and sunny weather, Florida is a grand resort travel idea. Take a walk at the famous Miami Beach and enjoy a great meal by the sea or choose from the many popular tourist and travel resort spots in Florida such as Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, Tampa Bay and Jacksonville. Here are some of best resorts in Florida to suit various budgets and maximize your stay in the sunny state.
Palm Beach: Perfect travel resort
The Breakers is a luxurious resort and hotel with all the best services you could ask for. All rooms offer spectacular views and each designed with classy décor and lavish facilities. Visit and take some time to detoxify and relax at the hotel spa.
Sundy House is a historic cottage originally built in the 1902. It has 11 designed rooms, all with artwork and luxurious decor. The house is located within lush, beautiful gardens, lovely balconies, and just a stone’s throw away from the beach. It’s an ideal escape from the hustle that you could spend with family and friends.
Miami
Double Tree Ocean Point Resort & Spa has this luxurious hotel fuses together the best of American amenities and European spas for you travel. Its amenities include a beachside pool, world class fitness center, lounges and umbrellas facing the ocean, and fine cuisine to give you the most luxurious, and relaxing trip, both inside and out, in Florida.
Marriott South Beach, a beachfront boutique hotel located in South Beach has 11 rooms and is perfectly situated in Miami. You can easily walk to the beach and the nearby shopping areas and nightclubs. With a very friendly and accommodating staff, well designed rooms, your stay in Miami will be unforgettable.
Visit Jacksonville
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel Baymeadows is for the budget traveler, an ideal way to enjoy a travel economically. It is also a pet-friendly hotel hence, you can bring along your furry friends to Florida. Feel right at home with kitchen amenities, a television set, and everything you need without breaking your wallet.
Courtyard Jacksonville Mayo Clinic/Beaches is a well-decorated room, a garden gazebo, fine dining, amenities including a swimming pool, patio, and fitness room. This hotel is located within the Mayo Clinic area and sure to satisfy your needs. Fast service from the well trained staff will guarantee that your choice is filled with maximum enjoyment.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
10 Ways To Make The Most Your Time At Bangkok’s New Airport. “Suvarnabhumi”
10 Ways To Make The Most Your Time At Bangkok’s New Airport. “Suvarnabhumi”
Word Count:
378
Summary:
1. Make some new friends. People from all over the world are commuting though the same point as you; why not strike up a conversation?
2. If it’s your first time at the new airport, whip out your digital camera and take a video clip. This is the world biggest airport, and as we all know it’s taken the longest to build, so take advantage.
3. Using the moving sidewalk like a treadmill. Why bother paying for a pricey fitness center?
4. Don’t forget to call your honey be...
Keywords:
Article Body:
1. Make some new friends. People from all over the world are commuting though the same point as you; why not strike up a conversation?
2. If it’s your first time at the new airport, whip out your digital camera and take a video clip. This is the world biggest airport, and as we all know it’s taken the longest to build, so take advantage.
3. Using the moving sidewalk like a treadmill. Why bother paying for a pricey fitness center?
4. Don’t forget to call your honey before taking off.
5. If you have some time to kill, pickup a box of playing cards. Since gambling is illegal, we advise playing without money up front.
6. Network-ether on the airport bartender. A beer is B50 but the entertainments are free.
7. Plan your future. There’s no time like present.
8. First with the beautiful-and helpful-Suvarnabhumi “ambassadors.”
9. If you are a film buff, don’t miss out on the airport’s cinema.
10. Pray for good luck in the air and on the ground.- Peemsinee Khaothong.
HOW TO: have a successful day of shopping in bangkok.
1. Make a list with to categories: “Thing you need” and “Thing you want.” Research the approximate price of the desired items to make sure you are getting a good deal, and also locate the stores where these items are being sold.
2. Where comfortable shoes and sensible and versatile clothing to ensure a pleasant experience. Ladies, this is not the time to wear those cute new six-inch stiletto heels
3. Bring a sensible friend who will reign you in and prevent any madcap, unnecessary or useless purchases.
4. Make a list of place to visit plot out your plan of action. Colors code the items (Things you need and don’t need and coordinate the day to accommodate these things. Figure out the most efficient course and stick to it.
5. Bring a large tote with you to put all your purchases in. This way you will not accidentally leave a small bag some where.
6. Set a budget for your-self. Set a limit on your credit card or only bring a certain amount of cash to prevent unnecessary splurging.
7. Reward yourself with a nice long drink at the end. You’ve had a long and busy day and you deserve it.
Word Count:
378
Summary:
1. Make some new friends. People from all over the world are commuting though the same point as you; why not strike up a conversation?
2. If it’s your first time at the new airport, whip out your digital camera and take a video clip. This is the world biggest airport, and as we all know it’s taken the longest to build, so take advantage.
3. Using the moving sidewalk like a treadmill. Why bother paying for a pricey fitness center?
4. Don’t forget to call your honey be...
Keywords:
Article Body:
1. Make some new friends. People from all over the world are commuting though the same point as you; why not strike up a conversation?
2. If it’s your first time at the new airport, whip out your digital camera and take a video clip. This is the world biggest airport, and as we all know it’s taken the longest to build, so take advantage.
3. Using the moving sidewalk like a treadmill. Why bother paying for a pricey fitness center?
4. Don’t forget to call your honey before taking off.
5. If you have some time to kill, pickup a box of playing cards. Since gambling is illegal, we advise playing without money up front.
6. Network-ether on the airport bartender. A beer is B50 but the entertainments are free.
7. Plan your future. There’s no time like present.
8. First with the beautiful-and helpful-Suvarnabhumi “ambassadors.”
9. If you are a film buff, don’t miss out on the airport’s cinema.
10. Pray for good luck in the air and on the ground.- Peemsinee Khaothong.
HOW TO: have a successful day of shopping in bangkok.
1. Make a list with to categories: “Thing you need” and “Thing you want.” Research the approximate price of the desired items to make sure you are getting a good deal, and also locate the stores where these items are being sold.
2. Where comfortable shoes and sensible and versatile clothing to ensure a pleasant experience. Ladies, this is not the time to wear those cute new six-inch stiletto heels
3. Bring a sensible friend who will reign you in and prevent any madcap, unnecessary or useless purchases.
4. Make a list of place to visit plot out your plan of action. Colors code the items (Things you need and don’t need and coordinate the day to accommodate these things. Figure out the most efficient course and stick to it.
5. Bring a large tote with you to put all your purchases in. This way you will not accidentally leave a small bag some where.
6. Set a budget for your-self. Set a limit on your credit card or only bring a certain amount of cash to prevent unnecessary splurging.
7. Reward yourself with a nice long drink at the end. You’ve had a long and busy day and you deserve it.
10 Ways To Fix Spoiled Family Trips
10 Ways To Fix Spoiled Family Trips
Word Count:
579
Summary:
1) Have a family meeting to decide where you will go. Try to pick a destination which offers something for everyone from Dad who only wants to lie in a hammock and drink something alcoholic while listening to the games of his favorite sports team; to the teenagers who want to be any where except where their parents are; to the toddlers who are more interested in the ground level attractions like insects and discarded chewing gum, than they are in any sort of scenery.
2) Wh...
Keywords:
trips, holidays, getaways, family vacations
Article Body:
1) Have a family meeting to decide where you will go. Try to pick a destination which offers something for everyone from Dad who only wants to lie in a hammock and drink something alcoholic while listening to the games of his favorite sports team; to the teenagers who want to be any where except where their parents are; to the toddlers who are more interested in the ground level attractions like insects and discarded chewing gum, than they are in any sort of scenery.
2) When you realize no such destination exists, draw straws. Shortest straw gets to spin the family globe while blindfolded and point to a destination. If it’s in the middle of an ocean, the nearest land mass will do.
3) No matter how unlikely the selected destination is, come together in a family spirit of “making the best of it.” Being a family, after all, means growing together as a family and a bit of planning will help overcome whatever challenges lie ahead.
4) If your fated destination decrees that you will be vacationing near relatives, insist on a visit to let the kids know where they came from. If the relatives happen to be considerably older, with a home full of treasured mementos from years gone by, even better. The toddlers will have plenty with which to entertain themselves, and the teens will have plenty to ask their elders about!
5) If your fated destination decrees that you all end up in a totally foreign part of the world, insist to the kids that it will be an educational experience they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives. That is sure to have them dizzy with anticipation as they throw themselves into the task of planning what to see and do.
6) Plan each day’s itinerary down to the second, because you don’t want the kids to miss a minute their once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. To make sure they are enjoying themselves to the fullest, see that the family stays together at all times, and thoroughly discusses the importance of what they’ve learned each evening.
7) Teach the kids to be savvy travelers by packing a minimum of clothes which they can wash as needed the hotel bathroom sink, or if you’ve managed to track down those distant relatives, wait until you get to their house and ask your hostess to do a batch of laundry.
8) If your family trip requires you to travel by car, let Dad set the pace. When he announces that everyone had better eat hearty and do his or her personal business before leaving home, because there will be no food or relief stops, explain to the children that the real family fun won’t begin until you get to your destination. That’s why Dad is in such a hurry.
9) Leave the cell phones at home, so that the teenagers won’t spend all their time running up roaming charges talking to friends who aren’t sharing their horizon-broadening vacation. It should be no problem figuring out what to do if the hotel phone service gets shut off for climactic or political reasons.
10) If the only camera your family has is a camera cell phone, bring it along, but keep it out of sight by restricting yourself to shooting photos either when none of your family is looking, or when all of them are asleep. Catching them in their unguarded moments is sure to make them love you forever.
Word Count:
579
Summary:
1) Have a family meeting to decide where you will go. Try to pick a destination which offers something for everyone from Dad who only wants to lie in a hammock and drink something alcoholic while listening to the games of his favorite sports team; to the teenagers who want to be any where except where their parents are; to the toddlers who are more interested in the ground level attractions like insects and discarded chewing gum, than they are in any sort of scenery.
2) Wh...
Keywords:
trips, holidays, getaways, family vacations
Article Body:
1) Have a family meeting to decide where you will go. Try to pick a destination which offers something for everyone from Dad who only wants to lie in a hammock and drink something alcoholic while listening to the games of his favorite sports team; to the teenagers who want to be any where except where their parents are; to the toddlers who are more interested in the ground level attractions like insects and discarded chewing gum, than they are in any sort of scenery.
2) When you realize no such destination exists, draw straws. Shortest straw gets to spin the family globe while blindfolded and point to a destination. If it’s in the middle of an ocean, the nearest land mass will do.
3) No matter how unlikely the selected destination is, come together in a family spirit of “making the best of it.” Being a family, after all, means growing together as a family and a bit of planning will help overcome whatever challenges lie ahead.
4) If your fated destination decrees that you will be vacationing near relatives, insist on a visit to let the kids know where they came from. If the relatives happen to be considerably older, with a home full of treasured mementos from years gone by, even better. The toddlers will have plenty with which to entertain themselves, and the teens will have plenty to ask their elders about!
5) If your fated destination decrees that you all end up in a totally foreign part of the world, insist to the kids that it will be an educational experience they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives. That is sure to have them dizzy with anticipation as they throw themselves into the task of planning what to see and do.
6) Plan each day’s itinerary down to the second, because you don’t want the kids to miss a minute their once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. To make sure they are enjoying themselves to the fullest, see that the family stays together at all times, and thoroughly discusses the importance of what they’ve learned each evening.
7) Teach the kids to be savvy travelers by packing a minimum of clothes which they can wash as needed the hotel bathroom sink, or if you’ve managed to track down those distant relatives, wait until you get to their house and ask your hostess to do a batch of laundry.
8) If your family trip requires you to travel by car, let Dad set the pace. When he announces that everyone had better eat hearty and do his or her personal business before leaving home, because there will be no food or relief stops, explain to the children that the real family fun won’t begin until you get to your destination. That’s why Dad is in such a hurry.
9) Leave the cell phones at home, so that the teenagers won’t spend all their time running up roaming charges talking to friends who aren’t sharing their horizon-broadening vacation. It should be no problem figuring out what to do if the hotel phone service gets shut off for climactic or political reasons.
10) If the only camera your family has is a camera cell phone, bring it along, but keep it out of sight by restricting yourself to shooting photos either when none of your family is looking, or when all of them are asleep. Catching them in their unguarded moments is sure to make them love you forever.
10 Travel Adventures That Won’t Break The Bank
10 Travel Adventures That Won’t Break The Bank
Word Count:
1490
Summary:
Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.
Magic, thrills and adventure, yes. But for the budget-conscious globe-trotter, what’s equally important is that these are places where your dollars will stretch a long, long way. As a travel writer, I’m lucky enough to have experienced all 10--but I’d love to revisit every single one as a vacationer.
Vietnam
Vietnam packs a lot into its borders. Highlights in...
Keywords:
budget travel, vietnam, malaysia, goa, india, austria, montenegro, granada, nicaragua
Article Body:
Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.
Magic, thrills and adventure, yes. But for the budget-conscious globe-trotter, what’s equally important is that these are places where your dollars will stretch a long, long way. As a travel writer, I’m lucky enough to have experienced all 10--but I’d love to revisit every single one as a vacationer.
Vietnam
Vietnam packs a lot into its borders. Highlights include misty Halong Bay with its fairytale seascapes of limestone outcrops and islands; the Mekong delta with its floating markets; the old Vietcong tunnels at Cu-Chi near Saigon--now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. (Don’t worry about getting stuck: one tunnel has been specially widened for westerners.) Backpacker beds are exceptionally cheap, but decent hotels often cost less than $40. A filling bowl of pho bo beef noodle soup or six seafood spring rolls is less than a dollar. In local hangouts, Saigon Export beer costs 40 cents a bottle.
For the ultimate traffic tale to tell the folks back home, head for Hanoi’s old quarter. Any attempt to cross the road turns into a heart-racing adventure. Not only are you contending with psycho-cyclos (rickshaw bicycles), there are thousands of motorbikes and scooters whose riders regard a red traffic signal as a suggestion rather than an instruction. Best place to experience the utter chaos is from within a cyclo rickshaw.
Lithuania, Eastern Europe
The southernmost of the Baltic States, visitors usually couple Lithuania together with Latvia and Estonia. However, you can easily spend a week in Lithuania alone. Quirky cities like Vilnius and Kaunas are steeped in art, music and historical curiosities...mushroom-scented woods and farmers riding on haycarts...mysterious sites steeped in pagan traditions…the windswept sands of the Curonian Spit where you can beach-comb for amber.
Mid-June would be a great time to go. A national holiday in Lithuania, the old pagan festival of Rasos marks the summer solstice. It’s an all-night affair with singing, dancing, bonfire-leaping, hunting for "magic" ferns, and floating garlands down rivers. Despite some serious alcoholic partying, most people manage to stay awake to greet the sunrise. As for prices, how about $2.54 for three potato pancakes with smoked salmon and sour cream and $1 for a glass of Svyturnys beer?
Granada, Nicaragua
From the laid-back colonial city of Granada, you can do a lot in a week in Nicaragua: tackle volcanoes...take Spanish lessons...visit Masaya craft market and also the villages where rocking chairs, hammocks, and pottery are made...explore the Selva Negra’s cloud forests and coffee plantations...chat with expats in the beach surfing town of San Juan del Sur...go to colonial Leon, where you might get to meet indigenous Indians.
Settling into a rocking chair with a cold Victoria beer is a pleasure that generally costs under $1 and spending more than $7 on a meal is difficult. The Alhambra Hotel on Granada’s main square costs a mere $30 a night.
Goa, Southern India
India is beyond fascinating, beyond anything you’ll ever experience elsewhere. The easiest introduction to this teeming country is the seaside state of Goa. Baking below a tropical canopy of banana, coconut and mango trees, this drowsy world of Arabian Sea beaches, backwaters, and spice-laden breezes is stamped with more than a few reminders of Old Portugal. You’ll find sunrise yoga on the beach, full massages for $8, dolphin trips for about $6, and colorful hippie markets.
Including four beers, two people can eat in a beach shack for under $10. And if you want to cut your expenses to the bone, there’s accommodation in simple beach chalets for as little as $8 a night.
Porto and Northern Portugal
Famed for its port wine lodges (yes, they do offer free samples), Porto is Portugal’s second city. An historic Atlantic trading port, its warren of laundry-hung alleys plunges down to a waterfront of boats, nets and fish restaurants. Sheets of cod (bacalhau) hang outside grocery stores with original art nouveau tiled facades; the church of Sao Francisco has a gold leaf interior that would make King Midas salivate. Don’t miss the Bolhau food market or the Torre dos Clerigos, Portugal’s highest belfry tower. From the top, you’ll get great views over the jumbled cityscape of churches, bridges and red-roofed houses.
By EU standards, the price of dining, accommodation, and public transport throughout the region is astounding. Trains and buses are an affordable way to make exploratory day-trips along the coast and into the interior of terraced vineyards and green river valleys. Don’t miss Braga and the thousand-stepped stairway of Bom Jesus church. On holy days, some pilgrims tackle these steps on their knees.
Montenegro
After its split from Serbia, Montenegro is Europe’s latest holiday hot spot--and also the world’s newest independent nation. Along with three-course meals for $7 and rooms in private houses for $10, you’ll find a land of craggy mountains with a switch-backed Adriatic coastline of bays, beaches and villages of pale gray stone. The sea sparkles like blue topaz and medieval walled towns with crumbling fortresses and palaces are often emblazoned with the winged lion emblem of the Venetian Republic.
Now paint in monasteries slotted into mountain crevices and fishing villages of red-tiled roofs and deep-green shutters. Roman mosaics...olive groves...water-lilied lakes...deep canyons and the mighty Boka Kotorska, Europe’s southernmost fjord...the border town of Ulcinj with its minarets and tales of pirate slave-trading.
Austria
The Alps? There’s no denying that Switzerland is one of the most scenically gorgeous countries on earth. But unless you’re armed with an expense account, I can promise you that exploring its mountains, lakes and medieval towns will wreak havoc on your finances.
Winter or summer, neighboring Austria has just as much of the alpine wow factor...plus the city splendors of Vienna and Salzburg. And it’s a lot less expensive than you may think. For example, in the Tyrolean village of Fendels, you could rent a furnished apartment for two in a chalet next spring for as little as 175 euro ($230) per week. Surrounded by hiking trails, Fendels village makes an excellent base--the Tyrolean Oberland is close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy. (Go to the Austrian Tourist Board’s web site at http://www.tiscover.at/ and you’ll find plenty more self-catering accommodation at similar prices.)
Penang, Malaysia
A melting-pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian culture, Malaysia offers up powder white beaches and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife; the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur and the historic port city of Malacca; inexpensive seafood and inexpensive spa pampering; sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golf and island-hopping.
With a distinct Chinese flavor, one of Malaysia’s star turns is Georgetown, capital of Penang island. You come across snake temples, arcaded shophouses and tiny workshops specializing in mahjong tiles and dice; kong-teik craftsmen who make funerary paper artifacts; fish getting dried like laundry in the open air. On the Weld Quay waterfront, around 2,000 fishing families live in rickety wooden dwellings on the Clan Quay jetties.
Chania, Crete
On the Greek island of Crete, Chania is one town that it would be criminal to miss. Crete’s former capital, its history goes back 5,000 years. In the Old Town’s skinny alleyways you’ll find icon workshops...lyres hanging in dusty musical instrument repair-shops...bursts of white jasmine cascading from archways...cats snoozing on balconies...the unlikely sights of a pencil-thin minaret above church towers and a mosque squatting on the waterfront.
Strung with garlands of colored light-bulbs, Chania’s old Venetian harbor at dusk truly is the stuff of romance. The water shimmers in waves of crimson, sapphire and emerald, the Venetian lighthouse sends out its beady wink, and stalls do a steady trade in pistachio nuts. Alleys that were afternoon-silent become thronged with locals taking the volta--the evening stroll. Even in July and August, you’ll find studio apartments here for under $40 a night...plus you can eat well for $10.
Bohemia, the Czech Republic
Prague teems with tourists but few people realize what the rest of the Czech Republic offers. One of its regions is Bohemia, blessed with a spellbinding mosaic of castles, frescoed houses and Rapunzel-style turrets straight from a sword-and-sorcery tale. At Cesky Krumlov you can peer into a medieval bear pit complete with bears. Sedlec, a suburb of Kutna Hora has a chapel entirely decorated with human bones, right down to its chandelier.
Many towns have stoupas...lofty "plague pillars" adorned with chained devils. They commemorate deliverance from the plagues, which swept Europe during the Middle Ages. Then there’s Karlovy Vary, the oldest of Bohemia’s grand spa towns. With spa water bubbling up all over town which visitors can collect for free, it’s a gorgeous place of baroque buildings in sugar-plum colors, flowery parks, and shops glittering with Bohemian crystal.
Word Count:
1490
Summary:
Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.
Magic, thrills and adventure, yes. But for the budget-conscious globe-trotter, what’s equally important is that these are places where your dollars will stretch a long, long way. As a travel writer, I’m lucky enough to have experienced all 10--but I’d love to revisit every single one as a vacationer.
Vietnam
Vietnam packs a lot into its borders. Highlights in...
Keywords:
budget travel, vietnam, malaysia, goa, india, austria, montenegro, granada, nicaragua
Article Body:
Dreaming of taking a Big Trip in 2007? Finances a bit tight? Well, take a look at the following destinations.
Magic, thrills and adventure, yes. But for the budget-conscious globe-trotter, what’s equally important is that these are places where your dollars will stretch a long, long way. As a travel writer, I’m lucky enough to have experienced all 10--but I’d love to revisit every single one as a vacationer.
Vietnam
Vietnam packs a lot into its borders. Highlights include misty Halong Bay with its fairytale seascapes of limestone outcrops and islands; the Mekong delta with its floating markets; the old Vietcong tunnels at Cu-Chi near Saigon--now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. (Don’t worry about getting stuck: one tunnel has been specially widened for westerners.) Backpacker beds are exceptionally cheap, but decent hotels often cost less than $40. A filling bowl of pho bo beef noodle soup or six seafood spring rolls is less than a dollar. In local hangouts, Saigon Export beer costs 40 cents a bottle.
For the ultimate traffic tale to tell the folks back home, head for Hanoi’s old quarter. Any attempt to cross the road turns into a heart-racing adventure. Not only are you contending with psycho-cyclos (rickshaw bicycles), there are thousands of motorbikes and scooters whose riders regard a red traffic signal as a suggestion rather than an instruction. Best place to experience the utter chaos is from within a cyclo rickshaw.
Lithuania, Eastern Europe
The southernmost of the Baltic States, visitors usually couple Lithuania together with Latvia and Estonia. However, you can easily spend a week in Lithuania alone. Quirky cities like Vilnius and Kaunas are steeped in art, music and historical curiosities...mushroom-scented woods and farmers riding on haycarts...mysterious sites steeped in pagan traditions…the windswept sands of the Curonian Spit where you can beach-comb for amber.
Mid-June would be a great time to go. A national holiday in Lithuania, the old pagan festival of Rasos marks the summer solstice. It’s an all-night affair with singing, dancing, bonfire-leaping, hunting for "magic" ferns, and floating garlands down rivers. Despite some serious alcoholic partying, most people manage to stay awake to greet the sunrise. As for prices, how about $2.54 for three potato pancakes with smoked salmon and sour cream and $1 for a glass of Svyturnys beer?
Granada, Nicaragua
From the laid-back colonial city of Granada, you can do a lot in a week in Nicaragua: tackle volcanoes...take Spanish lessons...visit Masaya craft market and also the villages where rocking chairs, hammocks, and pottery are made...explore the Selva Negra’s cloud forests and coffee plantations...chat with expats in the beach surfing town of San Juan del Sur...go to colonial Leon, where you might get to meet indigenous Indians.
Settling into a rocking chair with a cold Victoria beer is a pleasure that generally costs under $1 and spending more than $7 on a meal is difficult. The Alhambra Hotel on Granada’s main square costs a mere $30 a night.
Goa, Southern India
India is beyond fascinating, beyond anything you’ll ever experience elsewhere. The easiest introduction to this teeming country is the seaside state of Goa. Baking below a tropical canopy of banana, coconut and mango trees, this drowsy world of Arabian Sea beaches, backwaters, and spice-laden breezes is stamped with more than a few reminders of Old Portugal. You’ll find sunrise yoga on the beach, full massages for $8, dolphin trips for about $6, and colorful hippie markets.
Including four beers, two people can eat in a beach shack for under $10. And if you want to cut your expenses to the bone, there’s accommodation in simple beach chalets for as little as $8 a night.
Porto and Northern Portugal
Famed for its port wine lodges (yes, they do offer free samples), Porto is Portugal’s second city. An historic Atlantic trading port, its warren of laundry-hung alleys plunges down to a waterfront of boats, nets and fish restaurants. Sheets of cod (bacalhau) hang outside grocery stores with original art nouveau tiled facades; the church of Sao Francisco has a gold leaf interior that would make King Midas salivate. Don’t miss the Bolhau food market or the Torre dos Clerigos, Portugal’s highest belfry tower. From the top, you’ll get great views over the jumbled cityscape of churches, bridges and red-roofed houses.
By EU standards, the price of dining, accommodation, and public transport throughout the region is astounding. Trains and buses are an affordable way to make exploratory day-trips along the coast and into the interior of terraced vineyards and green river valleys. Don’t miss Braga and the thousand-stepped stairway of Bom Jesus church. On holy days, some pilgrims tackle these steps on their knees.
Montenegro
After its split from Serbia, Montenegro is Europe’s latest holiday hot spot--and also the world’s newest independent nation. Along with three-course meals for $7 and rooms in private houses for $10, you’ll find a land of craggy mountains with a switch-backed Adriatic coastline of bays, beaches and villages of pale gray stone. The sea sparkles like blue topaz and medieval walled towns with crumbling fortresses and palaces are often emblazoned with the winged lion emblem of the Venetian Republic.
Now paint in monasteries slotted into mountain crevices and fishing villages of red-tiled roofs and deep-green shutters. Roman mosaics...olive groves...water-lilied lakes...deep canyons and the mighty Boka Kotorska, Europe’s southernmost fjord...the border town of Ulcinj with its minarets and tales of pirate slave-trading.
Austria
The Alps? There’s no denying that Switzerland is one of the most scenically gorgeous countries on earth. But unless you’re armed with an expense account, I can promise you that exploring its mountains, lakes and medieval towns will wreak havoc on your finances.
Winter or summer, neighboring Austria has just as much of the alpine wow factor...plus the city splendors of Vienna and Salzburg. And it’s a lot less expensive than you may think. For example, in the Tyrolean village of Fendels, you could rent a furnished apartment for two in a chalet next spring for as little as 175 euro ($230) per week. Surrounded by hiking trails, Fendels village makes an excellent base--the Tyrolean Oberland is close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy. (Go to the Austrian Tourist Board’s web site at http://www.tiscover.at/ and you’ll find plenty more self-catering accommodation at similar prices.)
Penang, Malaysia
A melting-pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian culture, Malaysia offers up powder white beaches and virgin rainforest teeming with wildlife; the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur and the historic port city of Malacca; inexpensive seafood and inexpensive spa pampering; sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, golf and island-hopping.
With a distinct Chinese flavor, one of Malaysia’s star turns is Georgetown, capital of Penang island. You come across snake temples, arcaded shophouses and tiny workshops specializing in mahjong tiles and dice; kong-teik craftsmen who make funerary paper artifacts; fish getting dried like laundry in the open air. On the Weld Quay waterfront, around 2,000 fishing families live in rickety wooden dwellings on the Clan Quay jetties.
Chania, Crete
On the Greek island of Crete, Chania is one town that it would be criminal to miss. Crete’s former capital, its history goes back 5,000 years. In the Old Town’s skinny alleyways you’ll find icon workshops...lyres hanging in dusty musical instrument repair-shops...bursts of white jasmine cascading from archways...cats snoozing on balconies...the unlikely sights of a pencil-thin minaret above church towers and a mosque squatting on the waterfront.
Strung with garlands of colored light-bulbs, Chania’s old Venetian harbor at dusk truly is the stuff of romance. The water shimmers in waves of crimson, sapphire and emerald, the Venetian lighthouse sends out its beady wink, and stalls do a steady trade in pistachio nuts. Alleys that were afternoon-silent become thronged with locals taking the volta--the evening stroll. Even in July and August, you’ll find studio apartments here for under $40 a night...plus you can eat well for $10.
Bohemia, the Czech Republic
Prague teems with tourists but few people realize what the rest of the Czech Republic offers. One of its regions is Bohemia, blessed with a spellbinding mosaic of castles, frescoed houses and Rapunzel-style turrets straight from a sword-and-sorcery tale. At Cesky Krumlov you can peer into a medieval bear pit complete with bears. Sedlec, a suburb of Kutna Hora has a chapel entirely decorated with human bones, right down to its chandelier.
Many towns have stoupas...lofty "plague pillars" adorned with chained devils. They commemorate deliverance from the plagues, which swept Europe during the Middle Ages. Then there’s Karlovy Vary, the oldest of Bohemia’s grand spa towns. With spa water bubbling up all over town which visitors can collect for free, it’s a gorgeous place of baroque buildings in sugar-plum colors, flowery parks, and shops glittering with Bohemian crystal.
10 Tips When Buying Travel Insurance
10 Tips When Buying Travel Insurance
Word Count:
1045
Summary:
Although perhaps not the most glamorous topic in the world, travel insurance is nonetheless an essential part of the holiday process. And unlike the fairly straightforward process of asking ‘which hotel should I stay in?’ getting the right travel insurance can be as confusing as it is frustrating!
This is, hopefully, where I come in. As the managing director of Insuremore (http://www.insuremore.co.uk/) I like to think I know a fair bit about the whole area. I’ve assembled t...
Keywords:
travel insurance, cheap travel insurance, uk travel insurance,
Article Body:
Although perhaps not the most glamorous topic in the world, travel insurance is nonetheless an essential part of the holiday process. And unlike the fairly straightforward process of asking ‘which hotel should I stay in?’ getting the right travel insurance can be as confusing as it is frustrating!
This is, hopefully, where I come in. As the managing director of Insuremore (http://www.insuremore.co.uk/) I like to think I know a fair bit about the whole area. I’ve assembled this guide as something of a ‘top 10 things to look out for’ when purchasing travel insurance.
And the common question I get asked all the time is whether I think travel insurance is worth buying. Given my line of work, it’s pretty inevitable that my answer will be ‘yes’ but the reason isn’t just because of the extra money it will ensure I receive! Y’see it’s true that the majority of people go on holiday, have a memorable time and come back without any ill consequences, but a small percentage of people will have an unexpected hospitalization or find that their flights are canceled. And believe me, in those instances trying to get help without travel insurance is not only expensive, but horribly stressful. Indeed, the best benefit of travel insurance is the peace of mind it gives the policy holder. A holiday should be about relaxation (or possibly getting your skin to become as lobster like as possible judging from recent case studies!) and how can you relax when you’re constantly on the lookout for illnesses or injuries? I’m sure that even if you could have relaxed before reading this, you will be worried now! So without further ado:
1)Don’t leave your travel insurance until the last minute
Okay, people don’t like to spend money – especially immediately after dropping a load of cash on an expensive holiday, but not getting your travel insurance sorted out immediately can be a massive mistake as you miss out one of the key aspects of it – cancellation cover. Although you may think that there’s no way you’ll cancel, life is full of the unexpected, and we deal with people canceling their holidays due to family emergencies everyday.
As your holiday gets closer and closer, the chances of you needing to cancel are heavily reduced, so you completely lose the benefit of part of your insurance if you don’t sort it out nice and early.
2)Don’t settle for single trip cover if you’re going on holiday more than once
On the subject of single trip cover, is that really what you need? According to a 2004 study by Alliance & Leicester, 2/3rds of people plan to take two or more holidays a year. If you’re in the majority here, then single trip insurance will not be the best priced option (unless you have a phenomenally good value insurance provider) and it’s worth considering multi-trip or annual.
3)Your E111 health card alone will cost you for medical cover
Don’t think that just because you have your E111 European health card you will be covered for free – that’s a myth. You do need the card to show hospitals in the event of an emergency, but you will be charged by the country’s private healthcare system. Make sure your travel insurance covers illness and injury!
4)Be honest about any medical conditions you have
On a similar note, make sure you tell your insurers of all your medical conditions even if they seem irrelevant – too much information is a good thing in this case, as not providing details could later invalidate any claims you need to make.
5)Get the right policy for your holiday
Just like how there are different holidays for different tastes, there are different policies for different people. If you’re looking to go backpacking, skiing or mountain climbing, you’re going to need to track down a policy specifically for these activities to ensure you’re covered in the event of an accident.
6)Buy for the family and save
As I’ve already mentioned, there are different types of insurance for different cover – generally, companies offer single, multi trip, annual and family travel insurance policies. Predict how much you expect to be abroad and buy accordingly. If you are in a family, then it stands to reasons that family insurance is a good option – and some policies include the insurance of under-18s for free!
7)Know exactly what you’re covered against
Cheap travel insurance may seem like a bargain – and there are plenty of legitimate companies offering cheap travel insurance out there – but make sure you go through the policy with a fine tooth comb to ensure you’re not missing out on key coverage, such as cancellation and theft. As a rule of thumb, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
8)Check out the excesses on the policy
Actually, it’s worth going through any travel insurance policy with a fine tooth comb – cheap or otherwise. The excesses on different policies can make a huge difference, and it’s a good idea to find a policy with a lower or no excess on an area you think you are more likely to end up claiming on!
9)If you’re under the influence, then you won’t be covered
Sounds obvious, but we often get claims like this, so I’d best cover it: No travel insurance company will pay up on any accidents occurring while the policy holder is under the influence of alcohol or drugs – the policy is not there to allow you to behave more recklessly than you normally would!
10)Look for a company that covers against acts of terrorism for peace of mind
In the current climate, insurance against acts of terrorism is something we’ve found people to be calling out for, and sadly, most companies do not offer it as default with their policies. If I may be allowed a brief plug however, it is something that we at Insuremore include in our travel insurance packages for that extra peace of mind. If it is something that’s worrying you, it is worth ensuring it is part of your policy.
Word Count:
1045
Summary:
Although perhaps not the most glamorous topic in the world, travel insurance is nonetheless an essential part of the holiday process. And unlike the fairly straightforward process of asking ‘which hotel should I stay in?’ getting the right travel insurance can be as confusing as it is frustrating!
This is, hopefully, where I come in. As the managing director of Insuremore (http://www.insuremore.co.uk/) I like to think I know a fair bit about the whole area. I’ve assembled t...
Keywords:
travel insurance, cheap travel insurance, uk travel insurance,
Article Body:
Although perhaps not the most glamorous topic in the world, travel insurance is nonetheless an essential part of the holiday process. And unlike the fairly straightforward process of asking ‘which hotel should I stay in?’ getting the right travel insurance can be as confusing as it is frustrating!
This is, hopefully, where I come in. As the managing director of Insuremore (http://www.insuremore.co.uk/) I like to think I know a fair bit about the whole area. I’ve assembled this guide as something of a ‘top 10 things to look out for’ when purchasing travel insurance.
And the common question I get asked all the time is whether I think travel insurance is worth buying. Given my line of work, it’s pretty inevitable that my answer will be ‘yes’ but the reason isn’t just because of the extra money it will ensure I receive! Y’see it’s true that the majority of people go on holiday, have a memorable time and come back without any ill consequences, but a small percentage of people will have an unexpected hospitalization or find that their flights are canceled. And believe me, in those instances trying to get help without travel insurance is not only expensive, but horribly stressful. Indeed, the best benefit of travel insurance is the peace of mind it gives the policy holder. A holiday should be about relaxation (or possibly getting your skin to become as lobster like as possible judging from recent case studies!) and how can you relax when you’re constantly on the lookout for illnesses or injuries? I’m sure that even if you could have relaxed before reading this, you will be worried now! So without further ado:
1)Don’t leave your travel insurance until the last minute
Okay, people don’t like to spend money – especially immediately after dropping a load of cash on an expensive holiday, but not getting your travel insurance sorted out immediately can be a massive mistake as you miss out one of the key aspects of it – cancellation cover. Although you may think that there’s no way you’ll cancel, life is full of the unexpected, and we deal with people canceling their holidays due to family emergencies everyday.
As your holiday gets closer and closer, the chances of you needing to cancel are heavily reduced, so you completely lose the benefit of part of your insurance if you don’t sort it out nice and early.
2)Don’t settle for single trip cover if you’re going on holiday more than once
On the subject of single trip cover, is that really what you need? According to a 2004 study by Alliance & Leicester, 2/3rds of people plan to take two or more holidays a year. If you’re in the majority here, then single trip insurance will not be the best priced option (unless you have a phenomenally good value insurance provider) and it’s worth considering multi-trip or annual.
3)Your E111 health card alone will cost you for medical cover
Don’t think that just because you have your E111 European health card you will be covered for free – that’s a myth. You do need the card to show hospitals in the event of an emergency, but you will be charged by the country’s private healthcare system. Make sure your travel insurance covers illness and injury!
4)Be honest about any medical conditions you have
On a similar note, make sure you tell your insurers of all your medical conditions even if they seem irrelevant – too much information is a good thing in this case, as not providing details could later invalidate any claims you need to make.
5)Get the right policy for your holiday
Just like how there are different holidays for different tastes, there are different policies for different people. If you’re looking to go backpacking, skiing or mountain climbing, you’re going to need to track down a policy specifically for these activities to ensure you’re covered in the event of an accident.
6)Buy for the family and save
As I’ve already mentioned, there are different types of insurance for different cover – generally, companies offer single, multi trip, annual and family travel insurance policies. Predict how much you expect to be abroad and buy accordingly. If you are in a family, then it stands to reasons that family insurance is a good option – and some policies include the insurance of under-18s for free!
7)Know exactly what you’re covered against
Cheap travel insurance may seem like a bargain – and there are plenty of legitimate companies offering cheap travel insurance out there – but make sure you go through the policy with a fine tooth comb to ensure you’re not missing out on key coverage, such as cancellation and theft. As a rule of thumb, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!
8)Check out the excesses on the policy
Actually, it’s worth going through any travel insurance policy with a fine tooth comb – cheap or otherwise. The excesses on different policies can make a huge difference, and it’s a good idea to find a policy with a lower or no excess on an area you think you are more likely to end up claiming on!
9)If you’re under the influence, then you won’t be covered
Sounds obvious, but we often get claims like this, so I’d best cover it: No travel insurance company will pay up on any accidents occurring while the policy holder is under the influence of alcohol or drugs – the policy is not there to allow you to behave more recklessly than you normally would!
10)Look for a company that covers against acts of terrorism for peace of mind
In the current climate, insurance against acts of terrorism is something we’ve found people to be calling out for, and sadly, most companies do not offer it as default with their policies. If I may be allowed a brief plug however, it is something that we at Insuremore include in our travel insurance packages for that extra peace of mind. If it is something that’s worrying you, it is worth ensuring it is part of your policy.
Friday, November 26, 2010
10 Reasons To Start A Your Own Coastal Vacations Business
10 Reasons To Start A Your Own Coastal Vacations Business
Word Count:
446
Summary:
More and more people from all walks of life are jumping online to make money from a home-based business. They want to work part-time, full-time, any time…to get away form the daily office grind, the water cool gossip gang, low wages, poor to zero benefits, unthankful bosses, demanding hours, zero to little vacation time and more.
And rising costs everywhere add to the seriousness of starting a home-based business. From high prices for food to automobile fuel to clothi...
Keywords:
coastal vacations,coastal vacation,make money with travel,
Article Body:
More and more people from all walks of life are jumping online to make money from a home-based business. They want to work part-time, full-time, any time…to get away form the daily office grind, the water cool gossip gang, low wages, poor to zero benefits, unthankful bosses, demanding hours, zero to little vacation time and more.
And rising costs everywhere add to the seriousness of starting a home-based business. From high prices for food to automobile fuel to clothing, utilities, advanced education and more, jobs that only maybe offer a 4% raise per year don’t even keep up with daily living costs. So extra income – or even a better main source of income – is a must for many households.
In response to the many needs for make money, work from home and enjoy more benefits, here is a look at 10 reasons to start your own Coastal Vacations business:
1. You can say “Goodbye!” to a bad boss and be your own boss. No more looking over your shoulder. Instead, you can enjoy the freedom of more and varied time, improved goals that you want, and finances to cover your needs and wants.
2. You can work any time and in comfort. No more perfume- and cologne-filled elevators and public restrooms. No more vending machine junk food. Schedule your own flexible time and benefits.
3. You can put an end to mindless work like filing. Instead, choose to work on what you want and outsource the rest.
4. You can choose to work for someone else while you grow your business so that you maintain a stable income, if you want. Your choice. Switch when you’re ready.
5. You can say “Goodbye!” to job security issues and the fear of unemployment or being fired. You can run your business in good times and in bad, getting plenty of help as needed.
6. You can gain a newfound sense of pride in being an entrepreneur and in your accomplishments. And you can give back and help others achieve this as well.
7. You can gain self confidence to face even the most challenging hurdles in life with a lot less heartaches and headaches and stress.
8. You can say “Goodbye!” to earnings’ ceiling. The sky’s the limit you’re your own business.
9. You can enjoy greater travel and other benefits from your home-based business with your own products to use and share with family members.
10. You can stop waiting to retire and planning to retire in later years. Plan what you want to earn and go get ‘em!
So take another look at home-based business opportunities. You may find many reasons to give yourself another chance with your own Coastal Vacations travel business.
Word Count:
446
Summary:
More and more people from all walks of life are jumping online to make money from a home-based business. They want to work part-time, full-time, any time…to get away form the daily office grind, the water cool gossip gang, low wages, poor to zero benefits, unthankful bosses, demanding hours, zero to little vacation time and more.
And rising costs everywhere add to the seriousness of starting a home-based business. From high prices for food to automobile fuel to clothi...
Keywords:
coastal vacations,coastal vacation,make money with travel,
Article Body:
More and more people from all walks of life are jumping online to make money from a home-based business. They want to work part-time, full-time, any time…to get away form the daily office grind, the water cool gossip gang, low wages, poor to zero benefits, unthankful bosses, demanding hours, zero to little vacation time and more.
And rising costs everywhere add to the seriousness of starting a home-based business. From high prices for food to automobile fuel to clothing, utilities, advanced education and more, jobs that only maybe offer a 4% raise per year don’t even keep up with daily living costs. So extra income – or even a better main source of income – is a must for many households.
In response to the many needs for make money, work from home and enjoy more benefits, here is a look at 10 reasons to start your own Coastal Vacations business:
1. You can say “Goodbye!” to a bad boss and be your own boss. No more looking over your shoulder. Instead, you can enjoy the freedom of more and varied time, improved goals that you want, and finances to cover your needs and wants.
2. You can work any time and in comfort. No more perfume- and cologne-filled elevators and public restrooms. No more vending machine junk food. Schedule your own flexible time and benefits.
3. You can put an end to mindless work like filing. Instead, choose to work on what you want and outsource the rest.
4. You can choose to work for someone else while you grow your business so that you maintain a stable income, if you want. Your choice. Switch when you’re ready.
5. You can say “Goodbye!” to job security issues and the fear of unemployment or being fired. You can run your business in good times and in bad, getting plenty of help as needed.
6. You can gain a newfound sense of pride in being an entrepreneur and in your accomplishments. And you can give back and help others achieve this as well.
7. You can gain self confidence to face even the most challenging hurdles in life with a lot less heartaches and headaches and stress.
8. You can say “Goodbye!” to earnings’ ceiling. The sky’s the limit you’re your own business.
9. You can enjoy greater travel and other benefits from your home-based business with your own products to use and share with family members.
10. You can stop waiting to retire and planning to retire in later years. Plan what you want to earn and go get ‘em!
So take another look at home-based business opportunities. You may find many reasons to give yourself another chance with your own Coastal Vacations travel business.
10 Holiday Sales Tips: How To Cash In On The Season
10 Holiday Sales Tips: How To Cash In On The Season
Word Count:
548
Summary:
With the holiday season ramping up, shoppers are coming online in droves. In fact, online holiday sales this year are predicted to increase twenty percent, as consumers grow more and more accustomed to the ease and convenience of shopping online. Internet business advisor Ana Rincon (http://onlinebusiness.about.com/) reveals ten tips for increasing your online sales over the holiday season:
1.Fine-tune your website. The biggest buying season of the year is not the time to h...
Keywords:
ecommerce,estore,auction,ebay,online store,internet,ebiz,products,home business,home-based business
Article Body:
With the holiday season ramping up, shoppers are coming online in droves. In fact, online holiday sales this year are predicted to increase twenty percent, as consumers grow more and more accustomed to the ease and convenience of shopping online. Internet business advisor Ana Rincon (http://onlinebusiness.about.com/) reveals ten tips for increasing your online sales over the holiday season:
1.Fine-tune your website. The biggest buying season of the year is not the time to have a slow-loading site or pages not found—busy holiday shoppers won’t wait around.
2.Guide your customers’ experience. Organize your products in a way that makes it easy for customers to zero in on what they’re looking for. Group items into categories such as “Gifts for Him,” “Gifts for Her,” “Toys for Ages 2-4,” etc.
3.Offer gift certificates. Explains Rincon, “Many buyers don’t know exactly what to get, and a gift certificate is a great alternative.” With online delivery, buyers can purchase all the way up to, and even on Christmas Day and still have purchases reach their recipients on time.
4.Offer gift wrapping and gift cards. People shop online to save time and avoid hassles. They don’t have time to physically receive the gifts they order, and then wrap and resend them. By providing this service, you add value to your products and gain a competitive edge.
5.Offer wish lists. Many shopping cart systems already have a wish list feature built in. Shoppers should be able to choose what they like from your site, create a list, and store it there for other buyers to reference, or have it emailed directly to them.
6.Make shipping and delivery information highly visible on your website. Holiday shoppers’ number one concern is that their recipients’ packages arrive on time. Make it easy for your customers—tell them exactly how many days they have left to order and be sure their gifts will get there by Christmas.
7.Offer free shipping. You’re not taking a loss here—you’re just building those costs into your price. According to a survey by http://shopping.org/, seventy-five percent of consumers view free shipping as a major selling point. When they don’t have to calculate those extra fees, it’s that much simpler and more convenient for them. So in the end, both you and your customer are happy.
8.Utilize pay-per-click advertising. This type of marketing produces quick turnaround. Decide on your budget and keywords, but be flexible as you go and make adjustments as needed.
9.Build an email campaign around the holidays. Suggests Rincon, “Use your newsletters and emails to share gift tips and announce special sales… Mix informational newsletters with promotions and product specials.”
10.Offer multiple payment options. Buyers expect to be able to pay by credit card, and PayPal and other alternative payments are becoming more widespread. You severely limit your sales and your customers when you only accept payments by money order or wire transfer, so offer as many options as you can.
With online sales projected at 33 billion dollars this holiday season, there’s plenty of profit to go around the e-commerce industry. By employing these simple techniques in your e-business, you can maximize your share of those sales and cash in on the year’s busiest retail season.
Word Count:
548
Summary:
With the holiday season ramping up, shoppers are coming online in droves. In fact, online holiday sales this year are predicted to increase twenty percent, as consumers grow more and more accustomed to the ease and convenience of shopping online. Internet business advisor Ana Rincon (http://onlinebusiness.about.com/) reveals ten tips for increasing your online sales over the holiday season:
1.Fine-tune your website. The biggest buying season of the year is not the time to h...
Keywords:
ecommerce,estore,auction,ebay,online store,internet,ebiz,products,home business,home-based business
Article Body:
With the holiday season ramping up, shoppers are coming online in droves. In fact, online holiday sales this year are predicted to increase twenty percent, as consumers grow more and more accustomed to the ease and convenience of shopping online. Internet business advisor Ana Rincon (http://onlinebusiness.about.com/) reveals ten tips for increasing your online sales over the holiday season:
1.Fine-tune your website. The biggest buying season of the year is not the time to have a slow-loading site or pages not found—busy holiday shoppers won’t wait around.
2.Guide your customers’ experience. Organize your products in a way that makes it easy for customers to zero in on what they’re looking for. Group items into categories such as “Gifts for Him,” “Gifts for Her,” “Toys for Ages 2-4,” etc.
3.Offer gift certificates. Explains Rincon, “Many buyers don’t know exactly what to get, and a gift certificate is a great alternative.” With online delivery, buyers can purchase all the way up to, and even on Christmas Day and still have purchases reach their recipients on time.
4.Offer gift wrapping and gift cards. People shop online to save time and avoid hassles. They don’t have time to physically receive the gifts they order, and then wrap and resend them. By providing this service, you add value to your products and gain a competitive edge.
5.Offer wish lists. Many shopping cart systems already have a wish list feature built in. Shoppers should be able to choose what they like from your site, create a list, and store it there for other buyers to reference, or have it emailed directly to them.
6.Make shipping and delivery information highly visible on your website. Holiday shoppers’ number one concern is that their recipients’ packages arrive on time. Make it easy for your customers—tell them exactly how many days they have left to order and be sure their gifts will get there by Christmas.
7.Offer free shipping. You’re not taking a loss here—you’re just building those costs into your price. According to a survey by http://shopping.org/, seventy-five percent of consumers view free shipping as a major selling point. When they don’t have to calculate those extra fees, it’s that much simpler and more convenient for them. So in the end, both you and your customer are happy.
8.Utilize pay-per-click advertising. This type of marketing produces quick turnaround. Decide on your budget and keywords, but be flexible as you go and make adjustments as needed.
9.Build an email campaign around the holidays. Suggests Rincon, “Use your newsletters and emails to share gift tips and announce special sales… Mix informational newsletters with promotions and product specials.”
10.Offer multiple payment options. Buyers expect to be able to pay by credit card, and PayPal and other alternative payments are becoming more widespread. You severely limit your sales and your customers when you only accept payments by money order or wire transfer, so offer as many options as you can.
With online sales projected at 33 billion dollars this holiday season, there’s plenty of profit to go around the e-commerce industry. By employing these simple techniques in your e-business, you can maximize your share of those sales and cash in on the year’s busiest retail season.
10 Attractions You Can’t Miss When Visiting Cape Town – South Africa
10 Attractions You Can’t Miss When Visiting Cape Town – South Africa
Word Count:
637
Summary:
1. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’. Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the top. Either way you won’t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top!
2. V & A Waterfront
Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most...
Keywords:
cape town, district six, kirstenbosch botanical gardens,table mountain, v & A waterfront, wine farms
Article Body:
1. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’. Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the top. Either way you won’t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top!
2. V & A Waterfront
Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most popular venue in Cape Town. With a wide variety of shops, numerous restaurants and cafes, wine bars, sites of historical and cultural interest and local craft workshops, you’ll never have a dull moment here, day or night.
3. Wine Farms
From the farms of Constantia in the southern suburbs to the expansive estates of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek, the Cape boasts some of the most beautiful wine farms in the world. And it’s a well known fact that they produce some of the finest wines in the world too! A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without at least one day spent on the wine route, sampling fine wines, learning about the history and methodology of winemaking from the experts, enjoying a sumptuous lunch along the way and coming back laden with some great purchases for the cellar back home.
4. Robben Island
Site of former president Nelson Mandela’s prison cell where he was confined for many years prior to his historical release, Robben Island has a very special atmosphere. Take a ferry from the Waterfront and learn from the guided tours about the other men who shared the Island with Madiba, and about the incredible man himself.
5. Cape Point
Who wouldn’t want to say they have stood at the tip of the great African continent? Once inside the reserve you can make your way to the main parking area and stroll up the wide paths to the top lookout point. From here the view is breathtaking - sheer cliffs drop to the crashing waves far below while azure waters spread out as far as the eye can see to a hazy horizon. On a clear day, you really can see forever! Enjoy lunch at the excellent restaurant or drive to one of the sheltered beaches for a picnic.
6. Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony
Home of a colony of so-called ‘Jackass’ Penguins (so named for the donkey-like braying sound they make) Boulder’s Beach is situated just past Simon’s Town. Apart from great penguin viewing, the beach is picturesque and great for families with its sheltered bay.
7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens at the foot of Table Mountain were established in 1913. The gardens only grow indigenous South African plants, and cover an area of 528 hectares. Picnic on the green lawns next to bubbling streams, or take advantage of a guided tour.
8. Top Stones Gemstone Factory and Scratch Patch
Visit one of the Top Stone Gemstone Factories at Glen Cairn or the Waterfront, for a sparkling and enchanting experience. At the Glen Cairn factory you can view the stones being washed polished and crafted into curios or jewelry. Trawl through the walk-in Scratch Patch ‘caves’ and select your own treasures to take home.
9. Two Oceans Aquarium
Located at the V&A Waterfront, this is South Africa’s largest aquarium. It has great exhibitions and a strong educational component. The shark feeding times are always popular with visitors who love to get a close up view of these awesome creatures without getting wet!
10. District Six Museum
Back in the 1960’s the apartheid government demolished the District Six neighborhoods, displacing the residents. Of all the museums to see in Cape Town, this memorial to the glory days and tragic history of District Six is one of the most interesting and colourful.
Word Count:
637
Summary:
1. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’. Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the top. Either way you won’t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top!
2. V & A Waterfront
Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most...
Keywords:
cape town, district six, kirstenbosch botanical gardens,table mountain, v & A waterfront, wine farms
Article Body:
1. Table Mountain
Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’. Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the top. Either way you won’t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top!
2. V & A Waterfront
Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most popular venue in Cape Town. With a wide variety of shops, numerous restaurants and cafes, wine bars, sites of historical and cultural interest and local craft workshops, you’ll never have a dull moment here, day or night.
3. Wine Farms
From the farms of Constantia in the southern suburbs to the expansive estates of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek, the Cape boasts some of the most beautiful wine farms in the world. And it’s a well known fact that they produce some of the finest wines in the world too! A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without at least one day spent on the wine route, sampling fine wines, learning about the history and methodology of winemaking from the experts, enjoying a sumptuous lunch along the way and coming back laden with some great purchases for the cellar back home.
4. Robben Island
Site of former president Nelson Mandela’s prison cell where he was confined for many years prior to his historical release, Robben Island has a very special atmosphere. Take a ferry from the Waterfront and learn from the guided tours about the other men who shared the Island with Madiba, and about the incredible man himself.
5. Cape Point
Who wouldn’t want to say they have stood at the tip of the great African continent? Once inside the reserve you can make your way to the main parking area and stroll up the wide paths to the top lookout point. From here the view is breathtaking - sheer cliffs drop to the crashing waves far below while azure waters spread out as far as the eye can see to a hazy horizon. On a clear day, you really can see forever! Enjoy lunch at the excellent restaurant or drive to one of the sheltered beaches for a picnic.
6. Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony
Home of a colony of so-called ‘Jackass’ Penguins (so named for the donkey-like braying sound they make) Boulder’s Beach is situated just past Simon’s Town. Apart from great penguin viewing, the beach is picturesque and great for families with its sheltered bay.
7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens at the foot of Table Mountain were established in 1913. The gardens only grow indigenous South African plants, and cover an area of 528 hectares. Picnic on the green lawns next to bubbling streams, or take advantage of a guided tour.
8. Top Stones Gemstone Factory and Scratch Patch
Visit one of the Top Stone Gemstone Factories at Glen Cairn or the Waterfront, for a sparkling and enchanting experience. At the Glen Cairn factory you can view the stones being washed polished and crafted into curios or jewelry. Trawl through the walk-in Scratch Patch ‘caves’ and select your own treasures to take home.
9. Two Oceans Aquarium
Located at the V&A Waterfront, this is South Africa’s largest aquarium. It has great exhibitions and a strong educational component. The shark feeding times are always popular with visitors who love to get a close up view of these awesome creatures without getting wet!
10. District Six Museum
Back in the 1960’s the apartheid government demolished the District Six neighborhoods, displacing the residents. Of all the museums to see in Cape Town, this memorial to the glory days and tragic history of District Six is one of the most interesting and colourful.
"The Peace Crib" - A Modern Neapolitan Crib In Florence
"The Peace Crib" - A Modern Neapolitan Crib In Florence
Word Count:
515
Summary:
“The first time I came to Italy, in Naples, I was struck by the cribs of 1700. They opened new horizons to me. I was used to the one of the Metropolitan Museum of New York, small and simple at the base of an imposing Christmas Tree.
The cribs of Naples were a real discovery to me!” Together with the crib Yvonne DiPalma – born in Philadelphia – met also the sculptor Michele Attanasio. She fell in love with him, got married and with him opened the “Paul Whistler Art Gallery”...
Keywords:
tuscany,chianti,travel,florence,firenze,italy,art,crib,presepe
Article Body:
“The first time I came to Italy, in Naples, I was struck by the cribs of 1700. They opened new horizons to me. I was used to the one of the Metropolitan Museum of New York, small and simple at the base of an imposing Christmas Tree.
The cribs of Naples were a real discovery to me!” Together with the crib Yvonne DiPalma – born in Philadelphia – met also the sculptor Michele Attanasio. She fell in love with him, got married and with him opened the “Paul Whistler Art Gallery”, near Sorrento.
For Christmas, in a place where everybody prepares a crib, they started to make one in the Gallery: scenarios by Michele and characters by Yvonne.
This is how it has begun, by chance, the most charming and passionate adventure of the life of this artist. In the first “Installation” there are 20 characters: sculptures representing the people of the town and famous figures.
This was the start of a thirty-year experience. Every year after that debut in 1976-77 it has had more and more success; it was an opening up of a new life.
The crib emigrated to Florence where it found in Monsignor Setti a supporter and in the Basilica of San Lorenzo a home. In the town of iris the two artists found the same enthusiasm of the first time: that miracle of a sincere participation.
After San Lorenzo, it went to Loggia Rucellai (1981), then to Rome, in the Oratory of Santa Maria in Via, then back to Florence, in the church next to the Gallery of San Jacopo Sopr’Arno (1991). In 1992 the crib by Yvonne was the set in the Theatre Parioli of the programme Maurizio Costanzo Show.
Since then, the work increased “at home” until the interlude of Christmas 1999, when it was lent to the 7th International Festival “Costruimo il Natale”, in the crypt of Santa Croce of Florence.
And now let’s know better this very special crib made of characters of about 50-centimetre height. Yvonne creates the body with iron wire, fabric and stuffing.
To be noticed that all clothes are sews one by one and represent the Neapolitan models of the 18th century. The heads and hair are in terracotta; each sculpted head is a masterpiece of refinement. All characters have the features either of people the artist has met in her life or of famous figures, among them many international politicians: the presidents of United States Nixon, Reagan, Carter, then the Russian, Italian, French, Chinese ones etc. Thirty years of history of 1900 in a crib…
Beside the human characters, there is the world of international animals: in addition to the traditional ox and donkey, there are also horses, sheep, cats, elephants, cocks, baboons, rams, kangaroos, etc… all in terracotta reproduced in the minutest details.
How many are the Crib characters now? Yvonne has stopped counting when they have been more than 200!
They have got out of control and have become alive! Indefatigable, Yvonne creates different groups and expressions, always reflecting upon life and world around us.
Do not miss it in Florence, Via San Zanobi 58 - http://www.yvonnedipalma.com/
Word Count:
515
Summary:
“The first time I came to Italy, in Naples, I was struck by the cribs of 1700. They opened new horizons to me. I was used to the one of the Metropolitan Museum of New York, small and simple at the base of an imposing Christmas Tree.
The cribs of Naples were a real discovery to me!” Together with the crib Yvonne DiPalma – born in Philadelphia – met also the sculptor Michele Attanasio. She fell in love with him, got married and with him opened the “Paul Whistler Art Gallery”...
Keywords:
tuscany,chianti,travel,florence,firenze,italy,art,crib,presepe
Article Body:
“The first time I came to Italy, in Naples, I was struck by the cribs of 1700. They opened new horizons to me. I was used to the one of the Metropolitan Museum of New York, small and simple at the base of an imposing Christmas Tree.
The cribs of Naples were a real discovery to me!” Together with the crib Yvonne DiPalma – born in Philadelphia – met also the sculptor Michele Attanasio. She fell in love with him, got married and with him opened the “Paul Whistler Art Gallery”, near Sorrento.
For Christmas, in a place where everybody prepares a crib, they started to make one in the Gallery: scenarios by Michele and characters by Yvonne.
This is how it has begun, by chance, the most charming and passionate adventure of the life of this artist. In the first “Installation” there are 20 characters: sculptures representing the people of the town and famous figures.
This was the start of a thirty-year experience. Every year after that debut in 1976-77 it has had more and more success; it was an opening up of a new life.
The crib emigrated to Florence where it found in Monsignor Setti a supporter and in the Basilica of San Lorenzo a home. In the town of iris the two artists found the same enthusiasm of the first time: that miracle of a sincere participation.
After San Lorenzo, it went to Loggia Rucellai (1981), then to Rome, in the Oratory of Santa Maria in Via, then back to Florence, in the church next to the Gallery of San Jacopo Sopr’Arno (1991). In 1992 the crib by Yvonne was the set in the Theatre Parioli of the programme Maurizio Costanzo Show.
Since then, the work increased “at home” until the interlude of Christmas 1999, when it was lent to the 7th International Festival “Costruimo il Natale”, in the crypt of Santa Croce of Florence.
And now let’s know better this very special crib made of characters of about 50-centimetre height. Yvonne creates the body with iron wire, fabric and stuffing.
To be noticed that all clothes are sews one by one and represent the Neapolitan models of the 18th century. The heads and hair are in terracotta; each sculpted head is a masterpiece of refinement. All characters have the features either of people the artist has met in her life or of famous figures, among them many international politicians: the presidents of United States Nixon, Reagan, Carter, then the Russian, Italian, French, Chinese ones etc. Thirty years of history of 1900 in a crib…
Beside the human characters, there is the world of international animals: in addition to the traditional ox and donkey, there are also horses, sheep, cats, elephants, cocks, baboons, rams, kangaroos, etc… all in terracotta reproduced in the minutest details.
How many are the Crib characters now? Yvonne has stopped counting when they have been more than 200!
They have got out of control and have become alive! Indefatigable, Yvonne creates different groups and expressions, always reflecting upon life and world around us.
Do not miss it in Florence, Via San Zanobi 58 - http://www.yvonnedipalma.com/
"RV" Can Mean A Lot Of Things: Which One Is Right For You?
"RV" Can Mean A Lot Of Things: Which One Is Right For You?
Word Count:
324
Summary:
The term "recreational vehicle" or RV usually calls to mind a motorhome, perhaps a Winnebago brand specifically. It's a large vehicle in which the living space and the driver's seat are all part of the same structure, rather than having the "car" part towing the "living" part.
But recreational vehicles come in many other shapes and sizes, too, and are still properly called RVs. Which one you buy depends on your needs.
The motorhome (commonly called a Winnebago even when...
Keywords:
Article Body:
The term "recreational vehicle" or RV usually calls to mind a motorhome, perhaps a Winnebago brand specifically. It's a large vehicle in which the living space and the driver's seat are all part of the same structure, rather than having the "car" part towing the "living" part.
But recreational vehicles come in many other shapes and sizes, too, and are still properly called RVs. Which one you buy depends on your needs.
The motorhome (commonly called a Winnebago even when it's actually a different brand) is convenient because it offers reasonable living quarters, including a place to sleep, prepare food and use the bathroom. The driver is not disconnected from his passengers; they're in the "back seat," as the living quarters are right behind him. Many people, especially retirees, live in motorhomes full-time, touring the country and enjoying their mobile lifestyle. RV parks have sprouted up all over the country, offering traveling recreational vehicle enthusiasts a place to stop and rest, hook up to electrical posts, and even use the Internet.
Other recreational vehicles are better suited to temporary arrangements, not full-time living. The most basic kind of RV is a simple truck camper, where a shell is attached to the bed of a pickup truck. This is usually for day or weekend trips, with supplies in the covered bed of the truck. The shell can serve the same purpose as a tent would (protection and warmth), making it useful for outdoor camping, too.
Also common is the "fifth wheel," a trailer that attaches to a pickup or medium-duty truck and is hauled that way. A fifth wheel is similar to a motorhome, except that the living quarters are separate from the vehicle. This means the driver cannot communicate directly with people in the trailer unless it's by walkie-talkie or cell phone. Fifth wheels are generally not as comfortable as motorhomes, either, as hence are most useful for relatively short road trips and sightseeing.
Word Count:
324
Summary:
The term "recreational vehicle" or RV usually calls to mind a motorhome, perhaps a Winnebago brand specifically. It's a large vehicle in which the living space and the driver's seat are all part of the same structure, rather than having the "car" part towing the "living" part.
But recreational vehicles come in many other shapes and sizes, too, and are still properly called RVs. Which one you buy depends on your needs.
The motorhome (commonly called a Winnebago even when...
Keywords:
Article Body:
The term "recreational vehicle" or RV usually calls to mind a motorhome, perhaps a Winnebago brand specifically. It's a large vehicle in which the living space and the driver's seat are all part of the same structure, rather than having the "car" part towing the "living" part.
But recreational vehicles come in many other shapes and sizes, too, and are still properly called RVs. Which one you buy depends on your needs.
The motorhome (commonly called a Winnebago even when it's actually a different brand) is convenient because it offers reasonable living quarters, including a place to sleep, prepare food and use the bathroom. The driver is not disconnected from his passengers; they're in the "back seat," as the living quarters are right behind him. Many people, especially retirees, live in motorhomes full-time, touring the country and enjoying their mobile lifestyle. RV parks have sprouted up all over the country, offering traveling recreational vehicle enthusiasts a place to stop and rest, hook up to electrical posts, and even use the Internet.
Other recreational vehicles are better suited to temporary arrangements, not full-time living. The most basic kind of RV is a simple truck camper, where a shell is attached to the bed of a pickup truck. This is usually for day or weekend trips, with supplies in the covered bed of the truck. The shell can serve the same purpose as a tent would (protection and warmth), making it useful for outdoor camping, too.
Also common is the "fifth wheel," a trailer that attaches to a pickup or medium-duty truck and is hauled that way. A fifth wheel is similar to a motorhome, except that the living quarters are separate from the vehicle. This means the driver cannot communicate directly with people in the trailer unless it's by walkie-talkie or cell phone. Fifth wheels are generally not as comfortable as motorhomes, either, as hence are most useful for relatively short road trips and sightseeing.
Hello From Orlando - Part 5: The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour"
Hello From Orlando - Part 5: The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour"
Word Count:
638
Summary:
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, founded in 1938 and located just 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando, is one of these lovely side trips that combine beautiful scenery, a bit of local history, some close-up exposure to local wildlife and vegetation with a relaxing outing in a slow-moving 18-passenger pontoon boat, all complete with expert (and sometimes humorous) narration provided by the boat's captain.
The tour takes you through 3 lakes: Lake Osceola, Lage Virginia and...
Keywords:
Orlando, Florida, Florida travel, Orlando travel, Kissimmee,
Article Body:
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, founded in 1938 and located just 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando, is one of these lovely side trips that combine beautiful scenery, a bit of local history, some close-up exposure to local wildlife and vegetation with a relaxing outing in a slow-moving 18-passenger pontoon boat, all complete with expert (and sometimes humorous) narration provided by the boat's captain.
The tour takes you through 3 lakes: Lake Osceola, Lage Virginia and Lake Maitland. On this gorgeous day, with brilliantly blue skies, the boat whisked us past hundreds of beautiful water-front estates, many of which were originally built in the 1920s and originally sold for $20,000, while fetching between $500,000 and several million in today's booming Central Florida real estate market. Even boathouses are worth between $30,000 and $40,000.
In Lake Virginia we came up close to the grounds of Rollins College, one of the top rated private liberal arts colleges in the South Eastern United States, founded in 1885 by New England Congregationalists. Rollins College is the oldest recognized college in the state of Florida with a small student body of 1,700 students, housed on a beautiful 70 acre Mediterraean Revival Campus. Our expert captain / tour guide mentioned that tuition at the college is $38,000 and the ratio of students to professors is 12:1.
Condos are located right next to the college, selling today for between $450,000 to $1 million. As we approached the narrow Venetian Canal that would take us from Lake Virginia to Lake Maitland, our captain made us aware of all the interesting vegetation growing alongside the canal: Egyptian papyrus, Spanish moss (an airplant and not a parasite), the Princess flower, colourful bougainvilleas and resurrection fern. We saw a variety of birds, including an Osprey eagle, a snake bird, a great blue heron and a white egret, which used to be the good luck bird of the Seminole Indians.
On Lake Maitland we learned that there was an alligator cave from which 150 alligators were removed into the Florida Everglades to prevent a rather dangerous collision between local wildlife and civilization.
Along the Venetian Canal we also saw variegated ginger and banana trees, as we slowly passed under the arched Palmer Avenue Bridge. Philodendrons, palmgrass, bamboo, a plant called firespikes and an interesting arrangement of "air potatoes", round tubers hanging down from a tree branch, adorned our journey through the canal.
At 450 acres and 30 feet deep, Lake Maitland is the largest of the 3 lakes covered by the boat tour. A dam controls the water level and interestingly, the lakes all drain northwards into the St. John's River which flows into the Atlantic near Jacksonville. The Kraft Azalea Gardens, located on Lake Maitland on Alabama Drive off Palmer Avenue, feature thousands of azaleas, tropical shrubs and trees. Azaleas are in full bloom January through March.
Our expert captain also pointed out various mansions that have been used as backdrops in various movies and commercials. Lake Maitland also features several small islands with rather naked looking trees that house colonies of cormorants, fishing birds that consume up to a pound of fish a day.
We slowly made our way back from Lake Maitland to Lake Osceola where our relaxing and scenic boat tour came to an end. On this gorgeous day it was a fabulous outing that provided an appropriate historical context for a further exploration of the beautiful city of Winter Park.
The Scenic Boat Tour, a Winter Park institution for almost 70 years now, is located at the end of Morse Avenue on the shores of Lake Osceola. It is a very affordable outing at $8 for adults and $4 for children (children under 2 ride free). Boat tours run every day from 10 am to 4 pm (except Christmas). For further information contact the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.
For the entire article including photos please visit
http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_winter_park_boat_tour.htm
Word Count:
638
Summary:
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, founded in 1938 and located just 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando, is one of these lovely side trips that combine beautiful scenery, a bit of local history, some close-up exposure to local wildlife and vegetation with a relaxing outing in a slow-moving 18-passenger pontoon boat, all complete with expert (and sometimes humorous) narration provided by the boat's captain.
The tour takes you through 3 lakes: Lake Osceola, Lage Virginia and...
Keywords:
Orlando, Florida, Florida travel, Orlando travel, Kissimmee,
Article Body:
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, founded in 1938 and located just 15 minutes north of downtown Orlando, is one of these lovely side trips that combine beautiful scenery, a bit of local history, some close-up exposure to local wildlife and vegetation with a relaxing outing in a slow-moving 18-passenger pontoon boat, all complete with expert (and sometimes humorous) narration provided by the boat's captain.
The tour takes you through 3 lakes: Lake Osceola, Lage Virginia and Lake Maitland. On this gorgeous day, with brilliantly blue skies, the boat whisked us past hundreds of beautiful water-front estates, many of which were originally built in the 1920s and originally sold for $20,000, while fetching between $500,000 and several million in today's booming Central Florida real estate market. Even boathouses are worth between $30,000 and $40,000.
In Lake Virginia we came up close to the grounds of Rollins College, one of the top rated private liberal arts colleges in the South Eastern United States, founded in 1885 by New England Congregationalists. Rollins College is the oldest recognized college in the state of Florida with a small student body of 1,700 students, housed on a beautiful 70 acre Mediterraean Revival Campus. Our expert captain / tour guide mentioned that tuition at the college is $38,000 and the ratio of students to professors is 12:1.
Condos are located right next to the college, selling today for between $450,000 to $1 million. As we approached the narrow Venetian Canal that would take us from Lake Virginia to Lake Maitland, our captain made us aware of all the interesting vegetation growing alongside the canal: Egyptian papyrus, Spanish moss (an airplant and not a parasite), the Princess flower, colourful bougainvilleas and resurrection fern. We saw a variety of birds, including an Osprey eagle, a snake bird, a great blue heron and a white egret, which used to be the good luck bird of the Seminole Indians.
On Lake Maitland we learned that there was an alligator cave from which 150 alligators were removed into the Florida Everglades to prevent a rather dangerous collision between local wildlife and civilization.
Along the Venetian Canal we also saw variegated ginger and banana trees, as we slowly passed under the arched Palmer Avenue Bridge. Philodendrons, palmgrass, bamboo, a plant called firespikes and an interesting arrangement of "air potatoes", round tubers hanging down from a tree branch, adorned our journey through the canal.
At 450 acres and 30 feet deep, Lake Maitland is the largest of the 3 lakes covered by the boat tour. A dam controls the water level and interestingly, the lakes all drain northwards into the St. John's River which flows into the Atlantic near Jacksonville. The Kraft Azalea Gardens, located on Lake Maitland on Alabama Drive off Palmer Avenue, feature thousands of azaleas, tropical shrubs and trees. Azaleas are in full bloom January through March.
Our expert captain also pointed out various mansions that have been used as backdrops in various movies and commercials. Lake Maitland also features several small islands with rather naked looking trees that house colonies of cormorants, fishing birds that consume up to a pound of fish a day.
We slowly made our way back from Lake Maitland to Lake Osceola where our relaxing and scenic boat tour came to an end. On this gorgeous day it was a fabulous outing that provided an appropriate historical context for a further exploration of the beautiful city of Winter Park.
The Scenic Boat Tour, a Winter Park institution for almost 70 years now, is located at the end of Morse Avenue on the shores of Lake Osceola. It is a very affordable outing at $8 for adults and $4 for children (children under 2 ride free). Boat tours run every day from 10 am to 4 pm (except Christmas). For further information contact the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.
For the entire article including photos please visit
http://www.travelandtransitions.com/stories_photos/orlando_winter_park_boat_tour.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)