10 Things to Experience On Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island

1) Mountaintop and seaside hiking trails. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park has both easy and rugged trails for both the casual and ambitious hikers. You can hire a hiking tour or just strike out on your own to enjoy the serene and beautiful scenery of the region. 2) Sea Kayaking - hiring a tour guide can provide you with equipment and experience to better encounter the wildlife and rugged scenery of the coast of Cape Breton Island. Depending on where you hire your tour, you can see bald eagles, cormorants, guillemots, pilot whales, a minke. You can find sea kayaking tours from Cheticamp, Cape North, Baddeck, Ingonish, or Louisbourg and places in between. 3) Spend an afternoon in Baddeck, at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum overlooking scenic Bras d' Or Lake. Mr. Bell made his summer home in Baddeck, and the museum houses many of his lesser known, but highly intriguing projects. His hydrofoil, his fascination with tetrahedrons, and many other intriguing things are in the world-class museum for you to discover. 4) Dust off your kilt and don your dancing shoes. Cape Breton is full of Celtic colors and tunes. If you're driving through town and see home-made signs that say "Ceili Tonight" it might be worth stopping for a spontaneous sampling of Celtic culture. Otherwise, you can also plan your Ceili (pronounced Kay-Lee) experience by checking local tourist bureaus for feature events. In October, the entire island is abuzz with the Celtic Colours International Festival, the largest celebration of its kind in North American, but you'll also find smaller events at other times of the year. 5) Scuba diving around Cape Breton Island. Literally hundreds of shipwrecks litter the ocean floor along Cape Breton Island. In fact, since 1597, more than one thousand shipwrecks have been recorded along Cape Breton Island's coast. For the most rewarding diving, consider St. Ann’s Bay to St. Paul Island. 6) Descend down into a coal mine beneath the ocean floor in an underground tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery Your guides for the underground excursion are retired coal miners who will help you imagine making your daily living in dark quarters beneath the ocean floor. Located about one mile from downtown Glace Bay on Cape Breton Island. 7) Hit the beach and bum around. The beaches of Cape Breton Island can be small and isolated, or large and packed with people - or any combination in between. If you've seen on Cape Breton beach, you have NOT seen them all. So, if beaches are one of your interests, you may want to consider a sampling of Cape Breton's beaches and find out which ones suit you the best for your vacationing state of mind, and your personal traveling style. 8) Visit the Fortress Louisbourg. Spend your time wandering freely through a wonderfully restored centuries-old Acadian village. Staff at the fortress are dressed in clothing from the period, and restaurants on site serve food from the era. It's a delightful step-back in time at North America’s LIVE largest historic reconstruction on the east coast of Cape Breton Island. 9) Hit the road (or the mountains) on your bicycle. Cape Breton's scenery has been embraced by bikers worldwide, and Cape Breton Island officials have greeted them with arms wide open. Several wonderful biking trails (cycling and mountain biking) are available across the entire Cape Breton Island. Local chambers of commerce should have ample information about their specific locales trail system and related service providers. 10) Whale watching tours from Cape Breton Island will not only give you a chance to see the large graceful creatures, but you'll also likely have a fair shot at seeing white dolphins, seals, leatherback turtles, and native birds. On portion of Cape Breton boasts a 95% success rate in whale sightings, and some tours will give you a certificate for another free excursion if you a whale isn't sighted (or perhaps that's just in Tiverton). Some tours use Zodiac boats, others use schooners, and some are via kayak. Cape Breton has plenty of options for the aspiring whale watcher.


By C.S. Deam

Guide to road trips

The most popular medium for traveling in recent times has become traveling through air. Whether the distance between destinations is small of long travel by air seems to be the preferred choice among travelers. Since air travel saves a lot of time and hassles that may be encountered when traveling by road. But the time saved has led to a sacrifice in the excitement of journey. Though traveling by land on open roads does take more time yet it is still the best way to enjoy a journey. It gives one an opportunity to relish the sceneries and the landscape views along the roads. In earlier times apart from reaching destinations the journey itself would also be a cause to cherish. In modern days also many people sometimes choose traveling through road instead by air to experience the joy of moving from one place to another. Many routes throughout America offer opportunities for long rides on the roads. One can enjoy the beauties and the eateries along with the trip. Knowing the road maps while on a by road trip helps a lot, most of the information about the roads are available at the concerned department offices. They traffic offices give a detailed description the name and the number of the road that would begin from a preferred origin and lead to the desired destination. Halting at the hotels by the roadside for night rest gives one a pleasurable experience to remember. When hunger strikes some of the cafes and sub-shops offer the most famous delicacies. Traveling by road also gives an opportunity to visit the cities that are in between the origin and destination places. Across U.S. there are many well-known tracks that offer opportunity for long route journeys. Almost all the cities in entire America are joined by road and there are well-developed facilities for roadside travelers. Each of the tracks offer unique experiences and the visiting the cities that come across are an added advantage for travelers. Every U.S. highway has its characteristics like a trip along the Las Vegas-Los Angeles offer some of the most glamorous encounters. Coming across opportunities for gambling is almost definite on this route. While another part of road travel offers some haunting experiences. The cities that come by are those relating to the stories of ghosts and tales about supernatural elements. Some of the landmarks are known for their ghostly stories of The Octagon House and The Washington D.C. It actually requires a great deal of courage to travel through roads passing through those cities.There are many travel agents and travel planners who organize open road tours. These tour agents being professionals have an experience of organizing safe and hassle free trips. They also provide custom designed packages including sightseeing and many other lucrative facilities. Depending on travel agencies for sorting out most of the plans is also a practical way of going on a road tour. This is especially advisable when one is out with a family. Opportunists for open road touring does not end only by motor vehicles but also other transport options like cycling through the roads is a much popular adventure.

By Mansi gupta

New York City You can save money.

New York City is a city of spirit, heart and hard to decide for travel, even in the face of disaster. Home to such riches as the Statue of Liberty, 5th Avenue boutiques; the famous Broadway stages and the breathtaking Met, the Empire State Building, Central Park,New York is one of the best tourist places in the world and in USA as well. Being the most excellent tourist spot the city New York has top rated hotels in USA providing range of facilities & various type of hotels, well-located, the finest amenities & services that make you feel at home away from home. In most of the cases specially while traveling to major cities & tourist places & attractions, the hotels close to New York City and near to any major & crowed attraction, the more money you can expect to pay to the hotel. Here you have the option to choose a low cost hotel in New York. One of the best option to save money is the stay with the hotel little far from the city like not in any posh area and try if you can manage with 2-3 star rating hotel in New York city. This will just save money for you. As far as the shopping areas are concern a number of shopping centers you can find around any hotel you choose to stay in New York, but here again you can look for the cheap & better shopping places little far from the hotel. We should always try to save money in all protocol while traveling to any city in any country and because sometime New York goes very expensive in seasons so this would be a good idea to choose the better place to travel with discounted cost if possible. Instead of paying more money to guide or travel agent try to use the direct services from the hotel like book your hotel online and try to contact local person for more information, to find out the best shopping area, attractions and all you want. Stay in a comfortable hotel with low cost and for shopping you can choose some less crowed region, for travel you can select the city bus for New York city travel, and off course try to keep your money safe although the crime rate is not high in New York but still when you are saving money this is very important to keep this safe for future travel or for next visit to New York City.


By abhinav sharma

A great selection of luxury private villas in Bali

For less than the cost of staying at a good hotel in Bali you can now enjoy the luxury of a beautiful private Bali villa with air-conditioned bedrooms and tropical bathrooms to dream about, spacious living and dining areas and spacious terraces, a lush tropical garden with your own private swimming pool, and well-trained butler to take care of everything around the clock. In addition to modern amenities, any villa you rent will reflect Balinese lifestyle throughout: floors and walls are made from local wood and natural stone, high roofs cover airy living and dining areas, and large garden bathrooms are full of flowers and plants. And you'll appreciate the comfort and informality you can only experience in a private home. Instead of staying in hotel rooms (bed, two chairs, dressing table, TV set and telephone, wardrobe, small bathroom), your family will enjoy this truly Balinese experience. And you have much more space, more informality, more privacy, and more personal service than even the best hotel can provide. You can have delicious local meals or any special diet prepared by your own cook and have them served whenever and wherever you like – in your dining room, living area, at the poolside, in your bedroom, or even in the bathroom. Most important of all, you will really experience Bali while staying at a private villa. You're not isolated from the island and its people by a hotel environment. You're participating – and living in a Balinese atmosphere, surrounded by a relaxed, elegant and informal setting, with well trained and very friendly staff caring for your every need. There's nothing better than this! It will be a vacation you won't forget.

By Kadek Sudarsana

Rome restaurants: Tips and tricks for people eating in Rome.

Rome is not only the capital of Italy but also of the region of Lazio, which is famous for its food. Robust flavours and rich sauces abound in many typical dishes of the area, and pasta and gnocchi in all their many forms ( especially fettucine ) are served in restaurants across Rome city. Lazio is notable for dishes featuring milk-fed lamb (abbacchio), veal (vitello), Parma ham (saltimbocca), thin-cut steak and offal, all of which are served with delicious herbs and seasonings. Best fish choices in Rome include sea bass (spigola), fried cod (baccalà), bream (orata) and turbot (rombo). Artichokes (carciofi) are scattered all over menus through the winter, before spring heralds the vignarola - a tasty blend of peas, fava beans, and artichokes served with cured pork cheek. Fried sweetbreads are also a Roman speciality. Rome is rich in markets and this is often reflected in the wonderful variety of superb vegetables served in the city's restaurants. Beans are used a good deal in the cuisine and appear in many dishes, hot and cold. On a cool winter's day the visitor seeking a warming lunch could do no better than to choose a tasty minestrone soup, which is another of the area's specialities. Standard ‘tourist menus’ generally offer good value, beginning with bread and olive oil with soup or pasta; a simple meat or fish dish with vegetables (contorni) for secondi; and cheese or fresh fruit to finish; accompanied by a carafe of locally produced Frascati white or red wine from Tuscany. As a rule, main dishes do not come with vegetables, which are ordered separately. Whether you are dining in a no-frills trattorie or a more formal ristorante, owners and chefs invariably take pride in sourcing the best seasonal produce. Vegetarians can expect most first (primi) pasta courses to be meat-free; other choices include a seasonal vegetable 'fritto misto' ('mixed fried') or side dish combo, the verdure miste ('mixed green'). Kosher choices are limited because of the prevalence of meat and cheese, particularly pork. As elsewhere in Italy, pizza remains a popular staple food for the restaurant and the street, and the Roman version is a hybrid between the thick crust, rustic Neopolitan variety and the thinner, more fancy Northern version. Away from the main tourist areas, most restaurants only serve pizza at dinner time. The neighbourhoods of Trastevere, San Lorenzo and Testaccio are known for offering reasonably priced, authentic Roman cuisine; whilst restaurants around Campo de'Fiori and Piazza Navona are pleasurable places to dine, with musicians on hand to entertain. Virtually every bar and dining establishment in Rome will offer first-rate filter coffee; Italians regard frothy cappuccinos as a morning drink and rarely a post-prandial treat, when the pick-me-up expresso or macchiato is preferred. Ice creams are sensational, creamy gelato and refreshing granita (sorbets) come in a host of enticing flavours, such as coffee, coconut, liquorice or sour cherry, that are lovingly prepared for an incomparable all-day dessert. If one to write of Rome and omit mention of its gustatory delights the whole world would protest, because in Rome eating is an art and cooking a science, and he who does not know not what Rome provides knows neither art nor science.

By stefano sandano

Hot Tips For Winter Travel

We’ve all felt Jack Frost taking a nip at our nose, and facing Jack also means facing the harsh reality that a harsh winter promises, including the toll it’s like to take on our main mode of transportation.It’s common knowledge that the tempestuous winter months put our vehicles through greater stress and strain, and can often make minor imperfections into major malfunctions. With that said, experts emphasize the importance of getting your car geared up for winter well advance of the plummeting temperatures.Battery Operation: Since cold weather can be hard on batteries, checking your battery should be a top priority· Make sure connections are tight and corrosion-free and that the cables aren’t lose.· Have a technician conduct a load test to further determine your battery’s condition.Check Your Liquid Assets: Professionals point out the need to check your vehicles vital fluids and filters, as well as its hoses, belts, and tires.· At minimum, get oil and filter change.· Check you coolant level and make sure the water/antifreeze ration is correct.Set Your Sights On Safety: Remember, visibility is key for winter driving.· Make sure you have ample windshield-washer fluid. And make sure to always keep it topped off with proper commercial anti-freeze.· Check and double-check wipers, their condition, and how they are functioning. You can even choose to switch to winter blades as an option.· Inspect headlights, taillights, brake lights and defrosters, and make sure they are in good, working order.Interior Design: How your car operates on the inside is just as important to how it functions on the outside.· Inspect floor for cracks or holes that may allow dangerous (and toxic) exhaust gases into your vehicle. · Ensure that your heater (and defroster) are working. Check Brakes, Belts And Hoses: Make sure all are in good condition and in working order before hitting the road.· Top-off brake, clutch and transmission fluids.· Check pressure on your belts. Also check for any cracking or fraying.· Look for loose connections on hoses, as well as for unusual bulges, cracks, tears, and holes.Treading On Thin Ice: Tire pressure and tread depth affect traction in the snow and rain.· Check the inflation pressure of your tires and make adjustments according to the season and the temperature. This check, say experts, should be conducted several times a year (about twice a month).· Check your spare tire and make sure you have one.Getting Your Wheels In Motion: One of the best ways to safely get around in winter is by switching to a climate-friendly tire.· Replace current tires with tires especially designed for colder, icier conditions.· Check tread Depth. Keep in mind the shallower, the better.· Beware of studded tires. They may offer more traction in wintry weather, but can reduce traction of dry roads.Stay Attuned To Your Car’s Needs: Taking care of your car means knowing what it needs and when.· Check the owner’s manual for instructions on how often you’ll need a general tune up, including spark plugs, ignition, coil, fuel injection, etc. and get one done just before the brunt of the winter season strikes.· Put a minimum of one coat of wax on the exterior to protect paint against the winter making it easier for snow and ice to simply slip off· Spay a lubricant (such as WD-40) in all door and trunk locks to prevent them from freezing.Winterize Your Vehicle Inside and Out: Be prepared in care of emergency· Stock and emergency kit with flashlight, flares, first-aid kid, blanket, warm clothes, gloves, hast, paper towels, snow shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, washer fluid, high energy food and water, and booster cables, and keep it in your car.· Keep some sand or other such coarse material in your car to pour under tires to assist with traction if you get stuck on ice or hard-packed snow.· ALWAYS carry your cell phone with you and make sure it’s charged.Polishing Your Safety Skills: No matter what kind of vehicle you drive or how well you maintain it, cautious driving is always recommended.· Invest in an advanced winter driving course.

By Aaron Mazzilli

A Guide to Traveling London through King???s Cross Station

For visiting London, proximity to King’s Cross is the perfect location. An intersection of six tube lines, including the Northern, Picadilly, and Circle Lines, to name a few, can get you virtually anywhere from King’s Cross. King’s Cross is also a train terminal, in the case that you are planning to visit the north of the UK. But let’s not get off track and get back to seeing London via King’s Cross. London, the cultural melting pot that it is, offers amazing and varied shops of anything you could desire. Located near the major shopping zones of London, both commercial and artisan, King’s Cross is a convenient place for a shopping tour in London. The city is also a magnet for great and creative minds, as is well known by all the thinkers, writers and artists who both came to and from London. The wide range of museums and galleries reflects this intellectual breeding ground, and again, King’s Cross is a skip, hop and a jump away from many of these world-class museums. Less conventional tours to start from King’s Cross could include a round of the city’s parks, exploring the wide web of the tube itself, or the nearby nightlife hotspots. So, whether it’s shopping, rich culture, or any fun explorations that you’re after, King’s Cross will guide you there quickly and efficiently. For the shoppers! Have an early and hearty breakfast (you will need the energy) and put yourself on the Northern Line, heading for Camden Town, where you will find open air markets selling art, crafts, clothes, accessories and much more. It’s best to spend time here in the morning, as the area isn’t the safest at night. After you’ve stocked up on original craft gifts at the market, head back to your hotel, drop them off, and back on the tube! Via the Picadilly Line, head towards Covent Garden, a famous indoor market, and the surrounding area, full of boutiques, shops, and nice cafes. This picturesque market makes a nice lunch stop, with some cozy restaurants nearby. Picadilly Circus comes next: very commercialized, with many well-known brand stores. Picadilly is a fun place to return to at night, as the lights and pubs draw partiers to them like moths to the flame! Head on to Knightsbridge to see the world famous Harrod’s Department store. After this detour, it’s on to Oxford Circus to join the crowded throng admiring and buying the riches of Oxford Street, which is equivalent to New York’s Fifth Ave, a street of fancy department stores interspersed with chic shopping boutiques. If your spending needs are still not satiated, check out other markets, such as Portobello, or just by walking through London, you will find hidden gems of stores throughout the city. If, however, Oxford Street sums up the shopping day nicely for you, head back into the Oxford Circus tube, and the Victoria Line will conveniently take you right back to King’s Cross.For the culture seeker, you will start your day heading in the opposite direction of the shopper. Head south on the Picadilly Line to Russell Square, and just a few blocks south of the shady square is the British Museum. After your explorations, you may also enjoy Covent Garden for its history and theater – check out the listings as they may draw you back in the evening. Nearby is Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery. From here, continue on to Green Park, and gasp at the size and beauty of Buckingham Palace. Changing of the Guard takes place nearby, so check the season’s schedule if you are interested. Slide down the Jubilee Line to Southwark, and enjoy the neighboring Tate Modern and Globe Theatre. Make your way back north of the river to Tower Hill, and explore London’s Tower. Take the Circle line back to King’s Cross to conclude the cultural loop. The adventurer who wants to learn the city by randomly coming across the interesting things may enjoy traveling from park to park, always great for people watching and discovering the wide variety of London’s inhabitants. Regents, Hyde, Green, and St. James Parks are the main ones, each with distinctive personalities. The Tube itself is extremely interesting, and it’s worth reading the entertaining advertisements of the tube, listen to some talented and not-so-talented musicians, pick out who the tourists are and who the natives are… the tube can be really enjoyable during your voyage. Take advantage of being in this unique London sub world! King’s Cross is also nearby to Leicester Square and Picadilly, both popular night out areas. Or try traveling round Circle line and seeing how many pubs you can manage to stop at… after which, see if you manage to find your way back to King’s Cross on this concentric line!King’s Cross, recently made famous through Harry Potter’s platform 9 ¾, is more than a fictitious train platform. It’s a station that literally will get you anywhere in London (and beyond) very conveniently. If you’re visiting London to shop, to learn its culture, or just to explore it for face value, King’s Cross is the best starting and ending point. You will get to where you need to go quickly, and at the end of the long day, you won’t have to wait long to be back at your London home, sweet home.

By A W

Experiencing the most of London in just a few days

Day or night, London thrives with life. A city that seems to have never fallen asleep from the time of its first founding, everything that one might want to experience can be found within the city center. “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” The writer Samuel Johnson said this in the 18th century, and it can still be said of today’s contemporary London. Naturally, a city that offers all that life can afford needs numerous explorations, but with just a few days, one can experience the rich taste of this flavorful city. To start with, every visitor to London must dab into the city’s history, from the first days of its founding to its dark medieval secrets to the monarchy’s priceless crown jewels. Next on the menu is the pure pleasure of London’s aesthetics; the city’s center is full of charming parks and English gardens, narrow streets which unexpectedly disclose the scents of exotic restaurants, and various shops and markets selling from the most tasteful and chic to the most trendy and unconventional. When night hits, it rocks. The drinks pour, the laughs are loud, the beats pump, and the dancing is intense. London is a thriving city, and day and night it keeps its visitors entertained with its history from its first foundations, its city center’s physical beauty, and its nightlife, making it a city that never sleeps. London’s history is so rich and so vast, that the highest to the lowest level of history fan will be interested. While London acknowledges its first century Roman founding, it honors Boadicea with a statue near Parliament. Boadicea was the British queen who raised an army and fought back the Romans to London, where she burned the city. Those who find such violent female figures interesting will enjoy museums like Madame Tussauds, a very lifelike wax museum, and the London Dungeon, where the horrors and terrors of medieval London come to life, including a selection of Britain’s most infamous women throughout history. The Tower of London houses the crown jewels as well as tales of mysterious prisons for important prisoners. Fusing history and art, the National Portrait Gallery depicts portraits of Britain’s most famous people throughout the centuries. The British Museum has one of the largest and best archeological collections of worldwide artifacts, including the Rosetta stone and Lindow Man. Fortunately, while these museums give a good feel for London’s past, the visitor does not actually have to deal with the battles, plagues, and fires that London has survived.And relishing the calm and beauty of today’s civilized London, the visitor can peacefully enjoy London’s aesthetic city center. A walk along Oxford Street brings out the consumer in all, while nearby Hyde Park still manages to provide the serenity of the countryside in a city setting. Except, of course, speaker’s corner, where people proclaim their message for the world to hear. Northeast of the park is Portobello Market, one of London’s many outdoor markets, selling the best in antiques. Between the parks and busy shopping streets are quaint streets of times past, leading to unexpected surprises like central London’s Covent Gardens, where flower girls still sell beautiful bouquets. Seeing all this from a bird’s eye view gives a comprehensive overview of what lies below, and the London eye shows just that from the center of the center. A free option offering a bird’s eye view is Primrose Hill, a small park in the north of London perched on a hill, overlooking the rest of the city. Hunger is bound to strike at some (or many) points of such jam-packed days, and the city’s flavors will suit all tastes. From traditional English fare to such exotics as Indian restaurants, which are quickly assimilating and becoming typical London fare, any array of food can be found in between. And what better time to plan the evening out than during mealtime, when feet are resting and stomachs are happy!The day is done, the eve is planned, and as night approaches, day is just dawning for those that never sleep. A typical London night out will start at the pub with a group of friends, enjoying the local beers on tap and friendly conversations speckled with bursts of laughter. Of course, if it’s a football or rugby night, the atmosphere will be quite serious and concentrated till the winner is known. After whetting the whistle at the pub, many will go on to dance at one of London’s countless dance clubs. In such an international city, dancing will include every type of dancing, like techno, trance, hip-hop, Latin, ethnic, and raves. After the drinks and dancing, some late night chow down will soothe the stomach in the countless late night or fast food restaurants lighting up London’s night streets.Experiencing the most of London in a few days is so enjoyable with London’s rich history, its delightful walks through its sophisticated and beautiful city center, and ever amazing transformation into a nightlong party. A world-class city aged 2000 years and still growing in popularity, London has aged better than a bottle of good wine. London never reached ‘a’ perfection – it continually recreates perfection for every generation that shares in its life, and that is why no one can ever forget this city.

By A W

Family Fun and Finery on Oregon's Coast

It's a place of incredible romantic possibilities, with unbelievably pristine beaches and rugged shorelines, and plenty of hidden spots perfecting for long walks hand-in-hand, finding yourselves all alone. With such gushiness-inducing qualities, it's no surprise you'll soon wind up reproducing. Lucky you. Oregon's coast is perfect for families as well. Those hidden spots put you and the little ones right in the middle of some of the best nature can show off. Then there are the myriad of kid-friendly lodgings, restaurants and towns which pull out the stops for the kidlets or bring out the kid in everyone. Still, you don't have to sacrifice the finer things when you bring the kids. On Oregon's north coast, the tiny town of Manzanita is endowed with a mysterious, woodsy vibe just above its vast expanse of crystalline beach. Here, the San Dune Inn provides a vast array of freebies like bikes, game equipment, popcorn and movies. Stay at this charming, unassuming place just blocks from the beach and you'll find stuff for volleyball and other games suitable for the sand, as well as beach balls, bikes and simple sandcastle-making gear like buckets. They have an enormous selection of movies, and their choice of board games is a kick as well. It's a kid's dream come true.It's also very pet friendly. www.sandune-inn-manzanita.com. 888-368-5163.Head northward, and you'll encounter dozens of sandy and rocky beaches perfect for playtime. Drive about 12 miles and you'll find the ritzy resort town of Cannon Beach. Near a famed Lewis & Clark landmark, Fultano's Pizza sits and emits wonderful smells of Italian cuisine. With an outdoor patio here, you can still see some of the sights available at the end of Second Street, and enjoy exceptional - even gourmet quality - cuisine at a family pizza joint price.Fultano's delivers to local hotels, and they feature slices for lunch. They have a special thin crust recipe that's especially tasty, crunchy and yet still tender in a way that manages to combine both those latter qualities seamlessly. There are many of the standbys, as well as gourmet varieties like the Margherita (garlic and herb olive oil, three cheeses, red onion and more), a Greek-themed specialty, a Goat Cheese pizza, and specialties with Teriyaki Chicken, Linguica, BBQ Chicken and a variety of seafood selections. One item features a distinctive sausage with mashed grapes for the sauce, providing a subtle, sweet tang. The sausage is spicy and zippy, making a nice balance to the slight sweetness. One must-try is their pasta (about $10). They have a homemade tomato sauce that is one stunning, mother-of-all sauces, and their meatballs are a serious delicacy. Still, even with its decent wine and microbrew selection, this is a place that welcomes the kiddies nicely. 200 N. Hemlock and Second Street. (503) 436-9717.Drive north again, to Seaside, and you'll find a beach town full of things to do for children - most notably Broadway Ave. with its almost dozen arcade businesses, ice cream vendors, kooky gift shops, bumper cars and other attractions. See www.seasideor.com for more. One highlight is Seaside Helicopters, which whizzes you around above the town for about $25 per person. It's thoroughly spectacular, as the helicopter takes you over the headland of Tillamook Head and Cannon Beach as well, allowing you unforgettable glimpses of the sea and these landmarks from this unusual vantage point. You even get to see "Goonies Rock" - where part of the cult film was made. Hwy 101, S. Seaside. www.seaside-helicopters.com. (503) 440-4123.Down on the Central Oregon Coast - about 100 miles south - it's a vast playground for kids and adults. Lincoln City is filled with miles of super clean beaches and tons of shops and restaurants.Just south of Lincoln City, you'll find another haven for families in a very unique resort called Bella Beach. Really, it's a collection of rather upscale, gorgeous beach cottages that are vacation rentals or for sale. There are about 40 rentals available inside this pretty place, and more are still being built.The philosophy of Bella Beach is to create a place with a "neighborly feel," and indeed they've succeeded. Set in the midst of a Central Coast wooded area, there are the rustic architectural themes common to places like Manzanita or Cannon Beach, where garages are tucked away behind the buildings and front porches are the emphasis.There's a playground for the kiddies, and the homes vary from hideaway lodgings for two with oceanfront hot tubs, to larger accommodations for bigger groups. Bella Beach also offers up accommodations for groups as large as 60, if you happen to have a business retreat or reunion of some sort.

By Andre' Hagestedt

The undiscovered paradors of Spain

The undiscovered paradors of SpainNo matter which season you choose for travelling, there is nothing more delightful thana Spanish vacation. This is truly a top destination providing something for everyone, whether you're after beaches or sweeping plains, lively clubs or impressive cathedrals.It is much more than just bull fighting, bull running, flamenco and tomato fights that make this small country so exotic. Spaniards have always tried their best to make the country attractive and unforgettable for tourists.Spain has the usual selection of modern hotels and hostels, but if you travel off thebeaten track you can easily discover many alternative kinds of tourist accommodation.Within this category, the Spanish paradors particularly stand out.The word “parador” literally means “stopping place”. Paradors form a chain of historicbuildings converted into lodging places all around the country. They stretch fromGalicia in the North West through Catalonia to Andalusia in the south, the CanaryIslands and to the Spanish cities of North Africa.It was the idea of the Royal Tourist Commissioner Marques de la Vega-Inclan in 1926to set up paradors in places of special interest or remote locations with two purposes.Firstly, it would help provide inexpensive accommodation to travellers in remote areas. Secondly, it would keep all the run-down monuments and historic buildings in good condition which would otherwise be left to fall apart.You can call it an irony of fate, but nowadays paradors are respectable high-standardhotels with all mod cons. They preserve their previous elegance and at the same time ensure your absolute comfort. The Spanish parador is also where you will discover Spanish cuisine of the highest calibre.So, if you like to be pampered and realise that staying at one of Spanish paradors isjust what you have always wanted, the next step is deciding what kind of parador willmake the most of your holidays.Below are just a few of the many options available to tourists. Each suggestion is accompanied by an example – one of paradors offered by Keytel International, the UK’s only official representative for the Paradores.1) Perhaps you wish to enjoy the atmosphere of Medieval Spain, staying in a medieval castle.Example: Cardona – the fortified 9th century enclosure, conceals a 2nd centurytower and an 11th century church along with spectacular bedrooms, some with four-poster beds. Located on a vantage point of the fortified town and inside the solid stonewalls, we find furniture inspired from medieval times in the drawing rooms.2) Then, it may be a Monastery or a Medieval Hospital, where walls have beenoozing religious spirit for many centuries.Example: Guadalupe – the 15th century hospital of St. John the Baptist reflectsreligious spirit of absorption and reflection on the former Monastery of NuestraSeňora de Guadalupe. The unique orchard forming the garden, its secluded swimmingpool, arcade and white walls, announce the spacious interior, whose bedrooms recallthe original religious function.3) You may prefer a stay in the Spanish countryside with colourful views of Spanishlandscape and fresh country food. This option is gaining in popularity as tourists wishto leave the busy city life behind.Example: Keytel Int. offers a great number of country-side paradors. One of them islocated in Albacete, in central Spain, near to Madrid Airport, La Mancha CountryHouse. The stamp of Cervantes influences the character of this Parador, thecalmness of its luxuriant garden, its swimming pool, and attractive corridor. Itsdécor offers the privacy and calm necessary to escape from daily routine inrelaxed working sessions in the Sancho Panza and Dulcinea rooms.The local cuisine covers everything from "pisto manchego" (fried vegetables),partridge in "escabeche" sauce and a puff-pastry sweet, "Miguelitos de la Roda".4) If you are not a fan of history and ancient architecture, you are free to choose aparador built in the modern style. Located in areas of great natural beauty, close toentertainments and shopping centres they are built to accommodate modernrequirements and convenience.Example: El Hierro – The Parador is located on the most recent and least populatedof the Canary Islands. This is also the place, where up until a century ago, the "O"meridian line passed through. The Parador rises up, by the sea, with whitewashedwalls and wooden balconies. Comfortable bedrooms complement an interior with anelegant, colonial tone along with a garden with a swimming pool.These unique buildings create the perfect atmosphere for your holiday, matched onlyby the welcome you will receive from the Spanish people. For further reading on theparadors of Spain, go to http://www.keytel.co.uk/parador.php where you can browseover 100 Spanish paradors to suit all tastes.I wish you a great time during your holiday. Good luck!
By christian arno

Tricks to Travel ? On the Cheap

A great travel experience isn’t only for the rich – it’s possible to travel to your favorite global destination and have the time of your life, for less. And you don’t have to sacrifice good food, comfortable lodging, or fun activities to do it. All that’s required is a little creativity, flexibility, the ability to plan ahead, and the will to make it happen!First, you have to actually get to where you’re going. Here’s a cool tip for purchasing cheap airline tickets:Fly as a courier. If you’re a travel newbie, you’re probably asking, “What exactly does this entail?” Courier flying is the secret insider way to fly internationally for as much as 50% less than the normal ticket price – or even for free. This may sound too good to be true, but it makes sense once you understand how it works. Oftentimes, a courier company needs a courier to transport shipping documents and baggage as quickly as possible to another city, but they don’t want to use freight because purchasing an airline ticket is much less expensive and a passenger can pass through customs faster. Of course, an airline ticket requires that a live human accompany the baggage – fortunately for the thrifty traveler, that’s where you come in. The only catch is that everything you need for your own trip must be brought in a carry-on bag, as the luggage you’ll be bringing belongs to the courier company. On the plus side, you’re usually given a round trip ticket, so you can bring home as many souvenirs as you can handle. And it’s pretty easy to become a courier. All you have to do is contact a courier company to make reservations.Good EatsLet’s face it – food is a big part of the traveling experience, especially if you’re visiting areas of the world known for delicious cuisine. Luckily for the frugal foodie, your meals abroad need not consist of the fast food of your native land. There are ways to eat high quality local food and stick to your budget.One good way to save money: dine in expensive restaurants for lunch, instead of dinner. Good restaurants tend to offer the same quality of food midday for lower prices. Eat your main meal earlier in the day and your pocketbook will thank you.Follow the locals and you’ll be sure to find a great bargain. Places frequented by the people who actually live in the area are affordable and offer great-tasting food. And knowing where the locals go to get their grub means you’re more likely to experience authentic cuisine.Where to StayThe answer to cheap lodging has always been the hostel, and this continues to remain the best way to travel for less. Hostels aren’t just for young people – travelers of all ages use hostels to save money abroad. Hostels cost anywhere from $12-$25 per night, but they can cost more, depending on where you go. Hostels are inexpensive because they operate dorm-style. A communal bathroom is the norm and a room consists of several beds. Hostels are great if you want to save money and make a lot of friends along the way. But if hostels aren’t for you, seek out small, family-run hotels if you want to save a buck, or book a hotel online through a discount website. You can generally find Paris hotels, London hotels and more online relatively inexpensively. These websites offer significant discounts to the budget-conscious traveler.It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to travel the world, once you know how to globetrot, without going broke.

Buying a Travel Solar Charger for Your Next Trip?

A travel solar charger is a great purchase for anyone who likes to travel. This portable energy device is easy to use and runs off of the sun's energy. A portable charger does not need any international voltage adapters because it never needs to be plugged into electricity. You will not have to worry about what adapter is used in the country you are going to; just bring your solar charger with you. Portable energy has long been talked about among fanatical energy conservatists. It no longer is only for those people who are against electricity and the overuse of it. Now solar energy is becoming very mainstream and people of all economic levels are using portable solar energy. You do not have to be extremely concerned about the environment to use solar portable energy. Although it is a great way to use our natural resources, solar power also offers great benefits to those that use it.A travel charger that operates off of the sun's energy can go anywhere you go. You do not need to have an electrical outlet close by to charge your cellular phone. You can be backpacking in the mountains and have your phone continually charging. If you like to go on road trips you can set your solar charger right on the dashboard and let it charge your batteries or device while you drive to your next location.The convenience that a solar charge brings to a travelers life is not just in its portability. Solar chargers are also a great way to save money. Instead of buying multiple adapters for international outlets, you can use the same solar charger in any country you travel. You also will not have to own multiple charging devices to power all your different electrical equipment because one solar charger can be used to charge most small electrical devices.Travelers can use a solar charger to charge their batteries. They can also use this type of travel charger to power other small electrical devices like radios, MP3 players, and even laptop computers. There are many varieties of solar chargers available with numerous accessories you can add on. When purchasing a solar charger, you are only limited by your own imagination.Many travelers have put off buying a solar charger because they believe these types of chargers will be too technologically difficult to operate. But solar powered chargers are as simple as any other charging device. You do not need a high tech degree to operate them. Most chargers simply have to be set in the sun and plugged into your device. Solar energy is not a new technology. It has been around for several years. The portability of solar chargers has evolved dramatically in recent years. It used to be that you would have to own a huge solar panel just to draw a little bit of energy from the sun. Today, you can buy a small single solar cell panel that can be used to charge your electrical devices and batteries.

Welcome To Miami

Miami is a sub-tropical city, climatically very different from most places in the USA. The city is a cosmopolitan playground that attracts more visitors than any other US destination. Miami appeals to holiday makers wanting warm sun, clean sandy beaches, a laid back lifestyle, sophisticated entertainment in clubs and bars and a mix of art, music and international cuisines. Travelers visiting Miami may actually spend their time in Miami Beach, a separate municipality situated 4 miles (6 km) across Biscayne Bay from downtown Miami. The combined greater Miami area includes several ethnic neighborhoods such as Little Havana and Little Haiti. The population of the Greater Miami Area is a 50% mix of assorted Hispanic and the diverse cultural mix is evident in Latin American languages, cuisine and music throughout the city and. Dining in Miami offers the opportunity to visit a different ethnic restaurant every night and enjoy diverse international cuisines. Once upon a time, Miami attracted mostly retirees turning their backs on snowy, colder climates but nowadays it attracts the ultra-chic glitterati, cashed up yuppies, the boating and yachting fraternity and Cuban immigrants. ** Miami Vacation Attractions Greater Miami is a great base for access to several major Florida holiday attractions. The northern tip of the Florida Keys is just off shore, the Everglades are just a short distance inland and the affluent enclaves of Palm Beach and Boca Roton are just a short distance along the coast. The Miami Beach Promenade, aka South Beach, is a favorite spot for cyclists, skaters, joggers and skateboarders. This is the most instantly recognized beach front location in existence and the place to be seen if appearances are important. Many of the early Miami buildings from the early 1900's have been restored. A walking tour around the South Beach precinct is recommended to see the spectacular rejuvenation of the 1920's buildings in the Art Deco Historic District. Miami boasts fine museums, galleries, historic gardens, zoos, sports stadiums, spring fed natural pools and of course, the ever present golf courses. Greater Miami has lots to brag about when it comes to world class golf courses and is home to some of the most testing courses in the world. ** Miami Vacation Cruises The busiest cruise ship center of any city in the USA is the Port of Miami with holiday cruises to the Caribbean and Latin America making up the bulk of these cruises, but there are also cruises to all parts of the world. Cruises are usually well equipped for gambling and casinos open as soon as the ship passes into international waters. Non stop food, games, movies and onboard activities ensure guests are always entertained and well fed. ** Miami Hotels & Resorts Miami visitors are offered a range of hotels, resorts and vacation rentals to satisfy all tastes and budgets. There's accommodation and prices to suit everyone, ranging from the restored boutique hotels in the Art Deco and South Beach district, modern glass and chrome high rise hotels, budget hostels, beach front condos and villas, serviced apartments, inns and guesthouses... it's your choice. ** Miami Vacation Transport Miami International Airport is one of the major airports in the USA, and a major hub city for American Airlines. Major domestic airlines such as Delta, Northwest/KLM, United and US Airways and Continental all servive Miami as well as several economy carriers. There are two Amtrak trains that run daily from New York down to Miami and the travel time is approximately 27 hours. The Metro-Dade Transit Agency runs two Miami rail systems, one being Metrorail which is a modern elevated commuter train that connects downtown Miami and the southern suburbs. Metromover is an elevated line looping the downtown precinct and connecting with many of the important attractions, shopping and business districts. Tri Rail is the south Florida commuter train service that connects Miami with North Palm Beach and all centers in between.

Copyright (c) 2008 Terry Hely

France Map - Great Holiday Ideas

Be ready to get impressed on your travel France as the country has everything that one could expect from a holiday. Amongst the five top most tourist destinations in the world, facts about France let you see why it is so. It has the fashion capital Paris as its capital city, beautiful nature, beaches, the mountain scenery, and monuments all make it a great tourist destination. Moreover, the experience of visiting the country can vary as to the place you select for your holiday. Holidays on a beach, in the countryside, the big cities to the beautiful villages, all have something on offer for its visitors. There is plenty to explore and discover, loads of activities to get involved in and certainly life long memories to take back home. A great destination, France provides number of holiday ideas a few are mentioned here. • Adventure Holidays Take on an adventure holiday to see the real France. For those who love adventure travel, adventure holidays can be a fantastic option. Get a taste of the place, meet the local people when you head on an adventure holiday. On offer are all kinds of different activities that one can pick from like from the extreme sports to the more ordinary. These holidays come in complete package holidays, and tailor made for adult only adventures or for a family holiday that can cater for all ages of children. It’s the horse riding that catches your fancy, mountain biking or is it the hiking, you can find all this and much more for your holiday. • Cycling holidays With cycling being a national pastime in France, the organized cycling holidays are becoming very popular. These holidays provide with an opportunity for the visitors to cycle their way into the country and explore the region while having a go at the sport. This year round activity is a very popular among all ages and weather has a big role to play. In addition there are quite and beautiful countryside, with number of roads available for cycling. The well-maintained roads provide excellent cycling areas for cycling. Tour de France, the greatest cycling event in the world takes here in the country. For not the regular cyclists there are organized cycling trips, which combine cycling with accommodation, visits to the areas along the route. • Skiing holidays If you are on travel France for a skiing holiday then you will find the country has some of the best ski areas and ski resorts. France is a very popular destination among the tourists and if you skiing is your cup of tea, then Alps provide with excellent ski areas. With many ski classes made available for the tourists who are beginners, everyone can enjoy. Tourists can choose from a wide range of ski accommodation from ski resorts, private ski chalets, chalet apartments to hotels. The ski accommodation meets the needs of all skiers. • Golfing holidays France can turn out to be an excellent choice for a golfing holiday for both the professional and amateur golfers, as the country has a variety of golf courses. Playing golf amidst snow-capped mountains or Mediterranean views, it is a wonderful experience. France is a fantastic destination for golf holidays all the year round and plenty of sunshine adds on to the charm of the place. There is a lot of choice as the France map is dotted all over with golf courses. With the specially designed golf holidays, wherein one stays in a luxury villa, a private golf course and this blend of comfort and quality with golf is a quite experience. • Holiday on a River Cruise With the varied landscape that France has, a river cruise holiday is a perfect way to enjoy the countryside, the history and the culture as one travels from one place to another. It is the right idea for a relaxing and a different kind of holiday. A river cruise lets you experience, what you can never otherwise see, with every region having its own specialty and beauty. • Camping holidays Travel France for a great camping holiday, which is a great holiday idea for fun and adventure. In the recent years, camping has caught on with the tourists and with thousands of campsites available, it is all the much easier to embark on a camping holiday. One will get easily spoiled for choices, with so many to choose from, right from hiring your own tent, caravans, or even a mobile home, is a great way of touring the country. The campsites are well maintained and organized, offering all the facilities for relaxing and entertaining holidays. Wherever you travel a France map would be a handy tool and should be your accompanist all through your holiday.

by: Nancy Eben

Medical and dental treatment and coverage in Oaxaca, Mexico

When I first gave up the practice of law in Toronto in favor of early retirement in Oaxaca, I assumed that the years I would add to my life by leading a much more stress-free existence in Mexico, would be lost by the inferior health care system to which I would be exposed, subjected and restricted. This, then, is my assessment of the extent to which my presuppositions have been accurate, together with information and advice for both vacationers to and would-be ex-patriot residents of Oaxaca. Aside from the small, private hospitals, often referred to as clínicas, there are four publicly funded and insurance - based hospitals in the city, as well as a hospital just outside of the city offering specialized treatment for a number of serious ailments. There is the Red Cross facility available to all, often used for emergency treatment only. The civic hospital provides free services or treatment at a modest cost based on a sliding scale respecting means. ISSSTE is a federally funded facility restricted to government employees who are members of a union. Finally, there is IMSS, a federal insurance program available to ex-pat residents and Mexican citizens alike, with an extensive network of clinic doctors and a large hospital. It’s funding is provided in large part by business owners. Aside from these hospitals, there are several, small, easily accessed clinics scattered throughout suburban and rural neighborhoods. For the vacationer, and the ex-pat with a VISA permitting residency in the country, the most common means by which to obtain emergency treatment is through Red Cross, IMSS (which accepts patients without coverage on a pay-per-service basis) or a private hospital. However, the last of these three is the only one in which you can be reasonably reassured of being attended in a timely fashion by extremely competent and efficient personnel. WHAT TO DO AS A VACATIONER If you do not have out-of-country healthcare coverage, by all means go out and buy it before leaving for your trip. However, it’s advisable to first inquire of your credit card company, to ascertain if in fact you already have at least some coverage simply by virtue of, for example, having a gold or platinum card. You can then make a more informed decision concerned whether or not to purchase coverage, and if so at what level. On the other hand, a broken leg, gastrointestinal problem or other non-life threatening ailment can be attended by a private doctor or clinic without breaking the bank. Of course for an outlay of more than $100, it’s nice to be reimbursed. If you intend to make a claim to your private carrier, credit card company or government funded health care plan, ensure that you not only keep all receipts, but request a written diagnosis and treatment plan, and that the prescriptions you are given indicate for what purpose each medicine is being prescribed (i.e. antibiotic, analgesic, etc.). Many doctors provide all required information simply as a matter of course. Accepted practice, at least except for when narcotic medications are being prescribed, is for the pharmacy to return prescription forms to you. Often medical plans require translations of each document that is presented to them as a prerequisite for processing and reimbursement. When in doubt, submit all documentation with your claim, making sure to determine if originals are required, and keep copies. Frequently, as is the case with Ontario, it’s a two step process. Treatment receipts and diagnosis is submitted to the provincial plan. Once you’re notified of the portion not covered, prescription receipts together with a request for reimbursement for the amount not covered by the province, is submitted to one’s private plan. In theory, between the two plans, 100% reimbursement is achieved. You can ask the manager of your hotel or bed and breakfast to do you a favor by translating each of your supporting documents, to save you the trouble upon your return home. Make a note of the then prevailing rate of exchange, and submit a calculation to your plan with your documentation, to more easily facilitate payment. When a member of a clerical staff is processing your claim, he’ll be less inclined to put yours aside for another day or week if it already contains all the necessary and relevant data, organized in a readable format. Concerning where to go in the event of illness or emergency, your accommodations host should be able to make recommendations for English speaking physicians with private practices, and for private clinics. Regarding competency of the former, while there is a medical school in Oaxaca, many doctors travel out-of-state for their post-graduate training such as to universities in Mexico City or the US, and regularly attend conferences and upgrading courses. Some travel abroad within the context of their specialization training. Indeed the Oaxacan populace appears to take notice of and prefer those physicians who are able to display foreign diplomas. Our personal experience with emergency treatment over the past 10 years has been nothing but positive for ourselves, our family and our guests, at hospitals Carmen and Molina, both downtown … in terms of competence, speed with which one is attended, and the presence of English speaking ER doctors. On the other hand, we cannot recommend the emergency departments at the civic hospital or IMSS because of delays in receiving treatment, and at minimum in the case of IMSS unavailability of competent medical personnel 24 hours a day to attend to even a commonplace emergency (i.e. suturing). Having said this, many excellent surgeons with private practices perform surgery at the non-private hospitals where there tends to be the more state-of-the-art and sophisticated equipment. The normal range in price for a consultation with a family doctor, specialist or dentist, is $20 - $50 (all figures are stated in US dollars and are approximate for 2008 unless stated otherwise). PURELY ELECTIVE AND COSMETIC PROCEDURES Over the past several years Oaxaca has become a popular destination for Americans and Canadians seeking both plastic surgery and extensive dental work. Word has spread of the competence and quality of work of both nip-and-tuck and dental surgeons, and of course of their extremely reasonable charges relative to those paid to hometown practitioners. Many foreigners, as well as Mexicans from Mexico City and other regions of the country come to Oaxaca for face lifts, breast reductions and augmentations, liposuction and other appearance enhancing procedures. A friend who attended for plastic surgery in Oaxaca by a well-known plastic surgeon a couple of years ago, recently commented that she had read an article in a Canadian magazine indicating the cost for the same procedure which she had performed for $500, was $3500 - $5000 at home. In effect she had a free trip to Oaxaca, and returned home with extra money in her pocket. Our personal experience with dental treatment has been extremely positive. Cost tends to be about a third to a half of American and Canadian prices, for example for crowns and bridges, implants, root canals, gum and bone work, etc. While the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) has not yet arrived in most Mexican cities, a dentist with a gentle touch can more than make up for that lack of temporary high while in the chair. RESOLVING THE EX-PAT CONUNDRUM Get whatever coverage is made available to you both in your homeland and in Mexico, subject of course to affordability. To my thinking, with IMSS coverage costing under $400 annually for a couple, why not go for it regardless of what other coverage you already have. Then supplement IMSS with international coverage for catastrophic injuries unless you have other similar insurance from another source. Our Oaxacan friends tend to disagree, but theirs is a different mindset where insurance in general has historically not been stressed or valued, be it home, car or health. Some American acquaintances swear by IMSS since it provides regular care including preventive procedures, all dispensed by government employed physicians including specialists, together with lab tests, medication and hospitalization. There are restrictions the first year of enrolment, and there are caveats. The level of cleanliness in the clinic environment tends to be below the standard to which most of us have become accustomed growing up in the US and Canada. Many physicians have not received the quality of medical education of their private counterparts. The medications provided through the clinic pharmacy are often not the best available in the marketplace for treatment of a particular ailment, because of cost. Often the wait to see your designated doctor or for your lab tests can be long, requiring a half day commitment for each step in the process: visiting a general physician, going for one set of tests, then for another, and finally seeing a specialist. So why bother with IMSS at all, with all these downsides? It’s a failsafe, another form of assurance that you’ll be cared for in the event of a lengthy and serious illness. As suggested earlier, often it’s the largest hospitals such as IMSS which have the best equipment, and surgeons with private practices who perform some of the surgeries. And there is no additional cost for hospitalization once you have full IMSS coverage. While attending a private clinic is more akin to your experiences before moving to Mexico, if you must remain in hospital for a lengthy period of time, the cost of doing so in a clinic could be prohibitive…just like back home. Visiting private physicians, and even biting the bullet and getting your tests done at privately owned laboratories, reasonably assures you of a familiar quality of care. Coupled with IMSS coverage, you can now be confident that you’re covered in almost all respects. In the event of a protracted hospital stay you can afford to be there for as long as necessary. The best locally available equipment will be used in your diagnosis and treatment, and you have a reasonable likelihood that attending surgeons are those who split their time between private practice and clinic work, and performing procedures in one or more large hospitals. We maintain IMSS coverage, but rarely use it, preferring to tap our Oaxacan social networks for referrals to specialists to the extent they are required. And in any event, after having been resident in Oaxaca for a few years, those of us who are in our fifties or older have already been introduced to a broad range of specialists. As strange as it still is to be a Canadian and subscribe to the pay-as-you-play philosophy of medical care, it serves our purposes, with the IMSS safety net just in case. Under certain circumstances you may not want to rely on even the best Oaxaca has to offer. Indeed the stream of Oaxacans traveling to Mexico City flows briskly and wide. The middle and upper classes with contacts in the nation’s capital, there quickly seek out the best in terms of physicians and state-of-the-art equipment, for diagnosis and for treatment of life-threatening diseases. Even doctors working in Oaxaca at the IMSS and ISSSTE hospitals can make arrangements for patients to receive treatment not available here, to be attended in Mexico City or other larger centers. However, the process can be slow. We know of one case, that of a two-month-old baby with heart problems, who was finally sent to Puebla for surgery at ISSSTE, only to die before the procedure could be performed. The solution, unless you have quality foreign coverage perhaps as part of your retirement pension plan, is to buy insurance which will pay for treatment in Mexico City, or better yet throughout the world as long as you can make your way to one of the participating top-of-the-line hospitals. In my case, I have a low annual premium, with high deductible which is waived in the event of accident. Again, it’s a failsafe mechanism in the event of, for example, a serious car accident, or cancer, stroke, heart attack, or other catastrophic ailment which would otherwise not be affordable. Oaxaca has less than the best of diagnostic equipment and treatment facilities. My plan provides for a $10,000 deductible, $2,000 annual premium, with member private hospitals in Oaxaca, Mexico City and elsewhere in the republic, and of course abroad including the US, with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester being a participant. In summary, my medical coverage and plan for treatment is the following. We have our regular family physician, who, along with our Oaxacan friends, refers us to specialists in which we have the utmost confidence, and to whom we pay per visit. The same holds true for dental treatment. We have IMSS coverage which we reluctantly (because we don’t use it) renew on an annual basis, but believe it’s worth the price in the event we need extended hospitalization, or to have surgical procedures performed not available in private clinics. And I have my catastrophic coverage which hopefully I’ll never need to access. Medical care and coverage can be inexpensive, and just as easily it can be costly. It’s a matter of the individual or family having a philosophy, or set of priorities, before electing to move to Oaxaca. You have to determine how you want to lead your life in terms of balancing having less disposable income as a result of medical and insurance costs, with having greater peace of mind in knowing that whatever is thrown your way will be looked after as best possible given your new life in a foreign land. If you cannot achieve a level of comfort in the resolution of these issues and decisions, then perhaps the move is not for you.

by: Alvin Starkman

Ten Things To Do In Rwanda

Rwanda, the land of one thousand hills and 'hundreds attractions' is an extraordinary place where serene scenery and placid people greet you at every juncture. Rwanda is safe and secure with an overwhelming renaissance of Rwandese national pride and cultural reconstruction. It is full of sights and delights, waiting to be explored. If Rwanda is on your travel list there is no better time to runaway to Rwanda...visit today you would want to stay! The country is well known mostly because of its horrible recent history and you might think that Rwanda should therefore be more the scope for No governmental organization than for travelers. Nowadays, nothing is less true. Rwanda has wonderful people, breathtaking beautiful lakes, challenging mountains, stunning scenery, perfect climate, rare species of apes, excellent roads, express buses, good and cheap food and beer, various accommodation options, fast internet, only few tourists outside the gorilla-homes, you will found it all in Rwanda, a safe and yet to be discovered backpackers haven! Because of its small size, Rwanda attractions are near each other and can be reached quite easily and safely. 1. KIGALI CITY: A NICE PLACE TO EXPERIENCE AN AFRICAN CAPITAL Kigali is an interesting mix of rural and urban town overflowing on juxtaposed hilly terrain. New construction is everywhere and large mansions stand side by side with mud brick huts and lean roads. It has a peaceful feel and the center is located upon the hilltop expanse. It feels safe and getting around is easy on foot or minibuses...many and new. For a bit more taxis can whiz you anywhere without breaking the bank. Kigali is a nice place to experience an African capital. 2. KGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIALS CENTER IN GISOZI During the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, over a million people were murdered. Some 250,000 perished on the streets and in the houses, churches and hospitals of Kigali alone. The Kigali Genocide memorial center contains ten mass graves- a site of burial for almost victims, who were killed in the Kigali region. After the genocide, as mass graves were being discovered around the city. It was decided that a single monument/ burial place should be created, where the victims could be laid to rest with dignity, this is now their final resting place. The memorial houses a children’s section, a particularly powerful experience to read about the children- how they lived, and how they died. Amongst other things, it traces how things came to being so bad, how the ideology of genocide emerged, how the tragedy could have been averted, and how the world ignored the signs and warnings repeatedly. Some of the survivors of the genocide have been trained as guides at the center. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Entrance is free but at the door there is a box for donation. The place is really heart breaking! 4. MOUNTAIN GORILLAS TREKKING A Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the pinnacle of all the wildlife experiences available in Africa and Rwanda is with no doubt the best place for this. People are limited to spend only one hour with the Gorillas and expect to hike for two to four hours to see them. These incredible primates are divided into four groups that have been habituated over the decades; it’s a thing not to miss in Rwanda. Don't miss spending an hour with these magical creatures. It does require planning in advance, and contacting the National Park or a local tour operator to check what the latest system they have implemented with regards to how you get a permit - but it is all worthwhile. Also, don't be put off by the price - a high price is needed to ensure that protecting the gorillas is economically sustainable for the local area. 5. MOUNTAINS CLIMBING The National park office offers guided climbs to the top of 2 volcano among the 5 of the Virunga chain, Visoke (3711m) and Karisimbi (4705m -the tallest). The climbs to the summits are not technical and can be done by fit hikers. The scenery is great! However, the trek to Karisimbi's summit is an overnight trek and should be prepared properly. 6. NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK This national park is a preserved part of rain forest which houses 13 species in all, including humankind's closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L'Hoest's monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colombus. The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe harbours almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift. Please come with your car or book a tour with a local tour operator otherwise it is very hard to reach the place and get away. You can camp there and pitch a tent but you have to consider bringing all food and water with you as facilities are limited. The entry fee has recently been increased so check up the actual fares. 7. AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK Akagera is the best national park of Rwanda - very helpful park-ranger help to find you all animals in park - mainly, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, baboons, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles. 8. RUSUMO FALLS Rusumo is a Marvelous and spectacular falls of the Akagera River, a part of the most distant headwaters of the river Nile. The falls is located in the Eastern part of Rwanda at the border with Tanzania. If you happen to cross the border with Tanzania at Rusumo don't forget to see the Rusumo falls. 9. THE BEAUTIFULLY LAKE KIVU The beautifully Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo and one of the Great Lakes of Africa. The lake is in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Beneath the lake lie vast reserves of approximately 55 billion cubic of dissolved methane gas which have not been exploited. Lake Kivu is a tourist center, safe to swim (but just ask locally to be completely sure). There are nice beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning. There are some excellent places to stay on the Lakeside such as Kibuye and -especially-Gisenyi near the DR Congo border. 10. BUTARE CITY IN HUYE The most popular tourist attraction in Butare is the superb National Museum, which houses perhaps the finest ethnographic collection in East Africa. The rooms are spacious, without the excessive clutter of distracting memorabilia. This makes the well-labeled exhibits easy to appreciate and enjoy. Absorbing displays of traditional artefacts are illuminated by a fascinating selection of turn-of-the-century monochrome photographs, providing insight not only into pre-colonial lifestyles, but also into the subsequent development of Rwanda as a modern African state. Here the Intore dancers can be commissioned to perform, but this is not a good deal for a single traveler. If a group is present the price would definitely be worthwhile as shows are few and far between. mountain gorilla tour . ------------------------------------------------------- Fact about the Nyiragongo volcano in Goma Congo Nyiragongo volcano is located in Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, At around 19 kilometers of Goma, very close to Rwandan border, in a safe and easily accessible area. The Nyiragongo is one of Africa 's most dangerous and the most famous for its semi permanent lava lake. The volcano is also known to the people of Congo as a sacred mountain where an angry spirit is trapped, The volcano is still active and it has erupted several times throwing lavas toward the town of Goma and other neighboring villages. Any body knows about how long the volcano has been erupting, but since 1882, it has erupted at least 34 times, including many periods where activity was continuous for years at a time, often in the form of a churning lava lake in the crater. The volcano partly overlaps with two older volcanoes, Baratu and Shaheru, and is also surrounded by hundreds of small volcanic cinder cones from flank eruptions. Volcanism at Nyiragongo is caused by the rifting of the Earth's crust where two parts of the African Plate are breaking apart. A hot spot is probably also partly responsible for the great activity at Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira. The lava emitted in eruptions at Nyiragongo is often unusually fluid. Nyiragongo's lavas are made of melilite nephelinite, an alkali-rich type of volcanic rock whose unusual chemical composition may be a factor in the unusual fluidity of the lavas there. Whereas most lava flows move rather slowly and rarely pose a danger to human life, Nyiragongo's lava flows may race downhill at up to 60 miles per hour (up to 100 km/h). This is because of the extremely low silica content. Hawaiian volcanic eruptions are also characterized by lavas with low silica content, but the Hawaiian volcanoes are broad, shallow-sloped shield volcanoes in contrast to the steep-sided cone of Nyiragongo, and the silica content is high enough to slow most Hawaiian flows to walking pace. The last known eruption was in 2002. The Volcano erupted and ajected a large cloud of smoke and ash high into the sky and spewing lava down three sides of the volcano. One river of lava flowed right through the center of Goma and into Lake Kivu , effectively bisecting the city. Hundred of people were burnt to death . At least 400,000 people fled their homes when the lava swept down the flanks of Mount Nyiragongo and through Goma's main street before pouring into Lake Kivu on the Rwandan border. The thousands of displaced, came back after three days and tried to rebuild their lives by erecting wooden huts on top of the lava. Somewhere beneath lay the remains of their homes. The lava had set like concrete. It was impossible to dig trenches for water supplies and drainage. Even to sink a hole for the simple African drop toilet wasn't possible. The sharp irregular stones made walking difficult and slashed the tires of cars and motorbikes. Lava dictated everything. It was the foundation for people's homes, their yards, the building blocks for yard walls and the surface of the roads. Buildings that had survived were submerged and set fast one story deep in it. Even if the 2002 eruption was described by many Congolese as the worse; But the 1977 was many times than it. The difference is that the first didn't destroy houses like the last one, but its burnt many peoples. On 10 January 1977, the crater walls fractured, and the lava lake drained in less than an hour. The lava flowed down the flanks of the volcano at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour on the upper slopes, overwhelming villages and killing at least 2000 people. Some reports quote much higher figures of up to several thousand people. The hazards posed by eruptions like this are unique to Nyiragongo. Nowhere else in the world does such a steep-sided stratovolcano contain a lava lake containing such fluid lavas. Efforts have been made to level the lava on the way to the lake, so that it can be used as a road. "I visited several volcanoes with different grades of activity before, but never saw its destructive powers in a way like this. The landscapes that it created are amongst the most bizarre I've ever seen" says one traveler. Let's hope the people of Goma, will finally reach a life without natural disasters and equally disastrous effects of political

by: Ken Ndayis

Portugal - Silver Coast. A taste of life and hospitality

All of this is now less than an hour drive from Lisbon International airport along the new A8 motorway, linking the vibrant capital of Portugal with historic Oporto in the North. As there is also a proposed new international airport to be located at OTA, this little known region is opening its doors to the outside world. For decades the Algarve has been the only realistic location for overseas buyers to enjoy the unique hospitality of the Portuguese, but prices there have put it out of reach for most. Now we are pleased to invite you to experience the heart of Portugal - a secret we can all share. A region for life Exploring the tranquil towns, villages and countryside of this beautiful region will confirm to you that here is a place that genuinely has the best of both worlds. Whilst offering a life of rural calm amidst the spectacular scenery, at the same time it is perfectly equipped with access to all the modern facilities of transport, healthcare, education and leisure that make life a pleasure for all generations. The Western Region enjoys entertainments and events throughout the year: concerts, art exhibitions, the Torres carnival - 'the most Portuguese event in Portugal', the Caldas da Rainha ceramics and fruit fairs, the Bombarral wine festival, Peniche's Festas da Nuestra Senhora da Boa Viagem, the Montejunto popular festival (Cadaval), Alenquer's Feira da Ascensao, festivals in Sobral, Monte Agraco and Arruda dos Vinhos, Feiras da Cebola e das Tasquinhas and hundreds more fairs, festivals and popular gatherings. The region has many hotels with superb facilities and innumerable restaurants, bars and lively venues which ensure that one's first visit to the Western region is never the last. For golf enthusiasts the Western Region is the new destination in Portugal. Golf Courses at Praia d'el Rey (18 holes)and Rio Maior (18 holes) are complemented by 9-hole courses at Consolação and Porto Novo - Bom Sucesso and Perola da Lagoa 18-hole courses are actually already under construction and the brand new project of the 18-hole course of Foz do Arelho, which will be the hugest should begin within the year 2007. The natural abundance of the area is enhanced by beautiful fine-sanded beaches, where the sands shimmer like silver, at Santa Cruz, Porto Novo, Areia Branca, S. Bernardino, Consolação, Peniche, Baleal, Foz do Arelho and Salir do Porto. Local crafts can be found in Peniche, which is notable for its lace, and in Caldas da Rainha, which is one of the most important centres for ceramics in Portugal. The new Peniche recreation centre is a base for water sports, with a haven of fishing and scuba-diving in Berlenga. Santa Cruz and Peniche (Supertubos beach and Lagide beach) are the places for surf lovers. The Obidos lake has sailing, rowing and windsurfing. Montejunto, Serrado Socorro and Santa Rita beach are the main locations for paragliding and hang-gliding. The Santa Cruz aerodrome, with its flying school, offers flights in light aircraft and gliders. There are equestrian centres in the Hotel Golf Mar, in Marquiteira (Lourinha), in Atouguia da Baleia - at the Quinta das Tripas and the Quintas de Bom Sucesso - Lourinha, S. Sebastido - Arruda dos Vinhos, Quinta da Ferraria and Cortisada - Rio Maior. A region for health Healthcare facilities are modern and efficient and offer a good range of public and private services for all your requirements. In addition the region offers several thermal baths: Vimeiro (digestive system, circulatory system, respiratory system and skin), Cucos (metabolic and endocrine systems, rheumatics, muscular and skeletal systems) and Torres Vedras and Caldas da Rainha - the oldest in Europe (respiratory system, rheumatics, muscular and skeletal systems). A region for Gourmets Gastronomy in the region is rich and varied: there are many delicious pork dishes, oven baked kid, stewed rabbit with rice, celebrated fish stews, baked or boiled sea bream and rock bass from Peniche, eels and cockles from the Obidos lake and shellfish from the beds at Porto de Barcas (lagosta suada - 'sweating lobster' - is a delicacy which can only be found in the Western Region). The gastronomical influence of history is evident in trouxas de ovos, lampreias de ovos (sweet dishes made with eggs) and cavacas (light crisp cakes) from Caldas da Rainha, bean pies from Torres Vedras and paes de lo (sponge cakes) from Landal, Painho and Rio Maior. All are complemented by the taste and aroma of apples and pears. The Western region is also one of the largest wine growing areas in Portugal and indeed the world. The area boasts full-bodied, aromatic red wines with excellent alcoholic content: the wines of the south (castas Camarate, Periquita and Tinto Miudo) are lively when young, intense yet well balanced and with an exquisite bouquet when aged. The white wines of the north are deliciously fruity (castas Arinto, Fernao Pires, Vital). Out of this diversity, the wine-growing areas of Obidos and Alenquer, Arruda dos Vinhos and Torres Vedras were born in 1989. The region is also known for its light wines with lower alcohol content, and for the only DOC (controlled standard of origin) classified brandy in Portugal - Aguardente Vinica from Lourinha. PORTUGAL - COSTA DE PRATA - THE SILVER COAST Aveiro in the north is unique: it is criss-crossed by canals grandly embroidered with art nouveau houses and spanned by hump- backed bridges. Here in colourfully painted 'moliceiro' boats, seaweed is gathered in the vast saltwater lagoon. Further inland you can sample the curative waters of the elegant thermal spa towns of Luso and Curia, fashionable since early this century. And in the Bucaco forest nearby, stands the Palace Hotel, resplendent with turrets, arched galleries and an enormous marble staircase: a perfect hideaway for romantics. The lively University city of Coimbra is a mixture of ancient and modern. Its streets are filled with the chatter of black-caped students and the soulful tones of fado. The university library, one of the best in Europe, is a Baroque fantasy where the rooms each lead into the next creating a telescope-like effect. The old Cathedral is one of the most important examples of Romanesquc architecture in Portugal. In the Marchado de Castro Museum, you'll find religious art treasures and can actually explore the ruins of the Roman crypt over which the museum was built. An even more impressive sight is the nearby Roman city of Conimbriga. On the west coast, the town of Figueira da Foz has vast beaches and a famous casino. Further south is the charming town of Leiria with its crenulated walls towering high above an almost perpendicular rock. From May to October, the roads nearby are lined with pilgrims - many on foot - visiting the famed shrine of Fatima where three shepherd children claimed to have seen visions of the Virgin Mary. Thirty four kilometres east is Tomar where the bastion of the Knights Templar later became the Convento de Cristo. Tales of mystery and hidden treasures echo around it's cloisters and its crowning glory is the ornate Manueline window. Another magical place is the Castle of Almmourol, just south, which stands on a tiny island and is steeped in legends of giants and knights. Further opulent architecture can he discovered at Batalha in the Santa Maria da Vitoria Monastery, with its flying buttresses, gargoyles, pinnacles and the intricate stonework of its cloisters. Close to this is one of Portugal's most awe-inspiring monuments: the Monastery of Alcobaca, which has been given UNESCO world heritage status. The kitchen, with ovens big enough to roast six oxen at once, even has two streams converging through it into one. The monastery also contains the tombs of King Pedro and Ines de Castro whose passionate love story has inspired writers and poets all over the world. Many of the farming methods and agricultural science of the region introduced by the Cistercian monks are still in evidence today. The delightful town of Obidos, with white houses adorned with bougainvilleas and honeysuckle was captured from the Moors by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1148. D. Dinis later presented it to his wife, Queen Santa Isabel. From then until 1883, the town of Obidos and the surrounding land was always the property of the queens of Portugal. Encircled by a ring of medieval walls and crowned by the Moorish castle rebuilt by D. Dinis, which is now a pousada, Obidos is one of the most perfect examples of our medieval fortress. As in olden times, the town is entered through the southern gate of Santa Maria, embellished with eighteenth-century azulejo decoration. Inside the walls, which at sunset take on a golden colouring, one can sense a cheerful medieval ambience of winding streets, old whitewashed houses bordered with blue or yellow, Manueline embrasures and windows, reminding us that King D. Manuel I (sixteenth century) carried out major works here, and masses of colourful flowers and plants. Be sure to visit the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria (Parish Church of Santa Maria), the pretty Capela de Sao Martinho (Chapel of S. Martinho) and, outside the town walls, the Igreja do Senhor da Pedra (Church of the Senhor da Pedra). Among the events that take place every year in Obidos, the most important are the Holy Week Festivities (recreating the steps on the Way of the Cross), the Ancient Music Festival in October and, for the more gluttonous, the International Chocolate festival in November, which includes an international competition in which the recipes are judged by an international jury of experts. Fatima - With its origins deep in history, it was during the Arabian occupation that this settlement developed and was named. According to legend, during the Christian Reconquest, the Templar knight Goncalo Hermingues, also known as Bringer-of-Moors, fell in love with Fatima, a Moor captured in the course of an ambush. Reciprocating the love, the young woman converted to Christianity and adopted the name Oureana. In the sixteenth century, the settlement became a parish in the collegiate church of Ourem within the Diocese of Leiria. Its subsequent development dates from the events known as the Apparitions of Fatima, in the early part of the twentieth century. It has become one of the key centres for the Cult of the Virgin Mary in Portugal and has been recognised world-wide by the Catholic Church. The first apparition took place in 1917, in Cova da Iria, at the site of the current Sanctuary. The most important celebrations are held on 13th May (including the Candlelit Procession on the night of the 12th and the Farewell Procession closing the event on the 13th) and 13th October. Furthermore, the 13th of every month between these two dates is also a day of devotion. For those interested in the historical context of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, visits can be made to the houses of the shepherd witnesses in the village of Aljustrel. In the gardens of Casa de Lucia, there is a monument commemorating the second apparition of the Angel of Peace and the end of the Via Sacra which begins in the Sanctuary. Along this route, there are 14 chapels donated by Hungarian Catholic refugees in the West. Of particular note is Valinhos, 400 metres from the village where monuments commemorate the fourth apparition in 1917 as well as the place chosen by the angel. Here, in 1916, the shepherds saw the Angel of Peace for the first and third times. On the coast is the fishing village of Nazare where you'll find fishermen in knee length plaid trousers, and women in full skirts and seven petticoats, mending nets. The walled town of Obidos should also not he missed, with its narrow streets of brightly white-washed houses and striking towers of the Castle that's now a splendid Pousada Take just a short trip south and you can explore the active fishing port of Peniche which has a dominating 16th century fort built for protection against marauding pirates. The Silvercoast is one of the most peaceful and romantic places of all. Buying Property in Silver Coast Portugal Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal is currently popular with Europeans, but as of yet, not so much with the British property buyers. This is because properties are relatively inexpensive and transport links to/from the UK are getting better and cheaper to the Silver Coast. Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal offers superb beach holiday facilities with a great summer climate, great culture, architecture and history. Also, the Silver Coast is tipped to see significant capital property value rises in the coming years. Portugal is an evergreen in the overseas property market. Build quality is high, property prices have grown a steady 10-15% per annum since the Millennium, and there's a broad choice of property across the price range and country - within the Silver Coast the price grow within the following years will possibly reach the 25 - 35 %. Buying property in Silver Coast Portugal offers good prospects for rental from both the local market and from holidaymakers, and with the potential of significant property price rises on the Silver Coast Portugal, this could be the ideal place to invest in a holiday home. Buying property in Portugal still has great appeal as it has a benign tax system which allows avoidance of the worst effects of capital gains and inheritance tax and can put you in a lower tax band. Why buy in the the Silver Coast Property experts have been advising clients to look beyond the Algarve, with its pockets of overgrowing, and invest instead in homes 45 minutes' drive from Lisbon on Portugal's Silver Coast. Maddison says, "The Algarve used to be the most popular area. However, it is now rather overrun with Brits and over commercialized. In other words it is too popular now, with many of those looking to purchase in Portugal now looking elsewhere." According to international property specialists the Silver Coast is now the up-and-coming area in Portugal. "Many Brits are selling up in the Algarve and moving up to the Oeste Region, which is located just north of Lisbon. This area is still very Portuguese, with farming the main source of income for the locals. It does not die in the winter because most of the locals are Portuguese. The cost of properties is so much cheaper than on the Algarve - so there is still room to make money in this area". But what of the place itself? The Silver Coast stretches from Porto down to Portugal's capital Lisbon and hugs the North Atlantic coastline; it is home to beautiful beaches, amazing cliffs, quaint fishing villages, lush rolling countryside and some of the most fascinating historic sites in Portugal. Here you can discover pretty villages and a real Portuguese way of life. The Silver Coast is a particularly good bet for those with holiday lets in mind, thanks to the new A8 motorway which has cut journey times from Lisbon to the Silver Coast considerably, opening the atmospheric towns of Caldas da Rainha and Turcifal, and pretty villages, such as Peniche, up to tourists and investors. There is a wide range of property available on the Silver Coast. You can find traditional farmhouses in need of renovation, but there has also been a fair amount of developments popping up and luxury villas with pools and apartments in complexes are easy to find. Access to the area is becoming even easier as more and more airlines now offer frequent flights to Lisbon.

by: Villas Luz, Lda.

Changing Hotel Locations Can Help You Save

Don Nadeau, the president of BidonTravel.com, often discusses how to bid on Priceline hotels, but here he talks about location as another powerful way to save on hotel rooms.When you’re planning to spend some time in or near a place like Boston, Zurich, London, or San Francisco, you can save by not staying in the same hotel every night.And, even if you’re just spending a couple of nights, you can sometimes save as much as 50 – 70% by choosing the right hotel location, as explained below.Let’s say you’re a couple planning a trip to the San Francisco Bay Area for a special occasion.You would like to spend the week:
visiting wineries,
hiking in Point Reyes National Seashore and Muir Woods,
exploring Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey, and
experiencing the highlights of San Francisco.It would be simple for you to book seven nights in a San Francisco hotel. After all, you would be within an easy day’s drive of everything you want to see.However, seven nights in a San Francisco hotel would be expensive—and even more so as you probably want an especially nice place for this trip. And, on top of that, you would have to pay about $30 – 45 a day for parking in a safe area.Instead, why not spend the first three nights closer to the Wine Country and the national seashore?You could book a very nice resort-style hotel in or near Santa Rosa for a fraction of the cost of a similar hotel in San Francisco.You would end up really close to many of the finest Napa Valley wineries, the Calistoga hot springs spas, and even the exceptional restaurant of the Culinary Institute of America. Moreover, you’d be just a few minutes from beautiful Point Reyes National Seashore.Then, after your last night in Santa Rosa, you could enjoy a scenic drive along the Marin County coastline toward San Francisco, with stops in charming Sausalito and the redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument before heading over the Golden Gate Bridge.That night, you could even end up dining at one of the many fabulous San Francisco restaurants using money you’d saved on hotels! You’d be staying in San Francisco two nights.After your last night in San Francisco, you wouldn’t need to head out right away. You could still spend most of the day exploring the city.Then, timing your drive before or after any rush hour traffic, you could take scenic southbound Interstate 280, which runs in a greenbelt along a ridge, giving you views of San Francisco Bay. Near San Jose, you’d switch to State Highway 85 and then U.S. 101, and continue toward Carmel and Monterey.In the Carmel and Monterey area, you would have a choice:
You could either use some of your hotel savings to stay in a fantastically romantic place, such as the Tickle Pink Inn along the shore, or
continue to save by booking a quality place inland.For the latter, the ultimate hotel money saver in the Carmel and Monterey area is the nearby town of Salinas.The Grapes of Wrath no longer haunt John Steinbeck’s Salinas. It’s become a pleasant working-class town with a center city that people enjoy in the evening.Salinas puts you a mere 25 minutes from Carmel, but in a different price range altogether.So, what have you done here? You’ve had three nights in Santa Rosa, two in San Francisco, and two in the Monterey area.Not only have you saved a lot on hotels—even if you splurged in Carmel—you’ve also saved a lot of time commuting from a San Francisco hotel. This is time you’ve been able to use visiting fun and memorable places, rather than on the road.

Costa Rica Travel Plans Have Something To Offer For Everyone

You will find that Costa Rica travel have something to offer for everyone. In these different vacation plans you can choose the type of. One of the best ways to see what sort of vacations you can book you should think about using the internet.In each of these Costa Rica travel vacations you will find that your vacation needs are catered to. You can find family vacations, adventure vacations, cultural vacations and even vacations for honeymooning couples.It is to your advantage if you know how many days you can afford to spend for shopping, sightseeing and just relaxing before you book one of these Costa Rica travel vacations. You can look for vacation plans in Costa Rica which are for a set amount of days.Other than this price there are many different types of Costa Rica travel vacations that you can look into. For instance you can book your vacation to Costa Rica for group parties; wedding anniversaries can be held here in the different parts of Costa Rica. You can find Costa Rica travel vacations which are found off the beaten track of civilization.The different Costa Rica vacation packages you can plan your holiday itinerary. As you look at these travel packages you will find that you can choose from cultural tours which will allow you to see the many wonders of Costa Rica. You could even look forward to having an adventure trip to one of the tropical rainforests.For sports lovers you need not worry as Costa Rica travel offers a wealth of water sporting activities for you to enjoy. These activities that you can take part in will include sports fishing; diving in the waters of the Pacific, snorkeling and great times surfing.For those of you are interested in seeing the indigenous tribes you should get permission from the Talamanca Association for Ecotourism and Conservation. The borders of the country’s prehistoric rain forests mix in well with the coconut laden trees.As with most of the Costa Rica travel that you will find there are the cultural and fun tours. Depending on your preference and travel plans you will be able to see if there is a way that you can combine these two tour type plans together. As there are people who like to have some spice added to their vacation you can look for Costa Rica travel tours which are known for their adventure tours.The use of a Costa Rica guide book will provide you with lots of useful information. You will also find that using one of these Costa Rica travel guide books will make your holiday in Costa Rica much more pleasant.

THE TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO WALKING IN ITALY

AMBLE OR RAMBLE?
Italy is wonderful walking country, not only due to its great variety of terrain but also because of the local enthusiasm for hiking. Serious walking is an enormously popular activity for Italians - who have ensured that their wide network of country paths and long-distance hiking trails is both fairly well conserved and reasonably well marked.
There is something for almost everyone, too: gentle walks in vine and olive country; slightly more strenuous ventures between ancient hilltop villages; hikes in coastal areas or on remote mountain tracks; and for a real challenge the vie ferrate (iron ways), adrenalin-inducing high-level footpaths on which cables, bridges and steel ladders have been placed at particularly difficult sections. And the great plus of Italy is that, in most cases, you'll be hiking in epicurean land so, with the exception of really far-flung places, you'll have an opportunity to sample excellent local cuisine and wine.

CAN I WALK THE WHOLE OF ITALY?
Such is the ongoing ambition of the Italian Alpine Club (Club Alpino Italiano or CAI; www.cai.it). Since the early Eighties, it has been the principal force behind the creation of a route running from Trieste through the Alpine top of Italy to Liguria and then down to the country's toe at Reggio Calabria. The full extent of Italy will be completed with further routes through Sicily and Sardinia.
Other major long-distance paths include the Grande Escursione Appenninica (GEA) running along the spine of the Apennines and the Grande Traversata delle Alpi (GTA), stretching about 400 miles through the spectacular Western Alps.

AH, MOUNTAIN BEAUTY
There's a wealth of choice for mountain walking. In the north- west, the Maritime Alps offer a great number of old trading routes between Piedmont and France - as well as particularly dramatic scenery around the cliffs of Punta Marguareis.
The Wester n Alps contain the mighty Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif, as well as many footpaths crossing high passes and offering stunning panoramas. The Dolomites, arguably the most beautiful of the Alpine range, feature trails through magnificent high mountain landscapes and gentler meadows. Meanwhile, over to the north-east bordering Austria and Slovenia, the glorious Julian Alps remain little visited and present winding paths through great forests and over alpine pastures of abundant wild flowers.
Throughout Italy's Alps the mountain paths are dotted with rifugi, large mountain huts that provide summer B&B accommodation, for the most part in dormitories. They also offer hearty evening meals which are usually based on good local cuisine and there is often the opportunity to drink much grappa thereafter. Many of the rifu-gi are owned and run by the CAI (see above) but there are also several hundred privately owned alternatives. You'll find rifugi marked on topographical walking maps, such as those published by the CAI, Kompass, Cicerone Press and Trailblazer Publications.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly at the height of summer; contact details are available from the CAI or local tourist offices.

FOR PICTURESQUE LAKES?
The majestic scenery of Lombardy's lake district certainly pulls the crowds. But if you're prepared to make good use of the many footpaths through the alpine meadows, lemon and olive groves and woodlands of the region, you should soon lose the hordes. In any event, it is best to avoid coming to Lombardy during the peak tourist season of July and August, since walking during the high summer can become uncomfortably hot.
The largest of the lakes is Lago di Garda, whose eastern shore is dominated by the rugged ridge of Monte Baldo. From the town of Malcesine a convenient cable car takes you up to a good starting point for excellent walks along the ridge on which well used paths offer tremendous panoramas of water and mountains. Further west, little Lake Iseo is something of a hidden gem, dominated by strikingly angular mountains to the north while gentle slopes to the south are home to the Franciacorta vineyards. West again, Lake Como is famously scenic, the lovely lakeside town of Menaggio providing a good starting point for walks that vary from easy strolls to challenging hill hiking. Lake Maggiore, furthest west, offers hikes through woodland and quiet, timeless villages that make a striking contrast with the sumptuous villas of the area.

I WANT TO WALK BESIDE THE SEASIDE
Head for the Ligurian riviera with its colourful fishing villages, sandy coves and wooded hills running steeply down to the Mediterranean. The outlook from the paths along the unspoilt Portofino Peninsula is especially fine. Meanwhile, the route that takes in the five villages of the remarkable Cinque Terre coast is breathtaking. About eight miles long, this is a fairly easy stretch to walk, the path being known as the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Track ) because it presents such extraordinary sea views.

Italy Travel Guide

Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Although some of these conceptions are amazing and interesting, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and stimulating than these concepts. Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".

Lombardia is the capital of Milan, city of business organization and haute couture, the tourist can easily stay weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour of distance and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will observe something new. Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here. The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city.

Austin - Live Music Capital of the World

Austin is the capital of Texas and boasts many attractions, interesting places to visit and culture to view. It’s locals like to promote the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan, but there is plenty of history and architecture in addition to the more modern music and media life that makes Austin the “Live Music Capital of the World”.The traditional places to visit such as Bob Bullock State History Museum and The Texas State Capitol Complex are impressive buildings. The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is enormous and holds the original goddess of Liberty, not to mention a full sized windmill and a Texan Airplane from the 1940’s in addition to smaller displays and multimedia presentations. The Texas State Capitol complex is a true treasure of the state and is in fact larger and plusher than the original US Capitol buildings. It is a place that visitors must try to visit, if just to walk in the well kept and picturesque gardens.Austin is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of modern architecture mixed with classic styles. Just to walk around some of the local streets and neighborhoods is enough for some visitors. You can visit the Pennybacker Bridge which is surrounded by urban picturesque scenes in all directions or take a stroll near the Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset which is the home to over 1.5 million Mexican free tailed bats. These bats live under the bridge for 8 months of the year and come out around sunset to look for insects to eat. It is quite a phenomenon to see the clouds of bats rising from the bridge during a warm summer evening. The bats migrate to Mexico for the winter.Animals and nature are all part of Austin’s culture. In fact the Austin Zoo is known as a rescue zoo and sanctuary for over 300 animals that have been saved from the wild or extinction. The Barton Springs Pools and the Deep Eddy Pool are the largest and oldest man made pools in the country and are fed from water from the Barton Spring. The water temperature in the Barton Springs pool is always a constant 69 degrees and thought to be a very healthy place to swim and bathe in the grounds of the Zilker Park. Apart from these two famous pools there are many nature trails, parks and recreational facilities to visit and spend time while taking a break from the more upbeat sights and sounds of Austin.The reason for Austin’s famous name as the “Live Music Capital of the World” is not just because of the hoards of graduates from the many music schools in the area but also the infamous 6th Street. 6Th Street is the home to a multitude of music venues and nightclubs housed in architecturally unique buildings. Strolling down 6th street by day is entertainment in itself to view the buildings and meet the cosmopolitan residents. All of these attractions and more can be seen from the comfort of the Dillo, an historic reproduction of the trolley cars that will take you downtown, to the capitol complex and around the University complex all for free. It is a perfect way to start your trip around Austin and decide which of the many attractions and places of interest that you want to see.

Plan your Trip to India

Bifurcation of the Indian subcontinent makes it easy for tourists to plan their India trip and enjoy it to the full. The idea is to invite people form the four corners of the world to visit incredible India. An easy way to explain tourism in India is by dividing it into north India tour and south india tour. Both north and south India tours are equally entertaining and educating. Any traveler in India should be aware of the bifurcation of Indian landscape in order to enjoy the India trip to the full. India tour packages offered by the travel agencies will be of good help to the first time traveler in India to get a great pleasure from his trip to India. As tourism in India is being promoted by both the government and the private agencies alike, this is the opportune moment to make a trip to India. India, with its historic past, is a land of spiritual places, hill stations, lakes, monuments, rivers, mountains, and many more. It has everything from traditional arts and crafts to modern architecture. A traveler in India can sense the aroma of this mixture everywhere. A trip to India brings one close to the nature loving people and lets one to reconnect with nature. It provides an opportunity to explore the ancient temple architecture, religion, and culture. There are sights that will bring a smile on the face and peace to the heart, whereas some others may make one feel nostalgic. A religious trip to India holds a lot of significance for travelers. India is the ‘Land of religions’. Spirituality is the beautiful ornament, which is worn by every Indian. India is the hub of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism and so many other local religions, which have centers that are very attractive to tourists traveling in India Any traveler in India needs a detailed insight into the major metropolitan and tourist spots of India. It is important for first time travelers to find the right guide and get easy access to information on destinations. Travel agents can enlighten tourists on vital information, such as accommodation, climate, entertainment, attractions, and adventures throughout the country. One should learn about shopping destinations and items to buy in the locale. By learning a few euphonic phrases in the local languages, one can impress the people and avail their help in understating their culture and tradition.

Tips for Successful Limousine Travel

Many people choose to hire a limousine service to enhance their special event in their lives - from weddings to high school proms to special anniversaries. Limousines have become a traditional part of the experience. Hiring a limo service for any of your special day, there are several important things one should keep in mind to ensure a good experience. As you know, not all limousine companies are the same and do not offer the same services so, it is important to ask some questions to ensure that you are getting what you want.One of the biggest misconceptions that an individual may have is that a great deal of people will be able to fit into a limo. This situation usually happens with groups of people that hire a limousine for an occasion. They have failed to realize that the number of passengers in a limo seats is the maximum number of occupants that should be inside the limo.If an individual is renting a 6-person limousine, the maximum number of individuals in the limousine should be six. If there are 8 individuals in the group, then a 10-person limousine should be the one requested. * Another thing to keep in mind when booking a limousine service is that the driver will only be as good as your instructions to them are. If you need to be at a specific destination at a specific time, it is important to let the driver know up front. Any directions to the location should be written and it should not be assumed that the limousine driver knows where everything in the city is located. They are only human after all. By letting the limo provider and driver know the itinerary, this assures that travel will be smooth and that you will arrive at your destination at the desired time.* When traveling, it is important that the limousine company and driver knows what airline to drop you off at or pick you up from. If the company and the driver know the flight number of the flight that you are taking, they will be able to determine that your flight is delayed and will wait or return for you when your flight arrives. * It is also important to remember that limousines have a limited amount of trunk space, about the same amount as a luxury sedan. If you and your party are going to be traveling with a great deal of luggage, it is best to let the limousine company know prior to the travel date and they may be able to accommodate the additional luggage in a luggage trailer. By these simple tips in mind when obtaining a limo service, most of the signature issues that arise from limousine travel are negated and the trip will be more enjoyable and memorable for all.

Dubai Travel Tour Package Tips

Dubai, a world business hub, is one of the seven emirates that represent the United Arab Emirates on the Persian Gulf and is one of the country's main cities, occasionally called "Dubai City" to make a distinction it from the emirate. Dubai has the biggest population and is the second major emirate by area, after Abu Dhabi. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the only two emirates to possess veto power over significant matters of national importance in the country's administration.Dubai International Airport the hub for Emirates Airline, services the city of Dubai and extra emirates in the country. Football and cricket are the most popular sports in Dubai. Five teams — Al Wasl, Al-Shabab, Al-Ahli, Al Nasr and Hatta — represent Dubai in UAE League football. Dubai is notorious for its nightlife. Clubs and bars are found typically in hotels due to the liquor laws. The New York Times listed Dubai as its travel choice for celebrations in 2008. Dubai has a glowing conventional network of print, radio, television and electronic media which service the metropolitan. Several international channels are available through cable, while satellite, radio and local channels are provided via the Arabian Radio Network system. For the duration of Dubai Shopping Festival, shops offer bottomless discounts on their goods, on a daily basis car raffles are drawn, and fireworks light Dubai’s night sky. Dubai - admired and called 'city of gold', the city of gold impression was coined during one of the Dubai Shopping Festival attentiveness campaigns, Dubai invited each person from all around the world to a international annual festival which came to be named as the landmark "Dubai Shopping Festival", they came up with the narrative idea of a comprehensive village, a shopping village was conceived with all nations participating with their merchandise and styles in their conventional or literary ways, the settler ex pat inhabitants and the fly in visitors rejoiced in the carnival that took place and the assure was specified that from then on every year Dubai will host a festival for people from all around the world.The tallest structure in Dubai is the 74-storey Almas Tower, which raises 360 meters in height. The Mall of the Emirates is a shopping mall in Dubai. It is currently owned by Majid Al Futtaim. It is currently the largest shopping mall in the Middle East. The mall will also host over 1,000 specialty shops located within the ten to fifteen distinct 'malls-within-a-mall'. The Dubai Metro is a driverless, fully mechanized metro network currently under manufacture in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai. The World's biggest shopping mall, the South China Mall in Dongguan, China, Dubai Marina is a constituency in the heart of what has a moment ago become known as 'new Dubai', in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The network will have two third rail compilation system motorized lines that will mutually run anti establishment in the city midpoint and on prominent viaducts elsewhere on double tracks. Dubai will be the boating world’s largest attraction next week, as the gates open to the 15th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the foremost trade fair in the Middle East for the leisure time marine industry.

Tel Aviv open markets

After visiting so many cities of the world, and thoroughly looking into the shopping scene of each and every one, I have come to the conclusion that Tel Aviv is a shopper's heaven. It has everything a shopping saavy tourist needs, and some of the best open markets.This article will focus on the many open markets in tel aviv, and each of the markets' uniqueness, so here it goes...1. Shuk Hakarmel - Tel Aviv's central fresh products and food market. It offers food, fruits, vegetables and also a few stands with basic clothing and lingerie. The north entrance to shuk hakarmel is from Allenby street - next to king george st. and the south entrance is from "Karmelit" bus station - next to the David intercontinental.2. Shuk Betzalel - Tel Aviv's textile and shopping market, where you can buy children's clothes, women's clothes, lingerie and other textile at extrmely low prices. Suhk Betzalel's main streets are Beit Lehem, Betzalel, Hamakabi and Tchernichovsky.Entering Shuk Betzalel can be from king george or Allenby street - to the north - west from their corner.3. Shuk Levinski - a strange mixture of a spices market, and a street for buying lamp shades. Here you can buy the best "bureks" in town, as well as spices and greek-turkish delights. Levinski market is on Levinski street - between Aliya and Hertzel streets.4. The flea market - Jaffa's biggest market is a traditional flea market. It is surrounded by many other small markets. Getting there is easiest from Jaffa's clock square - turn left after leaving the square to the south.5. Shuk Hatikva - this market is not really at the heart of Tel-Avvi, but it is one of the biggest food markets in Israel, and really worth a visit. It has recently been renovated, and now it's cleaner and tydier. The Tikva market entrance is from the "Etzel" street on "shchunat hatikva".That's it!I recommend that you visit all markets - each is unique, and gives a much better experience than any shopping mall.

San Francisco Facts - The Fascinating History of Alcatraz

Everyone knows Alcatraz as the island prison in the San Francisco Bay but Alcatraz has a long history that reaches back further than its days as a federal penitentiary. In 1853 the Army Corps of Engineers began a project to fortify the island. When the project was completed 5 years later the first soldiers arrived there. During the Civil War cannons were mounted all around the island and Alcatraz became the largest American fort west of the Mississippi.The army began sending military prisoners to the fort on Alcatraz Island in 1860 and for many years after the Civil War the island was used more and more for detaining prisoners. In 1907 Alcatraz was formally designated as a military prison and by 1912 a large concrete cell block was constructed which is still there today. While under military control Alcatraz functioned mainly as a medium security prison. Over the years it became too expensive to operate and the War Department decided to close the prison in 1934 at which time the army transferred Alcatraz to the civilian Bureau of Prisons.In the 1920's and 30's prohibition and the Great Depression were responsible for a steep increase in criminal activity. Alcatraz was where the most hardened criminals ended up. No convicts were ever sentenced to Alcatraz, all of the inmates sent there were transferred there from other federal prisons. Alcatraz was now a maximum security prison with minimum privileges. Prisoners at Alcatraz had only four rights. Food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Everything else was considered a privilege and had to be earned. Some of Alcatraz Island's most notable residents included: Robert Stroud: Better known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz" Robert Stroud was transferred to Alcatraz in 1942 from Leavenworth where he had spent the last 30 years. Stroud spent six years in segregation D Block and eleven years in the prison hospital. In 1959 he was transferred to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield Missouri where he eventually died of natural causes in 1963. George "Machine Gun" Kelly: George R. Kelly was transferred to Alcatraz in 1934 from Leavenworth in Kansas. At just 19 years old, Kelly had separated from his first wife and then got involved in bootlegging. Before long he was making a name for himself as a gangster. When he met his second wife, Katheryn Thorne who was also a seasoned criminal, the pair really started to pursue their careers and criminals not only as bootleggers but as bank robbers and kidnappers. The nickname "Machine Gun" Kelly actually came from his wife Katheryn. She purchased a machine gun for her husband and was making a name for him by passing out spent cartridge shells at the underground clubs as souvenirs from her husband "Machine Gun" Kelly. Many historians believe that she was the brains behind her husbands image and many of there successful bank robberies. Al Capone: Capone's career in crime started young and he quickly worked his way to the top. He controlled a huge criminal empire that was bringing in $10 million per year back in the 1920's. Capone was convicted in 1931 for income tax evasion and sent to Atlanta Federal Penitentiary before being transferred to Alcatraz. Capone finished his time in Alcatraz on January 6, 1939 and was transferred to Terminal Island in California to serve a one year misdemeanor sentence. From there he was released on November 16, 1939 and after a short hospital stay returned home to Florida. The army began sending military prisoners to the fort on Alcatraz Island in 1860 and for many years after the Civil War the island was used more and more for detaining prisoners. In 1907 Alcatraz was formally designated as a military prison and by 1912 a large concrete cell block was constructed which is still there today. While under military control Alcatraz functioned mainly as a medium security prison. Over the years it became too expensive to operate and the War Department decided to close the prison in 1934 at which time the army transferred Alcatraz to the civilian Bureau of Prisons. Alcatraz Finally Closes:After 29 years of operation as a federal prison Alcatraz finally closed on March 21, 1963. It simply cost too much to operate the facility, nearly three times as much as other federal prisons. Being an island, everything had to be shipped food, clothing, supplies, even fresh water. The federal government determined it was more cost effective to build a new facility than to keep Alcatraz open. In 1972 Congress established the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Alcatraz Island was included as a part of it. In October of 1973 Alcatraz was opened to the public for the first time and interest has continued to grow over the years. Each year more than 1.3 million people visit the island.

Hawaii Travel and Vacantion

Forecast—Fabulous! If you are looking for a great vacation where you don’t need a passport, or to exchange money, and place where you don’t need a translation book, start and end your search online for an unforgettable Maui vacation. You will find many choices for vacation villas that are affordable luxury for United States tourists as well as tourists from other countries. Canadians are frequent and satisfied visitors of this beautiful destination.Forecast—Beautiful! Enjoy the beautiful views of the island from your Maui beach villa. Sunsets and pristine beaches; soothing and melodic waves will be everyday sights and sounds for the duration of your stay. You can take in the beautiful views from your private lanai while you enjoy coffee in the morning or your favorite wine in the evening.Forecast—Luxurious! You will find condos available for rent that will meet your every expectation for luxury accommodations. Spacious rooms and elegant furnishings will greet you as you open the door to your luxury vacation rental. A dream gourmet kitchen with every accoutrement you can imagine. Of course, there are many great restaurants to enjoy if you are not in the mood to cook. Outside find tropical gardens complete with tiki torches, family and adults-only pools, and waterfalls and fitness centers.Forecast—Fun! If you and your family or friends are looking for a pleasurable and fun filled vacation, then check out the options for a location right for you. Every day, anytime you desire, the beautiful Pacific Ocean is steps from your door to swim or surf. Enjoy the exquisite beaches. Rent a car for the freedom of self-guided tours at your own pace or sign up for the many tour packages available through the concierge. You can take advantage of the many convenient services including house keeping during you stay. Rent a bicycle and enjoy the sights of the island. Visit the spa and shops nearby; take leisurely moon lit walks on the beach.Forecast—Perfect! Destination weddings are popular, and, if you are planning a wedding, this might be the perfect location for ceremony and guests. Combine your special day and your honeymoon in one romantically beautiful destination. You and your guests can look forward to a tropical Maui vacation. You will find this is an excellent choice for family vacations or a place to gather friends from far and wide.

China Travel – A fascinating Experience

China travel is fast becoming the top destination on the list of tourists from all over the world. And the reason is very clear, a fantastic destination China is, thousands of tourists visit it every year. A look at the map of China makes it clear that China is the largest country in the world after Russia and Canada. Located in the Eastern Asia is not only a popular tourist destination but also the leading nations of the world too. Blessed with a rich history and huge number of tourist sights China leaves the visitors amazed and stunned. The country is a treasure house of ancient, historical sites, vibrant cities and friendly people. A full tour of the country can take couple of years easily but when visiting the country some of the attractions are inevitable to miss out on.The great wall - One of the masterpieces that will leave you fascinated during your China travel is the Great Wall of China. It is a historical and cultural masterpiece of the country, which is not possible for any visitor to skip on his travel to China. It is a beautiful place and very popular among the tourists. The history of the wall goes back to mote than 2,000 years during the period of Warring States. Walls were built around their territories to self protect one from the enemies. This was the beginning of building the walls and subsequently dynasties continued building the walls to protect them. It is one of the undeniable facts about China that this wall is the longest defense wall in the world.The temple of heaven - Temple of heaven found a place in the list of world heritage sites in 1998 and is today one of the most scenic spots in the country. Located in the southern part of Beijing was built in 1420 by the emperors who used this place for worshipping their gods. The temple is a perfect example of the finest blend of the art and architecture. It is an amazing work of art, architecture and landscape design, which had a deep impact and influence on the architecture planning of the surrounding regions for many centuries. The design of the temple stands for theories of feudal system, which were a part of the country for many centuries. According to the legends, it is the right meeting point of heaven and Earth. Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses- In Xian lies a site where there are Terracotta warriors and horses, which have been there for mote than 2000 years now. The site has been named as the ‘Museum of Emperor Qin Shihuang’s Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses’. This incredible site was discovered accidently in March 1974, when the farmers were digging for a well. Thus, this way the greatest archaeological site was discovered. The first site was named as the Vault one as the next were uncovered; they were given the names of Vault two and Vault three. All these vaults contain thousands of life sized terracotta warriors. The whole army is places that would accompany the emperor to battle. Potala Palace - A sacred place for hundred of years, and the residence of the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhism Dalai Lama is the Potala Palace. Built in the seventh century by Songtsen Gampo is located on the Red Mountains in Lhasa. One will find a huge treasure of materials that are witness to the Tibetan history, culture, and religion. Pilgrims line up every year from all parts of the country to pay homage at this sacred place. The Forbidden City - This enchanting Forbidden city is the world’s well known architecture located in Beijing. It is China’s group of palaces that are the bets and largest in the country. It consists of thousands of beautiful room and wonderful towers. The facts about China reveal the history of Forbidden City, which was the palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties. The work on the palace started during the rule of Emperor Yongle of Ming dynasty and finished 14 years later. Yellow Mountain- One of the most renowned mountains of china is located in the southern part of Anhui province. The mountain has number of peaks among which the Tiandu Peak, Lotus peak and the Bright Summit peak are the important all standing at a very high altitude. A World Natural and Cultural heritage, the Yellow Mountain is known for its splendor, beauty, and the scenic spots like the hot springs, loud sea, pine forests and strange stone. The mountains though today look young but it has a long history hidden in the ancient books, poems, and paintings.

Travel to Ireland

Ireland is an island in the northwest of Europe with an area of 32,595 sq miles. About 370 km (230 miles) long by 225 km (140 miles) wide, Ireland comprises the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The population of the island of Ireland is approximately 5.8 million people, 4.1 million in the Republic of Ireland and 1.7 million in Northern Ireland. Ireland is the third largest island in Europe.Geography: Ireland has thirty-two counties, and four provinces: Connacht, Leinster, Munster and Ulster. A ring of coastal mountains surrounds low central plains. About five percent of Irish land is under forest. The island's green vegetation is a product of its mild climate and frequent but soft rainfall. Ireland's most scenic areas lie in the south western and western counties. These areas are largely mountainous and rocky, with beautiful green views.Irish: is the Celtic language of Ireland. It was brought to Ireland by Celtic invaders in 1000 BC, and to the end of the 18th century, was spoken by the majority of the people. The English language gained ground rapidly and Irish is now spoken regularly only in certain areas in the west of Ireland. It is taught in all schools, but despite active support from the government of Ireland, there are probably fewer than 90,000 speakers. It is the first official language of the Irish Republic and recently became an official language of the European Union (EU).Literature and the arts: For such a small country, Ireland has made a large contribution to world of art and literature in all its branches, mainly in English. In more recent times, Ireland has produced four winners of the Nobel Prize for literature: George Bernard Shaw, William Butler Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Seamus Heaney. James Joyce is widely considered as one of the most significant writers of the 20th century. His novel: Ulysses is considered one of the greatest novels of the 20th century.Landscape: The Irish landscape is one of Ireland’s greatest attractions. Ireland's most scenic areas lie in the south western and western counties. There are several National Parks filled with towering hills, romantic lakes, and will always remain Irelands most unspoiled treasures. Magnificent scenery has attracted many visitors to these parks for years.Climate: The Atlantic Gulf Stream keeps the Irish climate mild most of the year. Average temperatures in winter are 4 - 7o C, and in summer are 14 - 18o C. Rainfall is heaviest in the west and lightest in the southeast, but at all times very unpredictable. Sport: Gaelic hurling and football are the most popular sports in Ireland - they make up the national sports of Ireland, known as Gaelic Games. All Gaelic games are governed by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).Other main sports include: Rugby, Football (soccer), Horse racing and Greyhound racing.

Travel to Italy Land of Beauty and History

Italy, the land of beauty, fashion, history and culture has been regarded as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. For those who like to travel and visit romantic places, Italy is the best place to stop at, not only it is romantic but it has extremely interesting buildings, monuments and architectural achievements which are part of history, so those who love to scrutinize the meaning behind art will find this place to be a fantastic historical and artistic puzzle.When traveling to this fantastic country it is important to make sure you plan the tours you want to take and the places you want to visit since some tours and guides will show you around the most tourist places and other tours will take you on exclusive rides throughout a specific region. One thing is sure though, Italy is a big country which has much to offer to the tourist and it can't all be seen in just one trip.Great musicians born in Italy have written and composed touching musical pieces and those who appreciate this form art dream about taking a gondola ride to the soothing and romantic lyrics of songs such as "O Sole Mio" or "Time to say Goodbye (Con Te Partiro) - Andrea Boccelli & Sarah Brightman", as you may think this is definitively the perfect place to spend an unforgettable honey moon.Once you are in Italy a couple of cities you definitively must visit are Rome and of course the already mentioned Venice, this doesn't mean that these two places hold all of Italy's attractions, it only means that there are several interesting landmarks which you definitively have to see in person. In Rome you can find the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon among several other landmarks and tourists attractions; Venice on the other hand is much appreciated and admired for being the "floating city" because all of it is placed on water. This city is actually sinking so as a tourist it is better to visit this beautiful place while it is still a float!Whenever you decide to take some time of and get a way for a couple of weeks your plans should definitively include Italy because of the many attractions, culture, architecture and rich heritage which can't be found anywhere else. Italy is best known for its fantastic people and it's definitively a place which most tourists hope to be in at least once in their lifetime.