Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Book a Holiday to Malta

By:Edward Penza


Malta is a small island state in Europe, in the middle of the Mediterranean and is a popular holiday destination for many Europeans, mostly from the U.K., Germany, Italy, France and Holland. Tourists visit the island for various reasons and the island offers a variety of facets that will be of interest for most types of travellers. This article provides you with the top 10 reasons why booking Malta holidays is a great idea, not only for next summer’s holiday season but all year round!

10. Language and money in Malta

The Maltese have their own language (‘Maltese’) but the country has two official languages, with the second official language being English. Malta was under British rule for 160 years, gaining independence in 1964, but leaving the Maltese with a relatively strong knowledge of the English language, although Maltese is much more widely spoken and is the mother tongue for the vast majority of Maltese. For English speaking tourists this means that communication is almost no problem, which is definitely a benefit when on holiday. Although at the moment the Maltese Lira is still the only valid currency, the Euro will be introduced on January 1st, 2008 and many retailers in tourist areas already accept Euros for cash payment.

9. Sports and leisure activities during your Malta holidays

Malta is a great location for a variety of sports, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, para gliding, wind surfing and yachting. Plenty of activities to keep you entertained, no matter the time of year. Most materials needed for these sports are available for low-priced rent and there are various locations on the islands where these sports can be exercised. Gozo is a particularly popular location for rock climbing, thanks to its steep cliffs, and mountain biking thanks to its quiet roads and excellent hill climbs.

Events, such as pop concerts and theatre shows, but also historical re-enactments such as In Guardia are popular among both tourists and locals and provide great entertainment for the whole family. Are you a fan of watching sports? Don’t worry about missing any big matches or events – satellite reception is widely used by the more popular pubs and there are plenty of appetizers and beer around to enjoy your favourite sports.

8. Getting around in Malta is easy and cheap!

Don’t you hate it when you go for a holiday and it takes you ages to get to the beach or to visit a few cities, museums? Don’t you hate it when it takes a whole day to take one excursion, when you waste so much time on travelling from place to place which makes you wonder whether it was even worth the hassle? If your answer is yes, then Malta is definitely the holiday destination for you. It takes less than an hour to get from one side to the island to the other and there’s such a high concentration of places of interest, beaches, holiday resorts and places for entertainment (restaurants, clubs, cinemas etc.), you’ll wish you’d have known about Malta earlier!

A lot of tourists decide to visit Malta a second time and sometimes more, simply for the reason that there’s just so much to do and to see, and it takes so little money and time to get around and spend quality holiday time.

7. Gozo offers a peaceful setting for your Malta holidays

Malta is not just about Malta. Yes, that’s right, The Republic of Malta also covers Gozo, which is Malta’s sister island and is said to be the island that Malta used to be a long time ago – rural, quiet and untouched. Gozo is a great place for a peaceful (family or couples) holidays, with beautiful beaches and countryside views. Visit the capital Victoria, with its Citadel in the centre – a fortified part of the village which used to offer the inhabitants of Gozo shelter against foreign invaders, similar to Mdina’s surrounding walls on the main island Malta. The seaside town of Xlendi is a popular tourist destination, offering a beautiful view of its bay surrounded by high cliffs. Ramla l-Hamla and San Blas Bay are beautiful beaches to go for a swim, one being larger and busier, the other being more secluded and more difficult to get to (steep hill descent) but much worth the effort.

As of recent, a shuttle bus service is available, taking you straight from the airport to the ferries in the Northern most tip of the island of Malta, making arrangements for a Gozo holiday a little easier to plan for.

6. Malta has a rich culture and heritage

Throughout the ages, the Maltese islands have seen various foreign rulers coming and going, and leaving behind their stamps on Maltese culture. As a result, Malta is soaked in culture and heritage and offers a large number of cultural and historical sites in very short distances from each other, making Malta a unique place in the world map of culture and heritage. Both in the Maltese language and culture remnants of Phoenician, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Turks, French and English invaders can still be found today and this melting pot of cultures is of interest to many tourists visiting the Maltese islands on holiday.

5. Good quality hotels and accommodation

Good quality hotels and self-catering apartments are widely available at very reasonable prices. Package deals are usually the way to go, but booked separately the cost versus quality of accommodation is very good. The main areas for holiday resorts are St. Julian’s, Bugibba/Qawra, and Sliema, which are all situated in the Northern part of Malta. Accommodation in St. Julian’s is recommended if you enjoy spending your nights going out but, being close to the nightlife hub of Malta, is not advisable for couples and family who are looking for peace and serenity. For those travellers, places like Mellieha and St. Paul’s Bay are much better places to stay.

4. Malta is an all year round destination

A flight from London to Malta takes less than three hours, but the difference in climate is huge. Mild winters and warm summers with an average temperature of 32C means excellent weather for both hot summer holidays as well as great holiday weather in winter, to escape from the cold back home. There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained all year round and for example hiking is a popular way of spending days out in the countryside in winter, enjoying the scenery and serenity. Most cultural and historical hotspots are open all year round, and although open air clubs don’t open during the winter months, nightlife in Malta goes on throughout the whole year.

3. Malta offers a great nightlife to complement your daily activities

Nights out on the town are a ton of fun, since Malta hosts a true clubbing hub that goes by the name of Paceville (St. Julian’s) and which offers a large number of clubs which are situated literally door to door and which play different genres of music to suit everyone’s tastes. Open air clubs, however, are what makes clubbing in Malta rather special. Spending your warm summer nights dancing to the latest club and trance anthems or smooth R&B and hiphop beats under the stars is just something else and a must do on your holiday to Malta.

2. Malta holidays now come with cheap flights

That’s right – low cost airlines have found Malta and offer dirt cheap flights to the island outside of the high season and regular cheap flights in summer. These airlines offer flights departing from a select number of places in Europe, such as London, Dublin, Barcelona, Oslo, Stockholm, Pisa (Italy) and Bremen (Germany). Look for airlines the likes of Ryanair, Norwegian Air Shuttle and Clickair, but don’t forget to check Malta’s national airline Air Malta, which regularly offers low cost flights to a much larger number of European destinations.

1. Malta holidays offer more than any other Mediterranean destination

You could say that the top reason for visiting Malta is a combination of all other reasons listed above: There are a lot of different things you can do during your holiday in Malta and you’ll never be bored if you get the right info. Baking in the sun on the beach is great for relaxation after a long year of work or school, but most people would prefer adding a little variety to the time they spend on holiday. So if you’d like to go somewhere else besides the beach, why not visit on the many places of interest around the island? Visit the old capital city of Mdina, for example, surrounded by bastions and oozing with history and an ambiance you’ll never forget. Why not take a trip to sister island Gozo, with its serene country views and attractions such as the Azure Window, a rock formation sculpted by the sea.

Evenings will never be boring when you know where to go. There is plenty of choice when it comes to dining out, as quality restaurants can be found in most parts of the island. Wine bars and pubs are also popular in Malta and provide quality wines and both local and international lagers, beers and various popular brands of liquor. There’s plenty of opportunity for clubbing and open air clubs and parties are a must see if clubbing is your ideal night out.

Plan your outings by getting information beforehand! Inform yourself before travelling by learning more about Malta and what Malta holidays can offer you. GuideToMalta.net gives you all the ins and outs about what you can expect from Malta, its people and culture, its beaches, restaurants and hotels and much more!

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

The Marvelous Melbourne

Author: Alex


Melbourne is the commercial, industrial, and cultural centre of Australia. The second most populous city is also the sporting and cultural capital. In Melbourne the traveler would be able to witness the Victorian and the contemporary architecture. Here the tram network, the Victorian Parks and gardens are some of the other attractions of the city. Melbourne being the cultural centre boasts of many art galleries, film festivals, live music, wine and coffee culture. Every year millions of travelers come from different parts of the world to witness the attractions of the city. Travelers come to Melbourne to witness the popular all year festivals, sports events, and the eat outs that offer exotic cuisines making the city vibrant. Melbourne is also the perfect base to visit the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and Dandenong Ranges.

The hotels in Melbourne cater to the needs of the travelers to suit their budget and style. The accommodation in Melbourne is varied and here the traveler can find many hotels that range from 5 star luxury hotels to budget economy hotel. All types of travelers can find the accommodation to make their holiday memorable.

Some of the major hotel groups in Melbourne include Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Melia, Crowne Plaza, Radisson, Best Western, Comfort Inn, Quality Inns and others. The hotels are known for their services and facilities to make the time spent in Melbourne unique. The prices of these hotels vary according to their location, facilities and services. The luxury hotels are known for their superb location and services whereas the budget hotels offer accommodation that is good value for money.

The hotels in Melbourne are located at important and strategic places to cater to the needs of the travelers. The hotels are located near to the airport, Downtown, North Melbourne, South Melbourne, South Yarra and other areas. The hotels in Melbourne also offer the option to reserve the accommodation online in advance to avoid the last minute confusion.

Summary
Melbourne vacation would be a unique experience to relax and to enjoy the time with near and dear ones. The city being the business center is also the favorite destination for the business travelers. The city with its location, attractions and multi cultural ambience make it a sought after destination throughout the world. Along with all this the hotels in Melbourne offer the best services for the travelers from all across the world.

Leave all your worries behind regarding the hotels in Melbourne as AsiaRooms brings for you latest and extensive database of hotels worldwide.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_253859_29.html

Tourism in Canada. Regions’ overview

Author: t_kogutenko




Tourism in Canada is an extensive subject since the country is big and rich in attractions. That is why one trip to Canada would not be enough to observe the whole country. One useful advise would be to choose one or two definite regions and scrutinize them carefully. Each region is unlike the other – still, they are united by the good quality of services and beautiful nature.

The Atlantic provinces of East Canada are New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island – P.E.I, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador peninsula. These provinces, their history and culture were immensely influenced by the proximity of water, and sometimes it seems that the ocean and the land blend together. The region has lots of attractions, such as Celtic music and maritime arts, colourful nature and delicious sea food. While on your visit to this part of Canada we advise you to look into Halifax sea port and its excellent harbour, get acquainted with Gros Morne National Park wildlife (on Newfoundland and Labrador territory). You can also make visit to the Hartland Covered Bridge – the longest covered bridge in the world. And, of course, a visit to Quebec and Ontario is a must.

Even though each part of Canada is worth visiting, Quebec is probably the most unique of them. The reason for this is its French heritage. Despite the fact that there are French emigrants living around the country, Quebec bears the most visible French traces: this can be seen through its architecture and the whole atmosphere. Many attractions have something to do with St Lawrence River, which crosses the province. Those are national parks and reserves as well as stunning fjords of the Saguenay River. Two main Quebec cities are Montreal and Quebec City with lots of historic monuments, unusual festivals and the feeling of refinement.

Ontario is the Canadian cultural and economical centre. While planning a trip to Ontario, don’t miss a huge city – Toronto, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Also make a visit to Ottawa – the capital of Canada, and the renowned Niagara Falls, which make this province a highly visited place. There are also some natural spots worth seeing: the province is rich in landscapes and sceneries, from southern vineyards to northern wildlife.

Your trip to Canada will be an unforgettable experience if you visit the north-western part of Ontario, its picturesque lakes and lush woods. Alonguin Provincial Park is popular with kayakers and those fond of lake beaches.

The so-called Canadian Prairie Provinces are Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. They are also often called «the world’s bread basket» because they provide millions of people with wheat and other cereal crops. Boundless fields are the view you will never forget. However, its not the only attraction of the Prairie Provinces. There are also huge lakes like Lake Winnipeg and cities such as Calgary (known for Calgary Stampede), Edmonton with its huge shopping centre, Winnipeg – motherland of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Those fond of exotics can take a train to Churchill (Hudson Bay) to see polar bears and belugas.

Canadian Rockies are in the south-western part of Albert and the south-east of British Columbia. People from all over the world come here for skiing, green forests, snowy mountaintops and the feeling of unity with nature. It doesn’t matter what kind of skier you are – you will definitely find a track for yourself. Large part of the Rockies is covered with national parks, the most popular of which are Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. In each park there is a settlement where tourists can find proper accommodation – from luxurious to cheap campings. There are also museums, theatres, shops, art galleries and secluded spots.

Your trip to Canada will be incomplete if you don’t visit British Columbia. The province offers all kinds of landscapes and entertainment. Its special attraction is Vancouver, located on the coast and surrounded with mountain peaks. There are many things worth seeing while your stay in Canada: museums, galleries, breathtaking parks and shops. The other city that deserves one’s attention is Victoria, often called “little England in Canada”.

If you want to get acquainted with the Northern Canada, plan a separate trip, not connected with the trip to other Canadian spots. This part of Canada lives its own life and has its own world that consists of three territories: Yukon, Northwest territories and Nunavut. What makes it so inviting is its inaccessibility which will add an adventurous taste to your trip. This is the place to enjoy magnificent wildlife, communicate with local inhabitants and participate in local holidays. Local administrative centers – Yellowknife and Igaluit are small towns which are nevertheless very interesting to see. While your visit to Northern Canada you have a chance to see two unique nature phenomena: northern lights (best seen August – January) and Solstice (in mid summer), widely celebrated by local people.

Hotels in Canada - Canada hotel reservation.

Toronto hotels - Toronto hotel reservation.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_253912_29.html

Island Paradise, Sri Lanka as a Tour Destination

Author: Manoj Gursahani







Have you picked on island paradise Sri Lanka as a tour destination?

The island of Sri Lanka is shaped like a teardrop in the heart of the Indian Ocean and is the world’s famous producer of Ceylonese Tea, known for its restorative qualities and spirit-reviving ability to de-stress and detoxify. A unique blend of varied culture, crafts and cuisine makes Sri Lanka an exciting and adventurous bid for a tour destination, especially for the nature lovers that global tourists need be. Earlier referred to as Ceylon, long-remembered for being the location of the radio station belting out golden oldies and clever commentary by the host of the program, Sri Lanka is today a multicultural and metropolitan mix of modern and tradition lifestyles.

Sri Lanka as a tour destination: what it offers the modern tourist today, socially and culturally.

A unification of various cultures and languages, Sri Lanka also affords an openness and genuine acceptability to all its citizens and visitors in terms of reverence for secular beliefs. Different religions co-mingle with Buddhism and Islam, Christianity and Hinduism receive equal veneration from the state, as do the different tongues spoken here; predominant ones being Sinhalese, Tamil and English.

Sri Lanka as a tour destination: a quick guide to popular hotspots

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital affords a glimpse into the country’s evolving strength as a modern and proudly-true-to-its-culture civilization and so, is a must visit spot; while other hotspots of tourist interest include Kandy, Galle, Sigiriya, Trincomalee, Hikkaduwa, Nuwara Eliya and Jaffna!



Manoj Gursahani is the Chairman of India's first ecommerce travel portal- TravelMartIndia. Visit the blog for more travel related issues, travel tips and destinations

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_130750_29.html

Orlando Disneyland Vacation Rental Homes

You have decided to bring your family to Disneyland in Orlando for a family holiday vacation. You do know that getting a comfortable hotel room for a family of 4 or more is usually a hassle because there is only one television set and your children will fight over which program to watch.

What is more, with only one bathroom, cleaning up and dressed is like waiting in a long queue for a thrill ride in, well, Disneyland. Your family will feel cramped, stifled and tempers can flare up easily unless you book two hotel rooms and that may be expensive in Orlando especially in hotels nearer Disney World.

Is this really a holiday vacation hotel room or a prison cell? Is there any better way to enjoy your Disney holiday?

Well, you certainly have other accommodation options such as staying in vacation rentals homes. Do you know that even Disney is in the business of renting out vacation homes? This is certainly an indication of the high demand of vacation rental homes in Orlando.

You can either book your vacation rental homes with Disney, your travel agent or the local home rental businesses. There is certainly no shortage of them in Orlando.

Vacation rental homes come in many shape and sizes and they range from 3 or more bedrooms. An up-market 3 bedroom rental vacation home could have 2 or 3 bathrooms so that everybody can shower, do what people normally do when they visit the bathrooms and everyone get ready at their own leisurely time.

Then, there may even be television sets in every bedroom so that your children need not fight over their favorite television program.

Since most, if not all vacation rental homes in Orlando come with a fully equipped kitchen, you can always choose to cook rather than eating out in expensive restaurants so as to cut down the cost of your family vacation.

What is even better, you can even dine al fresco style by the poolside under the stars without breaking any rigid hotel standing orders.

With a private swimming pool at your vacation rental home, every family member can have a dip and sun bathe under the tropical sun for a much needed sun tan without jostling with other hotel guests. Most vacation rental home's swimming pools are enclosed with a net to keep out annoying biting insects thus allowing you absolute freedom to swim anytime without having to endure pesky irritating insect bites.

There are many beautiful villas for rental along the Florida coast where you can enjoy the sun, sea and fresh air in the comfort of your own vacation rental home. Your children will love frolicking in the sea, playing on the lovely beaches building sand castles by just stepping out of your vacation rental home. How much more convenient can it get?

Just like any full serviced apartments, many convenient services can be hired in vacation rental homes such as you can have laundry facilities in your holiday rental home at no extra cost.

If you think that cooking and washing dishes is a hassle, you can even order home deliveries. Again this saves you time and money as laundry services and dining can be quite expensive in hotels.

Therefore, when you are considering a family Disney vacation to Orlando, do give consideration to staying in a vacation rental home so that you can have a pleasant and fun filled holiday with your beloved family.

By:

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Chris Chew is an avid traveler. More travel articles at his websites at Philippines Tourist Information and Boracay Beach Resorts

Travel Like The Rich And Famous

First, you need the money to travel. Air travel and cruises can be expensive, so the safest bet is for you to earn as much money as you can. You can start by making money online. Sure, this is a long shot, but it can give you a lot of residual income that you can use as you assemble your travel itinerary and live your dreams. There are many ways to make money online: you can put up a website or blog, and write really useful content, and then apply to be paid to write such content; you can post affiliate links or ads on your site, so that you can get commissions each time your visitors click on these links or ads; or you can simply put up your own business and market products or services.

Supplement this income by keeping your day job and by saving a lot of money. Set aside a couple of hundreds each week as your special traveling fund. Make a habit of setting this money aside, and have no excuse whatsoever to take anything out of that fund. Always keep in mind that traveling is an investment in your mind traveling widens your horizons and makes you more acquainted with other cultures; traveling makes you dream about the things that you do not have yet, but it can also make you more aware of and appreciative of the things that you do have. If you have this mindset about traveling, you will not have a difficult time setting money aside.

Always be on the lookout for budget tours and travel packages that can help you save money. Many famous locations, such as Rome, Venice, Madrid, Cannes, the French Riviera, and Monaco can be expensive to go to, but because they are so popular, it will only be a matter of time before more and more packages are offered for such locations. Ask your local travel agent about travel rates to these places so that you have a benchmark to determine whether a travel package or budget tour will really save you money.

Check out the websites of airlines, as many airlines offer their own package tours, complete with hotel stays. Such tours can save you money on both tours and airfare, so be on the lookout for bargains. See if you can get discounts on tickets, especially if you book months, or even a year in advance. Discounts can help you travel to your dream location in the first place, so that all you have to worry about are accommodations and tours.

Be on the lookout online for new hotels and pension houses at your favored destination. They can offer you discounts, perhaps even day tours or walking tours of your destination city. One school of thought is that you can stay at a budget pension house because all you need to do is sleep there traveling like the rich and famous need not entail sleeping like the rich and famous, as you can still save enough money to eat out at good restaurants or buy luxury items from your traveling location of choice.

Another school of thought involves reaching out to people who can be your friends at the destination of choice. Look for people online who live at the locations you want to go to. Make new friends, widen your digital social circle, and communicate with these people regularly. The natives of a place might not be able to offer you their homes for you to sleep in, but they can recommend good places for you to shop in, rent rooms at, or visit when you finally get your tickets to visit them.

Traveling like the rich and famous can be easy if you have a few tricks up your sleeve. If you know how to save money before and during your trip, and if you know how to use your money wisely, you can have the travel package you have always dreamed about.

By: Ronald W. Firquain

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Ronald Firquain is a writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 16 years of computer knowledge. You can download ebooks for making money online, building a website, play golf, guitar and more. For more information goto:

Bushwalking In South Australia

South Australia offers amazing diversity and breathtaking beauty in every direction. For the nature lover you can choose from the large number of sprawling parks surrounding the city of Adelaide to the vast Flinders Ranges that are a bushwalkers dream. Head to the Peninsulas for some coastal views or relax in the Barossa Valley. Whatever destination you choose, your hire car will give you the freedom to enjoy your walking holiday to the maximum.

Adelaide is known for its green parks, and one of the closest is the Black Hill Conservation Park which has a number of walking trails and viewpoints that make the trip worthwhile. Bring a picnic as there are a number of great picnic spots dotted around the park. Close to twenty kilometres south from the city is the Cleland Conservation Park, which offers guided walks at dusk to see the native animals at their best. There are plenty of tracks here, one heading to Waterfall Gully which is especially majestic during the rainy season. Eagle on the Hill is a more strenuous walk with fantastic views.

The Morialta Conservation Park is a must, with plenty of walking tracks, three beautiful waterfalls and spectacular views. Only ten kilometres east from the city, it is perfect for a day trip and relaxing picnic.

The largest park located forty kilometres from the city is known for its native animals, deep gorge, river system and of course fantastic bushwalking tracks. The Onkaparinga National park is an obvious choice for those who don't have the time to visit the Flinders Ranges, but would still like a taste of its remote beauty. Throughout the walks you will come across colourful orchids, plenty of grey kangaroos and an abundant species of birdlife, and there are plenty of great picnic spots. With the Mt Lofty ranges as a fitting backdrop you will want to spend more than a day here.

The Flinders Range National Park is one of the most popular regions for bushwalkers, who travel here from all over the globe. The combination of mountains, gorges, wildlife and lush vegetation is perfect for an escape walking holiday. You will be enthralled by the birdlife, including majestic wedge-tailed eagles, as well as the grey kangaroos which dominate this area.

Wilpena Pound is one of the most popular attractions in the area, with plenty of bushwalking tracks and ideal for photographers. Edeowie and Brachina Gorges also are incredible for walking, as well as the Bunyeroo and Aroona Valleys. The Heysen Trail is the most well known walking track that runs from Cape Jervis in the south to the centre of the Flinders Ranges. At 1500 kilometres you need to be well travelled to complete the journey, but you can enjoy the walk in stretches. There are plenty of campsites in the ranges to use as a base while you enjoy the surrounding beauty.

To the north of the Ranges and located west from Arkaroola, the Gammon Ranges are ideal for the experienced bushwalker only. You can camp in the park but you will need to stick to the track as you will come across plenty of steep terrain and cliff faces. Its remoteness and untouched wilderness is a drawcard for many who keep coming back for the wildlife and beauty of this region.

To the south of the ranges is the well known Mount Remarkable National Park, which offers bushwalking for all levels of fitness. Its fantastic for any age group with incredible scenery and wildlife to be seen along the tracks. Head to the town of Melrose, located below Mount Remarkable, which can be a good base while you explore the surrounding park.

On the other end of the famous Heysen Trail, the Fleurieu Peninsula has plenty of shorter walks and campsites that are ideal for a weekend getaway on the coast. Head to Kangaroo Island for a day trip and enjoy the diverse wildlife that is hard to match on the mainland. Cape Jervis is a popular starting point for its first stretch (on the way to the distant Flinders Ranges) to Newland Head. You will be treated to panoramic views of the coast and deep blues of the ocean.

The Eyre Peninsula has plenty of challenge for the more experienced bushwalker. With trails along the coastline and cliff tops leading down to enclosed bays, many visitors end up in the Lincoln National Park with campgrounds available close to the pretty Port Lincoln.

From the novice to the beginner, there is a walking track for everyone in South Australia. Take your hire car to as many
as you can and enjoy the freedom of a self drive holiday in the beauty of the outdoors.

By: Jenny Brewer

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia

A Quick Tour Of Italy - Central Sardinia

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the island of Sardinia, a region of southern Italy. Depending on your interests, this beautiful area can be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. Some parts of Sardinia remain undiscovered by tourists, while other sites are jet setter favorites and are priced accordingly. This article presents central Sardinia. Companion articles present northern Sardinia and southern Sardinia.

Su Nuraxi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the finest example of a 4000 year-old stone defensive structure called nuraghe found only in Sardinia. Nuraghe are typically shaped like a beehive, built with huge stone blocks, but without foundations or cement. Each mound contains one or more rooms and perhaps a courtyard and may be over sixty feet (twenty meters) high. Sardinia boasts over 8,000 nuraghe. Don't miss the ruins of the surrounding Bronze-Age village.

Giari di Gesturi is a 28 square mile (45 square kilometer) basalt plateau. It's home to dwarf wild horses and wild sheep with beautiful curved horns that made them an endangered species. See these magnificent animals while there is still time.

Nuoro overlooks the mountains. This is the real Sardinia, not the coastal resorts. Natives feel a special pride that foreigners have never conquered them. Traditions are very much part of the local daily life and the numerous village festivals.

Nuoro is proud of its captivating landscapes, walking and riding paths along old shepherd's trails, and extravagantly romantic places with rare species of birds. Archaeological finds and fascinating folklore and legends abound. Yet the city is no intellectual wasteland. It is called "the Sardinian Athens" because of its large number of poets, writers, and intellectuals including Grazia Deledda, the second woman to win a Nobel Prize for Literature (1926), born and raised in Nuoro.

There are more than 500 types of bread in Sardinia, one for each village. The most famous is the pani carasau that resembles thin pita. See our companion article I Love Touring Italy - Southern Sardinia for a sample menu and more information on Sardinia wines as well as an in-depth examination of the area's tourist attractions. The Vernaccia di Oristano DOC wine is produced in a small area near the city of Oristano from a local white grape of that name. According to legend the vines come from the tears of Santa Giusta, patroness of Oristano and the wine helps fight malaria.

By: Levi Reiss

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Levi Reiss authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, prefers drinking fine wine with great food, and hates dieting. He teaches computers at an Ontario French-language college. Visit his new wine, diet, health, and nutrition website www.wineinyourdiet.com and his other sites including www.theworldwidewine.com and www.travelitalytravel.com

Alaska Cruises: Beauty Off The Beaten Track

While the stereotypical picture of a vacation cruise invariably includes palm trees, tropically turquoise seas and skies, and dazzlingly white clouds drifting above even more dazzlingly white beaches, one of the surprisingly popular and anything but stereotypical cruise destinations is Alaska.

Alaska, as anyone who has been there realizes, is a world unto itself, even though it is officially the 49th of the US’ 50 states. Alaska cruises keep the dazzlingly white clouds, but replaces white sands with the glistening white of its magnificent glaciers, and the turquoise seas with its endless lakes, coastal inlets, and primeval rivers.

Alaska Cruise Attractions

Alaska cruises will bring you to one of the last remaining unspoiled wildernesses on Earth, where you can begin to understand solitude in the presence of endless forests and mountain peaks. Alaska cruises will bring you within sight of the magnificent humpback whales of the Inland Passage and Frederick Sound.

You can marvel at the totem poles of Ketchikan or explore the remnants of the Yukon Gold Rush with an Alaska cruise which combines your sailing experience with a trip aboard the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Or you can arrange to spend time at a land lodge in the six-million acres of Denali National Park, where you can enjoy wildlife bus tours, take a Natural History hike to Primrose Ridge, or watch a sled-dog demonstration and learn how these beautiful and intelligent animals have become an integral part of the Park’s management system. You can also branch out from the Park and treat yourself to some horseback riding, rafting, or aerial sightseeing.

When To Sail

Alaska cruises are limited to the warm weather season between May and September, and while midsummer is the most popular time for sailing, Alaska cruises taken in May will bewitch you with vistas brilliant with wildflowers. End-of-the-season Alaska cruises will be equally resplendent as the mountainsides blaze with autumn foliage.

You will, however, have to weigh the positives of early or late-season Alaska cruises against negative of an increased chance for unsettled weather. In the height of summer, you can enjoy the amazing experience of sunshine at midnight, and will be able to spend hours on deck enjoying the incomparable scenery and crystal clear air. Your entire Alaska cruise will be enhanced throughout with a continuing stream of meals as good as any you will ever eat, and shipboard entertainment incase your brain gets overloaded trying to process so much natural beauty!

If you are from a part of the world where summertime seems to be getting hotter and more uncomfortable with each passing year, why not do some research on Alaska cruises and make plans to beat the heat next summer with your personally designed itinerary?

By: David Faulkner

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

You can also find more info on european discount cruises and hawaii cruises.Best-cruiselines.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about Luxury cruises.

Gleefully Experience London On A River Thames Boat Hire

Of course everyone knows that the River Thames runs through the center of London but people are only now discovering that you can hire a boat to take a sight seeing trip on the River Thames. If you are interested in sight seeing then there is no better way to see the most historic sights of London then by boat on the River Thames.

This is because Old London was built up along the water front and there is no clearer view of all the sights that are there than by boat. Whether you are interested in an adventure by speed boat for you and a few of your friends, or have a largar group, finding a boat to acomódate you is no problem at all.

There are even multi-decked craft that can carry up to two-hundred and forty people for a corporate event or a wedding party. Some of these larger boats come with full dining and cocktail lounge facilities as well and the cuisine is superb.

For photography, a boat trip along the River Thames is a veritable gold mine of oportunities with uncluttered views of the Tower of London, Parliament and much, much more. Even if you are interested in getting in some angling on the River Thames there is a boat there to accomodate you. You will find that the boarding facilities are first rate with plenty of safe parking, dining facilities and easy to locate restrooms.

The great thing about touring London by boat is that you won´t have to deal with the crowds of tourists and all of the captains and crew are expert tour guides with a wealth of knowledge to share with you. Prices are very reasonable and you will have no trouble finding a boat to fit your needs. It is important that you make reservations ahead of time and let them know how many people will be in your party.

By: Joseph Ringwald

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Written by Joseph Ringwald. Find the latest information on London Corporate Boat Hire as well as River Thames Boat Hire

How To Find A Cheap Holiday Flight

Holiday is the time of the year for you to relax and enjoy quality time with your family. There are a great variety of ways you can spend your holiday, including relaxing beach holidays under the warm sun, or adventurous holidays with outdoor activities such as swimming, camping and hiking. Some might prefer a romantic holiday with their partner. No matter how you prefer to spend your holiday, one of the things I urge you to consider is to choose a cheap holiday deal in order for you to save money while still having the kind of holiday that you dream about.

Cheap holiday flights

Are you searching for cheap holiday flights? It is indeed possible to grab a cheap holiday flight. The key to find a cheap holiday flight even to exotic locations like Canary Islands, Egypt or Turkey is to stay flexible and to compare many different cheap holiday offers from many different travel agencies before you settle on anything. One thing people seldom consider is that if they find a cheap holiday flight that seems really really good, they should pick it up before the price goes up, otherwise they risk that the cheap holiday flight becomes completely booked.

Stay Flexible

If you are flexible about arrival times as well as departure place and dates, a lot of flight companies offer special cheap holiday deals. You will also be able to find special cheap holiday packages through specialized tour groups and travel companies that are dedicated to a niche. You should compare the prices and figure out which departure places and arrival times that works for you, and furthermore you should be able to find a cheap holiday deal that suits your needs. Then all that is left for you is to go and enjoy your cheap holiday deal.

Finding cheap accommodations

When it comes to accommodations on your cheap holiday deal you can be sure that there are a lot of different options available to you. In exotic holiday destinations there are often resort hotels, beach houses and condominium rentals just to pick a few of the accommodation options available. The way to pick the best deal on a holiday accommodation is to figure out what it is that you want and what you do not want and then to compare as many different cheap holiday deals on accommodations that you can find.

A lot of online travel agencies and cheap holiday comparison sites do their best to make it easy for you to grab a really cheap holiday deal. As long as you are willing to put some effort into the search for the best cheap holiday deal, there are no reasons why you should not be able to find an amazing cheap holiday deal on the holiday of your dreams. No matter where you decide to spend your cheap holiday vacation and what can kind of vacation you decide it to be, then finding a great cheap holiday deal for a really amazing low price is a completely attainable goal.

By:

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Do you consider taking a cheap holiday? You should consider paying our site a visit that compares cheap holiday deals in the UK. Please visit our sister site as well called billige rejser.

Travel to Belize on the Caribbean, a Maya Temple Adventure.

By: Robert Barner

An adventurer's paradise, Belize is your peaceful, English- speaking neighbor only two hours away from 3 major U.S. Gateways. With a diversity of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, the Belize people have protected 40% of the country as parks and natural reserves.

Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare.In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

While the country of Belize is divided into 7 districts, you'll find it easier to plan your visit by looking at the 9 tourism destinations. These are:

Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Cayo, Stann Creek, Placencia, Toledo

Two resorts that will make you feel more than welcome. Prices from $36.00 to $47.00 a day.

Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza AAA 3 Diamond Rating.

The Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel is a full service Caribbean style hotel situated in the quiet and seren residential area of Bella Vista on the northern outskirts of Belize City. The vacationer can utilize the hotel as a base to experience the Belizean Adventure of Mayan Ruins, tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife, living reefs, diving, fishing, sun and fun. Relax and enjoy the comfortable rooms, swimming pool and tropical gardens. The restaurant, bar, gift shop, tour desk, business center and conference rooms will cater to your needs. Princess Hotel & Casino

The Princess Hotel and Casino would gladly welcome you to Belize's only Entertainment center! This luxury hotel is strategically located only 15 minutes south of the Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport. A hotel that is proud to be able to quench the desires of all types of people, it makes the ideal escape for both business travelers and leisure guests alike. The Princess Belize Hotel & Casino's goal is to give to their guests all that Belize has to offer, and to ensure that you will see and experience it all, while not sacrificing comfort and service.

For the outdoor enthusiast and adventure traveler, Belize presents unlimited opportunities. You might say that Belize is the outdoors. You may not find a lot of big nightclubs, expensive shopping, or fancy restaurants. You will find diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, birdwatching and exploring nature at its best.

Sightseeing

Belize City, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize Zoo, Community Baboon Sanctuary, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Five Blues Lake National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Rio Bravo Management Area, Half Moon Caye National Monument, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Laughing Bird Caye National Park

Mayan Cities

Altun Ha, Caracol, Cerros, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Xunantunich

Transportation

Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognised by their green license plates. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your arrival at Belize International Airport (P.S.W. Goldson), taxis are available at the entrance to the main terminal.

Although there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers do charge somewhat standard fares, but it is always important to understand what your fare will be, prior to hiring a taxi.

Robert Barner is a writer, loves to travel and make money. Extremely disenchanted with the travel industry as a whole, a free newsletter was started, travelvacationandgrowrich.com. This newsletter gives the traveler tips and secrets for traveling wholesale rather than retail. Shows how to get a commission check every time they travel and then get a tax write off when they travel! For more info: http://www.travelvacationandgrowrich.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Are You Considering A Jamaica Golf Vacation?

By: Dottson Bando

With gorgeous weather and spectacular scenery, Jamaica golf is the perfect relaxing activity while on vacation. Although there are only twelve courses to choose from, there is a wide variety to keep you entertained. Each course has its own character and distinctive qualities allowing you to experience something different every time you play.

Despite there being just twelve courses in the country of Jamaica, there is a wide range of experience level. It doesn't matter what level you are... beginner or experienced... you'll find a course to suit you. No doubt about it, you'll be able to enjoy the links at your experience level.

One of Jamaica's top golf courses for experienced golfers is The Tryall Club. Tryall is located just an hour west of Montego Bay, which is the perfect location for tourists looking for a challenge. This resort is a collection of upscale homes by North Americans and Europeans, giving it an up-scale feel. It is a private resort area, but a visit to the course can be arranged through hotel concierges.

If you are a beginner and are looking to have a good time, the hub of Negril's all-inclusive resorts is one of the most popular courses. Being a beginner, you can fit right in at Negril Hills Golf Club as most of the golfers are first timers or golfers that go no more than a couple of times a year. And the location gives you a rare and novel experience as you travel up and down the elevated trees to the valley fairways.

Head out to Sandals Golf and Country Club if you're looking for a little less upscale but equally challenging course as The Tryall Club. You will find some of the best golf in Jamaica here with a plethora of quality and experienced golfers. Although it was in rough shape just a few years ago, Sandals was recently purchased and has been completely revamped.

You can get a taste of history on your Jamaica golf vacation by visiting Manchester Country Club, the Caribbean's oldest golf course. It's a wonderful course located in Mandeville on Jamaica's south coast... and it's a remarkable golfing experience you wouldn't want to miss. In addition, it is over 2,000 feet above sea level... and is set in rolling hills and provides gorgeous scenery.

Jamaica golf is a popular activity among tourists and natives. There is something for everyone... although there are only twelve courses. With gorgeous scenery, courses of all degrees of difficulty, and a chance to relax and enjoy your time under the sun, Jamaica golf is an activity you do not want to miss out on while vacationing.

Dottson Bando invites you to visit http://www.Jamaica-Dream-Vacation.com where you'll find well-researched travel information. Plan your Jamaica vacation properly... and make it a dream come true.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

You May Want To Consider Staying In A Yellowstone National Park Lodging

Author: Muna wa Wanjiru

In general taking a vacation for many of us means visiting other countries. It is however possible to enjoy a relaxing vacation in a location that is closer to home. You will find that as nothing can compare to becoming one with nature there are lots of national parks which you can have your holiday in. Of these many national parks you might want to consider visiting Yellowstone national park and staying in a Yellowstone national park lodging.

To help you have a great time at this national park you will find many different types of lodgings. Each of these will have amenities which will fit well in your budget. Some of the Yellowstone national park lodging will have executive style rooms, wet bars, solariums and other facilities.

There are also some lodgings which resemble hotels but on a scaled down size. All in all you will discover that you have a wide choice of different places where you can stay in. These holiday Yellowstone National Park lodgings will provide you with all of the needs that many people look for when they are going on holiday.

Of all of these holiday facilities you will find that the some lodgings are more requested and highly popular than others in Yellowstone national park lodging. You will need to see if these various national park lodgings are ones that you will be able to afford. This is vital as you will need to stay in these places while you are in the park. Once you have found the lodging which is most appropriate you will need to check out other facts.

These facts will be ones like how far away from food stores are the lodgings located. Additionally you will need to be able to reach the various sights with ease. since the main reason why people visit national and state parks is to see the various sights of interest that can be found it is best if the Yellowstone National Park lodging is not too far.

Now once you have found out all of this information you will need to see if there are any vacancies available. You should think about coordinating your vacation time along with that of the free days. By planning ahead with this fact in mind you will be able to choose where you are going to be staying.

This is a boon as you will need to see all of the sights in the park. By choosing to stay at a Yellowstone National Park lodging you will have the best of both world. Comfortable facilities and nearby sights all within easy reach.


Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on National Parks for Years. For More Information on Yellowstone National Park Lodging, Visit His Site at YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK LODGING

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_250391_29.html

Taal Volcano - A Unique Volcano in the Philippines.

Author: Luvi Marie

Rising from the largest island of the Philippines is Taal Volcano, which is an active volcano situated in Talisay and San Nicolas in the province of Batangas. Volcano of Taal consists of an island inside Lake Taal located within a caldera formed from a very large eruption. The Volcano of Taal is about 50km from the city of Manila, capital of the Philippines.

Taal Volcano has been erupting a large number of times and several of those times explosively. These eruptions have caused loss of life and property in the vicinity with a considerable death toll estimated to be between 5000-6000 casualties. Despite the alarming numbers, it is considered to be an great place to visit when it is calm and in it's less active state due to the features that make this island quite unique.

Geological Guide

The Taal Lake being located in in the Philippines, forms part of a chain of volcanos the lie along the western side of Luzon island. These volcanoes created by the subduction of the Eurasian Plate underneath the Philippine Mobile Belt are now either active or dormant in nature. The Taal Lake which houses the volcano lies inside a 25 to 30 km caldera that was formed by four violent and high intensity eruptions anywhere between 500,000 to 100,000 years ago.

Ever since the caldera's creation, subsequent eruptions eventually created another volcanic island inside the caldera. This island is known as Volcanic Island and has an area of about 23 square kilometers that consist of craters and overlapping cones. Thus far 47 different craters and cones have been identified to be on the island.

The Crater and the Inner Island

Volcano Island already a volcanic island also contains a lake that is about 2km wide on it is largest axis, this lake is named Crater Lake. Crater Lake a serene and calm warm body of water has inside it yet another volcanic island, and this is named Volcanic Point. This specific volcanic island is regarded to be the world's biggest island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island

These features of Taal Volcano makes it a fantastic place to visit when it is not on it's most active state. There have been 33 recorded eruptions since 1572, now it lies in a dormant state and has been so since 1977 even though the volcano has been showing signs of unrest since 1991. This has been evident with relatively strong seismic activity, ground fracturing events, and the creation of small mud geysers within the different parts of the island.

Even with the current state of unrest the volcano has been experiencing, there has been numerous of visits to the island not only by the volcanologists and scientists, but also by the media and tourists. The Taal Lake presents a fantastic chance to visit one of the wonders of nature that has taken hundreds and thousands of years to create, this uniqueness alone makes this an great place in Paradise Philippines to visit for the more adventurous and curious.

Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_250352_29.html

Self Catering Cottages – The Quick, Easy Escape

By: Terry Pinto

Self Catering Cottages are big these days. In fact, multi-star hotels are fast losing ground to these convenient, easy to use cottages. Are we all not looking for a good space to loiter around? Space is what you get in plenty with self catering cottages. While a hotel room may come with its own share of luxuries, opulent enough to make you feel like a Roman king, the lure of a self catering cottage is something entirely different. It is less restricted. You have your own private space, and you "own" the place in the duration that you are there. Also, you can choose a self catering cottage that overlooks a panoramic setting.

Self catering cottages also look after the needs of a big family, especially if has a few toddlers traveling with it. Adorable that they doubtless are, toddlers tend to create some problems for traveling families. They have to keep an eye on them at all times, and it would be troublesome for hotels to cook the kind of food that toddlers may demand. With a self catering cottage, such problems become redundant. The kitchen is at the traveling family’s disposal and one can cook up practically whatever he or she likes.

These cottages are fully furnished, and are perfect for those people who are looking for a quick escape. You have your space to yourself. Self catering cottages are cost effective. It is ideal for people who have a tight budget to operate with. So, all in all, these accommodations provides one all the comforts of home. The tourism industry also does its best to popularise destinations across the UK, and self catering cottages are used very well to market these places. There are several ways through which one can book self catering cottages. There are an endless number of options, the Internet or otherwise.

Terry is a globe-trotter specialising in travel writing. Having toured all over Britain, he has a fair idea of the best resorts, self catering cottages, hotels, and other places of accommodation and entertainment, including self catering services in the British Isles. He has been using his vast knowledge of geography and languages to guide tourists and holiday-makers to enjoy their touring time.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Making the Best Use of Disney Timeshares

Author:Lesley Lyon

Timeshare resorts are a good choice for people who would like to enjoy a luxurious vacation for a very lower price. Disney timeshares are for the people who would like to go to Disney World on a consistent basis. There are many a number of member discounts offered to the people who have invested in the Disney timeshares to souvenirs, restaurants, discounts on park fees and lot more. Disney timeshares can be passed on to the children or make them avail the points while the owner is alive. It all depends on how to use it. There are a number of Disney vacation timeshare re sales available at a much lower cost, but there is no guarantee as they are not connected with Disney. It is good to do a thorough research online.

The Walt Disney vacation timeshare resorts are based on the point system mostly. The timeshare owners are eligible to use their vacation advantages in any of the five branches of the Disney vacation resorts worldwide. If a family has earned more than 230 points, it is eligible to stay for a week in the resort. The best thing about the Disney vacation timeshares is that there are no black out dates, but the person has to book far in advance to avail a room at the resort of his choice. Another advantage is that one agent and one phone number are all needed to make arrangements including the transportation reservations and for the restaurant reservations. All most all the locations of the Disney vacation timeshares are up to the four and five star mark, but meant only for those who make use of most of the points and also during popular period of the year, one has to spend more points on it.

Disney vacation timeshares offer very high standards of service to their partners and also the partners are required to adhere to the Disney world tradition of excellence. The disadvantages or the downsides are that the annual maintenance fee comes to around $800- $900 after paying a whooping amount on the closing costs. The Annual maintenance fees can go up each year at least by five percent. Also, booking fees up to $100 is collected for every arrangement made; if the bookings are done separately again the booking fees are separate for the same person.

Lesley Lyon is an expert writer in tourism related topics. He regularly contributes articles to http://www.mytoursguide.com" that carries very useful info on timeshares and http://www.holidayassistance.com" that deals with cruises.

Source:http://www.articledirectory.cn

The Ultimate Guide to Travel

By: Mammon

Everyone wants the best vacation possible, and the best and easiest way to do that is to learn everything you need to know from a Travel Guide. There are a huge number of possible destinations for you, and you really need a good guide to provide reviews and tips.

Wondering which cruise would be best for you? Look no further you will find it all here at the "Travel Guide." Make use of our forum to find the best airline, car and hotels. Booking is fast and convenient. You can book airline travel, a cruise, your car rental, and even your hotel here at the "Travel Guide." Find out the best restaurants, hotels and cruises with our in depth reviews.

Flight search: Find and book your flight here. Book your flights using our convenient "Flight Search." You can find your destination, see what flights are available at the time and day you want, and then book with just a click of your mouse. You can choose your airline, order any special meals you may need and be on your way within minutes.

Remember to pick up travel insurance as well though, because you never know what might happen and it's always best to be prepared. The surprising aspects of the holiday are part of what makes it fun, but there's no point in taking chances. You want to enjoy your holiday, so make sure you pick an insurance that covers every possible eventuality. You're not just buying insurance here, you're buying assurance as well- of your safety, and your peace of mind.

Worldwide Online Car Rental: Car rental has just got easier with the "Travel Guide." Now you can rent a car in any country from the convenience of your computer. No more bothering with renting cars at your destination. Have your car ready and waiting when you step off the plane. No fuss no hassle you are ready to go!

Hotel search: We offer you a wide selection of hotels from around the world. Find and book a hotel that is suited just for you from our worldwide hotel database. Never be stuck in a destination with nowhere to stay again. Book everything online before you even set foot on the plane!

If you are looking for a cruise, you might try guideoftravel.com - they can link you to a number of different cruises to different places, ranging from the exotic to the peaceful. Great deals, tips on how to get the best from your cruise, as well as in depth reviews, makes it an excellent resource. Pick and exclusive cruise for yourself, or a more family-oriented one- the choice is yours.

Vacations from guideoftravel.com, get the vacation you deserve: We offer vacation tips, great deals and insider reviews. It doesn't matter where you want to go, you can find your perfect vacation here. So let the "Travel Guide" help you make this holiday your best ever. You have saved up all year for your vacation, now is the time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Source: Articles Directory

My Luxury African Safari – Birthday at the Arabella

Author:Lulie Swanepoel

I had decided that this year my birthday was going to be all about me. I know that it sounds selfish, but for the last three years my birthdays have been total disasters and I was determined that it would not be repeated this year. So I booked into the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa for four days of luxury and absolute bliss the African way.

Arabella my love…
This was going to be four days like no other I’ve ever had. I’ve decided that I wasn’t going to plan anything ahead, that I would be spontaneous. And the Arabella was the perfect place to be able to do this. They are well known for their Wellness Centre. The place I wanted to explore from top to bottom. My excitement was like that of a child in a candy store, totally insatiable.

The atmosphere alone was infectious. I was standing in the hallway and I didn’t have a clue as to what I wanted to do first. So I decided to start with some pampering and was quickly on my way to the Spa.

Three cheers to good health
While waiting for my session, I was sipping on a glass of bubbly and enjoying the beautiful view of the Botriver lagoon. This was going to be my first hydro-massage experience. The therapist explained to me that it had something to do with water, and in all honesty what he was saying went in one ear and out through the other. I’ve never been one for the how’s but more the why’s, and right now why I needed this therapy was because I needed to reduce my stress levels.

I think I fell asleep during my session. The last thing I remember was extreme relaxation and then what felt like dreaming. After my two hour treatment I woke up totally rejuvenated and ready for some adventure.

A day in the sun
The following day my friends joined me at the hotel and after a quick breakfast we all set off on a hike. It was a day hike through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. I didn’t quite expect that the terrain was going to be so rocky, but the challenge was nothing we couldn’t handle. This to me was like an African safari. On foot you enter a world shaped and coloured by Africa’s wildlife, while enjoying the fresh air (something unheard of in most of our cities today).

During our hike we saw quite a few antelope, but the highlight of the day was when we came across a herd of wild horses. When we later asked the Reserve’s game rangers they informed us that the herd was abandoned by the British garrison after the Anglo-Boer War. The sight is not one you see everyday, especially in Africa, I think.

At lunch we had a picnic which of course included a good bottle of wine and cheese. After our luncheon, we continued on our merry way back to the hotel. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, especially when Bridget tripped for the umpteenth time not looking where she was walking and generally joking around.

Back at the hotel
After everybody had refreshed themselves we were ready for my big birthday dinner. The night followed with good food, some more wine and a lot of laughing. Life couldn’t get better than this.

After a good night’s rest we decided that a game of golf would be entertaining, especially because there were bets made on whether the girls would be able to play all eighteen holes.

I’ve played golf before, but only once, so this was a game played more with luck than skill for me at least. And luck it seems was not on my side. Not only did I lose most of my balls but I managed to hit the bunkers twice. Yes, not my most successful venture ever, but fun none the less. Of course we lost the bet, because by the tenth hole my two girlfriends and I had had enough, so we decided to rather enjoy the nineteenth hole. When the boys finished their game we had to make sure that their ice cold beers were waiting. I hate losing bets and it pained me to see the guys revel in their glory, but what can a girl do.

After the day’s torture, we all booked in for some more quality time at the spa. An hour of massage later and some time in the sauna was all I needed. This really was everything I could’ve asked for and more for my birthday!

Source: http://www.articledirectory.cn

Hotels in Kolkata make your holidays wonderfully memorable

By: Nancy Eben

The city of Kolkata is rich in its culture, attractions and exudes an aura of the bygone British era and royalty. Kolkata is a hub of theatre, literature, art, music and science. Dotted with lovely places of interest, Kolkata is a beautiful metropolitan of India. What adds on to the joyfulness of your trip to Kolkata are the comfort and hospitality that you receive at Hotels in Kolkata. High on excellent staff service, state-of-the-art facilities, and finery, Kolkata Hotels are absolutely exemplary at what they provide and do.

The best time to visit Kolkata is during the months from October to February when the city looks bright and beautiful with many a fair, street shows and festivals taking place. During this time the weather is most ideal which means that you can happily set about excursions and tour around the city. With many special holiday packages offered by Hotels in Kolkata during the festive season your vacation becomes all the more exciting.

Kolkata is a destination that makes tourists feel at home. From yummy snacks to gobble down to tourist attractions, here in Kolkata you will have a memorable time. Some of the interesting places to visit in Kolkata are as follows:

Victoria Memorial
Built on the instructions of Lord Curzon as his gratitude for Queen Victoria, the Victoria Memorial is among the most stunning of all historical monuments in India. The construction of the memorial started off in the year 1906 it rook around 20 years to completely erect this colossal structure. The monument has been designed in the Italian Renaissance-Mughal style and made out of the Rajasthani white marble.

Howrah Bridge
Built in the year 1940, the Howrah Bridge is world famous and is an engineering genius. Completed in six years the bridge is made of about 2,590 metric tones of steel and abridges the Howrah industrial city and the Kolkata railway station. Among the busiest bridges of the world the Howrah Bridge is also the third largest bridge in the world. Locally it is also called ‘Rabindra Setu'.

Belur Math
Founded by the renowned Swami Vivekananda in the year 1899, the shrine of Belur Math is home to the main nerve center of the Ramkrishna Mission. Located in the vicinity of Belur in Howrah district, this holy place is visited by numerous visitors each year. With a perfect panorama and peaceful atmosphere Belur Nath is a place of utmost sanctity.

Fort William
Named after King William III of Enland, this famous fort is sited on the eastern banks of Hooghly River. Fort William was built in the year 1757 to evade plans of attacks from the Muslim encroachers. In this large fort you will see a market, post and telegraph office, swimming pool, football ground and even a church among others. All in all this is a fantastic tourist spot.

After a tiring days trip around the city, you would be delighted to indulge in the opulence and serene ambience of the Kolkata Hotels. Well equipped with all amenities and centrally located, no attraction in the city is more than a spitting distance from these hotels. And this is what makes Kolkata and Hotels in Kolkata fascinating.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

A guide to having a Safe, Memorable Trip to China

By: Mee Bourne

Tourism is a burgeoning industry in China making it not only a prime business destination but a must see travel stop. To ensure that you enjoy your trip, Chinese Translation Pro has compiled these handy travel tips as well as useful bits of information to take with you.


When to Go: If you looking for the lowest price on travel, plan your trip during the Low Season; December, January and February. The Peak Travel Season pertains to May, September and October. March, April, June, July, August and November are perhaps the best travel months with respect to price, weather and entertainment.

Getting There: The national airline is Air China. As is true of any flight, travelers should confirm their return flight reservations; airline overbooking has led to people being stranded in China. Also, be prepared for a lengthy flight. A nonstop from New York to Beijing lasts 14 hours while a charter to Shanghai lasts upwards of 18 hours.

There are four airport hubs within China; Beijing/Peking (BJS/PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun International, Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG). Each airport includes taxis, public and shuttle buses, duty free shops, banks/currency conversions, post offices, business and internet facilities and bars and restaurants. Important to note is the departure tax, which is paid in Chinese currency only. Children under 12 and transit passengers, proceeding within 24 hours of travel, are exempt.

Once There: Once in China, there are several transportation options via rail, sea and automobile. Railways provide the principal means of transportation throughout China. The trains are affordable, safe and well maintained operating between major cities; services include Beijing to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Harbin, Chengdu and Urumqi. There are three types of trains, the Express option being the best of the three. There are four varieties of fare: hard seat, soft seat (only on short-distance trains such as the Hong Kong to Guangzhou (Canton) line), hard sleeper and soft sleeper. Children under 3 ft tall travel free and those under 4ft pay a quarter of the fare. Train travel is often a comfortable experience albeit, a time consuming one, due to the distance between destinations. Domestic plane travel is a time saving alternative. Flights from Shanghei to Beijing, Hong Kong to Shanghei and Guangzhou to Shanghei are approximately 2 hours; however, the roundtrip travel costs average $350 USD. Though express train travel between these cities ranges from 12 to 18 hours, the prices are decidedly more affordable, between $15 to $30 USD.


Visa- Don’t Leave Home Without It: Visas for leisure travel to China are easy to obtain, granting a one month’s stay. The Chinese embassy or consulate, your travel agent or an independent visa service will gladly assist you. In the United States, contact the Chinese Embassy in Washington DC or the Consulates in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston or New York. US citizens can stay in Hong Kong without a visa for up to 30 days.

Tips on Tipping: Tipping is widely accepted and encouraged by tour guides, hotel staff and car services. In restaurants, if the tip has not already been figured into the bill, a 10 to 15 percent tip is advisable.

Good Eats: A meal in China need not include won ton or dim sum to be considered delicious and authentic. China offers a vast array of dining options including Muslim, Korean, American and traditional Chinese. Americans should leave their preconceptions of Chinese food at the customs gate!

Making Notes Makes All the Difference: Getting around in any foreign country can be intimidating, especially if there is a definite language barrier to complicate communication. To alleviate future frustration we have come up with some common questions and phrases for you to print out and take with you. You can download it for Free from our Chinese translation website: www.chinesetranslationpro.com.

Business Chinese translation services: http://www.quickmandarin.com/translation-chinese.php

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

A Guide to London

Author: David Jackson

London is the largest city in England covering over six hundred square miles, and is home to seven and half million people. London has fantastic transport links, the underground train network known as the Tube is the largest network of its kind in the world interconnecting 12 different lines. London has four major airports; Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City Airport which offer flights to an endless list of destinations. Heathrow will open a new terminal in 2008 to become the Worlds largest airport. The city offers many attractions and is a popular hotspot for tourists from across the globe. Visitors have a huge choice of attractions including the London Eye a 135 meter tall observation wheel, Madame Tussauds a huge wax museum with accurately sized sculptures of celebrities and famous characters, and Buckingham Palace home to the Queen to name just a few. London also offers a wide range of museums and almost all are free to visit including the Natural History museum and the Science museum. For sports fans London is home to thirteen football league clubs including European giants Arsenal and Chelsea. The city also boasts four rugby union clubs and a rugby league team in Harlequins RL. London will also be the host for the 2012 Olympic games which will see further development into sports facilities to accompany the recently completed new Wembley Stadium home to the England national football team. London is a shopper’s paradise with many renowned fashion designers owning flagship stores in the city including Thomas Burberry and Vivienne Westwood. There are numerous department stores from the world famous Harrods to the massive Hamleys toy store. London is also the host of many street markets including Camden, Greenwich and Convent Garden markets. For those wishing to explore the delights outside the city the chic coastal resort of Brighton is 50 miles south, whilst further North is the picturesque city of Oxford. Car hire is available throughout the city at reasonable prices for day or short-term rental. It’s fair to say that London really is one of the Worlds greatest cities and whether it’s you first and twentieth visit you won’t be short of things to do.

Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com

New Floating Bridge in Dubai

Author:Hassan Morcel

In an effort to reduce the traffic flow over Maktoum Bridge and the Creek in
Dubai, a floating bridge has been opened linking Omar Bin Al Khattab Road in
Deira to Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road in Bur Dubai. This floating bridge
has been a big success in relieving the stress of the traffic over Maktoum
Bridge particularly at peak times.

This is a temporary structure and will be replaced by a permanent bridge in
due course but Dubai is doing everything in its power to keep the traffic
flowing around its ever increasingly populated road systems. This is a
strong indicator of how Dubai is taking its responsibilities seriously
towards its residents and visitors by putting expensive measures in place to
support its populace.

One of the biggest criticisms of Dubai in recent times has been the traffic
congestion as a result of the building expansion program so it is really
encouraging to see new roads and bridges being opened up to ease the flow
during rush hour. The floating bridge in Dubai is a great example of this in
the fact that being a temporary structure, the RTA in Dubai is doing
everything in its power to keep Dubai moving.

Dubai RTA is constantly monitoring the traffic and making plans to ease
congestion and subsequent pollution. In order to support this, another major
project is underway which is the Monorail system due to be operational by
2009. Already its infrastructure can be seen along the main routes along
Sheik Zayed Road and will be a great bonus to ease traffic as it links all
the major shopping malls, tourist attractions and the business areas from
the City, Old Town and Financial District right the way down to Jebel Ali.

Dubai floating bridge is the 4th bridge to be built over the creek to ease
the traffic congestion. It is a 6 lane bridge accommodating 6,000 vehicles
during peak hours and stretches across from Deira City Centre and Dubai Golf
and Yacht Club to Riyadh Street by Dubai Courts and Creek Park. Open from
6am to 10pm the bridge is aiming at peak flow traffic and when it is
replaced by its permanent structure, it will be open on a 24 hour basis with
the main aim to reduce the traffic over Maktoum Bridge by 37%.

Dubai's RTA supports best practice when it comes to road expansion programs,
studying all the international information available and bringing in
consultants to advise them of the way forward. Dubai's aggressive expansion
program to receive 15 million tourists by 2010 means it has to keep the
population moving in order to keep the place an attractive area to visit.
Traffic congestion just adds to the frustration levels of visitors and
residents alike and ruins the lifestyle-vision Dubai is aiming to offer its
residents. Therefore it's constant upgrading of the road and bridge systems
provide a welcome relief to residents who would think seriously about
staying should this not be addressed. The new floating bridge has gone a
long way to support this and enforces Dubai's commitment to making life in
this fantastic Emirate more bearable whilst all the building is taking
place.

Browse Dubai Holiday Apartment Dubai Hotel Apartment on line make it easy for you to find your holiday apartment and furnished rentals of your choice.

More information-
http://www.dubaishortstay.com/hotel-apartments/

Source: http://www.articledirectory.cn

A Taste Morocco

Author: Sabir Imchichi

Morocco is situated on the extreme northwestern corner of Africa and is bordered by Mauritania and Algeria, both to the south and east. Morocco's varied geography includes no less than four separate mountain ranges, in addition to lush river valleys, beautiful sandy coasts, and wide expanses of desert. Morocco, about one-tenth larger than California, lies across the Strait of Gibraltar on the Mediterranean and looks out on the Atlantic from the northwest shoulder of Africa. Morocco's history began with the Berbers, the aboriginal people who have inhabited the country since the end of the 2nd millennium BC Rome extended its rule over the area after defeating Carthage in 146 BC, and testimony to its presence still exists in the fine Roman ruins at Volubilis. Morocco is also home to a 300-500-person Baha�i community which, in recent years, has been able to worship free from government interference. Morocco's location and resources led to early competition among European powers in Africa, beginning with successful Portuguese efforts to control the Atlantic coast in the 15th century. Morocco is a politically stable, moderate Muslim country, positioning itself as a regional hub for business, at the crossroads of North Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Morocco also has liberalized rules for oil and gas exploration and has granted concessions for many public services in major cities. Morocco was the first Arab state to condemn Iraq�s invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and sent troops to help defend Saudi Arabia. Morocco maintains close relations with Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states, which have provided Morocco with substantial amounts of financial assistance. Morocco's varied geography includes no less than four separate mountain ranges, in addition to lush river valleys, beautiful sandy coasts, and wide expanses of desert. Morocco has supported efforts to stabilize Iraq following the downfall of Saddam Hussein. Morocco was among the first Arab and Islamic states to denounce the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States and declare solidarity with the American people in the war against terror. Morocco's claim to sovereignty over the Western Sahara is based largely on a historical argument of traditional loyalty of the Sahrawi tribal leaders to the Moroccan sultan as spiritual leader and ruler. Morocco annexed the territory in 1975 and a guerrilla war with Algerian-backed pro-independence forces ended in 1991. Morocco subsequently built a fortified berm around three-fourths of Western Sahara and has de facto administrative control over 80% of the territory. Morocco has recently expressed willingness to lay out its plan for autonomy for the Western Sahara, and the U. Morocco is bidding for membership of the European Union, its main trade partner, but there appears to be little enthusiasm for this within the bloc. Morocco has been given the status of non-Nato ally by Washington, which has praised its support for the US-led war on terror. Morocco has seen its own terrorism at home as well. Morocco has been a WTO member since 1 January 1995. Morocco developed integrated strategy to promote children's rights. Morocco is unique in many ways; firstly, it is an African country closest to Europe in geographical and cultural terms. Morocco is one of the luckiest countries in the African continent, with a unique weather pattern and resourceful plains and lowlands abound on colorful Mediterranean plants, and support many varieties of fruit, vegetables and grains. Morocco is famous for the wide range of delicious foods sold by its many street vendors. Morocco, a place where magical colours blend in an irresistible pageant of light and shade.

source : http://www.ArticlePros.com