On Safari in South Africa Where Africa's Wildlife Never Disappoints

#TITLE#ArrangeYourVacation, Vacation Rental Company for Holiday Homes
Worldwide, Announces Launch of 3 New#/TITLE#

ArrangeYourVacation, one of the most exclusive holiday homes and
villa rentals company, has just released its 3 latest innovative
and specialised online websites: Mexico-Holiday-Homes,
Italy-Vacation-Homes and Greece-Holiday-Homes. Travelers seeking
vacation information about the destinations of Mexico, Greece or
Italy, can find extensive information at this 3 vacation rentals
web sites.

Characteristic of all ArrangeYourVacation-web sites, those three
are easy to use, with comprehensive information about private
villas and activities at each destination. There are extensive
high quality photographs and a vacation rentals navigation tool.
\Vacation rentals and holiday homes are a great alternative for
those who wish to have more privacy and space to maneuver,
something that hotels don\'t really have. Staying in a hotel
involves tipping porters and valets; there is the added expense
of dining out daily. Plus, if staying at a hotel for several
days, it can be a bit tedious to stare at the same four walls
and share a room with family members without a modicum of
privacy. Just like there are hotels everywhere, there are
vacation rentals and holiday homes all over the world ready to
be booked.\ said President and Founder of ArrangeYourVacation
Milan Matchev. \From the initial dream of a vacation in a luxury
villa, through the entire trip, every step should be stress free
and enjoyable.\

Luxury vacation in holiday home have never been easier to plan.
ArrangeYourVacation has over 100 hand-picked villas and a staff
in each country, where it provides vacation rentals, that
assures the finest in service.

\Our client satisfaction rate is extremely high due to our
personal contact with each traveler. Our websites are an
extension of our knowledgeable staff and offers our valued
clients complete details for those seeking a luxury villa in
Mexico, Italy or Greece,\ added Matchev.

The new vacation rentals websites can be viewed at
http://Mexico-Holiday-Homes.com, http://Italy-Vacation-Homes.com
and http://Greece-Holiday-Homes.com. An e-newsletter sign-up is
available on the sites which keeps past guests and potential
customers informed about the latest villa news, last minute
specials, events in those countries and real estate information.
The owners of vacation rental properties in Mexico, Italy or
Greece can advertise their homes on this new web sites for free.
As a special bonus, there holiday home listings will be added to
the database of ArrangeYourVacation (
http://arrangeyourvacation.com) also for free, to assure maximum
exposures of each property listing.

Piranha Deadly and Delicious

The Amazon is filled with danger. Soldier ants march by the
millions devouring all life in their path. Submerged up to the
eyes, Crocodiles lie in wait for the unwary - whatever or
whoever that may be. Undulating its 20-foot length beneath the
surface, the Anaconda, one of the world\'s largest snakes, uses
heat-seeking guidance to find its next meal. The barbed stinger
in the tail of platter-sized stingrays can inflict a wound that
takes months to heal. But none of these carry the fearsome
mystique of the voracious Piranha, the perfect killing machine.

They had it even before we knew what was happening. My rod bowed
in prayer to something below the tea-colored water\'s surface.
The six-pound test line danced like a cat on a hot pavement. All
hell had broken loose. Beads of sweat rolled down Doris\' back.
Her clothes were now a second skin, clinging to her every move.
We panted for breath. We had fish on. The silvery oval-shaped
body and red belly of a Piranha broke the surface. I reached for
it. \Don\'t let a finger get near their mouths or you\'ll lose
it\, our native guide barked.

Minutes earlier, I shuddered from a breeze escaping from
somewhere up ahead despite 85 degree-plus heat. The double-digit
humidity didn\'t help either. A maddening buzz filled my ears,
but thanks my coating of Vick\'s Vapor Rub, the blood-suckers
wouldn\'t feast on me. My eyes burned. My nose dripped. A
coffee-table-sized leaf or hanging branch slapped into me every
few steps. Curses burst from my lips even with my best efforts
to become as one with the rainforest, as the indian had.

Our fishing rods extended from 18\ to five and a half feet. I\'d
hoped the light mono would suffice, although I\'d squirreled away
spools of twelve and twenty pound test as an afterthought. If we
tagged into a 50-plus pound Tambaqui even that wouldn\'t be
enough. Vines as thick as my wrist dipped into light
coffee-colored waters making little ripples as it slid past
roots and fallen branches. Tangled growth matted the gentle
slope of the bank into tea-with-milk colored wetness. I\'d
flicked a thumbnail-sized chunk of bloody chicken liver on a
barb-less hook with a split shot into a dinner plate-sized swirl
just beside a snarl of mangrove roots jutting upwards through
the surface.

Minutes later, his tanned skin gleaming with moisture, our
guide demonstrated the efficiency of the scissor-like teeth. A
green leaf held near the gaping mouth instantly sported a neat,
crescent-shaped bite. Three heavy blows to the head prepared the
killer for cleaning. After cleaning, the Embera made a series of
diagonal cuts along each side of the fish. Into these he
carefully rubbed a mixture of salt, garlic, and ground roots
from a small gourd he carried. A simple shaved branch frame held
the fish over a smoky fire of glowing coals. The firm toasted
flesh tasted smooth and a bit earthy, like a seasoned and
mellowed catfish. With a wink and a sly nod towards Doris he
said. \Make these heads into soup and you will need many wives\.
She glanced at me with a puzzled look. I smiled.

Ranging through South America from Brazil to the lowlands of
Peru, they also inhabit waters in Venezuela, Guyana, Colombia,
Ecuador and Bolivia. In the Amazon and Rio Negro rivers of
Brazil and the Orinoco River in Venezuela, no creature is safe
from the Piranha\'s razor-sharp teeth and powerful jaws. The
serrated teeth fit together like scissors, enabling Piranha to
cut the flesh from their prey. Like a shark, a Piranha\'s teeth
are replaceable, when one breaks off a new one grows in its
place.

The Yagua Indians of Peru often use the sharp edges between the
teeth of a Piranha jawbone to sharpen the point of their blowgun
darts. A fish that is dying or swimming erratically will be
quickly attacked by a large school. Piranha will also attack
without warning to defend their eggs and territory. A wounded
animal that strays into the water will be stripped to the bone
so quickly it seems almost to \dance\ on the surface as it\'s
ravaged from beneath. A bird that falls into the water will be
gone, feathers and all, in three minutes or less. A trapped fish
struggling in a net will be chewed clean to the head in a matter
of seconds. Attacks on large animals and humans are often
dramatically portrayed, but are rare. In some regions Piranha
are known as \donkey castrators\.

\They will rend and devour alive any wounded man or beast.\ U.S.
President Teddy Roosevelt said, adding, \Piranha are the most
ferocious fish in the world.\ Piranha, also called Caribe or
Piraya only furthered their fearsome mystique when Roosevelt
encountered them during his exploits in 1914. There are about 35
known species of Piranha but only five species represent a
danger to man. Species range from the Red-Belly Piranha
(Pygocentrus nattereri) with its characteristic red belly to the
largest of the carnivorous species, the Black Piranha with its
demon-red eyes and a 17 and a half inch long dark body weighing
up to ten pounds. It could remove a man\'s hand in two or three
bites.

Most species dine on fruit or seeds that fall into the water
from overhanging trees. The fish are not always aggressive.
Women wash clothes in knee-deep water where men spearfish while
children bathe or swim in these same Piranha-infested waters
without harm. Further adding to the Piranha\'s mystique, Indian
men with half a dozen wives and up to a score of children
attribute their potency to Piranha-head soup, although no
scientific justification for the soup\'s potency yet exists.

Fishing for Piranha

Piranhas are usually part of indigenous peoples diet in the
areas where the fish are found. All you need to go Piranha
fishing are lines with a metal leader next to the hook so the
fish doesn\'t bite through the line, a supply of red, raw meat
(worms or cut-up fish will do too) and a bit of luck. Piranha
swim in large schools and are attracted by movement and blood.
In May of 1999, hundreds of anglers armed with rods, reels, and
raw steak flocked to the Brazilian town of Aracatuba near Sao
Paolo for a one-Sunday piranha fishing tournament. The
townspeople had declared open season on the flesh-eating fish,
which had decimated other species in the local river. The prize
for the tournament was an outboard motor. But \most fishermen
were content to go home with plenty of the reputedly aphrodisiac
piranha\, claimed then town spokesman Nelson Custidio.

Piranha, earning their notorious reputation by reportedly
killing 1,200 head of cattle every year in Brazil, is some of
the best eating in South America. Whatever name you call them
and no matter where you try them, when cooked in a variety of
ways, their firm light flesh with its smooth, slightly nutty
flavor, is a taste you\'re sure to enjoy.

MiniGuide to St. Louis Missouri

Journey to the Gateway to the West and enjoy the history and charm St. Louis has to offer. Whether driving the Mother Road down Old Route 66, or cruising the mighty Mississippi river on an old-fashioned riverboat, the city digs deep into its scenic past to give you an enjoyable voyage no matter how you travel.

The originator of hot dogs, ice cream cones, and iced tea (courtesy of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition) St. Louis puts forth a wealth of activities your family can enjoy. The Art Museum, Science Center, Missouri History Museum and Zoo include some world-class attractions in the city. The Magic House and City Museum are especially kid-friendly, and a baseball game with the St. Louis Cardinals is always fun for people of all ages. Get back to nature and journey into Forest Park, or take pleasure in the surroundings in the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Historians will thrill to follow the trails blazed by Lewis and Clark across the city of St. Louis, while modern-day car fans will love the Museum of Transportation as well as Gateway International Raceway. The Blues were born in St. Louis, and plenty of clubs abound to remind you that distinctive music was born here.

Take a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch and look down upon the Mississippi river, or get down and dirty in the river itself by taking a chance on one of five riverboat casinos. Take the Gateway Art Tour and view countless sculptures and works of contemporary art, or just sit back and enjoy the mosaics that decorate the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

Upon your first visit to the city of St. Louis, you will realize why it is considered a hidden treasure as you cross into the Midwest.

About the Author

Presented by eTravelogue.com, the free road trip planning site. Swing by eTravelogue.com to find great attractions along your route. You can enter the start and end points of your road trip and eTravelogue.com will find attractions along the way that match your interests.

Iowa Tourism

Iowa is not always the first place people think of when they are deciding where to spend their tourist dollars. But the truth is, Iowa has a lot to offer tourists, and Iowa tourism is on the rise. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Iowa has tourist activities for each season, and there is always something to do no matter what time of year you are investigating Iowa tourism options.

Facts About Iowa

The many sites available for Iowa tourism have lots to offer. These tourism sites are also happy to give some facts about Iowa for tourists to note. For instance, the capitol of Iowa is Des Moines, which is located in the middle of the state and has a population of over 198,000. The state flower is the wild rose, the state tree is an oak, and chances are pretty good that in the spring and summer you may catch a glimpse of the state bird, the eastern goldfinch. Iowa is named for the Ioway Indians that used to live in that region.

What Can You Do In Iowa?

The question should not be what can you do, but what can\'t you do. Iowa tourism is the quintessential travel destination in that it has something for every one. If you like to gamble, you can do it in Iowa. Iowa has some of the best cultural opportunities for tourists. Museums, art galleries, and musical and theater productions are common events in the bigger cities.

If you prefer the great outdoors, Iowa tourism is for you. You can hike, camp, fish, boat and golf on one of the state\'s many excellent golf courses. There are plenty of state parks to explore to your heart\'s content.

Iowa also offers tourists a rich heritage of history. There are historic sites to visit and learn about in every corner of state, especially along the mighty Mississippi.

And if you are just in the market for a good time, check out Adventureland, one of the best amusement parks around. Thrills and excitement are yours for the taking.

What Else Does Iowa Have To Offer?

Iowa has a tourist bureau that is ready and willing to help you plan your business or personal trip to their state. They can help you with family travel, pet-friendly travel, cheap and discount travel options and lots of information for the business traveler, too. They can give you information on everything from lodging to dining to area airports.

So if you have never thought of Iowa as a great travel destination, think again. Check out Iowa, and you will be pleasantly surprised. It\'s no wonder that Iowa tourism continues to grow.

http://iowahq.com Facts about Iowa from tourism to buying and selling real estate.

The Historic City of Amsterdam

The Historic City of Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and dates back to around the late 12th century, when it developed as a rather small fishing village on the banks of the river Amstel and the IJ Bay. It is a very popular tourist location and is well-known for its entertainment and cultural features.

The city of Amsterdam did not particularly become well known until around the 1600s, a period that is often referred to as the \'Golden Age\' in the Netherlands. During the 17th century period, from approximately 1584-1702, Amsterdam achieved a high status in the development of the arts, sciences and trade and was home to some outstanding scientists and artists of the period. From then on, Amsterdam developed into one of the largest known historic cities in Europe and also became one of the most popular places to visit in Northern Europe for its arts, culture and entertainment. There are a variety of interesting features in Amsterdam, which have existed since the Golden Age and especially the period following the Golden Age era. Many large houses and mansions are situated along the canals that were built during this period. The city developments and expansions that occurred during the 17th and 18th century continue to provide Amsterdam with many of its traditional historic characteristics and features such as important buildings, the layout of the streets and its decorated parks.

Following the Golden Age period, Amsterdam experienced some setbacks as a result of French and English attacks on the Dutch Republic. Nonetheless, the City still continued to be recognized as an important financial centre of Northern Europe and in the 18th century experienced another period of prosperity which was reflected largely in the large number of quality dwelling houses that were being built along the canals for the rich and less wealthier inhabitants.

A number of houses and other features of that period still survive today, which add to the overall 18th century atmosphere of historic Amsterdam.

Anyone that is interested in visiting Amsterdam will be impressed with the \'gezelligheid\' or friendliness of the Dutch people, who have a tendency to act informally with the tourists wherever or whenever they come across them, be it when they are eating out in restaurants or going to visit the shops.

There are many places of historic importance well worth visiting in Amsterdam, such as the various museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rembrandt Museum and Stedelijk, the modern art museum, Anne Frank\'s House and musical venues where various concerts are held.

In fact, there are so many places to visit that tourists will always have somewhere or something interesting to go and see, whether that is visiting the historic museums, going to listen to the different concerts, walking through the parks, eating at restaurants or visiting some of the popular cafes of Amsterdam. For someone who is interested in nightlife, there are popular locations such as the Leidseplein, which is a night life centre consisting of clubs, cinemas and restaurants that provides all types of cultural entertainment.

This is why Amsterdam continues to be one of the most popular destinations for visitors from all over the world.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Amsterdam

Carnival in Salvador

Deemed by some as the wildest street party on the face of the planet, Carnival in Salvador, Bahia is the place to be during those five crazy days in February or March. Different from the more spectator-oriented Carnival in Rio, Carnival in Salvador puts you in the middle of the music, the dancing, and the rhythms of the some of the most energetic bands in the world.

Once the center of sugar cane production and accompanying slave trade, Salvador, Bahia is Brazil's capital of African culture and Religion. Carnival is the time of year when this Afro-Brazilian culture truly shines, with every music group in the city, from traditional afro-percussion groups to more contemporary axe bands (axe is a modern mix of afoxe and other contemporary rhythms), performing day and night. Bands perform on enormous trucks (loaded with thousands of watts of sound) which crawl through one of three principal Carnival Routes. The trucks are called rios because the first was a 29 Ford which carried a driver and two musicians, Dod and Osmar (today the original car is in the museum at the Lagoa da Abaet in Itapoan). In the years following the first trio's appearance in 1950, the bands stuck to the trio format, but have since evolved into a much more grandiose spectacle, complete with enormous bands, costumes, and dancing. All around the trucks is a roped off area called a loco, a type of VIP area with security and refreshments. Outside the cord, usually deemed quite a bit more dangerous on account of the petty thieves and pickpockets, is where the pipoca, or popcorn (named for the synchronizing jumping of the crowd) dances and carries on. Another option is buying a ticket for one of the many camarotes, which are VIP lounges in hotels and restaurants along the carnival routes.

The Music

Carnival in Salvador offers so many options for different types and music, it can be a bit daunting. If axe music is what you are interested in, check out Margareth Menezes, Ivete Sangalo, Daniela Mercury, Timbalada, or Chiclete com Banana. For more traditional afro-percussion groups, Olodum, Ara Ketu, Muzenza, and Il Aiy are great options. For a look at some traditional samba, check out Terra Samba, and for a not-so-surprise visit by Brazil's Minister of Culture Gilberto Gil (also one of the most famous MPB artists and a leader in the Tropicalia movement), follow trio Expresso 2222.

Packages

DiscoverBrazil is proud to offer four different packages, each with different camarote and length of stay options. Please keep in mind that any of these packages can be customized to concord with your time and budget needs.

• 8 day/7 night or 6 day/ 5 night stay at the Tropical Hotel da Bahia - This hotel is located in Campo Grande, the Carnaval's epicenter, and near Salvador's best attractions - the Historic Center, the Pelourinho, churches, shopping mall, theaters, the Mercado Modelo, and Porto da Barra. 5 nights pass for the exclusive Hotel Camarote (Feb 3-8) included in both packages.
  
• 7 day/6 night stay at the Bahia Othon Palace Hotel. This hotel is located in Ondina, considered the best place to see the Bahian Carnaval parade. The Othon offers all the amenities of a five star hotel and an amazing ocean view. The only difference in these two packages is a choice of 4 or 6 nights in the Hotel Camarote.
  

An abada, a specific shirt needed to enter into one of the many blocos, is also available for a separate price. Please inquire. Price quoted is based on double occupancy. Flights are not included, but if you are interested in quotes for international or domestic flights, please contact one of our travel agents.

For more information and price quotes, contact one of our expert travel consultants:

From North America, call toll free: 1-800-495-8211

From all other locations: (55) (71) 3113-4206

Or, send us an email at customersupport@discoverbrazil.com

www.discoverbrazil.com

About The Author

Jason is a recent graduate of Amherst College, where he received a degree in Music and Political Science. He is currently living in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, working for Discover Brazil and enjoying the wonderful music and culture Bahia and the rest of Brazil have to offer.

patricia@discoverbrazil.com.br

Travelling with Young Children to Disneyland 12 Things You Must Take With You

Unless you live right near Disneyland then when you organize your holiday, you know that it means you are going to have to take into account how to get there. There are two issues that you need to deal with. The first is what transportation method you\'ll use and the second is how you will keep your young children amused on the way. There is no denying that traveling with children is a whole new test of your parental ingenuity.

Do the scout/girl guides thing and be prepared with backups and lots of distractions. Who knows maybe by following these tried and true tips you\'ll arrive triumphant at the other endOK, maybe not triumphant but perhaps you\'ll manage to keep your cool the whole way and that is something!

Here are 12 things you need to carry with you and not in the trunk or luggage hold:

1.A change of clothes for each child and socks (it can get cold on airplanes and the socks provided don\'t come in any size other than big).

2.Extra clothes for you in case of spills.

3.Tissues (can you ever have too many where young children are concerned?), a few empty plastic bags (to contain any smelly nappies and dirty clothes) and a face washer. Take a Ziploc bag for the face washer so that when it\'s wet, not everything else in your bag gets damp.

4.Variety of snack food (cereal, sultanas, crackers, fruit etc) in Ziploc bags. If you\'re on a plane, the food never comes quickly or often enough and if you\'re in a car, you can guarantee a child will be hungry 15 minutes after you departed.

5.Drink bottles - disposables are handy but sometimes having the comfort of a familiar drink bottle makes it worth taking your child\'s with you. It depends a bit on the child and how adept they are at drinking from a regular bottle.

6.A new toy for each child - something they haven\'t seen before and won\'t see until you get going and they start to get restless. Make it something that isn\'t noisy, doesn\'t take batteries (or if it does, take some spares), that they can interact with, that doesn\'t require your involvement to put it back together if it falls apart and that isn\'t made up of a million pieces that can get lost down the back of the seat. A tall order I know but I can tell you from experience that it\'s worth spending a bit of time choosing something that fits the bill.

7.A couple of books, preferably one or two new ones.

8.Balloons - they don\'t take up much space and are perfect for that transit stop that seems to take forever. There is nothing like a child chasing a balloon to make everyone feel that bit better and lighter about life. The other thing to do with balloons is to blow them up and then let the air out slowly with the opening directed at the child. My children love this. They squint and turn their faces away and then double up with laughter and shout \'more, more\'. Again this may require a bit of discretion because the noise of an exhaling balloon can be loud and well, unbecoming.

9.Bubble mix - another space saver that works a charm. Best saved for outdoors.

10.Drugs. I\'m going to get controversial here as I know this isn\'t a choice everyone is comfortable with but drugs to help children sleep, especially on long haul flights, can be an absolute lifesaver - for you and the child. Taking children across many time zones in a steel capsule with an uncomfortable chair for a bed isn\'t their choice for a good night\'s sleep, so make it easier for them by helping them to get some rest. It means you will all arrive in better shape.

11.A favourite toy or sleep buddy (preferably something small) can be an enormous comfort to an over-tired or stressed child.

12.And lastly don\'t forget to take something to read for yourself. You never know they may sleep or watch a movie and you could be left wondering what to do with yourself. Nothing too ambitious or bulky. A magazine or short story should do the trick

What should you put it all in? If you have to do any walking, a daypack is best because it won\'t slip off your shoulders, leaves both hands free and has lots of compartments so you can find things, like your wallet, in a hurry.

If this list sounds like a lot to you, believe me when I say that being prepared can make all the difference between a never-ending ordeal and an unusual, possibly pleasurable way to pass time.

Happy traveling!

If you\'re planning a Disney holiday then you\'ll be sure to want to find out the insider information that the official sites tend to gloss over. For articles, up-to-date news and resources on Disney holidays go to Disney Insider Info.

Educational Factory Tours For A Magical Family Vacation

When was the last time you saw the words family fun, educational, and free in the same sentence? You can find just that in Nottingham, PA, just outside Philadelphia, PA or Balitmore, MD. Whether you live near those areas and are looking for a family day trip, or want to have a unique experience while on vacation, this factory tour is a must.

When you go to visit the Herr's Snack Food Factory, you will get to experience a fun-filled (for the whole family) morning or afternoon of educational information, with a little bit of high tech thrown in... all for free. Before the tour begins you receive the behind-the-scenes history and background of Herr's. You will also be introduced to your special and unique tour guides, who will be with you for your entire visit.

The tour is a fascinating and exciting experience for kids and adults alike. With your personal guides and the accompanying videos, this also makes it ideal for large groups.

In this state-of-the-art plant, you'll get the chance to watch as machines and ovens make thousands of snack foods, including their famous potato chips, pretzels, corn chips, cheese curls, popcorn, and much, much more. The tour starts with an award winning video in which the Herr's mascot, Chipper the Chipmunk takes you on a tour.

Next stop is the real factory, where you'll be able to actually see how snacks are made. Watch pretzel twists getting twisted and then baked in humongous ovens. You will learn how chips are made from start to finish. Get ready to be amazed as you watch the entire process. Beginning with the loading of the raw ingredients through slicing, cooking, seasoning and bagging, and how the chips end up in the stores. It's mesmerizing to watch the machines doing all the work, and to see how much work really goes into a potato chip, before it hits your tastebuds.

The best part about the entire tour is that you'll be able to taste potato chips hot and fresh off the conveyer belt. Keep in mind that you are experiencing the real deal here. This is the actual factory. You are seeing actual workers, do what they do best, making great tasting potato chips and other snacks perfectly. The tour will give you a front seat type of experience, which has been specially designed with methods and processes that's sure to impress kids and adults alike. You'll be able to impress your friends with trivia, like what the differences are between a chip potato and a regular potato. And how pretzels are wisted.

When you plan your day, go in the morning and plan to stay for lunch. The menu is varied with enough choices to suit everyone's tastes, and the food is good. From small to big groups, the lunchroom is roomy enough to accommodate your needs. Call for tour schedule: (800) 284-7488 Age Limits: None. Cost: Free. Reservations are strongly suggested, but walk-ins will be accommodated if space permits.

About The Author

Elizabeth Ann Wares is an avid traveler and shares travel and vacation tips. She is the webmaster of Airfare X, a leading resource for discount airfare:

http://www.airfarex.com

elizabeth@airfarex.com

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises! Where Luxury Goes Exploring

Luxury goes exploring! How faithfully these words portray the elegance, exemplary service and much-lauded itineraries, which are the very hallmark of Radisson\'s Cruises. Long ensconced in the upper niche of 6-star cruising, Radisson welcomes guests to its five eclectic, trend setting ships as old and valued friends!

Atmosphere:

Atmospheres are luxurious of course, yet there is also the feeling of unpretentious informality and a relaxed conviviality, which quickly brings guests together. You are always in your element no matter which ship you select. No noisome crowds, no bothersome announcements interrupt.

Accommodations:

Blissful, private cocoons scrupulously maintained by discreet hotel staff who seems to sense by osmosis when they are necessary.

Service:

Old World civility, Radisson\'s top to bottom insistence on uncompromising quality results in matchless service happily unobtrusive and defined in very personal terms. In restaurants servers are observant, never obsequious.

Dining:

Naturally there are times when guests would prefer to savor the pleasures of the table privately en suite, and so on all Radisson ships, 24 hour room service is available featuring the chef\'s entres during dining hours and a select menu at other times.

In keeping with Radisson Seven Seas superior dining standards, cuisine is cosmopolitan and menus feature a potpourri of selections ranging from the latest fusion creations to traditional favorites and a menu for the health conscious. All dining is splendid in flavor and presentation and wonderful gastronomic surprises are in store!

All ships have chic main dining rooms and fashionable alternative and specialty restaurants. The Signatures Restaurantson Voyager and Mariner are of particular note as Le Cordon Bleu chefs direct them, the most prestigious culinary authority in the world. On select sailing\'s intensive 2-hour Classe Culinaire des Croisires these master chefs teach workshops.

A chance to whisk, poach and dice side-by-side with culinary artists! Jean-Pierre Vigato, a 2-star Michelin chef/owner of Apicius in Paris, inspires Paul Gauguin\'s cuisine. On all ships, a complimentary bar is in each stateroom and complimentary superior wine is poured with dinner (soft drinks, juices and bottled water are also included).

Entertainment:

On the larger vessels, Peter Grey Terhune produces dazzling showroom productions and cabaret performers such as singers, musicians, and comics also entertain. Paul Gauguin has less glittering entertainment simply because of her size and presents Gaugines, Polynesian singers, dancers and storytellers who form an integral part of the flawlessly proficient staff.

Land Programs:

Guests may purchase a hotel stay or land program for one or more nights to extend their stay in the port of embarkation or debarkation.

Radisson\'s Fleet: Radisson Diamond, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Sea Voyager, M/S Paul Gauguin.

All Radisson Seven Seas ships share certain distinctions, yet each has a unique personality. All vessels offer beautifully appointed, uncommonly spacious outside staterooms, suites and penthouse suites virtually all with balcony (Seven Seas Mariner and Voyager are all suite/all balcony ships). For those desiring the ultra plus in personal attention and luxury, private butlers - many of whom are alumni of the finest private homes and deluxe hotels - are at your behest on Navigator, Mariner and Voyager. Gratuities are not required on any Radisson Seven Seas vessel.

About the author: William Lezubski (Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), and Certified Travel Counsellor(CTC) - William is a professional in the Travel Industry and is the owner and author of \Discount Caribbean Vacations Web Site\ available at http://www.discount-caribbean-vacations.com A great source for Cruise information, and top Cruise Suppliers offering Discounted Caribbean Cruises, and Caribbean cruise specials all in one convenient location!

Alaska Cruises Offer Relaxation As Well As Adventure

Tired of taking the family to Disneyland for vacation? Then why
not try an Alaska cruise? They offer beautiful scenery, cruise
luxury and Alaskan adventure for those who want it.

But not all Alaska cruise trips are alike. You first need to
decide what you want on your cruise. If you like to be pampered
in the lap of luxury then you'll want to take advantage of one
of the many Alaska luxury cruises. Here you can relax in the
spa, have a wonderful massage and enjoy all the amenities of a
first class resort. You will dine on the best foods, available
at almost any hour. Just like most cruises, Alaska cruises are
the ultimate in pampering guests.

Alaska cruises have something for everyone in the family. Along
with the usual cruise amenities of pools, games, exercise,
meeting new people and fun, Alaska cruises offer interesting
scenery you won't find at home. On your cruise, not only will
you'll be amazed by majestic glaciers but you might spot brown
bears, eagles, humpback whales or sea lions.

If you want adventure, there are many cruise packages that can
satisfy your needs as well as offer typical cruise amenities.

One popular Alaskan adventure is sea kayaking. You can pick from
tours in choppy waters or, for the more tame at heart, a calmer
course is offered. Sea kayaking gives you an opportunity to get
outdoors and see a lot of the coastline which is abundant with
local wildlife.

Hiking is another popular excursion that you can try once your
cruise ship docs. You can choose from any number of guided hikes
using different trails and going out for different lengths of
time. It's a great chance to get out in the wilderness and
experience nature Alaska style. If this isn't enough for you,
you can even work in some rock climbing while you are off ship.

The best time to take an Alaska cruise is in the summer where
you will be able to enjoy Alaska in fairly mild weather. There
are 2 basic paths that cruises take one goes throught the inside
passage which visits Alaskan panhandle ports and the other
through the Gulf of Alaska visiting more glaciers and northern
points. Be sure that you check the weather and pack accordingly!

Want To Start Your Own Business In 2006? Get Into The Travel Industry

While the economy has been good to some people, it has been less than stellar for others. Many people are feeling squeezed between high energy prices and jobs that are always cutting back.



NOW may be exactly the right time to start your own home-based business. Unlike a traditional brick and mortar business, you don't need to borrow thousands to get your home-based business started. You won't need to rent an office, hire employees, or even pay much tax.



The next question is, what kind of business should I get into? Let me suggest you take a good, hard look at the travel industry. It's simply the largest business in the world, accounting for more than $5 TRILLIION in sales each year -- and growing by a whopping 25% annually.



Now it doesn't take a CPA to know you can make a great home-based income even you just get the crumbs off that $5 Trillion table. And new developments in the travel industry are making that easier than ever.



Vast groups of vacationers are joining together to create unprecedented bargaining power. Airlines, hotels, resorts, and golf courses are always in hot competition with each other. When a large association of vacationers shows interest, these vacation companies offer their best deals.



The association will say We'll tell our members to buy from you -- IF you'll give us your best deal. A luxury hotel, for example, will often let members stay for just $200 to $400 PER WEEK.



Combine those super low travel rates with the vast number of people who are vacation these days, then mix in all the cold weather we've been seeing nationwide, and you've got a stampede of new prospects to tropical vacation destinations.



Base your new home-based business on that huge trend and you'll earn some serious cash in 2006.

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

Ron Holmes is a home business consultant based in Minnesota. See his movie illustrating how you can get big discounts on vacations at www.coastal-call-center-sales.com See his business opportunity that lets you travel for FREE at www.SuccessWithCoastal.com. ron@successandtravel.com

What Is So Important About Luggage Rack

Don't put your luggage on the floor unless you want to have it dirty. You need some kind of rack to place your luggage. Probably you might think that luggage rack only belongs to hotels and no need to have that at home. That's not true. You still need that for your bedroom or maybe your guest room.

Do you have luggage rack at your place? If you don't, better you get one soon. You do know how important and beneficial to have luggage rack near you. Not only will it help you making everything in order, but also make your luggage clean. Your guests will be delightful staying at your place.

Luggage rack is also needed for your car. When you need to bring your luggage and don't want to take space in your car, installing luggage rack is the easiest way. You can put your luggage there and will not disturb anybody in the car.

Well, before we go on, let's see what this luggage rack really is referring to the dictionary and MyLuggageGuide.com. It said that this product is a carrier for holding luggage. You can put either in guest room or your own room for your luggage place or even on your car.

Do you want to know what kind of luggage rack available in the market? Here are some of the products: Luggage Rack - Antique Gold; Light Walnut Luggage Rack; Luggage Rack - Antique Silver; Mahogany Luggage Rack; Metal Luggage Rack. Those racks are perfect for the overnight guest. There are rack which is constructed of durable chrome plated steel tubing and polypropylene webbing; there also heavy-gauge 1 tubular steel, solidly built for commercial use which has sturdy washable straps and plastic feet to prevent damage to floors. All are subjected to be folded for easy storage.

Okay, there are some people who have used this luggage rack, let's found out what they have to say about it! You do need other people opinions before you purchase, right? Well, most of them said that luggage rack is useful to keep the luggage clean and having the luggage on the rack will make easier for you to take your things from the luggage. No need to bend your body, they said.

So you are now ready to shop for your luggage rack. Do you have any idea how to plan your shopping?

That's simple! All you need is searching the luggage rack in MyLuggageGuide.com. You can find all the information you need. Also, you'll be very pleased with how convenient your shopping experience can be if you brows the Internet. You can search numerous of products in a matter of minutes. So, go and find your need now!

About the Author: Rose Anne affectionate on bags, handbags, luggage, etc has made her into bags reviewer. Her experiences on bags can be helpful for those who need more information about a certain kind of bags. Visit her Website http://www.mybagsguide.com. You can also visit http://www.myluggageguide.com for specific bags

Source: www.isnare.com

Moving to Spain and Surviving!

Spain is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations; furthermore the attraction of Spain's climate, culture, beauty, cost and standard of living attracts record numbers of expatriates to relocate to its shores every year and the country already has an estimated 1.5 million foreign residents in situ.

But there's a darker side to moving abroad that few people ever consider - did you know that last year 191,000 people relocated overseas from the UKand 105,000 Britons also returned to the UK last year having failed to establish their new life overseas?

Some people simply fail to survive a move overseas and it certainly isn't a case of o going back for the thousands of disillusioned people who flock 'home' to their mother country year after yeartherefore if you're thinking of moving to Spain you need to understand the main reasons people cite when they return. By understanding these reasons you will avoid the pitfalls and pain and succeed where others may fail thereby fulfilling your dreams of a new life in Spain.

The Practicality of Your Location

You need to make sure that you choose the very best location in Spain to fulfil your practical needs on a day to day basis.

Consider the accessibility of a location for family and friends to visit you and for you to reach a doctor, the supermarket, a school or even a hairdresser. Find your perfect location, location, location by visiting the areas you're interested in and considering them thoroughly from the point of view of how easy and practical your day to day life there will be.

Accessibility & Homesickness

Wherever you choose to live, consider the accessibility of the location with your old home country in mind. Sure, you may be sick of the sight of certain people right now but you never know what tomorrow will bring and how are you going to feel if you can't get back to visit, or if the important people in your life can't afford to visit you?

Spain is very well serviced by airports and cheap airlines, it has one of the cheapest rail networks in the whole of Europe and the Spanish government spends millions each year on the travel and transport infrastructure so wherever you choose to locate you should never be so far away from decent transportation. But do bear this point in mind as 'homesickness' and 'inaccessibility' are some of the main reasons people cite when they give up on their dream of a new life abroad.

Being Accepted

The first two years in any new country are by far the hardestit takes this amount of time to build up enough knowledge of the local areas, customs, people and language to make your new house feel like 'home'.

It also takes a significant investment and effort on your part to find true acceptance and getting to the stage where you really feel you 'belong' in your Spanish community will take time, effort and above all perseverance.

Expectation versus Reality

Moving abroad won't necessarily 'fix' your life - if you do move abroad you won't escape your history, you won't escape who you are, you won't escape all of the day to day grind and you may not always improve your quality of life! So make sure you have realistic expectations of your new life in Spain before you go and know that living in Spain will be very different to holidaying in Spain.

YES your new life abroad can offer you so much more but just make sure your expectations can match the reality and remember the saying - life isn't necessarily a beach just because you live beside one!

Health & Wellbeing

One of the saddest reasons people cite when giving up their dream of a new life abroad is health and wellbeing. The trap is the price, availability and quality of health care in their 'new' country. Please look at the local Spanish health care facilities, think about long term and respite care, consider health insurance for all your family and basically don't bury your head in the sand! If you consider the worst case scenario and protect yourself against it, chances are you will be prepared for everything and will financially survive.

Last But Not Least - Money

THE most common reasons for people returning 'home' with their dreams shattered is that they simply run out of money.

If you're moving to Spain and hoping to find work you need to know that unemployment in the country is way above the EU average, if you don't speak Spanish you'll struggle and some of your qualifications may not be recognised in Spain. If you're considering downsizing when you move to Spain it can be more than just a shock to the system to leave a well paying job to become a pool cleaner. If you've sold up and released equity to live on have you honestly thought about how long you can practically live on this amount? What about affording your retirement years, trips back to your home country, health care, transportation and the unexpected costs that spring up when we least expect them?

There are ways to afford to live on less and there are ways to make what you have go far further. The bottom line is - to survive in Spain you simply MUST consider your financial position before you make ANY move.

Good luck in realising and securing your dream.

About the Author

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of http://www.shelteroffshore.com/ - the online resource for investment property abroad, offshore investing and living overseas articles. Click the following link for Spanish property and moving to Spain articles, guides, and resources.

Tips For Better Vacation Photos

Here are a few tips that will improve the quality of your vacation pictures.



Modern cameras allow are now all point and shoot. But there is one thing that we do have complete control of and that is the composition of the photo.



Good composition can be achieved by anyone. Before you click, take a second to think about three things.



What is the center of interest in the picture? It may be a building, person, animal, or a landscape feature. Whatever it is, stop and get a mental focus on it.



What is the best viewpoint? Maybe you should move to the left or right, back up or get closer, zoom in or out. Each spot will present a slightly different background and foreground. Try to eliminate distractions, things that intrude unnecessarily into the picture.



An easy way to estimate the composition is to make a viewfinder with your hands. Put the tips of your thumbs together, hands flat. Make a square using both thumbs and forefingers. Hold the square up in front of you so that your subject is visible through it.



What makes an effective background? You don't want the background to contain objects that are irrelevant to the center of focus. A good background will not immediately draw attention away from the foreground by being too powerful.



What makes an effective foreground? Ideally the foreground should catch the eye and lead it to the center of interest. Or it can serve to frame the picture as long as it adds interest and doesn't become too overpowering.



When taking long shots, don't let the sky dominate. Look for ways to introduce perspective in the foreground. A road, path, or other objects with strong lines can lead the eye deep into the picture.



A long shot is fine if you are specifically trying to include something in the background. But often it's difficult to recognize who is in the photo. Don't be afraid to get in close when the subject is a person. Closeups can get yield some great facial expressions, especially if the shot is unplanned.



Using a digital camera? Go crazy and take a million shots. That way you are sure to have plenty of good pictures and just delete the ones you don't want.

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

The author, of this article, Peter Shannon, is the owner of the website www.1001-vacation-ideas.com. Here you will find a large collection of vacation and getaway ideas for travelers searchable by theme and location.

Rajasthan Tourism Holidays in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the name evokes myriad impressions ? an intricate tapestry of colour, sound and smell. Holidaying in Rajasthan brings one face to face with mammoth contradictions ? where royal grandeur is easily offset by rustic charm and lavish opulence belies ingenious survival. Geographically too, Rajasthan is a land of contrasts: dense forests give way to an arid landscape and lofty hills separate baking dunes from brimming lakes. And no Rajasthan holiday is complete without an experience of the spirited Rajputs, whose proud and haughty exterior conceals an inner friendliness and warm sense of hospitality.



Rajasthan, meaning the land of the kings, has a history dating back 5000 years. A Rajasthan holiday is the experience of a living tradition. Dotted with well-preserved architectural wonders echoing age-old legends, many of these, especially the ancient havelis are in use even today. Similarly, ancient temples in this mystic land have effortlessly spanned eons of worship by the devout as they resound even today with chanting and ringing of bells.



Holiday in Rajasthan! Follow in the footsteps of the ancient caravans as you travel through this ageless land by a camel safari or step into the shoes of kings, as you ride into palaces sitting atop an elephant. Track the tiger in wild Rajasthan or have a holiday adventure driving a jeep over sand dunes in a hip desert adventure.



Cultural Rajasthan



Rajasthan is dotted with the reminders of its ancient past, its forts ringing with ballads of the valour and romance of the Rajputs. But the tourist is not a visitor to dead relics showcased in a museum. A Rajasthan holiday is an enthralling ride through the living portals of history.



Bikaner: Located in North Rajasthan, Bikaner is desert country famous for its medieval spirit, its monuments and camels. Junagarh fort, Lalgarh palace, Jain Haveli and Bhandeswari are a feast for the holiday crowd.



Jaipur: Rajasthan\'s pink city offers a holiday with a refreshing blend of the traditional and the modern. Its attractions include the Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall, Jantar Mantar and the forts, Nahargarh, Jaigarh, Amber and Moti Dungri.



Jaisalmer: The magic of the desert is very alive in this legendary town famous for its havelis ? traditional mansions that are artistic expression with skilled craftsmanship, carvings and paintings. Other attractions include the breathtaking Jaisalmer Fort and the Tazia Towers.



Jodhpur: The ancient Marwar empire in the desert, this military town is also famous for the kingly sport of Polo. It is famous for its monuments including Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh fort and Jaswant Thada.



Udaipur: Known for its lakes and palaces, this is the ultimate Rajasthan holiday. Udaipur epitomizes artistic endeavor from brilliant architecture and miniature painting to vibrant performing arts. Tourists are simply dazzled by the City Palace, Lake Palace, Crystal Gallery, Durbar Hall, Bagore-ki-haveli Dharohar, Jag Mandir, and Maharana Pratap Memorial.



Wild Rajasthan Holidays



Rajasthan is also a haven for some thrilling wildlife holidays, housing as it does some of the best National Parks and Sanctuaries in India.



Ranthambore National Park: Located at the junction of the Aravalis and the Vindhyas, Rajasthan\'s important hill ranges, this former hunting ground of the Maharajas is one of the best places in the world to see the tiger. Other wild life her includes sambar, chital, nilgai, hyena, caracal and panther.



Sariska National park: Situated among the rugged Aravali hills that dominate North West Rajasthan, Sariska\'s dry deciduous forests are home to a wealth of wildlife. Besides the tiger, a holiday here offers sambar, chital, chousingha, wildboar, langur, Rhesus macaque and a wealth of birds.



Keoladeo Ghana National Park: Originally the hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur, this lovely bird sanctuary owes its existence to an artificial tank, which is home to a variety of birds, resident as well as migratory. The star attraction of a holiday in Bharatpur here is the Siberian Crane, a winter migrant that flies to Rajasthan all the way from Russia.



Feisty Rajasthan Holidays



Holiday in Rajasthan for its people who don\'t look for reasons to celebrate. Fond of colour, mirth and pageantry, the irrepressible spirit of Rajasthan finds expression in a number of feasts, fairs and festivals that mark the seasons, commemorate occasions or simply let off steam!



Desert Festival: Holidaying here in winter, tourists find the desert around Jaisalmer bursting in a riot of colour and music. Around January, the Desert Festival presents an extravagant fanfare of Rajasthani men and women displaying the cultural wealth of their state.



Camel Festival: Held in January, this festival is dedicated to the \'Ship of the Desert\', and lifeline to rural Rajasthan. Starting with a procession of decorated camels, it soon turns into jubilant festivity. Tourists are mesmerized by contests, acrobatics and dances put up by the well-trained camels.



Pushkar Fair: Tourists from around the world come to the town of Pushkar during mid November for this rural fair, which is essentially a pilgrimage to the lake here. The local people display their animals and livestock and nights is given up to music, dance and dramatics.



To know more about \Rajasthan Tourism\ visit this site: http://www.rajasthan-tourism-guide.net

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

Yogesh is author and designer of the guide area of www.rajasthan-tourism-guide.net. The writer is focusing on tips about Rajasthan Tourism.

Boating Accessories

If you\'re a new boat owner, you obviously need accessories. Before you launch your boat there are certain accessories that are essential for on the water and on shore. Accessories include, boating radios, safety equipment, fish finders, seats, blinds and carpeting. Accessories used to dock and anchor your craft are also very important items. There are several kinds of docking ropes available. Anchors must be heavy enough to keep the craft moored, but not too heavy to increase the overall weight of the boat when sailing.

There are also boating accessories that allow you to personalize your craft. There are hundreds of accessories that can give your boat a unique look that reflects your personality. Lighting, marine fixtures and hinges can be custom designed to your specifications, and you can decide what you want changed on your boat or what you\'d like to keep the same.

Perhaps you like to add a classic ship bell or a unique brass rod holder - small items can really stand out and make a difference in your boat\'s design and look. If you spend a lot of time on your boat, you may want to invest in a commode, cooking equipment and comfortable bedding.

The point is, there are many ways to accessorize your boat and you can find thousands of accessories and ideas in your local marine shop or online. There are all kinds of options available to make your boating experience the ultimate in style and enjoyment. Check out your options and have fun.

Boating provides detailed information on Boating, Marine Boating, Boating Accessories, Boating Marinas and more. Boating is affiliated with Used Boats.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=RichardRomando

Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica

One of the ports of call for our Royal Caribbean cruiseship was Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Probably the most famous site in the region is Dunn's River Falls and we chose to tour it on our own rather than through one of the cruiseship tours. Once we disembarked from the cruiseship, there were cabs and shuttlebuses available at the pier. Cabs to Dunn's River Falls were $22 US for a return trip. Cabs allowed 1-3 people per vehicle. We were also told at the pier that small shuttlebuses also go to the Falls at $5.50 US per person. These were also based on return trips. The only problem with shuttlebuses was that we had to wait until they filled up the shuttle before leaving for the Falls so since we were the first on the bus, we had to wait about 15 minutes for it to fill up. The driver then asks you when you want to be picked up at the Falls for the return trip. Our driver suggested 2 hours to see the Falls so we agreed on this time duration.

Once at the Falls, a woman then came onboard the shuttle to sell tickets for admission to the site at $10 US per adult person which was the same rate at the park's ticket booth. Once inside the Dunn's facility, there were rentals for special rubber shoes as well as lockers. We carried a small backpack so we didn't require paying for a locker. We also brought along our scuba diving booties so we didn't have to rent those rubber shoes on site either. The cruiseship shop was also selling these rubber shoes in advance. Shoes of some type are highly recommended as the rocks on the Falls can be slippery and some of the bottoms of the water pools are a bit rocky. If you have old sneakers you don't mind getting wet, they will be suitable for the climb up the falls as well. Our scuba diving booties turned out to be sufficient. The entrance to the site is at the top of the falls so we took some stairs that were adjacent to the falls to the bottom where the beach and entrance to the climb were.

There are official guides dressed in blue polo shirts and shorts who will take groups up the falls. Normally, they will ask to carry all cameras for you so they can take photos of you as you climb. Of course, they expect to be well tipped for their services. Also, groups were told to hold hands forming a human chain up the falls. This was suppose to make things safer but as we witnessed, this method of going up the falls is not a guarantee against falling. We saw a woman let go and she fell down the rocks during one of the steeper sections. She wasn't badly hurt but we imagined that she sustained some nice bruises. There are various points along the falls where you could get off the falls and back on the stairs to walk up the rest of the way. Not everyone there attempted to climb the falls as many were happy to just walk dry along the side on the stairs. We chose not to go with any of the groups which tend to go up the left side of the falls. We made our way up on our own mostly on the right side. With some breaks for photos, we made it all the way up the falls in about 30 minutes. Going with a group would have taken longer for sure. The water is a bit cool and if you have a wetsuit, it is highly suggested that you wear it for the climb. Cameras used there up the falls are also recommended to be water resistant since they likely will get wet. We left our digital camera on the ship and took one of those $25 underwater cameras.

After climbing the falls, we headed back down to the relatively small but uncrowded beach where the ocean water was warmer until it was time to depart. The exit back at the top of the falls was strategically located at the end of a market so we did have to go through some locals who tried to sell us their souveniers. These locals who worked inside the Dunn's site were hustling but not as aggressively as those in the town of Ocho Rios. The shuttlebus arrived at the site parking lot on time as agreed. The total amount we spent including the park admission and the shuttle was $31 US for the two of us. Taking an organized tour through the cruiseship would have cost more than double this amount. So it is quite possible to tour Dunn's River Falls on your own rather than take the more expensive tours. We were glad that we did see Dunn's River Falls but we thought that it was not nearly as impressive as depicted on photos in travel brochures.

The official website for Dunn's River Falls is http://www.dunnsriverja.com

About the Author

Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery (http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca), an online gallery specializing in Eskimo Inuit and Northwest Native art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native art as well as free eCards.

Bali Island a Tropical Paradise

The island of Bali is located in the tropics, just about 6 South of the equator. Blessed with warm temperatures, where the variation is very small throughout the year, with sunrises at 6 am in the morning and sunsets at 6 pm. Gentle climate, friendly people and modern Villas in Bali, make this place a paradise on earth.

When planning your next vacation consider the Saner beach, situated in the southeastern side of Bali, and just a 10-minute drive from Denpasar. Bali Villas located in this area are excellent to jog on the sandy beach and watch the sunrises. Many of those villas near the ancient temple were constructed as the first resort centers developed on the island.

If you want to rent a Villa in Bali located on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Legian and Kuta are situated in the southwest part of the island, offering surfing and other activities that watersports enthusiasts will enjoy. With many shops scattered all over the seashore, pubs and other facilities, Kuta has become the Indonesian tourist Mecca.

Traveling to any of these destinations brings you not only to Bali Villas, but also to memorable experiences enjoying the local culture, public dance performers and the pleasant and varied environment surrounding each setting, ranging from natural wilderness to romantic gateways and spiritual landmarks.

Nusa Dua is the newest luxurious resort area on the island, where you are more likely to find the most sumptuous Villas in Bali, including hotels, condos and other world-class facilities. The crystal clear water of this beach provides excellent diving and snorkeling, featuring also waves on the northern and southern area of the beach for surfing.

People wanting to rent a Villa in Bali closer to a romantic setting, the Soka Beach in the northwest of Denpasar, offers a small quiet beach, located on the way to Gilimanuk, the ferry port town connecting Bali and Java. Nearby, and along the path towards Gilimanuk, the Medewi Beach in the village of Pulukan enriches the spirit and soul of locals and visitors.

Lovina Beach is near the northern tip of the island that lays a stretch of Bali Villas by the Bali Sea, with excellent snorkeling and diving, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. Sunset watching approaches paradise from here, a beach not as crowded as the Kuta Beach.

Last but not least on your list of Villas in Bali, are those located in Jimbaran, which offer the convenience of being located south of the airport. Jimbaran is considered as the narrow neck of the island, providing the village with the benefit of two different beaches: on the east facing the Benoa Harbor, on the west, facing the Jimbaran Bay and its luxurious resorts and Bali Villas.

Natalie Aranda writes on family, travel and business. The island of Bali is located in the tropics, just about 6 South of the equator. Blessed with warm temperatures, where the variation is very small throughout the year, with sunrises at 6 am in the morning and sunsets at 6 pm. Gentle climate, friendly people and modern Villas in Bali, make this place a paradise on earth. If you want to rent a Villa in Bali located on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Legian and Kuta are situated in the southwest part of the island, offering surfing and other activities that watersports enthusiasts will enjoy.

Features of Luggage

The first feature of concern should be the durability of the
bags. Will they survive the rough handling when traveling? Will
the locks hold? Durability is important whether you are a
recreational or frequent traveler.

Expandable luggage is great for short trips and will allow you
to pack more in one bag. They can be great carry on bags that
will hold your various needs of the next twenty-four hours or
so. They are great to have if you are planning on bringing back
souvenirs.

Other features include laptop compatibility, luggage with pull
bars, luggage with telescoping handles, and luggage with wheels.
There is upright luggage and horizontal luggage that will meet
different needs. Consider the weight of the luggage itself
because it will add to the weight allowance of the traveling
company.

Including water resistant bags is great if you will be swimming
while traveling as they will hold wet bathing suits and towels
nicely without saturating other items. Scratch resistant luggage
will retain its initial appearance for a much longer time.

Adjustable or removable outer straps help identify your luggage
and prevent it from popping it open. Some luggage have inner
elastic straps to hold items in place. Toiletry cases are
included in some luggage sets as well as totes that will hold
your books or other traveling activities. Free luggage tags are
sometimes available free with your luggage.

Consider the material of the luggage. Sturdy nylon fabric such
as the stuff gym bags and backpacks are made. This fabric can
also be waterproof. The hard frames of some luggage take the
brutal handling in baggage areas better than soft luggage might
be. Look for the features you want and you will likely find
them.

Choosing A Travel Agency

Your vacation is a precious commodity. You work all year in order to be able to afford that two or three week time when you can go off to a destination of your choice and shake off the hassles of the year in as relaxing a manner as is possible. If you are planning on taking a vacation that requires any sort of extensive planning, such as out of the country or even to a popular destination in a different state, it is probably going to be necessary for you to enlist the services of a travel agency.



There are several advantages when it comes to using a travel agency over planning your entire vacation yourself. As businesses, travel agencies have many contacts in various areas of travel, whether the vacation you are planning is a cruise, a resort destination, or even a school travel group. In any case, a travel agency should have the contacts to be able to get you the best prices on quality vacation items such as airfare, hotel rooms, or the best possible cruise.



The first step in choosing your travel agency is to choose the vacation that is right for you. Travel agencies will often advertise bargain vacations to certain destinations, and if you re the type who likes to fly by the seat of your pants then this kind of spur of the moment planning may be perfect for you. For many others, however, the key to the perfect vacation will be in shopping around and deciding on where you would like to go before you go out looking for an agency.



Once you have decided on your dream vacation, it is time to find a travel agency. Remember, travel agencies are not all regulated, so you will want to find an agency that has a good reputation and a great track record. Word of mouth is a great tool when it comes to any kind of service, and choosing a travel agency is no exception. Talk to friends and family members who have taken similar vacations to the one that you are planning and find out how they felt about the agency that assisted them.



Try to find out which travel agency group the agency you are considering is associated with. Agencies with more extensive (think global) affiliations are more likely to be able to get you lower prices and added favors for your vacation. Keep in mind, however, that just because they are affiliated with a large group does not mean that the agency itself has to be large. Common knowledge would suggest that the bigger the agency, the easier it is to negotiate smaller prices. This is not always the case, however, so don\'t make your decision on the number of employees in the store.



Finally, ask for references from the agency of both clients and suppliers. Clients, of course, are people like yourself who have used the agency\'s services to go on vacations before. Suppliers are the people with whom the agency deals in order to purchase items such as hotel rooms and airline tickets, and will often have a clearer view of how the agency operates and whether or not they can do all that they claim as far as cost cutting and favors.

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

Dexter Stoakley maintains a website focusing on travel destinations and tips for travelers.

An Orlando Jewel: The Wells Built Museum of African American History and Culture

After I had received a general overview of the history of the Orlando area in the Orange County Regional History Center, I wanted to delve a little deeper into the social history of the Orlando area, and the Wells Built Museum of African American History and Culture was going to give me a more in-depth look into Orlando\'s African American history.

To this day this area west of I-4 is primarily inhabited by African Americans and the difference in housing and facilities between this area and the downtown area is quite notable. As a matter of fact, the very name \Division Street\ points to a distinct historical line of demarcation between black and white residential areas.

The origins of the Wells Built Museum date back to a prominent local African physician by the name of Dr. William Monroe Wells who started building the Well\'s Built Hotel in 1926 to provide lodging to African Americans during an era of segregation when accommodations were not available to them in other areas of Central Florida.

Next door to the Wells\' Built was once the South Street Casino, a performance hall, which featured musicians that traveled the \'Chitlin Circuit\' performing for audiences all over the country. The hotel opened with three storefronts on the first floor and hotel rooms on the second floor.

Dr. William Monroe Wells was one of Orlando\'s first black physicians and came to the area in 1917. Born in Ft. Gaines, Georgia, in 1889, Dr. Wells completed his medical training at Meharry Medical College. During part of WWII, Dr. William Monroe Wells was the only African American physician in Orlando.

During segregation, white physicians did not treat African American patients. African American doctors, therefore, earned their money from people of their own race. He worked very hard to serve the growing African American population in Orlando. With the help of his assistant, Mrs. Josie Belle Jackson, Dr. Wells is known to have delivered over 5,000 babies in Orlando.

He treated patients who suffered from pneumonia, influenza, scarlet fever and other serious illnesses before drugs like penicillin were introduced. Many of Dr. Wells\' patients were extremely poor. He treated their illnesses though they many times could not afford to pay his fee. This allowed them to speak forcefully against poor conditions that existed in the African American community without fear of losing their livelihood.

Although African Americans were taxpayers like other residents of Orlando, they did not have access to recreational facilities, good schools, police protection, health care and other services that were provided to white citizens. This led him to build the South Street Casino and the hotel next door.

Dr. Wells booked bands and other big name entertainers to perform at the South Street Casino. Many famous performers that we know today played at South Street Casino within the Chitlin Circuit. A few examples of these performers are:

- Ray Charles - B.B. King - Louis Armstrong - Guitar Slim - Bo Diddley

African Americans came from all over the surrounding areas to Orlando to shop and take in performances of popular musicians at the South Street Casino. After the performances at the casino, the artists checked in at the historic Wells\' Built Hotel. In its heyday, the Wells\' Built provided lodging for clientele such as Pegleg Bates, Ella Fitzgerald, Roy Campenella, Thurgood Marshall, and Jackie Robinson. The entertainers and athletes who frequented this establishment made it one of the most popular venues for African Americans in the South.

Today the museum features over 6,000 square feet of display space. It retains the original hotel facade, a guestroom featuring authentic furniture, beading and decorations of the 1930\'s, and also bears an original interior wall reflecting important architectural elements and designs unique to the period. Exhibition material collected for display include: official hotel documents, an original Negro League baseball jersey, photographs, artifacts, books, multi-media exhibits, slave records and other items of historic significance.

Dr. Well\'s home has been moved to the site of the Casino and will be restored and opened to the public. The Well\'s Built Museum of African American Culture and History is located just west of I-4 near Church Street at 511 West South Street, Orlando 32801, tel. (407) 245-7535.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

\Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons\.

The story with photos is published at Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/storiesphotos/orlandowellsbuiltmuseum.htm).

Cleveland Golf

Cleveland is a golfer\'s paradise. You and your friends and family can chose from nearly 300 golf courses! Gold courses are literally everywhere - there\'s almost never a need for reservation. You can play anytime you want.

Golf enthusiasts often compare Cleveland golf courses to those found in golf\'s hometown itself - Scotland. The landscape of Cleveland makes it the ideal place to swing -for three times less than regular golfing rates in other states.

Impeccable landscape. Cleveland golf courses are known for perfect greens. They are all typically well-maintained, especially the ones that play hosts in major golfing events such as the US Open. Expect nothing less than pristine fairways and challenging roughs - everything an avid golfer needs.

Full-service club houses. Most Cleveland golf clubhouses have beautiful clubhouses that feature posh restaurants. The meals are prepared by fully-trained chefs. You can request special courses if you are on a strict diet - just be sure to let them know days before your arrival. First-class Cleveland golf clubhouses also have spas and other deluxe amenities. Relax after a long day in the golf fields with massage sessions (usually free, depending on your golf package). Most Cleveland golf clubhouses also have play areas where kids can romp, so you can leave them while you swing.

Unbeatable prices. Playing golf in Cleveland is much cheaper than playing golf in other states. The most you would probably pay for basic golf fees and golf cart rental in a first-class Cleveland golf club on a weekday is $ 70 -two to three times less than what you would pay for the same service in another state such as Arizona, for example. The average Cleveland golf rate in standard golf clubs and resorts is only $30 for 18 holes and a cart - the lowest in the country.

Cleveland provides detailed information on Cleveland, Cleveland Hotels, Cleveland Golf, Cleveland Restaurants and more. Cleveland is affiliated with Indianapolis Hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=SteveValentino

Profiles of Hotels in Madrid

Madrid is one of the hot spots in Spain. Amongst the nightlife
and attractions lie some of Madrid\'s top hotels. If you are
traveling and looking for a hotel in Madrid check out the three
hotels profiled below to see if one meets your needs. These
hotels offer a wide range of features, they are: Hotel Santa
Domingo, Hotel AC Santo Mavro, and Hotel Cuzco.

The Hotel Santa Domingo hotel in Madrid offers its guests
comfort. It is located in de Santo Domingo with 120 rooms, each
of which is uniquely decorated so no two are alike. Each room
has thermostats and bathroom water temperature controls. A
choice of background music is also offered in each room of this
hotel in Madrid. The television offers six international
channels and three pay view channels. Other perks of these
comfort driven rooms are adjustable lighting, telephones in the
bedroom and bathroom, electronic locks and safety deposit. In
the Superior Double hotel in Madrid rooms there is a
hydro-massage bathtub. The Hotel Santa Domingo hotel in Madrid
also caters to its business clientele with fax machines,
copiers, messenger and secretary services, interpreters,
computers, sound equipment, slide and overhead projectors with
screen, and video equipment. Other extra services offered are
babysitting, medical assistance, laundry services, and money
exchange. For those traveling with a small pet, th e Hotel Santa
Domingo hotel in Madrid welcomes you. Enjoy comfort in a setting
designed for business at the Hotel Santa Domingo.

The Hotel AC Santo Mavro is located in Chamberi close to Paseode
la Castellana. It is a 100 year old French Palace hotel in
Madrid that has been reconstructed in a combination of classic
and avant-garde architecture. The original library and dancing
hall have been preserved in their original state, but are now
used as a dining room and conference room, respectively. This
hotel in Madrid has a garden which provides some rooms with a
beautiful, blooming view. The Hotel AC Santo Mavro has 37 rooms
which offer 24 hour room service, a free minibar, web TV, cable
TV, free coffee shop, and 24 hour laundry service. For a touch
of history with all the modern conveniences try the Hotel AC
Santo Mavro.

The Hotel Cuzco is located in the financial district, within
walking distance to Congress Hall, local shopping centers and
entertainment. It has 330 rooms and 8 suites that boost top
notch amenities. You will find marble bathrooms, air
conditioning, free private safe, electronic minibar, interactive
TV, am fm radio and a direct telephone line. The Hotel Cuzco
also provides an electronic wakeup system, coffee shop,
restaurant, cocktail bar, parking garage, gymnasium an\\d sauna.
The Hotel Cuzco hotel in Madrid is in the heart of Madrid\'s
action. This is a fine hotel in Madrid

These three hotels give a glimpse into the fine accommodations
available in Madrid. There are hotels for every price range and
to fit every need. You are sure to find a great hotel in Madrid
that meets all your needs.

Cutting Through Customs' Red Tape

Vacationers who enjoy shopping during their Caribbean travels will find plenty to buy, no matter which island they plan to visit. However, one question many travelers ask is how to bring these purchased items back into their home country. With a little knowledge, and the right paperwork, passing swiftly through customs does not have to be difficult.

Knowing which items are permitted and which are not will protect you from additional fees or lost goods. Because each Caribbean island is different, you will find variations in the laws that protect items going into and out of countries. Each island will also have its own popular native goods.

Leaving Home

When leaving home to enter the Caribbean, some travelers document their prior possessions, registering them with a Certificate of Registration or similar form available through your home customs office. Make a note of serial numbers and other permanent markings on such forms to keep customs agents from being concerned about your personal items.

If you are taking any type of prescription medication, bring your doctor\'s prescription with you while you travel. This will help ensure an easy, no-questions-asked trip through customs and can also help if you accidentally lose your medication during your trip. However, remember that the many so-called \recreational\ drugs are often illegal throughout the Caribbean as well, and traveling with them is not permitted.

Return Ticket

Going through customs on the way home can be equally taxing, so you may want to remember to bring important items, such as receipts. Whenever you receive receipts for souvenir purchases, keep them. They can be especially helpful when passing through customs.

Native goods may include perishables, such as cigars, liquor, and coffee. Hot sauces are also popular on some islands, and the quantity of these goods you may bring home is usually limited by your home country. However, goods are mostly limited by a monetary amount, after which point they may be taxed. So if you\'re looking to pick up duty-free goods, be especially careful of the upper limits allowed back into the country.

When returning home, U.S. citizens should plan to bring along no more than $800(USD) in merchandise from most Caribbean countries. American vacationers returning to the mainland from the U.S. Virgin Islands may bring in twice the amount of goods. Remember, you can often mail souvenirs and other items home, or you may even mail your own personal items that you won\'t need immediately when you return, which can help you save space for packing.

So if you\'re looking for sure-fire ways to pass easily through customs, know the rules before you go. Don\'t forget to bring and keep any paperwork that will account for your belongings during your journey. With these rules in mind, passing through customs from the Caribbean should be a breeze.

Jennifer Smith writes for VirginIslands-Guide.info, Jamaica-Guide.info, and other Segisys travel Web sites.

2005, Interactive Internet Websites, Inc.
Article may only be reprinted if it is not modified in any way, and if all links remain live.

San Francisco Travel Discover the Mission District's Colorful Murals

With over 600 murals, San Francisco streets are a parade of vibrant and radiant murals that are painted on building walls and facades, fences, garage doors and more. The colorful Mission District is the epicenter of San Francisco murals with the greatest concentration of murals in San Francisco. Discovering the murals of the San Francisco Mission District is discovering the hopes and passions, joys and tribulations of the people.

The San Francisco Mission neighborhood\'s love affair with murals stems from the Mexican roots of the Mission District community. The Latino community began to move into in the Mission neighborhood in the 1950s and 60s. Early in the 1970s, resident muralists started following the traditions of the great muralists of the 1920s and 30s, perhaps the most famous of which was Diego Rivera.

The Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center (located at 2981 24th Street) is a great place to begin your exploration of the murals in the San Francisco Mission neighborhood. The Precita Eyes visitors center offers three guided mural tours on Saturday and Sunday for between $10 and $12 for an adult. You can arrange private group mural tours in advance. In addition, the Precita Eyes Visitors Center has a Mission mural map of nearly 90 murals that you can use to explore the neighborhood on your own.

At Precita Eyes, you can purchase mural-themed items, such as post cards, candles, posters and books. Precita Eyes also sells mural arts supplies in case your are inspired to paint your own personal mural on your living room wall. For moreinformation, contact Precita Eyes at http://www.precitaeyes.org/ or (415) 285-2287.

Located a block from Precita Eyes between Treat Avenue and Harrison Street, Balmy Alley has a concentration of more than 30 vivid murals painted on fences, building walls and garage doors. In the neighborhood densely packed with murals, Balmy Alley is at the center of it all. Muralists began working in San Francisco\'s Balmy Alley as early as 1971. Many of the original murals are still there as well as many murals that have been painted over the intervening years.

The Balmy Alley murals are very diverse both stylistically and in the subject matter. Some of the murals feature cartoon-like illustrations that playful and juvenile. Other murals along Balmy Alley grapple with difficult subjects, such as a memorial to people who have died from AIDS or depictions of political strife and war in Latin America. Another mural honors the great muralist Diego Rivera and his wife, the painter Frida Kahlo. And another is a tribute to women muralists of the Mission District. One colorless mural, depicts two men and a woman jumping through a barbed-wire fence lined with keys. The woman has her hand held high, making the peace sign.

Elsewhere in the Mission District on Harrison at 19th Street, mixed among blocks of warehouses and running along a wall for nearly a block in San Francisco\'s Mission neighborhood is a mural titled \Carnaval.\ As the name implies, the Carnaval mural is a representation of the Carnaval celebration, a multicultural dance and music festival that has its roots in Latin America and the Caribbean. The San Francisco Mission District has been hosting a Carnaval Festival since 1978. Created in 1994 by Joshua Sarantitis, Emmanuel Montoya, Carlos Loarca and others, the radiant Carnaval mural is as dynamic and colorful as the festival that it portrays.

The Women\'s Building (located at 3543 18th Street) boasts two walls of a dramatic mural that pays homage to women. Created by a team of seven women muralists, the \Maestrapeace\ mural portrays women and feminine archetypes of multiple world origins. The Goddess of Light and Creativity adorns the top of the 18th Street facade with the waters of life flowing beneath her and transforming into fabric designs from around the world.

The mural features such notable women as Georgia O\'Keefe (an innovative American artist) and Rigoberta Menchu (a Guatemalan of Mayan decent and Nobel prize-winning activist). The names of many more famous women are inscribed in the mural\'s colorful patterns. The mural is meant to be inspiration and educational, illustrating the contributions women have made to human history and society.

The Women\'s Building provides resources and services to organizations that support women and girls from multi-ethnic and multi-cultural backgrounds. For an informational key to the mural, step inside the Women\'s Building or contact them at http://www.womensbuilding.org/ or (415) 431-1180.

Jed Clark is a travel writer, photographer and long-time San Francisco resident. For more travel tips and information about San Francisco destinations, neighborhoods and attractions visit http://www.zurdogo.com/ - a destination guide to San Francisco.

Hawaiian Luau History and Fun Facts

The traditional feast in Hawaii was once referred to as the \'aha \'aina and was used to celebrate many events including coming of age and visitors. The modern term Luau may have originated from the great coed feasts of the Hawaiian King Kamehameha II. In traditional Hawaii men and women were not allowed to eat together and all women were forbidden to eat certain kinds of foods in Hawaii.

King Kamehameha II abolished these laws and many other religious laws in the year 1819. He validated this change in tradition by having a symbolic feast with women invited. At this feast one of the main dishes involved the wrapping of chicken in the young leaves of the Taro plant and baking it in coconut milk. This dish was called \'Luau\' and as a result of its being one of the main courses of these feasts the feasts themselves came to be called \'Luaus.\'

Traditional Luaus are eaten on the ground, with food place on Ti Leaves that cover a type of woven mat called the \'Lauhala\' mats. Guests at Luau\'s receive Leis as they arrive on the scene. The Lei is a necklace or headdress of woven flowers or shells and is given as a display of affection. Also when dressing up for the Luau women can place a flower behind their right or left ear. Placing a flower over the left ear indicates that one is taken or in a relationship and placing a flower over the right ear indicates that one is available.

Hawaii is a melting pot of Asian and Polynesian cultures so Luaus are often sprinkled with influences from other cultures. For example Rice has become a popular side dish to include at the luau party and many Hawaiians are fond of Spam and spend time looking for ways to create interesting recipes with it. Elvis and Don Ho both created albums with songs about Hawaii that are popular to play at Luaus. And the dangerous, yet thrilling, fire dance often seen at professional Luaus is really of Samoan origin.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino is the internet\'s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies, using proper etiquette and manners while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. Luau Party Shop has luau party supplies to help complete your Hawaiian themed event.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=GailLeino

Athens AttractionsThings To Do in Athens Greece

Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece. Who could be attracted by a visit to Athens??? People of all ages could we Easily saystudents, families with children, retired people, culture And history lovers as well as nature admirers will find what they have Dreamed ofif not MORE

The year 2004 has been a great motivation for Athens to develop many Features in claim to facilitate the tourists\' journey.Athens has seduced Its international visitors by presenting a new look completed with its Numerous features.

Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece. Tourists already know the global cultural and historical attractions of Athens: the Acropole Hill numerous monuments and museums the hospitality of the Greek people the night-life of Athens associated to a perfect weather day after daynight after night

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece. walking roads leading to several faces of the City a \Promenade\ road of 16 km long unifies most of Archaelogical Sites the City linked by this \Promenade\ road became a \living museum\ by itself: all sorts of monuments (some are 3000 years old) are part of the \decor\ trees, perfumed flowers and luxuriant verdure do add an

extraordinary note to the old-stoned side-walksnot always straightbut beautiful.

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece. hundred of restaurants, tavernas, bars, coffee-bars are waiting every night for the tourists to stop byGreek people do enjoy seeing their visitors tasting the unique GREEK CUISINE

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece. BEACHES have become very accessible by Streets Cars (Trolley) the public transportation system has highly improved

More Athens attractions things to do in Athens Greece. hotels, pensions and rooms of all rates are available at all time.

Several information regarding a \sejour\ in Athens Greece can be found on the Internet. Searching for a place to stay may be simplified with the Internet .Some sites even show pictures of the accommodation they have for the visitors: rooms with small kitchens, laundry-mat, Internet, garden accessible, services close-by, assistance in case of emergency

by S Pappas greekinfo@gmail.com
Rooms Apartments in Athens Greece Athensrooms.
Free Greek travel information traveling in Athens Greece Greekster.
Apartments in Athens Greece Self catering.
M Savard. Inspirer, author, professor, astrologist.

Where To Now?

In the last few years the travel industry has sustained some
major setbacks. Terrorist attacks in New York, London, Madrid
and more recently Bali has made international travel seem less
appealing in the eyes of many Australian holiday makers. In
addition the sky rocketing fuel prices has made international
travel less affordable as well.

However some parts of the industry have found positives out of
the situation. They are part of the domestic industry which
relies heavily on domestic visitors. These businesses have seen
some growth because of the tendency of holiday makers to look
closer to home for their travel plans.

Nestled on the coast, a 3 hour drive from both Sydney and
Canberra is one such destination. Ulladulla is a
small town surrounded by stunning natural beauty with a
population of around 15,000. During the summer months however Ulladulla is
known to expand to about 65,000 residents. The town recently has
expanded further because of the increased demand from holiday
makers in Sydney and Canberra.

In fact the whole south coast has experienced similar growths.
Destinations like Jervis Bay, Batesman Bay and the far south
coast have experienced similar growths. It seems as though the
urban crowd have decided that the close and affordable holiday
destinations have made an excellent alternative for
international travel and local businesses are loving it.

Melissa Driver who owns a small cafe in Ulladulla says
that she \hasn\'t seen the town so busy in my life for this time
of year\. Her shop Sweets at the Park is recording improved
sales on last year\'s efforts and she is sure that this trend is
sure to continue in the coming summer.

With beaches and national park as good as you can get anywhere
in the world and plenty of activities and attractions Ulladulla and
the south coast are sure to have another record season this
year.

Adam Diver

For more information on the area visit
http://www.holidayatulladulla.com.au

Sustainable Tourism in the Selous Game Reserve

Winning the battle for sustainable Tourism in the Selous Game Reserve are a small staff of about 350 game scouts and technical staff; that is one scout per 140 square kilometers. The headquarters for the Selous Game Reserve staff are in the Northern section of the Selous at Matambwe. The battle for sustainable tourism in this vast game reserve has not been easy and hard lessons have been learnt and now the battle for sustainable tourism is beginning to be realized.

Half the income from the Selous is returned to the reserve to help keep this park in existence. A second scheme is involving the communities around the park; by allowing controlled hunting by the local communities and thereby providing direct tangible benefits for the local people. Without local support from surrounding villages poaching would be impossible to maintain. Working with and through the local communities rather than against them has helped the reserve to flourish.

As a direct result of international pressures hunting was banned in the 1980\'s and an immediate consequence was a devastating decline on animal populations; especially the elephant populations. Hunting has been reintroduced, well away from the photographic safari areas. The money charged from these hunting safaris generates the main source of income to maintain the reserve. It is though that as a direct result of reintroducing hunting that poaching is no longer a threat and animal numbers had increased noticeably over the past decade. Sustainable hunting safaris are strictly controlled and they are allowed in the reserve between the months of July and November. Without this income the reserve in its present sate would not exist.

The reserve has set out restricts for tourism in the Selous to keep the human impact as low as possible. Tourist numbers are kept low and lodges and camps strictly controlled. Over the past two years there have been several new camps. The lakes in the west of Tanzania and especially the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater in the north of Tanzania have be overwhelmed by a tourism explosion over the past few years. Park fees have been increased dramatically from January 1, 2006 to direct tourists from these areas and into the lesser know areas such as the Selous.

The tourism areas are all in the north of the Selous game reserve and south of the Rufiji River is a true wilderness. However, there are plans to develop this area for the photographic safaris to reduce the pressure on the lake area\'s and the northern National Parks. Tanzania is keen to maintain its parks and keep tourism under control and human impact to a minimum. For further information on sustainable tourism or for information on how to find your way around the Selous Game Reserve contact us through website bellow.

For further information on sustainable tourism or for information on how to find your way around the Selous Game Reserve contact http://www.betheladventure.co.uk or http://www.aardvark-expeditions.com Using responsible tourism to change lives.